Power Women of India: Trailblazing Entrepreneurs Who Changed the Game
Indian women have made significant contributions to the business world, breaking barriers and challenging gender stereotypes. Despite facing many challenges, including social and cultural barriers, lack of access to education and resources, and gender discrimination, Indian women have excelled in various fields of business, including entrepreneurship, banking, pharmaceuticals, technology, and media.
To celebrate their achievements this International Women’s Day, here is the list of 10 Indian women who made a significant mark in business:
Often regarded as a pioneer of the Indian biotech industry, Mazumdar-Shaw started her career as a brewer but later shifted her focus to the biotech industry, founding Biocon in 1978. Under her leadership, Biocon has grown into one of India’s largest biotech companies, with a presence in over 120 countries. Mazumdar-Shaw has received numerous awards for her contributions to the biotechnology field and is a prominent philanthropist, supporting education and healthcare initiatives in India.
2. Indra Nooyi — Former Chairman and CEO of PepsiCo, the world’s second-largest food and beverage business.
During her tenure at PepsiCo, Nooyi oversaw major changes in the company’s business strategy, emphasizing healthier products and sustainable practices. She also championed diversity and inclusion in the workplace, and under her leadership, PepsiCo was recognized as one of the top companies for women in leadership positions. Nooyi has been regarded as one of the most powerful women in business by Forbes and Fortune magazines and has received numerous awards for her contributions to business and society. She continues to be an influential leader and advocate for women’s empowerment and sustainable business practices.
3. Chanda Kochhar — Former CEO of ICICI Bank, the largest private bank in India.
Kochhar began her career at ICICI Bank in 1984 and rose to become the CEO in 2009, a position she held until her resignation in 2018. Under her leadership, ICICI Bank became one of India’s largest and most profitable banks, with a strong focus on technology and innovation. She is known for her strategic vision and leadership skills and has been recognized as one of the most powerful women in business by Forbes and Fortune magazines. (In 2018, she resigned from ICICI Bank amid allegations of conflicts of interest and unethical practices.)
4. Zia Mody — Founder and Managing Partner of AZB & Partners, one of the top law firms in India.
With over 35 years of experience in corporate law, Mody is widely regarded as one of India’s leading legal experts, particularly in mergers and acquisitions, private equity, and banking. She has advised numerous multinational corporations and Indian companies on high-profile deals and disputes and has been instrumental in shaping India’s corporate legal landscape. She is also a prominent advocate for gender diversity in the workplace and has been recognized as a trailblazer and role model for women in law and business.
5. Falguni Nayar — Founder of Nykaa, an eCommerce platform for beauty and wellness products.
Nayar started her career as an investment banker but left her job to pursue her passion for entrepreneurship. She founded Nykaa in 2012 to create a one-stop shop for all beauty and wellness needs, catering to the needs of Indian consumers. Under her leadership, Nayar has become one of India’s most successful e-commerce companies, with a wide range of products, strong customer engagement, and a growing offline presence. She has been recognized as a leading businesswoman and influencer in India and continues to inspire and mentor women entrepreneurs.
6. Vandana Luthra — Founder of VLCC Health Care Limited, a chain of wellness centers and personal care products.
Luthra started her career as a homemaker but soon recognized the need for holistic wellness services in India. She founded VLCC in 1989 to provide affordable and effective beauty and wellness services to Indian consumers. Under her leadership, VLCC has grown into a successful multinational company with a presence in over 16 countries. Luthra is also a prominent advocate for women’s empowerment and has supported several initiatives to promote women’s education and entrepreneurship. She has received numerous awards for her contributions to business and society and continues to inspire and mentor young entrepreneurs in India.
7. Naina Lal Kidwai — First businesswoman to head a foreign bank in India (HSBC).
Kidwai is a trailblazer and a role model for women in business, having broken many barriers in her career. She was the first Indian woman to graduate from Harvard Business School and also the first woman to head a foreign bank in India. She has strongly advocated diversity and inclusion in the workplace and is recognized for her contributions to gender equality and women’s empowerment. Kidwai remains a prominent leader and mentor in the Indian business community.
8. Ekta Kapoor — Founder of Balaji Telefilms Ltd and ALT Balaji, which produce popular Indian television and web series.
Kapoor is known for revolutionizing the Indian television industry with her unique and unconventional approach. She has been instrumental in creating and producing several popular television shows that have redefined Indian entertainment, particularly in the soap opera genre. Kapoor is known for introducing new talent to the industry and promoting diverse narratives that challenge traditional gender roles and social norms. She has received numerous awards for her contributions to Indian television and continues to innovate and experiment with new formats and genres.
9. Meena Ganesh — Co-founder of Portea Medical, a healthcare company that provides in-home medical care.
Ganesh started her career in the United States, working for leading technology companies before returning to India to pursue her entrepreneurial ambitions. She has been instrumental in revolutionizing the healthcare industry in India, with a focus on technology and innovation. Under her leadership, Portea Medical has become one of India’s largest and most successful healthcare companies, firmly committed to patient care and customer satisfaction. Ganesh has been recognized as a leading businesswoman and influencer in India and continues to inspire and mentor young entrepreneurs.
10. Shahnaz Husain — Founder of Shahnaz Husain Group, a chain of herbal beauty salons and cosmetic products.
Husain is often called the “Queen of Herbal Beauty” due to her innovative use of natural ingredients in beauty products. She started her career in the 1970s when international brands dominated the beauty industry in India. Husain defied the odds and created a successful brand by promoting Ayurvedic beauty treatments and skincare products for Indian skin types. She has received numerous awards for her contributions to the beauty industry and continues to be a prominent leader and mentor in the Indian business community.
Indian women entrepreneurs have started successful ventures, creating jobs and contributing to the growth of the Indian economy. Women-led businesses have also been shown to positively impact society by empowering women, promoting gender equality, and addressing social and environmental issues. Overall, Indian women have shown remarkable resilience, creativity, and business leadership, paving the way for future generations of women entrepreneurs and business leaders.