NAINA LAL KIDWAI - 30 WOMEN IN POWER

30 WOMEN IN POWER

Praise for the Book

30 Women in Power exclusively and determinedly celebrates woman power. In doing so, it achieves something rareit presents a complex, nuanced portrait of women in command, showing their frailties and strengths, their failures and achievements. Just like successful menbut [displaying] more grace, hard work and emotional intelligence.ADITYA PURI, Managing Director, HDFC Bank

As the solitary male in an all-woman household, I have always admired women for their ability to handle complexity seamlessly, and to fulfil themselves and nurture others at the same time. This conviction is bolstered by the inspiring stories of thirty high-achieving women. There is nothing so powerful as empowered women speaking in their own voicesand when the editor of their stories is herself an icon, the message becomes that much more memorable.ANAND MAHINDRA, Chairman and Managing Director, Mahindra Group

Naina Lal Kidwais 30 Women in Power is a compelling read, and shows us how Indian women are participating in nation-building.ARUN JAITLEY, Minister of Finance, Corporate Affairs and Information & Broadcasting, Government of India

Honest, brave and insightful, 30 Women in Power is a timely reminder that Indian women can achieve tremendous success despite the seemingly insurmountable odds against them.AZIM PREMJI, Chairman, Wipro

This book is a testimony to the strength and acumen of Indian women, and will inspire women from around the world.CHRISTINE LAGARDE, Managing Director, International Monetary Fund

30 Women in Power is a collection of beautifully crafted personal essays of thirty enterprising women leaders. The stories highlight their highs and lows and the life experiences that steered these women to success. Its a great effort by Naina, a super achiever herself, to have put this together. I would recommend the book to anyone who wishes to draw inspiration and motivation for effectively managing the nuances of a successful life.DEEPAK PAREKH, Chairman, HDFC

Naina Lal Kidwai masterfully brings together the stories and experiences of Indias most successful women. Whether breaking glass ceilings or busting the myth of a perfect work-life balance, these fearless women take the bull by the horns and discuss these difficult issues in an honest and unflinching voice. 30 Women in Power presents a complex, nuanced portrait of women in command by showcasing the leadership styles, qualities and achievements that have propelled their careers and inspired us all.INDRA NOOYI, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, PepsiCo

Mahatma Gandhi likened womens power to an ancestral treasure lying buried in a corner of the house unknown to members of the family. Our society is belatedly discovering this treasure, and this book sparkles with that discovery in the field of business. Kudos to Naina Lal Kidwai for presenting to us the inspiring voices of thirty extraordinary achievers.MUKESH AMBANI, Chairman and Managing Director, Reliance Industries Limited

30 Women in Power shines a light on the outstanding women who are contributing to breaking down gender stereotypes. It is a touching and insightful glimpse into the lives of some of Indias most successful businesswomen who, with determination and passion, have succeeded against the odds and become inspiring and respected leaders. Naina collates these narratives and poignant success stories with great warmth and sincerity.PAUL BULCKE, Chief Executive Officer, Nestl SA

Indias top women achievers are a source of inspiration to all of us. The authentic stories of their guiding beliefs, struggles and great achievements were waiting to be told and I cant think of anyone better than Naina, herself an inspiring leader, to have taken on this worthy project.PAUL POLMAN, Chief Executive Officer, Unilever

The time is long overdue to encourage more women to dream the possible dream and encourage more men to support women in the workforce and in the home. Nainas booka collection of powerful stories spotlighting successful women from diverse backgrounds, careers and aspirationswill help ignite the shift to a more equal world. Women and men will benefit from Nainas efforts as well as her inspiring words.SHERYL SANDBERG, Chief Operating Officer, Facebook

Women in Power is an absolute treasure of thought-provoking, inspirational stories of successful women in their inimitable voices. A must read for all men and women seeking genuine insights into leadership and motivation.SUNIL BHARTI MITTAL, Founder and Chairman, Bharti Enterprises

[This] book is an inspiring account of the journey of thirty powerful, self-made women to the pinnacles of their lives, backed by another powerful voice. I recommend [it] for both men and women!UDAY KOTAK, Executive Vice Chairman and Managing Director, Kotak Mahindra Bank

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Contents

The Sum and the Substance

NAINA LAL KIDWAI

In December 2012, a young physiotherapy student was brutally raped; she died two weeks later. The brave heart, appropriately called Nirbhaya (without fear) by the media, roused the consciousness of a nation and its youth. On my part, I was deeply distressed at feeling so helpless and had a strong desire to do something for young women, for us, for my twenty-two-year-old daughter.

Three weeks later, I was elected president of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI). During meetings with foreign dignitaries and chief executive officers (CEOs) from around the worldprompted by the press coverage of Nirbhayas rape and subsequent articles on the plight of girls in IndiaId often be asked about the state of women in my country. This at a time when India had the highest number of women CEOs of banks (amongst other female CEOs) compared to anywhere in the world!

I believe we need to tell the India narrative better, so that good stories about women in this country also get recognition. Moreover, we need to emphasize the fact that such accomplishment is not limited to banking, but is evident across many fields. This is exactly what Women in Power attempts to dohighlight the success stories in the business economy of India, picking from a mix of industries, presenting a range of professional CEOs, entrepreneurs and heads of family businesses. I have chosen to focus on women who have led large organizations, and there are many more I would have liked to include. Despite my best endeavours, this was not to be. Needless to say, I have consciously left out the entire area of politics, sports and entertainment, where women excel. If we were to document all the successes of women in sectors across India, many volumes could be written, and indeed, should be written!