First, let’s get some background on how Kiran Shaw got to speak at Hult. Hult’s Visionary Speaker Series is a series of exclusive events featuring thought leaders from across the world sharing their success stories and insights on what it takes to turn an idea into reality and bring about breakthrough innovation. So for the 2013-2014 academic year, we had the opportunity to hear her story.
Lunch With Kiran Shaw at The Address Hotel—Dubai
Usually, the executive director introduces the speaker. This year, Hult wanted to do things differently. They opened a competition for the best 2 speakers to introduce her at the event. Speakers across all class years pitched (from MBA to MIB to EMBA). I was one of the two finalists.
I was so inspired by Kiran Shaw’s story. My introductory speech was as follows:
In the past, the people who helped progressed humanity were our scientists, mathematicians, and philosophers if you recall the works of Leonardo the famous painter of the Last Supper; Darwin, who theorized the evolution of man or even Confucius who articulated the importance of life balance—the yin and yang— But today, the biggest influences of our time take on a different name, that of the entrepreneur. And it is perhaps without question that society’s greatest disruptions and innovations are sparked by these entrepreneurs. Think of Steve Jobs, Oprah Winfrey, or Muhammad Yunus… Each time we hear their stories, we are reminded of the indestructible power of entrepreneurship. We are reminded that ideas can revolutionize future realities. And we are also inspired by their contributions to society. Entrepreneurship today does not hold the simple definitions of the past. Entrepreneurs don’t just create enterprises; they initiate movements, challenge industries, and in some cases, leave behind a legacy. And today, we’d like to introduce you to a new story in this legacy. A story that began with 200 and a dream to revolutionize the medical industry straight out of her very backyard”
One of Forbes magazine’s “100 Most Powerful Women,” Kiran Mazumdar Shaw transformed Biocon, her $200 start-up, into India’s leading biotechnology company. Armed with a smart idea and great courage and determination, Kiran overcame social barriers associated with her gender to pioneer a new approach to affordable medication in India. Her journey from a determined 25-year-old entrepreneur working in her garage to India’s most successful self-made woman is an inspiring tale of the power of entrepreneurship and great leadership.
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