Rajshree Pathy, 53, Chairperson, Rajshree Sugars

Afourth generation businesswoman from Coimbatore, Pathy grew up to inherit a deep love of art from her mother. In fact, she still has the first M.F. Hussain painting she bought when she was barely 17. Since then she has collected many eclectic pieces, more as things of beauty than for resale. At the age of 34, she was drawn to manage her father's business in sugar after his sudden demise and was advised to sell it on the grounds that it was highly regulated, tough and non-profitable. But she is a contrarian and loves to experiment. Barren lands were transformed to thriving cane fields to ensure committed supplies she was among the earliest to introduce integration in the industry with cogeneration and ethanol production, and was also the first woman President of the Indian Sugar Mills Association. Her latest venture, however, takes her back to her passion the launch of Contemplate a forum that would educate ordinary students and people to appreciate art and make it less "elitist . Ayurveda and holistic healing have inspired her to promote a range of natural cosmetics called "Kama Ayurveda .

What does power mean to you?
The ability to give.

My most memorable experience at workplace.
When one of my farmers thanked me for making him a crorepati!

My favourite after-work activity.
Being with people I love.

The turning point of my career.
When my father dropped dead at age 52 and I decided to fulfil his vision.

To maintain work-life balance.
I listen to my inner voice and stay positive at all times.

New lessons learnt in 2009.
That life is good after the recession!

New frontiers conquered in 2009.
Stretching existing boundaries and creating new dreams.

What next?
CoCCA or Coimbatore College of Contemporary Art, which will be the finest art school in India! A passion to make quality art education accessible to all!

Resource: Business Today