Updated Aug 20, 2025 15:24 IST
India’s entrepreneurial spirit is at its peak in 2025, driven by visionary leaders who are rewriting the rules of business, innovation, and impact. From transforming traditional industries into global powerhouses to pioneering conscious leadership, luxury design, culinary innovation, and cutting-edge healthcare, these trailblazers embody resilience, creativity, and purpose. They are not just building companies—they are shaping ecosystems, inspiring communities, and redefining what it means to lead in a rapidly evolving world. This curated list celebrates ten such changemakers whose journeys reflect the dynamism of India’s business landscape and the promise of a bold, future-ready nation.
Kumar Rajagopalan, VP – Strategic Initiatives & Country Head at Dexian India
Kumar Rajagopalan has transformed the Global Capability Center (GCC) landscape by blending financial expertise with technological innovation. With over 30 years of experience, he has steered Dexian into the Top 3 Partners for Non-IT Clients in India, earning accolades such as the World Innovation Congress Award (2022) and Economic Times Best Organization for Women (2023). His vision turned GCCs from cost centers into strategic growth hubs, emphasizing talent development, digital transformation, and ESG-driven growth. A people-first leader, Kumar champions redeployment over layoffs and invests in continuous learning. Recognized by Business Standard among “10 Influential People Changing the Game in 2024,” he inspires leaders to embrace agility, innovation, and purpose.
Venkat V. Murthy , Leadership Coach
Venkat V. Murthy is a visionary entrepreneur, leadership coach, and founder of One in the Universe—a fast-growing company at the forefront of conscious business and transformation. With a proven track record in scaling ventures and mentoring leaders, he has empowered thousands through his coaching, keynotes, and strategic insights. Known for blending modern innovation with timeless wisdom, Mr. Murthy is now set to launch his highly anticipated book, Leadership with AI in This Generation: AI vs Inner Intelligence, in August 2025. The book explores the intersection of artificial intelligence and self-awareness, offering a new roadmap for leading in the digital age. His work continues to inspire forward-thinking leadership that’s grounded in clarity, authenticity, and sustainable growth.
Arpita Sharma, Architect, Entrepreneur, Founder of Atelier Astil
Arpita Sharma, an award-winning Architect, entrepreneur and the visionary founder & principal architect of Atelier Astil, which she established at just 22. As one of the youngest & most creative self-made designers in the industry, Arpita has rapidly earned recognition for her innovative approach and dedication to bespoke luxury design. Her studio specialises in ultra-luxury projects for high net-worth individuals, taking on prestigious residential and commercial commissions across India, Dubai, Amsterdam, and pro bono work in Sub-Saharan Africa to name a few. Under Arpita, Atelier Astil is celebrated for designs that blend bold creativity with sustainability, functionality, and refined elegance. Arpita’s collaborative approach and passion for redefining every space she touches, has made Arpita Sharma and Atelier Astil synonymous with global luxury architectural design.
Ankit Sahni, Founder & Ceo, The Hazelnut Factory
Ankit Sahni is the Founder and CEO of The Hazelnut Factory (THF), a visionary entrepreneur passionate about culinary innovation and global culture. With an academic background in economics and early experience in business leadership, he launched THF in 2019 with the goal of modernizing Indian mithai. His approach combines tradition with sophistication, focusing on pure flavors and artisanal craftsmanship. Under his leadership, THF has become a premium brand recognized for its specialty coffee, artisanal sweets, and café offerings. Inspired by travel and driven by customer insights, Ankit continues to redefine indulgence, aiming to establish a pan-India presence that celebrates heritage through elevated and memorable experiences
Dr. Jagdish Sakhiya – Founder and Chief Dermatologist
From a modest single-room setup in Surat to over 39 clinics across India, Dr. Jagdish Sakhiya’s journey is one of grit, heart, and purpose. Once a small-town boy who faced academic failures, he transformed setbacks into a driving force to revolutionize skincare. Guided by the belief that healthy skin should be accessible to all not just the privileged, he built Sakhiya Skin Clinic into a trusted name for over 6 lakh patients. Now preparing for India’s first skin clinic IPO, Dr. Sakhiya remains rooted in his mission: to heal not just skin, but self-esteem and lives across the nation.
Samiksha Shah, Founder of What’s Next for Pharma? is reshaping the pharmaceutical landscape through collaborative leadership and visionary thinking. With 15 years of experience spanning academia, startups, biotech, and big pharma, she brings a unique ability to connect diverse perspectives and drive meaningful change. Through What’s Next for Pharma?, Samiksha curates think-tanks and builds an insights consortium to tackle the industry’s toughest challenges—innovation, regulation, commercial strategy, and patient outcomes. Her platform fosters mentorship, executive collaboration, and networked decision-making, enabling future leaders to thrive while ensuring patients remain at the heart of progress in a rapidly evolving global ecosystem.
Nirdhi Sharma, Co-founder of Ziel Events & Experiences
Nirdhi Sharma, is a dynamic entrepreneur with a passion for crafting unforgettable celebrations. With over a decade of expertise in luxury weddings and bespoke events, she brings creativity, precision, and emotional depth to every project. Known for her keen design sensibilities and innovative approach, Nirdhi transforms visions into breathtaking realities, ensuring each event reflects the unique story of her clients. Her ability to balance grandeur with personal detail has made her a trusted name in the industry. Driven, compassionate, and visionary, Nirdhi is redefining wedding planning with elegance, authenticity, and heart.
Meet Desai, Founder and Director, Nice To Meet You
Meet Desai, the creative maestro behind Nice To Meet You, weaves a tapestry of profound connections and experiences. With roots in filmmaking and photography, he elevates handcrafted, emotional content in weddings, fashion, corporates and beyond. His innovative spark propels the brand beyond mere networking, weaving creativity with strategic insight. As a leader, he forges communities rich in trust, inclusivity, and enduring value, a vision crowned by seven national and international awards in just three years.
Anurag Mishra, Co-Founder & CEO, Drewknot Fashion
Drewknot Set to Redefine Affordable Premium Footwear for Millennials & Gen Z, Founded by Fashion Brand veteran Anurag Mishra, with experience across Adidas, Van Heusen, Stride by Arvind, Lee Cooper, and Kazo, Drewknot launches as a true pricing brand—offering premium sneakers and footwear that deliver comfort, quality, and happiness. With an exclusive in-house R&D and manufacturing setup, Drewknot ensures every product is designed with precision. Starting with footwear this year, the brand will expand into bags and apparel, supported by a first-of-its-kind distribution model that goes beyond omni-channel, making every partner and consumer proud to be associated with Drewknot.
Shreyans Baldev Goyal, CMD of Shakti Group of Companies
Shreyans Baldev Goyal is a dynamic Surat-based entrepreneur who has built one of Gujarat’s most diversified groups. Since 2002, he has led Shakti Distilleries and expanded into chemicals, organics, green infrastructure, renewable energy, and wealth management. A recognized voice on alternate fuels and sustainable industry, he has represented India at forums. Beyond business, he supports many charitable hospitals, while actively promoting sports like cycling, kayaking, boxing, sports climbing and many more. His vision blends entrepreneurship, philanthropy, and wellness, defining him as a true next-gen leader.
(No Times Now Journalists are involved in creation of this article.)
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