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This International Women’s Day, Cafemutual spoke to a few industry leaders to understand who inspired them in their professional journey other than family. Let us look at what they have to say:
DP Singh, Deputy MD and Joint CEO, SBI Mutual Fund
Late Sushma Swaraj, Former External Affair Minister and Nirmala Sitharaman, Union Finance Minister have inspired him the most.
DP said, “Late Sushma Swaraj had played a major role in making India the most sought after nation globally. She has helped India increase its credibility and reputation. Another lady that inspired me the most is our FM Nirmala Sitharaman. Despite not having any political background, she is successfully leading India’s most difficult job of managing finance. She has taken a host of measures that can make India a true global leader and one of the largest developed economies in days to come.”
Navneet Munot, MD and CEO, HDFC Mutual Fund
Navneet is inspired by four women - Social Activist Ela Bhatt, Ex Chairperson of SBI, Arundhati Bhattacharya, Navneet’s Aunt and Navneet’s secretary Komal Paul.
Navneet said, “While I did not get a chance to meet Ela Bhatt, her Gandhian approach and work towards upliftment of women have always inspired me. Secondly, the leadership quality of Arundhati Mam is something we all should learn. The third woman that inspired me is my Bua ji. At a very young age, she lost her husband but she overcame all odds and took care of her five children, which is commendable. Finally, my secretary, Komal Paul’s dedication towards work is very inspiring for me.”
Nilesh Shah, Managing Director, Kotak Mutual Fund
Nilesh’s first boss Renuka Ramnath has inspired her the most. He said, “In my professional life, my first boss was Renuka Ramnath. She gave the confidence and held the hand of a shy, inexperienced rookie and inspire him to be a fine professional. It wasn’t an easy job but she was always there to guide and support. Throughout my professional journey I have been blessed to work with many fine women bosses, colleagues and subordinates. One regret is that I didn’t leverage women power as much as I should have. Better late than never. Now I aim to create an equal opportunity organisation wherever I am working.”
Venkat Nageswar Chalasani, CEO of AMFI
VNS is inspired by Arundhati Bhattacharya too. Chalasani said, I deeply admire Arundhati Ma’am for her exemplary leadership, her ability to lead from the front, and her commitment to ensuring equality between men and women. Her remarkable achievement in reaching the pinnacle of her profession serves as an inspiration for all to follow.”
