Beacons of global excellence

NRIs have been internalising cultural values, education, and leadership to excel in business and governance—shaping policies, redefining corporate roles, and inspiring future generations with their global impact

- PRIYADARSHINI G ROY

On-resident Indians (NRIs) have frequently hoisted the flag of India high with stark patriotism and placed value on culture while building global empires in technology, medicine, media, business, government, and local communities with immense impact. The image of NRIs has habitually been glamorized in films but seldom studied before international success stories emerge. While many NRI individuals may go through periods of displacement, isolation, hyper-independence, multi-tasking, and a lack of multi-generational family support, these struggles and strengths are often overlooked and undiscussed.

The NRI diaspora unequivocally becomes unofficial ambassadors of the nation in their respective fields, making a global impact. With the increase of Indian Americans winning and emerging as government leaders in the 2024 US elections, its impact on business leadership remains hopeful.

This surge in political representation is significant, as it reflects the growing voice of Indian Americans in shaping US policy which can also create a potential ripple effect on Indian-origin business leaders. The rise of Indian-origin CEOs in global corporations marks an important shift in the corporate landscape, with leaders like Sundar Pichai (Google & Alphabet), Satya Nadella (Microsoft), Neal Mohan (YouTube), Shantanu Narayen (Adobe), Ajay Banga (World Bank Group), Leena Nair (Chanel), Jayshree Ullal (Arista Networks), Vasant Narasimhan (Novartis), and Vimal Kapur (Honeywell) among many other executive visionaries who all reflect a combination of individual talent, cultural resilience, and educational excellence. Their ascent symbolizes the increasing influence of the Indian diaspora on a global scale.