Not so long ago, getting the key to the CEO’s cabin meant a decades-long, linear stint in the corporate world. But today’s fast-paced business environment has brought another kind of leader to the fore: one who can constantly innovate, keep pace with sudden shifts, and adapt to changing business climates.

These leaders may have lesser experience in executive roles and varied departments, but are setting a new standard through their leadership and management. Meet the 12 business leaders redefining success with transformative strategies:

01. Adil Qadri, Founder, Adil Qadri Perfume

In 2019, Adil Qadri launched his luxury fragrance brand, swiftly gaining traction with 80,000 monthly orders through savvy digital marketing. His appearance on Shark Tank India Season 3 secured a Rs 1 crore investment, fuelling his brand’s rapid success. Driven by his father’s legacy, Qadri sought to modernise classic fragrances. From his home in Bilimora, he distributed free samples to friends and family, perfecting his formulas. His brand has since soared to 14 lakh orders and Rs 7 crore in monthly revenue, expanding to 15 stores across India and Dubai. His latest creation, Aq365 Perfume Best For Summer, combines sophistication with freshness. Qadri’s groundbreaking approach to perfumery establishes him as a pioneering force, offering consumers an exquisite sensory experience.

2. Sujit Jha and Subh Jha, Founders, Legal Salah Global

With a vision and an emphasis on the fact that millions of people need proper legal and financial guidance to help them navigate challenging situations in their lives, dynamic legal professionals Sujit Jha and Subh Jha set up Legal Salah. Óne of India’s fastest growing online financial and taxation companies, it has a top team offering advice to startups, entrepreneurs, and people. After five years of working in India, Legal Salah has turned global. The company, which aims to not only dominate the UAE market but also use it as a springboard for global reach, has completed eight years of giving the best legal services.

3.Steven Ko, CEO, O’right 

Steven Ko, CEO of Taiwanese beauty brand O’right, exemplifies visionary leadership through his company’s commitment to sustainability. For O’right’s 20th anniversary, Ko eschewed traditional celebrations, focusing instead on a documentary on climate change. Following unprecedented rainfall on Greenland’s summit in 2021, Ko put the spotlight on the dire consequences of melting ice on global sea levels. The green beauty and hair care brand aims for high performance products that are healthy for people and healthy for the earth. Ko has guided O’right to achieve carbon neutrality since 2020, bolstering its reputation as a leading sustainable brand. The company’s headquarters in Taoyuan City exemplifies this, with zero-waste systems and energy-efficient designs. O’right’s innovative line of zero-carbon beauty and personal care products reflect its commitment to environmental stewardship, resonating with an increasingly eco-conscious consumer base.

4. Saurabh Singh, CEO, Appinventiv

Saurabh Singh is a serial entrepreneur, an inspiring youth leader, and the CEO of Appinventiv, a digital engineering giant with 1,600+ tech experts. Using his ideology of chasing profits over profitability, Singh has bootstrapped multiple startups to multimillion dollars in annual revenues. His vision has helped Appinventiv strengthen its client portfolio in the US, the UK, Europe, MENA, and Australia, adding global enterprises like Adidas, Americana, KPMG, IKEA, and multiple federal entities of India and Qatar.

Under Singh’s leadership, Appinventiv has grown to be one of the top 50 high-growth IT companies in the APAC region, as accredited by Deloitte and Statista. He actively shares unique insights and key lessons learned from his 12+ years of entrepreneurial journey on LinkedIn.

5. Manas Chhabra, Director, Flash Digital Solutions

Manas Chhabra, the mastermind behind Flash Digital Solutions, is a serial entrepreneur. He injects every venture with innovative strategies and unwavering dedication. Since its inception in 2018, Flash Digital Solutions has grown under Chhabra’s visionary leadership.

The company is the premier destination for growth marketing and blends creativity with strategic insights to propel brands, including Lenskart, Aiwa, Dalmia Tea, and Chukde Spices, to success. Its tailored campaigns captivate audiences and deliver measurable results, ensuring brand recall in today’s fiercely competitive market.

6. Rajeev Baid, Managing Director, Okayti, and Founder, Chai Chun

Rajeev Baid is reshaping India’s tea landscape and envisioning a vibrant future for the nation’s tea culture. As the Managing Director of Okayti and Founder of Chai Chun, India’s leading tea boutique, Baid’s journey – from humble beginnings in Kishanganj to spearheading Okayti Tea Estate and the Evergreen Tea Group – is a testament to his commitment to innovation and quality.

Baid’s forward-thinking approach extends beyond the present, and aiming to revolutionise India’s tea-drinking experience. At Chai Chun, he has curated a unique collection, transcending traditional chai and offering a glimpse into the future of tea appreciation. He continues to shape the narrative of India’s tea industry, leading the way towards a future where tea enthusiasts can savour a diverse and elevated tea experience.

7. Sumit Jain, Founder and CEO, Nortek LED

Sumit Jain is a visionary entrepreneur who is passionate about innovation and sustainable technologies. Born and raised in Mumbai, he completed his undergraduate degree in engineering from DJ Sanghvi College, where he developed his skills and fostered his entrepreneurial drive. In 2014, Jain established Nortek, a dynamic LED lighting startup dedicated to providing cutting-edge solutions that combine creativity with environmental conscience. His continuous pursuit of perfection as well as his commitment to sustainability have established the brand as a market leader in the LED lighting sector. Jain is actively interested in efforts that promote environmental sustainability and technical innovation.

8. Deepika Sharma, Co-founder, Hempstrol Pharma

Hempstrol, India’s leading medical cannabis company, is celebrating its fifth year of success in providing top-quality cannabis medicines. Founded by Deepika Sharma, Hempstrol has transformed the medical landscape in India. Sharma’s relentless efforts and work with lawmakers and regulatory authorities have made cannabis medicines a legal treatment option for many. Her dedication has resulted in improved lives for countless patients and continues to pave the way for broader acceptance and availability of CBD Oil India, marking a significant milestone in the country’s healthcare sector.

9. Aankith Aroraa, Founder and CEO, Streamline Beauty India

Passionate and hardworking with a will to win, Aankith Aroraa, the Founder and CEO of Streamline Beauty India Private Limited is redefining the distribution of salon professional range of products in India. Aroraa’s ability to learn new things, alongside his enthusiasm for building brands, is inspiring. His company is not only one of the leaders in the salon professional segment in India but also deals in omnichannel. The founder believes that leadership is about setting realistic goals that grow over time, based on our achievements. “Instead of chasing big, audacious dreams, it’s better to aim for steady, incremental progress. This way, we meet expectations and keep the team’s morale high,” he says.

10. Arjun Bhargava, Founder, Forest Hill

Arjun Bhargava, the founder of Forest Hill, comes from a finance background but his childhood fascination for luxury brands and products led him to dive into the grooming industry, a field that he naturally felt passionate about. In 2022, at the age of 23, Bhargava founded Forest Hill with a bold vision: to provide men with high quality, affordable luxury grooming products. The brand embodies his commitment to delivering affordable luxury and empowers men to elevate their grooming routines. Bhargava’s leadership is characterised by his visionary approach and commitment to quality. He fosters a culture of excellence within Forest Hill, ensuring that every product meets the highest standards.

11. Sai Santosh Althuru, CEO and Co-founder, and Krishna Mohan Meenavalli, Founder, String Metaverse 

Founded during the COVID-19 pandemic, String Metaverse set out to provide alternative income sources and drive innovation in the digital realm. What started as a simple play-to-earn platform has swiftly evolved into a pioneering Web3 startup. Led by Sai Santosh Althuru and Krishna Mohan Meenavalli, it aims to create a GameFi ecosystem that turns digital transactions into engaging and rewarding games, enhancing user self-reliance. String Metaverse offers a variety of games for different age groups, seamlessly integrating finance, gaming, and the metaverse. The platform not only entertains but also empowers users economically, transforming every digital interaction into a valuable and enjoyable experience.

12. Vivek Surve, Co-founder, Oreo One Digital

Mumbai-based Oreo One Digital is a full-service agency that offers services like public relations, social media, digital marketing, and influencer Marketing among others. The one-stop solution for all brand requirements aims to solve problems, craft stories, and create digital experiences across all media. Vivek Surve believes that “leadership is a catalyst for positive change” and that it’s “not just about profits; it’s about making a meaningful difference”. “Recognising that adaptability is important, I advocate for a shift from traditional, rigid targets to more dynamic objectives that embrace innovation and inclusivity. This involves cultivating a culture where continuous learning is the norm. I encourage my team to embrace failure as a stepping stone to success and to view challenges as opportunities for growth,” he says.