Leadership today is not defined merely by titles or business metrics—it is shaped by vision, adaptability, and the courage to challenge the status quo. As the world navigates complexity and rapid change, the need for leaders who can combine innovation with empathy and strategy with social good has never been greater.
Nowhere is this more evident than in India’s evolving business ecosystem, where the lines between legacy and disruption often blur. In this landscape, two women—Roshni Nadar Malhotra, chairperson of HCLTech, and Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, executive chairperson of Biocon—have emerged as powerful symbols of what it means to lead with purpose.
One carries forward a global tech legacy; the other built a biotech revolution from scratch. Their journeys may differ, but both offer a masterclass in bold decision-making, inclusive leadership, and sustained impact. For women, especially those stepping into roles within family businesses, their stories are not just inspiring—they are instructive.
Through their examples, we uncover the mindset, skills, and strategic clarity that today’s aspiring changemakers need to lead meaningfully and innovate fearlessly.
Roshni Nadar: Legacy with a modern lens
As the chairperson of HCLTech and the first woman to lead a listed Indian IT company, Roshni Nadar Malhotra exemplifies what it means to honour legacy while ushering in modern, purpose-driven leadership. Stepping into a multi-billion-dollar global enterprise founded by her father, Shiv Nadar, Roshni did not merely inherit a business—she redefined its direction.
Under her leadership, HCLTech has expanded its global footprint, accelerated its sustainability initiatives, and embraced digital transformation at scale. She has been instrumental in steering the company’s ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) agenda, aligning business growth with impact.
Beyond boardrooms, Roshni’s role as a changemaker shines through her work with the Shiv Nadar Foundation, which focuses on transformative education. Initiatives like Shiv Nadar University and VidyaGyan—a leadership academy for rural students—are examples of how she’s weaving philanthropy with long-term nation-building.
For women in family-run businesses, Roshni’s journey is a masterclass in strategic leadership: respecting the roots while reimagining the future.
Roshni shows us that modern leadership in family businesses is about continuity with clarity, where upholding legacy doesn’t mean resisting change but rather reimagining it with intent.
Image credit: Shiv Nadar Foundation
Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw: Building from scratch
Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw’s journey is the definitive story of entrepreneurial grit and vision. Starting Biocon in 1978 with a seed capital of just ₹10,000 in a garage, she navigated a male-dominated industry, sceptical investors, and the early stigma around biotech to build one of India’s leading biopharmaceutical companies.
Under her leadership, Biocon has grown into a global player in affordable insulin and biosimilars, helping millions access life-saving medication. She pioneered the concept of ‘affordable innovation’, proving that world-class R&D can be rooted in emerging markets and still serve global needs. Biocon became the first Indian company to get US FDA approval for certain biotech products—a monumental achievement at the time.
Kiran has also been a strong voice for science-led policy, healthcare access, and women in leadership. Her philanthropic work through the Biocon Foundation—focused on healthcare, education, and sanitation—underscores her belief that businesses must solve for society.
For aspiring women leaders, especially those outside traditional family legacies, her story is a powerful reminder: you do not have to inherit leadership—you can build it, brick by brick.
Kiran’s story is one of visionary innovation, resilience in the face of rejection, and building trust in new industries. For aspiring changemakers, it’s a lesson in turning obstacles into breakthroughs.
Image credit: Forbes
Key leadership lessons for aspiring changemakers
Whether stepping into a family legacy like Roshni Nadar or building something entirely new like Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, their journeys offer rich insights for the next generation of women leaders, especially those navigating the complex world of family enterprises.
Lead with clarity and conviction
Roshni Nadar took the reins of a global tech giant with a sharp vision for sustainability and digital transformation. Kiran, too, has stayed true to her mission of affordable healthcare, even when it meant going against investor pressures.
Balance growth with social impact
Roshni’s focus on education through the Shiv Nadar Foundation shows how family businesses can amplify social good. Kiran, meanwhile, embedded purpose into Biocon’s DNA, ensuring that scale never came at the cost of accessibility.
Embrace innovation, not just scale
Kiran revolutionised biotech in India by investing early in research and biosimilars, not just commercial expansion. Roshni led HCLTech into new-age technologies, proving that legacy can evolve through innovation.
Break the mould, respectfully
Roshni modernised governance structures within a legacy business while staying rooted in its core values. Kiran, defying gender and industry norms, still maintained a deep respect for India’s scientific and entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Invest in others
Both leaders have created platforms for others to grow, whether it’s Roshni’s work in nurturing talent within HCLTech or Kiran’s support for women in science and her philanthropic healthcare initiatives.
Their stories show that leadership is not just about having a seat at the table—it’s about using that seat to build new ones for others.
Why these stories resonate with women in family businesses
For many women in family enterprises, the path to leadership is not straightforward. There are unspoken rules, generational expectations, and a constant balancing act between legacy and individuality.
Roshni’s experience offers insight into modernising from within, navigating succession, and leading with empathy. Kiran’s story speaks to entrepreneurial courage, proving that credibility is built, not inherited.
Together, they show that strategic leadership is not about choosing between business and values—it’s about aligning them.
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How SPJIMR’s LiFE programme nurtures such leaders
SPJIMR’s Ladies in Family Enterprise (LiFE) programme is designed for women looking to step into or shape their role in family-managed businesses. It offers:
- Strategic leadership development
- Governance and succession planning
- Innovation and entrepreneurship frameworks
- Peer learning with a cohort of ambitious women
- Mentorship from faculty and experienced leaders
It’s not just a course. It’s a platform for transformation—where women can discover their unique leadership style and drive meaningful change in their business and beyond.
It’s your turn – whether you are preparing to take charge of your family business or dreaming of launching your initiative, now is the time to lead differently. Let the stories of Roshni Nadar and Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw inspire you—and let a programme like SPJIMR’s LiFE equip you.
Explore what the programme offers – and how it could shape your leadership journey.
Programme takeaways: What you’ll gain from SPJIMR’s LiFE
The LiFE programme is crafted not just for learning, but for transformation. Whether you’re already part of a family-run venture or preparing to take on a bigger role, LiFE offers a curated environment for growth, introspection and strategic clarity. Here’s what participants can expect:
4-month on-campus programme
Interactive sessions conducted twice a month, designed to accommodate busy schedules while ensuring deep engagement. The programme culminates in a final business plan presentation that brings all learnings together.
Three-tiered mentoring model
Benefit from tailored guidance through LiFE Confidante (peer mentor), LiFE Marshal (women family business expert), and LiFE Coach (faculty advisor)—each offering unique support and perspective.
Robust networking opportunities
Connect with SPJIMR’s vibrant ecosystem of family business and entrepreneurship alumni, along with domain experts across sectors—from finance and marketing to innovation and governance.
An entrepreneurial mindset for real-world challenges
The programme cultivates the ability to spot opportunities, lead change, and build ventures with purpose—within or beyond your family business.
Certificate of completion from one of India’s top B-schools
Earn recognition for your learning and leadership journey with a certificate from SPJIMR, a premier management institute.
