Bengaluru Summit Highlights Women's Leadership for India's Future Growth

On July 15, 2026, CNBC-TV18 hosted the Bengaluru edition of Future. Female. Forward. – The Women’s Collective, Season 4, a significant event focused on the future of leadership in India. Sponsored by HSBC and co-presented by Cognizant, the summit gathered a diverse group of influential business leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators to delve into a crucial inquiry: how will leadership evolve over the next decade? In an era marked by rapid technological advancements and changing workplace dynamics, the discussions emphasized the necessity of fostering organizations built on trust, creating equitable leadership pathways, and enhancing access to capital for women entrepreneurs. The consensus among participants was clear: empowering women in leadership roles transcends mere diversity initiatives; it is a fundamental business strategy that will play a pivotal role in shaping India’s economic landscape.

The event commenced with an insightful address by Shereen Bhan, who discussed the evolving dynamics of power in contemporary society. This was followed by a keynote speech from Ranjan Bhattacharya, Managing Director and Chief of Staff at HSBC India, who shared insights on constructing future-ready organizations that prioritize trust and inclusivity. A notable highlight was a fireside chat featuring Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, the Executive Chairperson of Biocon Limited, and Shereen Bhan, where they explored themes of entrepreneurship and resilience, emphasizing the critical need to support women founders in scaling their ventures. The town hall session, titled Powering New Possibilities, included prominent figures such as Amitabh Malhotra of HSBC India and several successful female entrepreneurs, who discussed how artificial intelligence and innovation are reshaping opportunities for women-led businesses, reinforcing the need for collaborative and inclusive leadership.