Women have to contend with various challenges at the workplace, and in business, despite the progress we have made over the last few decades. Their path to success is often a minefield with underlying problems such as the gender pay gap, sexual harassment, toxic work cultures, and the glass ceiling. However, as a testament to their perseverance and tenacity against the odds, millions of women contribute every day to the economy and their families. Some extraordinary women have also shattered the glass ceiling to reach leadership positions in leading companies, while others have charted their own paths as entrepreneurs. Here’s a list of four such women and their inspiring journey to success.
Shradha Sharma – Founder, YourStory
Founder of the leading platform that tells stories of entrepreneurs across all walks, Shradha Sharma’s startup has inspired millions of people. She had the idea to start YourStory at the peak of her career when working for famous news channels. After her idea to feature entrepreneurs was rejected by several media channels, she decided to create a platform that told stories of extraordinary people and their entrepreneurial journeys. Launched in 2008, YourStory has more than 70,000 stories of entrepreneurs on its site. The company’s 100 employees periodically write and publish stories of extraordinary people in 11 different languages.
Chitra Gurnani Daga – Founder, Thrillophilia
Thrillophilia is popular with travellers across the country. Started by Chitra and her husband Abhishek Daga in 2009, the startup was inspired by their own passion for travelling. Chitra, who has an MBA in Marketing from the Indian School of Business, aims to raise more awareness among Indian travellers about the incredible tourist destinations within the country. Having previously worked at Infosys and SAP as a software engineer, Chitra brought a range of skill sets to her company. She now focuses on building a business that adds value to its customers more than anything else.
Falguni Nayar – Founder, Nykaa
A self-made billionaire, Falguni Nayar is one of the most successful women entrepreneurs in the country. Having formerly been a venture investor, she started one of the most recognized companies in the e-commerce industry. Nykaa features more than 850 brands and has even brought a range of international luxury brands to India. Falguni started Nykaa at the age of 50 after working with Kotak Mahindra Group for 19 years.
Vandana Luthra – Founder, VLCC
Vandana Luthra comes from humble beginnings as an owner of a beauty and slimming service in New Delhi. Her centre, which offered weight management programs and the latest in skin and hair treatments, eventually grew to become a globally recognized brand. Her success in the health industry got her many awards, including the Padma Shri – the highest civilian honour in the country. She has been an inspiration for generations of female entrepreneurs in India and a pioneer in her field.
