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The secret sauce behind the rise of Indian origin CEOs


“India has long been an exporter of talent to tech companies. But it is India that is now undergoing its own revolution.”

Sundar Pichai


For decades, Indians have played a prominent role in the success of some of the world’s global powerhouses. Indians have proved to be pioneers in various fields like science, art, technology and sports. Ajay Banga, ex- mastercard CEO was recently nominated by US President, Joe Biden, to head World Bank. Laxman Narasimhan has been appointed as the new CEO of Starbucks and would be at the helm of the coffee chain’s business globally. Leena Nair, after serving Hindustan Unilever for 30 years, is now serving as the CEO of Chanel. Over the years, India has continued to demonstrate that it is home to some of the world’s most creative minds.


Indian-origin CEOs have had a notable impact on the international business sector in recent years. These CEOs, who range from Satya Nadella, the CEO of Microsoft, to Sundar Pichai, the CEO of Google, have run some of the most creative and prosperous businesses in the world. What then is the secret to the success of CEOs with Indian ancestry?

Education is undoubtedly a component. Indians place a high value on education, and many Indian families push their kids to do well in school. This focus on education has produced a sizable pool of highly skilled Indian professionals who are prepared to assume leadership positions in multinational corporations.


In addition, Indian culture emphasizes perseverance and hard effort, and Indian kids are frequently instilled with these traits from an early age. CEOs of Indian descent approach their jobs with persistence and resilience that reflects their culture. They are renowned for their willingness to work long hours and their tenacity in the face of adversity.

The function of the family and the community is another crucial component. Indian families are frequently close-knit and encouraging, and this sense of community also includes other Indian professionals outside of the family. Indian-origin CEOs may find great value in this support network, which offers them useful connections and tools.


Yet more than simply cultural and societal variables play a role in the emergence of CEOs of Indian ancestry. India has recently made large expenditures in infrastructure and technology, providing a conducive environment for innovation and entrepreneurship. Numerous successful startups have sprung from this, and many CEOs of Indian descent have applied their entrepreneurial mentality to their positions in larger corporations.


Finally, CEOs of Indian descent have also shown themselves to be outstanding leaders. They are renowned for their great communication skills as well as for their capacity to inspire and motivate their workers. Also, these CEOs have shown a willingness to take chances and adopt cutting-edge technologies and commercial strategies.


In conclusion, a mix of cultural, societal, and economic variables are to blame for the increase of CEOs of Indian descent. Indian culture places high importance on education, hard effort, and perseverance, creating a vast pool of highly skilled individuals who are suitable for leadership positions. Also, the close-knit Indian population and the country's investments in infrastructure and technology have produced a climate that supports entrepreneurship and innovation. Finally, CEOs of Indian descent have proven to possess great leadership qualities, which have helped them thrive in some of the most difficult business situations in the globe.


Did you know


Leena Nair, CEO of Chanel and former CHRO at Unilever, joined HUL at Jamshedpur in the early 90s, when only two per cent of its employees were women. Before she left, Unilever announced it was gender-balanced across its management globally.




BY -

Neil Gupta

Harsimran Wadhwa



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