Urvi Piramal, 57, Chairperson, Peninsula Land and Ashok Piramal Group

Real estate is normally considered the preserve of men. But Urvi Piramal never thought of it that way: not only does she head Peninsula Land, but she has also set benchmarks for the industry. When most real estate companies were staggering under huge debt burdens and were saddled with large land banks, Peninsula Land took its net profit to a new high for the year ended March 31, 2009. "We didn't focus on just land acquisition, but on profitable land acquisition, says Piramal. Moreover, she de-risked the business by focussing on project-wise viability and minimum use of debt. This helped the firm to do well in the storm that has ripped through the industry over the last 18 months, and also gave it a very low debt-equity ratio of 0.3. Other than running the real estate business, she also heads the Ashok Piramal textile business under Morarjee Textiles. The group's vision is to touch the life of every fifth person in the world, and she has taken a personal interest in helping the poor with education and health services. "We have been providing vocational training to people and absorbing them in our group companies, says Piramal. And yes, she does have a life after work. That's mostly with her grandchildren and nephews. She also loves to travel.

What does power mean to you?
Freedom to choose in any situation.

My most memorable experience at workplace.
When the oldest Board member (D.M. Popat) of the company endorsed me as the Chairperson.

My favourite after-work activity.
Growing organic vegetables in Alibaug.

The turning point of my career.
When I took over as Chairperson of Ashok Piramal Group in 2005.

To maintain work-life balance.
I meditate and work out.

New lessons learnt in 2009.
Indian companies are very resilient, have the ability to innovate and adapt to change.

New frontiers conquered in 2009.
We're the only real estate company to grow in net profit in the financial year 2009.

What next?
Touch the life of every fifth person in the world. - Virendra Verma

Resource: Business Today