After Vikram’s passing, I felt absolutely alone. But leadership is about taking charge, managing stakeholders, and guiding the situation." – Geetanjali Vikram Kirloskar
Mumbai: At ABP Network’s Ideas of India 2025, Geetanjali Vikram Kirloskar, Chairperson & MD of Kirloskar Systems Pvt. Ltd. shared a powerful narrative of resilience, leadership and legacy. Speaking in the session titled ‘Transformative Leadership — Adapting to Change,’ she reflected on her journey of steering Kirloskar Systems through adversity while upholding its vision and values.
Reflecting on her journey, Geetanjali said, "Success comes with an enabling environment. When we brought Toyota to India, I joined my husband in that journey, supporting him in two joint ventures. After his passing, I remained committed to Kirloskar, doing everything I could for the company."
Addressing the impact of personal loss on leadership, she said, "Losing Vikram so suddenly was devastating emotionally and mentally. He was in his prime, and I could never replace him; he was better. In just seconds, I felt absolutely alone. But within a few days, I sent my relatives back and stood strong. Leadership means taking charge, managing stakeholders and guiding the situation. I chose to rely on myself."
Further highlighting the importance of purpose in overcoming crises, she stated, "Grief is not linear, it has its nuances. I think its God’s way of preparing you. Crisis transforms you. And it is your purpose that helps you navigate through it. You must define your objective and for me, that was carrying the Kirloskar legacy forward."
When asked if women are taken seriously, Geetanjali acknowledged subtle discrimination but also stressed the importance of confidence and credibility in earning one’s place. She praised her Japanese partners and coworkers for their inclusivity, stating, "Once they trust you, they accept you completely." She also noted the cultural parallels between India and Japan that have shaped her leadership.
On the future of Kirloskar Systems, she highlighted its seven joint ventures and her daughter's role in carrying the legacy forward. "With a team of 30,000 to 40,000 employees, we are driving our legacy together."
The ABP Network’s Ideas of India 2025, centred on the theme ‘Humanity’s Next Frontier’, will convene thought leaders and innovators to explore the challenges and opportunities in India’s ascendance in a rapidly changing world. In the face of climate change, geopolitical conflicts, and technological advancements like AI, the summit delved into India’s role as both an ancient civilisation and a demographic powerhouse in shaping the future. The two-day summit brings together a confluence of ideas by global thought leaders, intellectuals, and change-makers, covering transformative possibilities in science, medicine, social contracts, and global leadership, with experts from diverse fields offering bold visions of a better, more sustainable world for all.