Amidst a time of significant changes in the global systems, women are emerging as pivotal leaders, driving progress across industries and sectors. The qualities of creativity, determination, and adaptability are essential in reshaping a more inclusive and sustainable future. As 'starting lines are being redrawn' in terms of capabilities, skills, and attitudes needed for a sustainable tomorrow, the world is increasingly recognizing that the needs of half the population cannot be overlooked when striving for sustainable development, underscoring the importance of prioritising gender diversity.
The IWN Southern Region Leadership Conclave Say Yes 2025, themed “Reimagine a Better Tomorrow,” seeks to create a platform where women leaders, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and change makers come together to share insights, inspire action, and foster collaboration for a more equitable and sustainable future. This is the 6th edition of the leadership conclave and is scheduled on 12-13 February 2025 in Hyderabad.
Say Yes 2025 invites us to envision a future where leadership, innovation, and progress are inclusive and sustainable. The theme “Reimagine a Better tomorrow” goes beyond incremental change—it calls for a radical rethink of how we approach challenges and opportunities. In just over two decades, India will celebrate 100 years of independence. Today, Say Yes provides a platform for us to envision the future we aspire to and to chart our course accordingly.
Shifting the Power Paradigm:
The traditional understanding of power is shifting. Today’s leaders, particularly women, are embracing a new Power Paradigm—one that is rooted in collaboration, empathy, and inclusivity.
This paradigm shift challenges hierarchical, command-and-control models of leadership, replacing them with approaches that emphasize shared success and collective empowerment. The conclave will showcase how women are transforming power dynamics in corporate boardrooms, policy arenas, and grassroots movements, creating spaces where leadership is less about authority and more about positive, lasting impact.
Reimagining Leadership:
Traditionally, leadership models have been defined by hierarchical structures, with limited room for diverse voices. Say Yes 2025 reimagines leadership as something that brings innovation, collaboration, empathy and inclusivity to the systems - to the businesses or to communities. Women leaders bring unique perspectives and strengths, often driving change through cooperation, resilience, and creativity.
Say Yes 2025 will explore how these evolving leadership models can be elevated and applied in different sectors—in organizations, communities, as well as in broader society.
Resilience:
In a world marked by disruption and rapid transformation, resilience has become a critical leadership trait. Women leaders have long exemplified the ability to persevere through adversity, turning challenges into opportunities for growth and innovation.
Say Yes 2025 looks to uncover powerful stories of resilience, revealing how leaders have not only weathered personal and organizational crises but turned them into opportunities for transformation. These stories will offer a deep dive into the strategies and mindsets that helped them pivot, innovate, and thrive in the face of adversity. The Conclave will also examine how women leaders are reimagining leadership to not only foster innovation but to also drive meaningful, long-term impact. By adopting leadership models based on collaboration, empathy, and inclusivity, we can create systems that are more agile, equitable, and sustainable.
Participants will gain insights into how resilience can be harnessed as a catalyst for growth, learning to build leadership that is not only adaptive to change but also anticipates and shapes the future. Through these compelling narratives, the conclave will inspire leaders to embrace resilience as a driving force for dynamic and future-ready leadership.
Reimagine Energy - Equity - Evolution:
A better tomorrow cannot exist without equity. Equity transcends the idea of equal opportunities; it calls for breaking how structural barriers that hinder progress for women, particularly in leadership.
The conclave will spotlight the creation of genuinely inclusive environments, where diverse voices aren’t just heard but are integral to shaping decisions and driving change. True equity in leadership goes beyond representation—it’s about empowering women with the resources, platforms, strong allyship, and networks they need to thrive. SayYes 2025 hopes to provide insights on how to unlock potential to lead with confidence, create networks of influence and make meaningful impact within the ecosystem.
The energy that women bring to leadership is a driving force for transformation. It is this energy, combined with the willingness to evolve, that enables women to adapt to new challenges and innovate in ways that redefine industries and communities.
Evolution in leadership is about constant growth—reshaping strategies, mindsets, and approaches in response to an ever-changing world. The Say Yes Leadership Conclave will explore how energy and evolution come together to fuel leadership that is both dynamic and forward-thinking.
The Personal Journeys and Success:
Every leadership journey is unique, shaped by individual experiences, challenges, and milestones. The Conclave will shine a spotlight on the diverse paths taken to achieve success—be it through entrepreneurial ventures, corporate leadership, or grassroots movements.
These stories are not just about professional achievements but about resilience in the face of adversity, overcoming systemic barriers, and creating new opportunities for themselves and others.
Collaborations & Support Systems:
No leader thrives in isolation. Reimagining a better tomorrow also means fostering strong networks of support and collaboration. Through one-on-one interactions, panel discussions, and networking sessions, the Say Yes 2025 Leadership Conclave will facilitate partnerships that are essential for women to rise together. These collaborations will help build a more connected and supportive ecosystem for women to lead effectively.
A Vision for Tomorrow
As we reimagine a better tomorrow, this conclave encourages women to take charge of their narrative and leadership journey, challenge existing norms, and envision a future where leadership is a shared and transformative experience. By weaving together Resilience, Equity -Energy -Evolution, and the shifting Power Paradigm, the SAYYES 2025 Leadership Conclave aims to inspire a new generation of leaders.
Say Yes aspires to be the platform for women to share their stories, insights, and strategies, fostering a collaborative space where leadership is redefined. Together, we will reimagine a future shaped by the strength and vision of inclusive leadership paving the way for a better tomorrow.
The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) works to create and sustain an environment conducive to the development of India, partnering Industry, Government and civil society, through advisory and consultative processes.
CII is a non-government, not-for-profit, industry-led and industry-managed organization, with around 9000 members from the private as well as public sectors, including SMEs and MNCs, and an indirect membership of over 300,000 enterprises from 286 national and regional sectoral industry bodies.
For more than 125 years, CII has been engaged in shaping India's development journey and works proactively on transforming Indian Industry's engagement in national development. CII charts change by working closely with Government on policy issues, interfacing with thought leaders, and enhancing efficiency, competitiveness and business opportunities for industry through a range of specialized services and strategic global linkages. It also provides a platform for consensus-building and networking on key issues.
Extending its agenda beyond business, CII assists industry to identify and execute corporate citizenship programmes.
Partnerships with civil society organizations carry forward corporate initiatives for integrated and inclusive development across diverse domains including affirmative action, livelihoods, diversity management, skill development, empowerment of women, and sustainable development, to name a few.
As India completes 75 years of Independence in 2022, it must position itself for global leadership with a long-term vision for India@100 in 2047. The role played by Indian industry will be central to the country's progress and success as a nation. CII, with the Theme for 2022-23 as Beyond India@75: Competitiveness, Growth, Sustainability, Internationalisation has prioritized 7 action points under these 4 sub-themes that will catalyze the journey of the country towards the vision of India@100.
With 62 offices, including 10 Centres of Excellence, in India, and 8 overseas offices in Australia, Egypt, Germany, Indonesia, Singapore, UAE, UK, and USA, as well as institutional partnerships with 350 counterpart organizations in 133 countries, CII serves as a reference point for Indian industry and the international business community.
In 2013, CII launched the Indian Women Network (IWN) with a vision of co-creatingecosystems that enable women to live up to their full economic potential. Through advocacy, knowledge creation and on-ground interventions, IWN strives to promote equal opportunities for women to participate, grow and flourish in the Indian economy. With presence in 16 States, 8 Zones and 1 Union Territory across India, IWN actively engage its members on leadership, wellbeing, gender diversity, mentorship & networking.
IWN works towards enabling women to become better professionals and achievers in their respective fields through initiatives and activities to facilitate a supportive network; a platform to learn and exchange ideas and an avenue to network and grow. This is supplemented by exposing women to new opportunities presented by the ecosystem with the objective of inclusion and growth of women in the workforce and in enhancing their contribution to the progress of India.
IWN is spread around the country; in the cities of Delhi, Chandigarh, Rajasthan, Assam, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Bihar, Goa, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Aurangabad, Pune, Kolhapur, Indore, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, Coimbatore, Salem and Erode.
With 9 active chapters across Southern States, IWN is actively engaging its members across policy advocacy, leadership, wellbeing, gender diversity, mentorship and networking. IWN works to ensure that women are an intrinsic & equitable partners in the workforce through initiatives that will have an impact on their lives, livelihood and in getting growth back. In line with the CII's theme for its 125th year, "Building India for the New World", IWN pledges to build an inclusive, sustainable and a balanced nation by instilling gender parity across all forms of economic participation.
Steering Committee
Champion - Leadership Dev Pillar,
IWN-SR & Executive Director
Federal Bank
Chairperson, IWN - SR &
Vice President - HR
Trane Technologies
Deputy Chairperson, IWN - SR &
Chief Executive Officer
Rane Madras Ltd
Lead, Leadership Dev. Pillar,
IWN - SR & Regional Director - HR
Lennox India Technology Centre Pvt Ltd
Co-Lead - Women as Entrepreneurs,
IWN - SR & Co-Founder & Director
SnackerStreet Pvt Ltd
Co-Lead - Women in Tech,
IWN - SR & Founder
Itzserene Digital Services Pvt Ltd
Co-Lead - Women in Manufacturing,
IWN-SR & Founder & Director
Kosh Innovations
Lead, Membership Eng & Branding,
IWN - SR & Global Leader - Diversity 360,
Culture & Belonging Hitachi Energy
Co-Lead, Membership Eng &
Branding, IWN - SR &
Talent Enhancement Consultant
Lead, Policy & Advocacy, IWN - SR &
Director, Global communs and Partner Eng
Access Health International
Chairwoman, IWN Tamil Nadu &
Executive Director
The Indian Public School
Lead, Mentorship Pillar, IWN - SR &
Head - Wellness Function & CSR
Brandix India Apparel City Pvt Ltd
Co-Lead - Mentorship Pillar,
IWN - SR &
Independent Consultant
Past Chairwoman, IWN Kerala &
Founder Director
Antara Consultancy
Chairwoman, IWN Karnataka &
Founder
Kid & Parent Foundation
Vice Chairwoman, IWN Tamil Nadu &
Senior Resident Partner
Kochhar & Company
Chairwoman, IWN Puducherry &
Director
Outtamane's Zen Dental
Speakers
Chairperson, CII-SR; Past Chairperson, IWN-SR & Managing Director
Chandra Textiles Pvt Ltd
Chairperson, IWN - SR & Vice President - HR
Trane Technologies
Chairman, CII Telangana & Executive Director
Bharat Biotech International Ltd, India
Deputy Chairperson, IWN - SR &
Chief Executive Officer
Rane Madras Ltd
Champion - Leadership Dev. Pillar,
IWN-SR & Executive Director
Federal Bank
Lead, Leadership Dev. Pillar, IWN-SR & Regional Director - HR
Lennox India Technology Centre Pvt Ltd
Strategic Infrastructure and Business Turnaround Adviser, Former MD
Ramboll India
Chairman
Nucleon Research Pvt. Ltd.
Vice President – HR
Oracle India
Chief Executive Officer
BCT Digital
Director of E-Commerce & New Initiatives
Cavinkare
Senior VP International Tech and Head of India Tech Hub (ITH)
Lululemon
Champion - Memb Eng and Branding Pillar, IWN-SR & Vice Chairperson
Elico Ltd
Global Consultant
McKinsy & Company, New York
Director
Biovet Pvt Ltd
Founder
Lighthouse
Co-founder & Director R&D
Aikairos Pvt Ltd
Champion, Policy & Advocacy Pillar, IWN-SR & Managing Director
Patra India BPO Services Pvt Ltd
Indian Writer and Historian
Champion – Policy & Advocacy Pillar, IWN-SR & Co-Founder & Director
IndePenn Connections Pvt Ltd
Chairman
Academy for Creative Teaching
Chief Human Resource Officer
Saint-Gobain Group India
Champion, Mentorship Pillar, IWN-SR & Director
Alpla India Pvt Ltd
Head - Partnerships
Ideassion Group of Companies
Director General - Prodn Coorndination & Services Interaction
DRDO
Manager – Channel Marketing & Customer Acquisition
Saint-Gobain India Ltd
Lead Analyst – Talent Management
Lennox India Technology Centre Pvt Ltd
Corporate Trainer & Training Consultant
Agenda | ||
Day I - 12 February 2025 | ||
0900 - 1000 hrs | Registration | |
Suggested – 5 to 10 minutes (Playing Videos) | ||
1000 - 1115 hrs: Inaugural Session | ||
1000 - 1005 hrs | Lamp Lighting | |
1005 - 1010 hrs | Opening Address | Ms Hema Mani Lead, Leadership Development Vertical, IWN – SR & Regional Director – HR Lennox India Technology Centre Pvt Ltd |
1011 - 1018 hrs | Address | Ms Shirin Salis Chairperson, IWN – Southern Region & Vice President - HR |
1019 - 1034 hrs | Special Address | Mr Sai Prasad Chairman, CII Telangana & Executive Director |
1035 - 1050 hrs | Inaugural Address | Ms Geetanjali Kirloskar Chairperson & MD |
1051 - 1109 hrs | Keynote Address | Dr Nandini R CII – SR Chairperson Past Chairwoman, IWN – SR & Managing Director |
1110 - 1115 hrs | Concluding Remarks | Ms Gowri Kailasam Deputy Chairperson, IWN – SR & Chief Executive Officer |
1115 – 1120 hrs | Session Changeover | |
1120 - 1145 hrs: Fireside Chat on “Shifting the Power Paradigm” The traditional understanding of power is shifting and undergoing a bold transformation. Today’s leaders, particularly women, are embracing a new Power Paradigm—one that is rooted in collaboration, empathy, and inclusivity. The inspiring session showcases how trailblazing women ably supported by an ecosystem of allies, are dismantling traditional hierarchies, reshaping senior leadership right up to boardrooms, and shifting policy landscapes. These trailblazers are not just driving change; they're igniting a new era of leadership centered on shared success and profound impact. Ms Vidya Basarkod, Strategic Infrastructure and Business Turnaround Adviser, Former MD, Ramboll India Moderated by: Ms Gowri Kailasam, Deputy Chairperson, IWN – SR & Chief Executive Officer, Rane Madras Ltd | ||
1145 - 1215 hrs: Tea Break & Speed Networking Speed Networking / Say Hello: Facilitated by Dr Usha Pantula, Co-Lead, Mentorship Pillar, IWN SR & Independent Consultant and Ms Aparna Athreya, Chairwoman, IWN Karnataka & Founder – Kid & Parent Foundation (Storytelling with Networking) | ||
1220 - 1300 hrs : Panel on ‘The Leadership Playbook- Redefined - for India@100’ As India approaches its 100th year of independence, leadership is evolving from rigid hierarchies to more inclusive, collaborative models. Women leaders are at the forefront of this shift, bringing fresh perspectives and leading with resilience, creativity, and cooperation. This session will delve into how visionary leaders are transforming workplaces with agility, innovation, and a focus on shared success. The Session will explore how these emerging leadership models are being applied across sectors, organizations, and communities to drive impact, and how they can elevate India’s role in the global economy. This discussion is our attempt to discover how these changemakers are redefining success, shaping dynamic work environments, and preparing India’s workforce for the future. A powerful conversation that holds promise for insights on the future of leadership and India’s path to global influence. (Panel Focus: Emerging trends in leadership, India’s role in the global economy, intersectional leadership strategies) Panel Speakers: Ms Jaya Vaidhyanathan, Chief Executive Officer, BCT Digital Ms Shobha Dixit, Champion, Mentorship Pillar, IWN-SR & Director, Alpla India Pvt Ltd Dr Rashi Mehrotra, Co-founder & Director R&D, Aikairos Pvt Ltd In Conversation with: Dr Vanitha Datla, Past Chairperson, IWN SR & Vice Chairperson, Elico Ltd | ||
1300 - 1400 hrs | Luncheon Networking | |
1400 – 1500 hrs | Masterclass on “Centered Leadership: How to Stay in the Game” By Ms Anala Padmanabha, Global Consultant, McKinsey & Company, New York Key Takeaways:
| |
1505 – 1535 hrs | Fireside Chat on "Leading Together: How Strategic Alliances Drive Success in Today’s Corporate World" In this fireside chat, two distinguished leaders—one a male ally and the other a woman leader—will delve into the changing dynamics of leadership in corporate India. Focusing on collaboration, resilience, and adaptability, they’ll discuss how these qualities shape the future of organizations and drive sustainable success in a rapidly evolving landscape. Speaker: Mr Robin Banerjee, Chairman, Nucleon Research Pvt. Ltd. Moderated by: Ms Shalini Warrier, Champion, Leadership Advancement Pillar, IWN-SR & Executive Director, Federal Bank | |
1540 – 1555 hrs | Spotlight Session (TEDx Style) on “Shining a Light: Inspiring Stories of Achievement” Spotlight Speakers: Ms Sinjini Sengupta, Founder, Lighthouse Introduction by Dr T Vasudha, Lead, Mentorship Pillar, IWN-SR & Head-Wellness Function & CSR, Brandix India Apparel City Pvt Ltd | |
16:00-16:15 hrs | Networking break | |
1615 – 1700 hrs: Spotlight Session on “Queens of Change: Reimagining Leadership Through the Legacy of the Ivory Throne” In Conversation with Mr Manu S Pillai, Indian Writer and Historian Ms Rajani Seshadri, Past Chairperson, IWN SR & Co-Founder & Director, IndePenn Connections Pvt Ltd | ||
1705 - 1745 hrs: Panel on Cross-Generational Leadership: Building Bridges for the Future This session features an inspiring conversation with a mother-daughter leadership duo, who exemplify what it means to lead with resilience and inner strength. Their journey illustrates that true leadership comes from within, unlocking confidence, clarity, and purpose rather than seeking external validation. This discussion will emphasize the importance of resilience rooted in self-belief. Together, they will explore the unique strengths and perspectives that each generation brings to the table, highlighting how collaboration, shared values, and innovation can drive long-term success. From steering through complex business environments to fostering meaningful impact beyond the organisation, they throw light on how leadership can shape the future with authenticity and purpose. Panelists: Ms Smita Vaish Agarwal, Past Chairperson, IWN National & Director & CFO, PTC Industries Dr Jalachari Ella, Director, Biovet Pvt Ltd Ms. Amudhavalli Ranganathan, Director of E-Commerce & New Initiatives, Cavinkare Moderated by: Ms Shirin Salis, Chairperson, IWN – Southern Region & Vice President - HR Trane Technologies | ||
1900 onwards - IWN’s Got Talent & Dinner Facilitated by: Ms Kirthika Shivkumar, Chairwoman, IWN Tamil Nadu & ED, The Indian Public School Dr Kavipriya, Chairwoman, IWN Puducherry & Director, Outtamane’s Zen Dental Ms Pavani Bujala, Member, IWN Telangana & Associate Delivery Manager, SenecaGlobal |
Day II - 13 February 2025 | ||
0900 - 0930 hrs - Welcome and Recap of Day I | ||
0930-1015 hrs Fireside Chat with Ms Vani Kola*, Founder and Managing Director, Kalaari Capital Moderated by Shalini Warrier, Champion, Leadership Advancement Pillar, IWN-SR & Executive Director, Federal Bank | ||
1015 – 1030 hrs – Experience Sharing by Delegates participated in IWN-SR & SHRM Leadership Programme Spotlight Speakers: Ms Vrushali Shah, Manager– Channel Marketing & Customer Acquisition, Saint-Gobain India Ltd Ms Lavanya Chandrasekar, Lead Analyst – Talent Management, Lennox India Technology Centre Pvt Ltd | ||
1030 – 1045 hrs – Experience Sharing by Mentees of IWN-SR Evempower Leadership Mentoring Programme Ms Laura L Kishore, Corporate Trainer & Training Consultant Ms Uma Veeramani, Co-Lead, Campus-to-Career Vertical, IWN Tamil Nadu & Head - Partnerships, Ideassion Group of Companies | ||
1115 - 1130 hrs - Networking & bio-break | ||
1135 - 1230 hrs - Masterclass on “Creative Leadership” By Dr Gururaj Karajagi, Chairman, Academy for Creative Teaching Introduction by Ms Nandini Sarkar, Lead, Membership Engagement & Branding Pillar, IWN SR & Global Leader – Diversity 360, Culture and Belonging, Hitachi Energy The focus of this masterclass session is on Creative Leadership. We will explore our emotional and perceptual blocks that prevent our creative outlet. Dr Karajagi is a compassionate and passionate learner of the Art of creativity and will facilitate this session with games that are developed by him over the years. One of the finer aspects of unleashing creativity for optimum performance is Attitude. Dr Karjagi will delve into the elements and qualities of acceptable leadership. | ||
1235 - 1310 hrs: Panel on “Equity Forward: Reimagining a Better Tomorrow” A better tomorrow hinges on equity, which can only be achieved through advocating for and implementing systemic changes that promote equity and inclusivity. Equity goes beyond equal opportunities; it requires dismantling structural barriers that hinder women’s progress, especially in leadership roles. This session will explore the vital importance of gender-responsive policies and how leaders can champion meaningful systemic changes. Together, we will spotlight the creation of truly inclusive environments where diverse voices are not just heard but are essential in shaping decisions and driving transformative change. Panelists: Mr Balachandar Gurumurthy, Vice President – Human Resources, Oracle India Ms Ramya Sampath Sharma, Chief Human Resource Officer, Saint-Gobain Group India Mr Vaidyanathan Seshan, Senior VP International Tech and Head of India Tech Hub (ITH) Ms Lakshmi Mukkavilli, Past Chairperson, IWN-SR & Managing Director, Patra India BPO Services Pvt Ltd Lululemon Moderated by – Ms Hema Mani, Lead, Leadership Development Vertical, IWN – SR & Regional Director – HR, Lennox India Technology Centre Pvt Ltd | ||
1315 - 1415 hrs | Luncheon Networking | |
1420 - 1440 hrs - QUIZ Activity Conducted by Ms Aparna Devagiri, Lead, Policy & Advocacy Pillar, IWN Karnataka & Founder, Tomoe Consulting / Dr Sindhuja Varma, Past Chairwoman, IWN Kerala & Founder-Director, Antara Consultancy | ||
1445 - 1515hrs: Valedictory Session: Reimagine Tomorrow As we reimagine a better tomorrow, this closing session calls on women to own their narrative, lead with purpose, and challenge the status quo. The conclave envisions a future where leadership is a shared, transformative journey driven by Resilience, Equity, Energy, and Evolution. Through this lens, the *SAYYES 2025 Leadership Conclave* seeks to inspire the new generation toward bold, forward-thinking leadership, shifting the power paradigm to create lasting impact. As we reimagine a brighter future, this closing session empowers women to own their narratives, lead with purpose, and boldly challenge the status quo. The conclave envisions a future where leadership is a shared, transformative journey fueled by Resilience, Equity, Energy, and Evolution. Through this lens, the SAYYES 2025 Leadership Conclave aims to inspire a new generation of bold, forward-thinking leaders, shifting the power paradigm to create lasting impact. Together, we can forge a path toward a more equitable and dynamic tomorrow, creating lasting impact. | ||
1445 - 1450 hrs | Remarks | Ms Shirin Salis Chairperson, IWN – Southern Region & Vice President - HR |
1450 - 1510 hrs | Special Address | Dr Chandrika Kaushik Director General - Production Coordination & ServicesInteraction, DRDO |
1510 - 1515 hrs | Valedictory Address | TBD |
1525 - 1530 hrs | Closing Remarks | Ms Gowri Kailasam Deputy Chairperson, IWN – SR & Chief Executive Officer Rane Madras Ltd |
1530 - 1545 hrs | Photo Op & Networking | |
1545 hrs | Session close |