The urge to start something of your own is one that many of us can relate with. But only a few of us can make that journey of hurdles and make it to the very top.
Here’s an example of one woman who did it. Kiran Mazumdar Shaw.
She is an Indian Entrepreneur, executive chairperson, and founder of Biocon Limited and Biologics Limited, a biotechnology company based in Bangalore.
This is her journey- from a humble background to the Biotech Queen of India!
Early life
Born on March 23, 1953, in Bangalore to Gujarati parents, Kiran was steeped in a culture of ambition and education from a young age. She completed her schooling at Bishop Cotton Girl’s High School and pursued higher education in zoology at Mount Carmel College under Bangalore University. Her academic journey didn’t stop there; she ventured into malting and brewing at the University of Melbourne’s Ballarat College in 1974.
Being the only woman in her class was very intimidating, there were questions and glances as to how some female could pursue this course. This was predominantly a field which men gravitated towards. Despite the intimidation and challenges faced she excelled, topping her course. She graduated with a Master’s degree in 1975.
Not only did she excel in her field, she also gained practical experience as a trainee brewer at Carlton and United Breweries in Melbourne and as a trainee maltster at Barrett Brothers and Burston in Australia.
Additionally, to work more on her interests and enhance her learning she served as a technical consultant at Jupiter Breweries Limited in Calcutta and as a technical manager at Standard Maltings Corporation in Baroda.
Gender stereotyping in the job market
To excel at any job in any field, what is required is motivation, experience and interest. Mazumdar had all of that and yet she found it difficult to explore career opportunities in Bangalore or Delhi in her field. Once again, gender bias created the barrier. Experience and capability did not seem to break it down. She was told that she could not be hired as a master brewer in India because it was considered “a man’s work.”.
She could have simply blamed the system and stop pushing through the barrier. But this is not where she topped.
She was disheartened, yes but undeterred. She looked for opportunities abroad and was eventually offered a position in Scotland. This was her first victory in a way that led to who she is now to show the world that gender stereotypes in occupational spheres are irrelevant and unfair!
Before her move abroad, Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw met Leslie Auchincloss, founder of Biocon Biochemicals in Ireland, who needed a partner to set up an Indian subsidiary. Mazumdar agreed to lead this knowing all the cons of the venture. Being a woman taking up this project in India would demand a lot of emotional strenth to face rejections but acknowledging those feelings she choose to take a leap of faith. She returned to India and founded Biocon India in a Bengaluru garage in 1978 with just Rs. 10,000. Despite tough regulations that limited her foreign partners to a 30% stake, she owned the majority.
Facing challenges as a young, female entrepreneur, she initially struggled with credibility and funding. Yet, a chance encounter with a banker got her the necessary financial support. Starting with basic facilities and minimal staff, Biocon focused on extracting enzymes for food processing and brewing.This was her second biggest achievement and from here on there was no looking back. The barrier was falling apart.
Despite infrastructure challenges in India, Biocon made significant strides, exporting to the U.S. and Europe within its first year—the first Indian company to achieve such a feat. Building on this success, Mazumdar-Shaw purchased 20 acres to expand her rapidly growing enterprise.
Gradually, Bitcoin India received global recognition. The once looked down upon “female entrepreneur” had changed the game! Under her leadership, Biocon expanded its research into chronic diseases like cancer and diabetes, tapping into the vast market potential for affordable medication.
Philanthropic activities
Not only did she reach out to the globe with her work and research, she also took the responsibility of helping individuals in need which is a very important quality of a leader. She also championed corporate social responsibility through the Biocon Foundation, focusing on healthcare, education, and infrastructure in rural Karnataka. Her vision extended beyond business, promoting “compassionate capitalism,” which she believed could drive sustainable social progress alongside corporate success.
The key takeaway from Kiran’s life is that the world may call you incapable and deny you to make a choice but never stop, you fight and gain your freedom which belongs to nobody else but yourself. People were shocked, “female entrepreneur”, “so young?” but this never stopped her. She took a pause, listened to what society had to say and continued on her path, determined and confident.
“Society you’re a crazy breed, I hope you are not lonely without me”- Eddie Vedder
