Six Most Powerful Women of India Inc 2011

BT's eighth annual list of the Most Powerful Women tells stories of dreams come true. Our package here features six women who have made it to the Most Powerful Women list for the past seven years.

NAINA LAL KIDWAI
Country head, HSBC

CAREER TURNING POINT
Harvard Business School

WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH
It's time to reflect, to pick oneself up and try again

BUSINESS PERSON I ADMIRE THE MOST
Can't name one as I have many role models, both global and Indian, each for his or her specific strengths

PRICE I PAID TO BE HERE
What price? It's been a great ride

BIGGEST ADVANTAGE OF BEING AN MPW
The warmth and friendship of some of the most capable people on the planet

LAST TIME I USED MY MPW TRUMP CARD
Still holding on to it

WATCH: Naina Lal Kidwai on her journey
READ: What makes HSBC head a role model

CHANDA KOCHHAR
Managing Director and CEO of ICICI Bank

CAREER TURNING POINT
Being asked to build ICICI's retail business

WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH
It is important to stay calm and focus on the task at hand

BUSINESSPERSON I ADMIRE THE MOST
I have been fortunate to come into contact with many business leaders, and learnt something from the journey of each person. So all of them have been an influence

PRICE I PAID TO BE HERE
It has taken hard work to get here. But I followed this path out of choice, so I don't think I paid a price

BIGGEST ADVANTAGE OF BEING AN MPW
The chance to be an example for young women, and showing them it is possible for a woman to have a full and rewarding career

WATCH: What award means for Chanda Kochhar
READ: ICICI Bank's CEO and MD's success story

KIRAN MAZUMDAR-SHAW
Chairman and Managing Director, Biocon

CAREER TURNING POINT
Transforming our business from industrial enzymes to biopharma

WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH
It brings out the best in me

BUSINESSPERSON I ADMIRE THE MOST
As a businesswoman, I admire Indra Nooyi, because of the way she is transforming Pepsi into a 'healthy' fast food organisation

PRICE I PAID TO BE HERE
I don't think of it that way!

BIGGEST ADVANTAGE OF BEING AN MPW
I can influence change

LAST TIME I USED MY MPW TRUMP CARD
You don't need to 'play' this card. MPW is a membership card to the league of business leaders

WATCH: Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw on the MPW award
READ: Who can earn Biocon's MD admiration

SWATI PIRAMAL
Director, Strategic Alliances and Communications, Piramal Healthcare

WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH
Strategic alliances was a new portfolio and a challenge for me. We have tie-ups with many global companies

BUSINESSPERSON I ADMIRE THE MOST
My husband, Ajay Piramal

PRICE I PAID TO BE HERE
Not enough time to do what I enjoy: read, cook up a gourmet meal, take holidays

BIGGEST ADVANTAGE OF BEING AN MPW
The network of strong women with diverse interests

LAST TIME I USED MY MPW TRUMP CARD
As the first woman head of ASSOCHAM, I had to present views on the economy to the Reserve Bank. I roped in four MPW bankers. Their views were appreciated

WATCH: Swati Piramal talk about knowledge-action link
READ: What helps her run country's one of the top firm

SHIKHA SHARMA
Managing Director and CEO of Axis Bank

CAREER TURNING POINT
Being given the opportunity to lead ICICI's venture into the life insurance business

WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH
You put your best foot forward and focus on the task at hand

BUSINESSPERSON I ADMIRE THE MOST
Steve Jobs

PRICE I PAID TO BE HERE
Not getting as much time with my children as I would have liked

BIGGEST ADVANTAGE OF BEING AN MPW
The people I get to meet

LAST TIME I USED MY MPW TRUMP CARD
To get invited aboard Swati Piramal's yacht

WATCH: Shikha Sharma on her future goals
READ: What makes her the banakable star

MALLIKA SRINIVASAN
Tractors and Farm Equipment chairman and CEO

CAREER TURNING POINT
My stint at Wharton

WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH
Stay calm, be objective and lower the breakeven point further

BUSINESSPERSON I ADMIRE THE MOST
Not just one, many

PRICE I PAID TO BE HERE
Long hours

BIGGEST ADVANTAGE OF BEING AN MPW
Being able to inspire and motivate others - to empower dreams and enrich lives

LAST TIME I USED MY MPW TRUMP CARD
I have learnt to play the deck I am dealt and never to depend on a particular cardTrump or otherwise

WATCH: Mallika Srinivasan on her success mantra
READ: What is her working style