Mother's Day: What These Women Leaders Are Teaching Their Next Generation

This Mother's Day, we celebrate the women who are not only shaping boardrooms and businesses but also raising the next generation of leaders—one lesson, one value, one example at a time. For these working mothers, the intersection of motherhood and leadership is not a balancing act—it’s a continuous conversation about resilience, identity, empathy, and progress.

At the heart of their journeys is the understanding that motherhood doesn’t compete with ambition—it strengthens it. From human resources to real estate, infrastructure to technology, these women are proof that emotional intelligence, resilience, and authenticity are just as vital as any business strategy.

Creating New Paths, Not Fitting Into Old Ones

Aparna Reddy, Executive Director of Aparna Enterprises, embodies this spirit of redefining roles. “As a woman who carved a path in an industry largely defined by men, I’ve learned that leadership is not about fitting into predefined roles, but about creating new ones that challenge the status quo,” she says. Balancing motherhood while running company, she sees her position as an opportunity to inspire others: “You are not limited by your circumstances, 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 emphasises the importance of resilience, especially for women navigating careers. “A professional career will have its ups and downs. Building resilience is crucial to recover from setbacks.” She underlines the transformative role of financial independence—not just for personal growth but for modelling 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.

Leading with Compassion

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 emotional intelligence mothers bring to the workplace. “Your children are watching how you lead, not just at home but 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 that 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. “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.”

Motherhood, to her, is not a detour from leadership but a powerful lens that brings clarity, balance, and humility.

Megha Goel, 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 as something 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.”

Thriving Without Labels

Purvi Kotecha, Co-Founder and Director at Ishan Technologies, represents a new generation 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.