In today’s fast-paced world, traditional networking is evolving. The transactional approach is giving way to deeper, more meaningful connections that can transform our professional and personal lives. One person who epitomizes this shift is Pinky Lilani, a visionary in women’s leadership. For over twenty-five years, Lilani has been a beacon of change, creating platforms that spotlight women’s potential and success.
Lilani’s journey began with the launch of the Asian Women of Achievement Awards in 1999. At a time when women’s leadership was gaining momentum, there was little focus on ethnic diversity, in fact there is no data on Asian women holding leadership roles in this period; the first publication recording women holding C-suite and board roles in the FTSE 100 was produced by Cranfield Business School in 1999. There was no discussion about quotas or raising the profile of Asian women into leadership roles.
Lilani saw an opportunity to change this. “When we started with the awards, I didn’t think we needed another platform, but I’ve seen the women coming forward. They have used this opportunity to promote themselves and define different ways of success,” she explains. Today, over 2,500 women have been profiled through the Women of the Future and Asian Women of Achievement Awards.
Creating a critical mass of women who have benefitted from her platform and hasshifted the narrative for what success looks like for women from diverse ethnic backgrounds. In turn this opens up important converszations to shift the culture across the wider community, as Lilani explains; “They are having conversations about work and family, which is becoming even more important to discuss across the Asian community. I can see women reaching out, breaking barriers, and making a difference with more confidence. For me, it’s so important to do something you really believe in rather than just thinking you should do for success.”
Lilani’s entrepreneurial spirit is evident in her unconventional approach. Three weeks after marrying her husband, she realized she couldn’t cook and had no intention of working. Yet, she launched a business around cooking as a leadership team-building exercise for corporate clients. “I’ve just followed what I believe in, which is the best version of myself. I’ve never been afraid of failure. I think people are afraid, but you learn so much from your failures,” she says.
Her portfolio of projects links the thread, creating opportunities through connections that work across sectors and regions. These connections’ power is building meaningful relationships rather than short-term transactions. Lilani shares why she focuses on this area; “We can’t do anything alone. We all know that the intellectual and emotional quotients are very important. I add another: your communication quotient, communication, and connecting takes courage and curiosity.” In this conversation on connections, there is no emphasis on reciprocity. It may seem romantic, but she is talking about altruism, helping someone else who may not be able to repay you. Altruistic behavior doesn’t often come into leadership discussions. Still, it is essential to recognize the value of these connections and raise the spotlight for others. It is hardly surprising then that kindness has become necessary in Lilani’s work. “What I’m concentrating on today is what drives business. I think the focus is shifting on how leaders can improve society and change the world. Of course, some leaders aren’t like that, but I think if we are fortunate, we can have corporate leaders who work on this, and you can choose where to go and spot kindness. Being kind matters in the long run, but people focus on what they need in the short term and don’t take the broader perspective.”
There is increasing evidence of a correlation between kindness, trust, and better performance. Collaboration, which is more beneficial than mere cooperation, requires trust and a willingness to truly listen and develop new ideas. Lilani channels the importance of kindness, encouraging participants to share their knowledge and experiences. Paying it forward, particularly to younger women starting in their careers, is a critical trait in the work through the Awards ceremonies; beyond formal leadership seminars, Lilani works to keep creating connections. What drives Lilani to keep moving is very simple: kindness. “It is my mantra that you have not lived a perfect day unless you’ve done something for someone who can never repay you,” she says.
Lilani’s legacy is a testament to the power of seeing the world differently and she demonstrates. Her work continues to inspire and create lasting change, proving that meaningful connections and kindness can indeed transform the world.