Today’s business leaders must be progressive thinkers to stay relevant and drive meaningful impact. Progressive leaders don’t just chase profits — they anticipate future trends, embrace innovation, and champion inclusive growth. For example, Mahindra Group Chairman, Anand Mahindra invested early in electric vehicles, aligning business with sustainability. Biocon Founder Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw broke industry and gender stereotypes to make life-saving drugs affordable and stay relevant, while HCL Technologies Chairman Shiv Nader turned tech success into educational transformation through large-scale philanthropic works.

Progressive thinking fuels bold decisions, from entering new markets, following trends to reimagining social responsibility. It empowers leaders to tackle global challenges — climate change, inequality, digital disruption — not as obstacles, but opportunities. These leaders build companies that are not only future-ready but also value-driven.

In essence, progressive business leadership isn’t just smart — it’s the need of the hour. It ensures businesses grow with purpose, inspire trust, and leave a lasting legacy that goes far beyond the bottom line. 

Let’s explore how progressive thinking has influenced the work of these business leaders.

Wipro Founder Azim Premji

He is celebrated as one of India’s most progressive and ethical business leaders, renowned for transforming Wipro, after the early demise of his father in 1966, from a small vegetable oil company to a global IT powerhouse. His visionary leadership, marked by strategic foresight, helped Wipro to adapt to changing market conditions and become a leading multinational in the tech sector. Premji, now aged 79, served as Wipro's chairman for nearly four decades and holds a non-executive position on the board.  

What sets him apart, is not just his business acumen but his deep-rooted commitment to philanthropy and social responsibility. He founded the Azim Premji Foundation in 2001 to improve public education in India, particularly in rural areas. So far, Premji has donated over $20 billion to the cause, making him the most generous philanthropist. 

Premji was also the first Indian to sign the Giving Pledge (2013), committing to donate the majority of his wealth to charitable causes. Known for his value-driven leadership, Premji consistently emphasised on integrity, humility, and corporate ethics, earning him widespread respect in both business and social sectors. 

He led Wipro with a strong emphasis on governance, meritocracy, and social impact. His efforts have been recognized with prestigious honours, including the Padma Bhushan ('Lotus Decoration', the third-highest civilian award in India) in 2005 and Padma Vibhushan ('Lotus Grandeur', the second-highest civilian award) in 2011, for his contributions to the trade and social sector.

Mahindra Group Chairman Anand Mahindra

Recognised as a progressive thinker for his visionary leadership, ethical business practices, commitment to sustainability and social responsibility, he transformed a family-run business into a global conglomerate spanning sectors, such as automobiles, IT, finance, real estate, and aerospace. His forward-thinking approach enabled the company to successfully navigate challenges, expand internationally, and pioneer new industries. Notable achievements include the development of iconic vehicles like Scorpio and Thar, the acquisition of Satyam Computers in 2009 (now Tech Mahindra), and early investments in electric mobility through Mahindra Electric.

What sets Anand Mahindra, aged 70, apart is his emphasis on innovation and long-term impact. He championed the entry into sectors like aerospace and leisure hospitality, reflecting a willingness to diversify. His academic background from Harvard (1981), combined with a culturally rich upbringing, instilled in him a global perspective and creative approach to business. He places strong importance on ethical governance and inclusive leadership, fostering a culture of integrity, employee empowerment, and entrepreneurship.

Beyond business, Mahindra is a passionate advocate for social change. Through initiatives like Project Nanhi Kali, founded in 1996, which supports education for underprivileged girls, and the Hariyali afforestation campaign (2007), he has demonstrated a firm commitment to sustainable development. Awarded with Padma Shri ('Lotus Award', India's fourth highest civilian award) in 2010 and Padma Bhushan in 2020, his leadership is defined by a strong vision to build a responsible, inclusive, and environmentally conscious future.

Biocon Founder Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw

Known as a progressive thinker and pioneering entrepreneur in India’s biotechnology sector, she transformed a small enzyme manufacturing company into one of Asia’s leading biopharmaceutical enterprises. She founded Biocon in 1978. Her approach helped position India as a global hub for affordable and high-quality biologics, particularly in the areas of diabetes, cancer, and autoimmune diseases.

With a background in brewing science and a passion for science-led solutions, she as the Biocon executive chairperson, aged 72, broke gender and industry barriers to build a company rooted in research, innovation, and access. She has consistently advocated for affordable healthcare and championed investments in R&D to drive long-term impact in traditionally risk-averse sectors.

Her commitment to social responsibility is equally significant. Through the Biocon Foundation (2004), she has led initiatives to improve public health, education, and sanitation in underserved communities. The foundation has established primary healthcare clinics, supported cancer detection and treatment, and funded scholarships and rural education. In 2015, she became the first Indian woman to join ‘The Giving Pledge’, an initiative of the Gates Foundation, committing to give the majority of her wealth to philanthropic causes.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, she played a key role in mobilizing resources and affordable care. In recognition of her contributions, she received the Padma Shri (1989) and Padma Bhushan (2005). 

HCL Technologies Founder Shiv Nadar

Acknowledged as a progressive visionary who played a big role in shaping India’s IT landscape, Nadar built one of India’s first IT hardware companies in the 1970s, later transforming it into a global software and services powerhouse. His foresight and commitment to innovation positioned HCL among the world’s leading technology enterprises.

Nadar’s approach to leadership has always emphasised long-term thinking, ethical governance, and fostering a culture of curiosity and continuous learning. Under his guidance, HCL not only embraced cutting-edge technology but also nurtured a people-centric philosophy, empowering employees to drive innovation and excellence.

Shiv Nadar, aged 79, is one of India’s most respected philanthropists. He topped the list of India's most charitable individuals for the third consecutive year, contributing about USD 259.4 Million  in FY24. Through the Shiv Nadar Foundation (1994), he has committed billions to advancing education and social transformation. The foundation has established world-class institutions, such as Shiv Nadar University (2011), VidyaGyan (2009) leadership academies for rural students, and the SSN Institutions (1996), focusing on equitable access to quality education.

In recognition of his contributions to trade and education, he was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2008.