From Calcutta to Commander of the British Empire

Today’s guest is someone who’s spent decades making sure brilliant women don’t go unnoticed. Pinky Lilani CBE was born in Calcutta in 1954 and educated at Sophia College in Bombay and Loreto College at the University of Calcutta. But it’s what she’s built since then that’s really remarkable.

She’s the founder and chair of the Asian Women of Achievement Awards, the Women of the Future Award, and the Global Empowerment Award, platforms that have recognised thousands of influential women and leaders.

She’s also an Indian cookery specialist and runs her own business, Spice Magic Ltd. In 2007, she received a CBE for her work celebrating women’s achievements, and she’s been called one of Britain’s most entrepreneurial women.

In this conversation, we dig into what drove her to start recognising women in the first place, the pushback she faced, and whether she’s actually seen things change over the years. We talk about what makes a successful entrepreneur, and the lessons she’s learned from meeting thousands of incredible women.

Plus, she shares some stories about the celebrities she’s met along the way, from Cherie Blair to Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh.

This is a conversation about perseverance, purpose, and what it really takes to champion change.