’30 Women In Power’ By Naina Lal Kidwai | Book Review

“Judge my work by whether it’s good or bad. I do not want any special privileges and I don’t want to be treated differently.” – This is the thought in the minds of countless working women we see around us. Women who cherish their strengths and want to break the status quo by donning the hats of a homemaker and a corporate leader as efficiently as they can. This book ‘30 Women in Power‘ is a refreshing take on the women in India who are being repeatedly portrayed as the oppressed class of the rapidly developing nation. The book shouts out to all the women that they too can be successful in the career of their choice. The book is making a bold statement of how those women who have pursued their career religiously are, and for that matter always been, really good at what they do and there’s no bringing them down.

Penned by Naina Lal Kidwai, the Chairman of HSBC India, ’30 Women in Power’ doesn’t stay into any particular mould. It encompasses the stories of the young and the old women not related to a particular industry, but united by the passion to make the best out of the opportunities presented to them. Here we get to read about the journey of the 30 protagonists from their growing up years to their academic decisions and then their climb up the corporate ladder.

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The reader gets to find an answer to the question – “How do you balance your personal and professional life?” within the pages as the leading ladies talk about how they made the best possible decisions, which would not always be right, but probably the need of the hour. There are stories of women who were encouraged by their loving families. There are stories where the women had a sick child at home and were handed the task of negotiating the biggest deal. There are stories where women have had to work shoulder-to-shoulder with men, while being the only representative of the female clan. There’s something in it for all.

Naina Lal Kidwai, who has herself walked the talk, let’s us all take a peek into the world of these 30 women, who can will be inspiration for generations to come. The way the writer has woven the intimate accounts of the lives of these women with the inspiring quotes (adequately highlighted on almost every page), may help you find your own recipe for success.

The book lets the reader dismantle gender biases. It tells us how will and strength can take you places. It teaches us the importance of mentors, family’s support and above all the factors that make one a successful leader. Read it if you want you want to witness the facts about how lives are powerfully lived.

I recommend that you do not miss the chapters of Debjani Ghosh, Sheereen Bhan, Zia Mody and Kirthiga Reddy. The absence of flowery language and the first-hand accounts make this book an easy read for anyone and everyone. This book is a power house that can inspire you to take the high swing and judging from the need of the hour, this book is a rather necessary one.

Overall Rating: 3.5/5

You may purchase the book from Flipkart here –  and from Amazon here – 30 Women in Power: Their Voices, Their Stories by Naina Lal Kidwai (Compilation, Import) Hardcover

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