Kiran Mazumdar Shaw - Investors Refused to Invest in Her Coz She Was a Girl. Now Biocon Has Its Own Medicines for Covid

July 14, 20212 Minutes Read

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Life is not what happens to us. It is what we make out of it. Destiny may carve a path for us. But we decide the end goal. The results are always in our hands. Similar was the case with Kiran Mazumdar Shaw.

Today she is one of India's most successful women entrepreneurs. There are so many women empowerment and success stories that we hear today. And yet, Kiran's story is very different...

Kiran Mazumdar came from a well-off family. Her father was the head brew master at a brewery.

A brew master is someone who is responsible for the many duties related to making beer, including selecting the ingredients, creating unique beer recipes, preparing beer mixtures, and overseeing the fermenting process.

Expanding her boundaries to choose a career that was different…

Kiran decided to follow her father's footsteps and study enzymes and fermentation science. At that time, it was not a career that many women would choose.

She was the only female to enrol in a brewing course. And she topped her class!

But Kiran Shaw had her fair share of struggle as a woman entrepreneur

After returning to India for better career prospects, there was not much progress for Kiran in her field for her because 'Brewery was a man's work'. Rather than being disappointed, this response laid the founding stone of her company, Biocon Biochemicals.

Kiran set up a small infrastructure in the garage of a rented house in Bengaluru. With a meagre 10,000 rupees. Being a young woman made many investors doubt her capabilities. But Kiran did not give up.

Her efforts bore fruits and soon she found an investor.

But there were other challenges too.

Kiran Mazumdar was trying to set up a biochemical industry in a country that had the perfect ingredients unsuitable for its survival.

Uninterrupted power, good quality water, sterile labs, imported research equipment, and workers with advanced scientific skills were not easily available in India at that time.

Slowly but steadily, conditions started improving. Kiran then used her initial earnings to buy an area for Biocon. Her untested business model was now meeting the desired expectations .

Partnership with Unilever helped in establishing the Biocon we now know. Consistent efforts paired with defying the odds and the approach of creating an alternate route have played in her favour.

Today, Biocon is not only about brewery. It is also known for producing medicines that help in fighting COVID-19.

Kiran is an inspiration to so many women today. She did not let her gender or age define her capability. Neither did she give up easily. Looking at her, one really believes in the old saying -- If you believe it, you can always do it! If things do not happen as planned, there are always alternative options available.

Kiran's story makes us believe that if she can do it, so can we! Scholarship programs for girls, free career guidance and free online psychometric tests, free online courses -- there are so many options available for young women today. Internet and online courses have opened so many new opportunities for young girls.

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February 19, 20242 Minutes Read

Social Entrepreneurship: Women Driving Impactful Change in India

A powerful force is reshaping communities and driving positive change -- women-led social entrepreneurship . As the narrative of entrepreneurship evolves, so does the role of women who are not just creating businesses but building ventures with a profound impact on society. Let's explore the realm of women's entrepreneurship and the significant strides in social entrepreneurship .

Social entrepreneurship is about harnessing the power of business to address social and environmental challenges. In India, many women embrace this approach, positioning themselves as business leaders and catalysts for positive change. Their ventures aim not just for profit but also for meaningful impact on the communities they serve.

The landscape of women entrepreneurship in India is growing, with female entrepreneurs actively participating in diverse sectors, including social entrepreneurship. This shift is breaking stereotypes and showcasing the multifaceted roles women can play as business leaders with a mission beyond just financial gains.

One compelling aspect of this transformation is the variety of startup ideas for women in social entrepreneurship. From ventures addressing healthcare disparities to those focused on education, women are bringing innovative solutions to the forefront. These ventures are not just about economic empowerment but about creating sustainable change in the fabric of society.

Social entrepreneurship ideas are often born from a deep understanding of local challenges. As the architects of many of these initiatives, women bring a unique perspective to problem-solving. Whether providing access to clean water, improving healthcare facilities, or promoting sustainable agriculture, these entrepreneurs are at the forefront of impactful change.

The intersection of entrepreneur ideas for women and social entrepreneurship creates a space where purpose-driven businesses thrive. Women are not just looking for financial success; they seek ways to contribute meaningfully to society. The spirit of collaboration and community building is embedded in their ventures, fostering a sense of shared responsibility and collective well-being.

One notable example is Preeti Singh, a social entrepreneur who founded a venture focused on menstrual hygiene in rural India. Her initiative addresses a critical health issue and empowers women by providing them with sustainable and affordable solutions. Preeti's story represents the transformative potential of women's entrepreneurship in tackling societal challenges.

The emphasis on social entrepreneurship among women is also generating a ripple effect regarding mentorship and support networks. Established female entrepreneurs are actively encouraging and guiding the next generation. This mentorship is crucial in nurturing a culture of innovation and resilience among women venturing into social entrepreneurship.

The momentum of women entrepreneurship in social impact ventures is not just a trend; it signifies a paradigm shift in how businesses operate in India. Organisations and institutions recognise women's value in terms of empathy, collaboration, and a deep understanding of community needs.

The rise of social entrepreneurship driven by women in India is a testament to the transformative power of purpose-driven businesses. As more women explore and invest in entrepreneurial ideas for women that focus on social impact, the future promises a more equitable and sustainable society. These women entrepreneurs are not just building businesses but driving impactful change and leaving an indelible mark on the nation's socio-economic fabric.

At Glow & Lovely Careers (formerly known as Fair & Lovely Career Foundation), we believe in empowering women to be independent. We provide online career guidance, existing jobs and other online courses to help them nurture their dream of driving social entrepreneurship in India.

April 18, 20256 Minutes Read

Top Digital Skills Young Women in India Must Learn for a Bright Future in 2025

The world is rapidly becoming more digital, and technology is shaping our future. Every industry today depends on digital skills , and those who learn the right skills will have the best career opportunities in 2025.

For young women and girls in India, this is the perfect time to explore the tech job market and gain future-proof skills . Many companies are looking for talented women to join their workforce. Whether you want a high-paying job, to work with global companies, or even to start your own business, learning the right IT skills for career growth will help you succeed.

The best part? You can learn many of these skills through free online computer courses with certificates and gain practical experience by working on real-world projects.

In this article, we will explore the most important tech skills to learn in 2025, why they matter, and how they can help you build a successful future.

February 16, 20242 Minutes Read

Wealth Management and Advisory: Career Opportunities for Young Women

An exciting and lucrative avenue in finance is emerging for young women -- wealth management and advisory. As the financial landscape evolves, so do the opportunities for women to carve a niche in this traditionally male-dominated sector. Let's explore the promising career opportunities for women in wealth management.

Wealth management is not just about handling money; it involves strategic planning, investment advice, and creating financial roadmaps for clients. This dynamic sector offers many jobs for women with a keen interest in finance and a desire to empower others financially.

The rise of women in finance is challenging stereotypes and reshaping the narrative of the financial industry. Women's inclusivity in wealth management brings diverse perspectives, innovative thinking, and a more empathetic approach to client relationships. This shift concerns equality and a more holistic and client-focused financial experience.

One noteworthy aspect is the increasing prevalence of online jobs for women in wealth management. The digital age has opened up avenues for remote work, allowing women to balance professional and personal commitments seamlessly. Online platforms offer flexibility and accessibility, making wealth management more accessible as a career opportunity for women.

The role of women empowerment jobs in wealth management extends beyond managing finances; it's about empowering clients to take control of their financial destinies. Women in this field are not just financial advisors but mentors, educators, and advocates for financial literacy contributing to a more informed and economically empowered society.

The financial sector recognises the unique strengths that women bring to wealth management. From communication skills to emotional intelligence, these attributes enhance client relationships and contribute to the overall success of advisory services. The changing dynamics of the industry create an environment where women can thrive and excel in their careers.

As the demand for personalised financial advice grows, so does the need for skilled professionals. This presents a wealth of career opportunities for women willing to invest in their education and build expertise in wealth management. Financial institutions actively encourage women to pursue careers in this field, recognising the value they bring.

An exemplary figure in this context is Neha Sharma, a young professional who found her calling in wealth management. Neha's journey reflects the changing tide for women in finance as she navigated the industry's intricacies to emerge as a successful wealth advisor. Her story inspires young women seeking this dynamic and rewarding career path.

The shift towards creating career opportunities for women in wealth management aligns with broader societal changes. Organisations are realising the importance of gender diversity in their teams, promoting an environment that fosters equal opportunities and values the contributions of women in finance.

The wealth management and advisory world holds tremendous promise for young women in India. The evolving landscape creates exciting career opportunities for women who aspire to make a mark in the financial sector. As women continue to break barriers and thrive in wealth management roles, the future promises a more inclusive and diversified financial industry where expertise knows no gender boundaries.At Glow & Lovely Careers (formerly known as Fair & Lovely Career Foundation), we believe in empowering women to be independent. We provide online career guidance, existing jobs and other courses to help them in India's wealth management field.

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