Introduction
Despite being underestimated and undervalued for far too long, women have broken through the glass ceiling to become leading figures in their respective industries. It’s no surprise that some of the most impressive entrepreneurs and leaders we’ve seen since the late 90s are female pioneers who refused to accept existing limitations placed upon them.
We’ll be shining a spotlight on the most powerful women in business in India for 2023, featuring stories of inspiring individuals who have embraced adversity and triumphed against all odds.
We will examine these women’s paths to success as well as what makes them so influential and why they are worthy of admiration from everyone else!
Some Interesting Female Entrepreneur Statistics in India:
- When they first started, 58% of female entrepreneurs were between the ages of 20 and 30.
- In a year, nearly 73% of them report revenue of around Rs 10 lakhs.
- Almost 57% of these women began on their own, with no other members.
- A co-founder was present in approximately 35% of the women.
- Approximately 71% of Indian female entrepreneurs employ five or fewer people.
Women across different industries like launching, modern technology, fashioning, broadcasting, beauty, and more have united together in order to transform their businesses into world-renowned brands.
And to motivate you, we’ve gathered a list of the top 6 female business owners in India today.
So let’s get started!
The Most Powerful Women in Business in India for 2023
Here are some of the most powerful women in business across different industries who have achieved success despite these challenges.
1. Nita Ambani
Company & Designation – Indian philanthropist, Chairperson, and founder of the Reliance Foundation, Dhirubhai Ambani International School, and a director of Reliance Industries.
Ms. Nita Ambani is an inspiring philanthropist and one of India’s most generous contributors. She founded the Reliance Foundation to contribute to weaker sections of society in 2010, and it has received great backing from Reliance Industries. Through her foundation, numerous schools, toilets, and hospitals have been established for the betterment of people all around India. Not only did she contribute to the natural disasters that struck India, but Nita is also an inspiration for all Indian businesswomen.
Coming from an ordinary middle-class family with strong values and traditions, Nita has grown into one of the world’s wealthiest people – but still holds true to her roots. She does not forget where she came from and teaches her children about their heritage as well.
An exemplary role model for women in India who are both running businesses and managing households at once with equal brilliance and ability.
2. Shobhana Bhartia
Company & Designation – Chairperson and Editorial Director of Hindustan Times
Ms. Shobhana Bhartia, chairperson of Endeavor India and Chancellor of BITS School of Management as well as Pro-Chancellor of G.D Birla’s foundation – the esteemed BITS Pilani Institute, was nominated to Rajya Sabha in 2006; an acknowledgment for her power that Forbes recognized by ranking her 93rd on its list for Most Powerful Women In The World in 2016. Ms. Bhartia brought forth a Bill regarding Child Marriage (Abolition) and Miscellaneous Provisions which has since been widely implemented across India.
3. Kiran Mazumdar Shaw
Company & Designation – Executive Chairperson and Founder of Biocon Limited and Biocon Biologics Limited
Kiran Mazumdar Shaw is a respected female entrepreneur who has left a major mark in India’s business world. Not only is she the founder and Executive Chairman of Bangalore-based Biocon, one of India’s leading biotechnology firms, but her strong conviction in “affordable innovation” played a key role in its remarkable growth and large-scale expansion. Indeed, it can be said that Ms. Shaw was unmistakably integral to the success story that is Biocon today!
After graduating from the esteemed Bangalore University, Shaw went on to pursue her master’s degree in brewing at Ballarat College and Melbourne University. She was a force to be figured with as she excelled there and broke many stereotypes when expanding United Breweries into biopharmaceuticals after graduation in 1975.
4. Arundhati Bhattacharya
Company & Designation – Former Chairman of the State Bank of India
Arundhati Bhattacharya, the first female Chairperson of SBI, is a retired banker who has left an unforgettable mark in India’s banking history. She was the first woman to lead one of our country’s most esteemed banks – State Bank Of India. Under her visionary leadership, not only did SBI expand its network by opening up 17000 branches and serving more than 330 million customers across 36 countries but it also made a seamless transition from traditional methods to digital technology which was then embraced by many aspiring women entrepreneurs as well.
5. Vandana Luthra
Company & Designation – Founder and Chairperson of VLCC Group
Founded by Mrs. Vandana Luthra in 1989, VLCC is an acclaimed brand across the beauty, health, and fitness world-renowned for its outstanding weight management programs alongside advanced skin and hair treatments. It all began with a slimming services center launched in New Delhi which offered a unique combination of cutting-edge therapies to customers.
In 2013, she was bestowed with the prestigious Padma Shri Award in recognition of her invaluable contribution to commerce and industry. This gilded honor joined a slew of other awards that have come her way including the Asian Business Leaders Forum Trailblazer Award (2012), the Enterprise Asia Women Entrepreneur of the Year Award (2010), and the Rajiv Gandhi award (2008).
To put the cherry on top of her success, Forbes Asia 2016 included her in their list of 50 Power Businesswomen across APAC! In a mere span of five years from 2011 to 2016, Fortune magazine named her six consecutive times as one of India’s Most Powerful Women in Business. Her achievements are beyond impressive and have earned her the rightful title of India’s most triumphant businesswoman.
6. Shradha Sharma
Company & Designation – Indian journalist, The founder, and CEO of YourStory
At the peak of her career in Mumbai, Shradha Sharma worked for renowned news providers such as The Times of India and CNBC. During that time she had a chance to meet many successful entrepreneurs which inspired her to found YourStory in 2008. Now with more than 70,000 stories on its website, written by over 100 people using 11 languages – YourStory is devoted to sharing the emotional journey an entrepreneur embarks upon.
After gaining recognition for her success and influence in the business world, Shradha was determined to provide a platform that would showcase stories of entrepreneurs who were not being given their due. Despite multiple channel rejections, she motivated herself to launch an online portal specifically dedicated to these forgotten tales – eventually earning her recognition as one of India’s most successful female business owners with a L’Oreal Paris Femina Award and a top 500 LinkedIn Influencers award.
Conclusion:
These women have made their mark on the business world by overcoming adversity, using innovative strategies, and staying true to their values. They are proof that anything is possible if you persevere and never give up.
In addition to being some of the most powerful women in business, these ladies also share a commitment to using their success to empower other women. It is inspiring to see how they are pushing boundaries and creating positive change for future generations of female entrepreneurs and leaders.
The stories of the most powerful women in business demonstrate that when it comes to excellence, there is no gender barrier. By continuing to break down stereotypes and eliminate gender bias in the workplace, we can create a world where everyone has equal access to success.
These women are sure to have achieved even greater success as they continue expanding their businesses and inspiring others around the world. When are you going to start? It’s an exciting time for female entrepreneurs and leaders! We can’t wait to see you succeed! All the best to all the women out there.