Executive Chairperson, Godrej Consumer Products Limited, Nisaba Godrej’s story resonates with many. She is making strides in the industry and shows us that with determination and the right opportunities, women can break barriers and lead with distinction.
By Amber Dias

Marching to the beat of her own drum, Nisaba or Nisa Godrej as she is known, has been stirring things up at Godrej Consumer Products Limited (GCPL) since she joined the company. A Wharton and Harvard Business School alumna, she made the ‘Forbes Asia’ Emergent 25 Asia’s Latest Star Businesswomen list in 2018, after taking over from her father Adi Godrej the previous year. She continues to steer the company forward, breaking barriers and fostering an empowered and inclusive culture as the Executive Chairperson of GCPL.

Taking Flight
Nisa’s journey has not been just about inheriting a legacy, but also about earning her place through hard work and determination. Under her leadership, GCPL expanded into international markets with remarkable speed. She spearheaded Project Leapfrog, which aimed to capture new markets, significantly boosting GCPL’s global identity. Her strategic acquisitions in Africa and Indonesia positioned the company as a formidable player in these regions. Beyond corporate policies, Nisa is a strong advocate for sustainability and social responsibility. She leads the Godrej Good & Green Initiative, focusing on environmental conservation and sustainable employment for underprivileged youth, particularly women.

Raising Others
Nisa’s tenure marked significant cultural changes within GCPL, emphasising meritocracy and inclusivity. She championed policies supporting work-life balance for women, including extended maternity leave and flexible working hours. She also initiated programmes to assist mid-career women returning to work.
As Executive Chairperson for Teach for India,
she supports equitable education nationwide.
A vocal supporter of LGBTQ+ rights, she inaugurated the 2017 Kashish Pride Film Festival, emphasising talent over gender, caste, or sexuality. She is a mentor and role model for aspiring women leaders and frequently engages in dialogues that address gender parity in the business world.

A Born Leader
Doing her best is what Nisa believes in most, whether at work or home. As a leader she brings a sense of empathy, innovation and decisiveness to the table that sets her apart. She knows what she’s doing and is unafraid to make the tough calls. Living in Mumbai with her husband Kalpesh Mehta and their two children, she embodies the dynamic balance of family commitment and professional excellence – but interestingly doesn’t put pressure on herself to deliver on every front. As she once said in an interview, “I have the ‘guilt’ gene missing. I don’t feel guilty that I am not doing enough with my kids and I don’t feel guilty that I am not doing enough at work. I am just doing my best. Sometimes, my best would be fabulous and sometimes I will be falling flat on my face. And this philosophy works out well for me.”