Top Influential Women Entrepreneurs & Leaders Leading in 2025

New Delhi: As we move towards 2025, women entrepreneurs and leaders are taking the reins and reshaping industries across the globe. Their innovation, vision, and determination are driving significant change in business, technology, sustainability, and beyond. These influential women are not only breaking barriers but are also setting new benchmarks of leadership and success, inspiring future generations. From established powerhouses to emerging visionaries, these leaders are redefining what it means to be a successful entrepreneur in today’s world.

Esha Bhambri: Founder & Creative Director, House of Fett

Esha Bhambri, the creative driving force behind House of Fett, has built one of India’s fastest-growing premium contemporary womenswear brands with her unwavering confidence and entrepreneurial spirit. House of Fett stands out for its runway-inspired yet wearable designs, seamlessly blending innovation and accessibility.

Starting from scratch and without the backing of any corporate giant or funding, Esha scaled House of Fett to a ₹120 crore brand, establishing 15+ retail stores and a strong digital presence. With a bold vision, she now aims to reach a ₹200 crore valuation by the end of FY2025-26, setting new benchmarks in fashion entrepreneurship.

Sunny Chandiramani, Senior Vice President at AstaGuru Auction House

Sunny Chandiramani - Senior Vice President is a Modern Indian Art specialist at AstaGuru. She joined the auction house in 2013 and has over 12 years of experience in the industry. Since joining AstaGuru, she has contributed to more than 100+ successful auctions. One of the aspects she cherishes most about working in this field is the opportunity to view firsthand the works of various modern Indian painters who have left a lasting legacy. As a veteran in the industry, she understands not only the significance of each artwork but also the market fundamentals and trends.

Sneha Gautam, Senior Vice President at AstaGuru Auction House

Sneha Gautam - Senior Vice President is a Modern Indian Art specialist at AstaGuru. She joined the auction house in 2012 and has over 13 years of experience in the art industry. She has developed a deep understanding of Indian aesthetics and possesses a keen eye for identifying rare gems of modern Indian art. Through extensive research on the history of modern Indian art, she has built a strong foundation and can trace the evolution of the growing demand for this category among collectors in India and overseas. Sneha plays a key role in curating AstaGuru’s Modern Indian Art auctions and has been an integral part of more than 100+ successful auctions.

Ranna Gill, Founder of Ranna Gill

Ranna Gill, the creative force behind RANNA GILL, has redefined modern Indian fashion with her bold prints, intricate embroideries, and effortlessly elegant silhouettes. A graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), New York, she trained under industry legends like Donna Karan and Ralph Lauren before launching her label in 1997. Her designs seamlessly blend legacy with contemporary style, making them a favorite among confident, modern women. As a founding member of FDCI, she continues to push boundaries, shaping the global perception of Indian fashion with her distinctive vision.

Dr Monika Narula, Cofounder Bentodent

Dr Monika is revolutionizing the Future of Oral Care With a deep passion for scientific research and innovation, Dr. Monika Narula leads R&D and Product Development at Bentodent, a brand revolutionizing oral care with clean, effective, and chemical-free formulations. As a dental science expert, she has been at the forefront of creating safe alternatives to conventional toothpaste, ensuring every product meets modern health standards without compromising on efficacy. Under her leadership, Bentodent pioneered its bentonite clay-based toothpaste, harnessing the natural detoxifying and remineralizing properties of clay to support long-term oral health. She was also instrumental in developing India’s early SLS-free toothpaste, addressing the need for a non-irritating, gentle, yet effective alternative to commercial foaming agents. Dr. Narula’s latest breakthrough is the development of advanced remineralization technology in Bentodent’s formulations, ensuring that consumers benefit from enhanced enamel protection, reduced sensitivity, and improved oral microbiome balance. Her focus on scientifically backed, nature-derived ingredients has played a key role in expanding Bentodent’s reach to India, the USA, Canada, Dubai, and Russia.

Ms. Alma Chopra, a renowned motivational speaker and life coach

Alma Chopra has solidified her place as one of the most influential women of 2025, inspiring millions with her resilience, advocacy, and unwavering commitment to inclusion. Overcoming immense challenges, she has risen as a celebrated life coach, motivational speaker, and disability rights activist. Through her platform Beyond Limits Stories, she amplifies the voices of individuals who have triumphed over adversity, fostering a community of empowerment.Her initiatives, including the 7 Days of Mindfulness with Alma challenge and monthly webinars covering topics like Manifestation, Gender Equality, and Resume Building, provide invaluable guidance for personal and professional growth. Additionally, Udaan, a WhatsApp community support group, and the Almawakening Foundation, an NGO dedicated to awareness through education and advocacy, further her mission of creating an inclusive world. As an ambassador for Purple Fest and a keynote speaker at major DEI events, Alma continues to drive meaningful change, shaping a future of empowerment and opportunity for all.

Ms. Monica Malhotra Kandhari, Managing Director of MBD Group

Ms. Monica Malhotra Kandhari, Managing Director of MBD Group is a second-generation entrepreneur who started working at a young age and now heads one of India’s leading education companies. She is a key member of CII, co-chair (publishing) at FICCI, Vice President of the Federation of Indian Publishers (FIP), a member of the Educational Publishers Forum (IPA), and the Senate of Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar.

She has been instrumental in driving MBD Group’s flagship product, AASOKA—a blended learning solution for K-12—offering customized curriculum solutions and teacher training programs. Her exceptional contributions to education have earned her recognition in Forbes India as an ‘Iconic Woman Leader’ and the title of “ET Change Maker 2024” for her outstanding work in the education sector.

Neerja Kumar, Co-Founder and COO of Enalytix

Neerja Kumar is the Co-Founder and COO of Enalytix, an AI-driven technology company specializing in video analytics and productivity solutions. With over 20 years of experience in business transformation, Neerja has made a significant impact as an influential woman entrepreneur. Her leadership in operations, product development, and growth strategies has positioned Enalytix as a trailblazer in the AI video analytics space. Known for scaling organizations and building high-performing teams, Neerja’s innovative approach has earned Enalytix multiple recognitions, including the Forbes Select 200 and Bharat Award, highlighting her leadership and entrepreneurial excellence.

Zahara Kanchwalla, Co-founder & CEO of Rite KnowledgeLabs

Zahara Kanchwalla is the Co-founder & CEO of Rite KnowledgeLabs, with 17+ years of experience in business communications, content publishing, e-learning, IT, and training. She has worked with leading multinational and Indian organizations across business, technology, BFSI, and financial content domains. Previously, at Tech Mahindra, she managed global content and knowledge management. With a background in IT programming, she has also worked as a corporate trainer. A Plastics Engineer, she holds a Post Diploma in Computer Applications and has attended the Executive Education Programme on “Strategy in the Digital Era” at ISB. She is passionate about technology and digital strategy.

Mehak Mir, Women Entrepreneur & Industry Representative

Mehak Mir, from Pampore, South Kashmir, is a key figure in the saffron industry, blending tradition with modern strategies. An MBA graduate from Greenwich University, London, she began her career at EY before returning home to expand the family business. She played a pivotal role in securing partnerships with luxury hotels like Hyatt, Taj, and Radisson. Under her father Musadiq Mir’s guidance, she oversees operations, ensuring quality and empowering women workers. Actively representing Kashmir’s saffron industry, she speaks at key forums and exhibitions, making her one of the few women recognized by the Department of Industries & Commerce.

The future is undeniably bright with the remarkable women who are leading and innovating across industries. Their continued drive and influence will shape the global business landscape in 2025 and beyond.

The future of startups and entrepreneurship is being shaped by these remarkable women leaders who are redefining success across industries. Their innovative approaches and bold leadership are not only transforming businesses but also creating new opportunities for the next generation of entrepreneurs. As we move into 2025, their impact on the startup ecosystem will continue to inspire aspiring entrepreneurs, proving that with vision, determination, and resilience, women can lead the way in building the businesses of tomorrow. Their influence is already being felt in the news, highlighting the growing role of women in driving the future of innovation.

These women are paving the way for a more inclusive, dynamic, and forward-thinking world, proving that leadership has no gender. As we enter this new era, their successes and impacts will continue to inspire and empower others to take bold steps toward their own entrepreneurial journeys.