Aparna Reddy, Executive Director of Aparna Enterprises, embodies the spirit of redefining roles. “As a woman who carved a path in an industry largely defined by men, I’ve learned that it is not about fitting into predefined roles, but about creating new ones that challenge the status quo,” she says. Balancing motherhood while running a company, she sees her position as an opportunity to inspire others: “Your circumstances do not limit you, but by the vision you set for yourself.
Step forward, challenge the norms, and let the world see the power you possess.”
Anjali Raghuvanshi, Chief People Officer at Randstad India, echoes a similar belief. She emphasizes the importance of resilience, especially for women navigating careers. “A professional career will have its ups and downs.
Building resilience is crucial to recovering from setbacks.”
She underlines the transformative role of financial independence—not just for personal growth but for modeling strength to children. Children deeply trust their mothers and learn by observing. We must allow them to be themselves while also showing them what it means to pursue one’s passion and remain self-reliant.”
Anjali’s message to women is clear: seek mentors, surround yourself with allies, and don’t hesitate to own your identity and ambition.
Preiti Patel, Chief Strategy and Growth Officer at Tata Projects Ltd., draws a powerful parallel: “The boardroom and motherhood share an unexpected parallel. Both demand leadership that balances unwavering focus with profound empathy.”
She believes the real legacy isn’t just in performance metrics but in the example mothers bring to the workplace. Your children are watching how you lead at home and in every professional setting.
The ability to balance decisiveness with compassion is a teaching far more powerful than any words of advice.”
Shruti Kaushik Agrawal, Marketing Head at TATA Realty, finds motherhood has made her a more intentional leader. With over 15 years in real estate and infrastructure, she’s witnessed how support systems—and empathetic teams—can shape a woman’s success.
Leading with compassion: executive mothers inspire
“We don’t just build projects — we build each other,” she shares. Her message to her son encapsulates a modern take on leadership: “Be confident in your path, kind in your leadership. People will remember how you made them feel just as much as what you achieved.”
To her, motherhood is not a detour from leadership but a powerful lens that brings clarity, balance, and humility.
Nikita Bansal, CHRO at Godrej Properties Ltd., brings the conversation back to values. “Being equal — that’s the first lesson I’ve always passed on to my child,” she says. She’s raising her child to see leadership built on resilience, purpose, and grace.
“A true leader is not the loudest in the room, but the one who leads with empathy and makes decisions that balance progress with people.”
Purvi Kotecha, Co-Founder and Director at Ishan Technologies, represents a new wave of tech leaders. As a woman who grew a company from one office to over 100 without a formal IT background, she understands the value of self-belief and adaptability. “I never let a lack of technical expertise define my potential,” she shares.
Today, as a mother of two, she’s heartened by the choices available to young women but remains clear-eyed about the challenges. “We’re still navigating biases and the pressure to do it all. But I’m proud to be part of the generation building that bridge towards a world where women in leadership are the norm.”
Her wish?
Mothers should be celebrated not for managing both roles, but for thriving, growing, and leading without limits. This Mother’s Day, let’s honor the achievements and lessons of these extraordinary women who are paving the way for future generations.