In a rapidly evolving world, visionary leaders stand at the forefront, driving innovation, transformation, and progress across industries. These trailblazers possess the unique ability to anticipate trends, adapt to challenges, and inspire change that reshapes how we live, work, and connect. The leaders of 2024 are not just navigating their respective sectors—they are redefining them. Through bold ideas, cutting-edge strategies, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, they are setting new benchmarks and paving the way for a sustainable and inclusive future.
1. Saurabh Tyagi – Co-Founder & CEO, PropChk
Industry: Home Inspection & Real Estate Solutions
Saurabh Tyagi, an Electrical Engineering graduate from IIT Roorkee, is the Co-Founder and CEO of PropChk, India’s fastest-growing tech-enabled property inspection company. PropChk specializes in conducting detailed quality inspections on properties across various stages of construction. Their pre-delivery quality inspection has gained immense popularity amongst homeowners getting possession of their units from developers. PropChk offers Pre-Delivery Quality Inspection, Multi-Stage Quality Inspection, and MEP Audit services to real estate developers across the country. All their inspection processes and protocols have been designed in partnership with IIT Roorkee. They have recently partnered with Knight Frank, a leading International Property Consultancy further enhancing their credibility. With the help of advanced technology and the latest tools, PropChk is helping thousands of homeowners and builders in delivering defect-free properties.
2. Shaheen Mistri, Founder and CEO, Teach For India
Industry: Education
Shaheen Mistri, Founder and CEO of Teach For India, is a trailblazer in educational equity. After founding the Akanksha Foundation in 1989, which now benefits over 14,000 students, she established Teach For India in 2008, inspired by the Teach For America model. The organization directly impacts 28,000 children and boasts a 4,600+ strong alumni network driving educational transformation nationwide. Shaheen’s initiatives, including Firki, a teacher training portal, and TFIx, an incubator for rural education entrepreneurs, extend her reach to over 260,000 children. Recognized with accolades like the Niti Aayog Women Transforming India Award, Shaheen’s three-decade journey exemplifies her commitment to ensuring quality education for every child in India.
3. Sahaj Chopra & Sahil Arya – Co-Founders & Directors, Fat Tiger
Industry: Quick-Service Restaurants (QSR)
The world of Quick-Service Restaurants (QSRs) in India is booming, thanks to a rapidly growing young population, an increasing number of working professionals, and evolving consumer preferences. Established in 2019 by Sahaj Chopra and Sahil Arya, Fat Tiger has emerged as a popular name for fusion momos, innovative Chinese offerings, and Boba drinks. Combining sharp business acumen with innovative ideas, the co-founders have scaled the brand from a single outlet to an impressive network of over 65+ locations across India. Known for its creative fusion flavors and pocket-friendly pricing, Fat Tiger has become a go-to choice for students and young professionals. With ambitious plans for international expansion, 2024 is set to be another milestone year for this thriving brand.
4. Pooja Choudhary – Founder, Lavanya The Label
Industry: Fashion & Apparel
Pooja Choudhary, founder of Lavanya The Label, hails from Bhilwara, Rajasthan. With a BBA from Mody University and an MBA from Chiba University, Japan, her education shaped her entrepreneurial vision. Growing up in a business-oriented family, Pooja was inspired by her father’s success to start her own venture in the apparel industry, despite having no prior experience. Lavanya The Label is more than a clothing brand; it empowers rural women by providing economic independence alongside high-quality fashion. Starting from scratch with her savings, Pooja’s dedication and research into textiles have led the brand to success. A self-made entrepreneur, Pooja balances her professional journey with family life, supported by her husband, Ankit Choudhary, and their young daughter. She believes success stems from ambition, hard work, and the support of loved ones.
5. Kishor Fogla – Founder, Yellow Slice
Industry: Design and Innovation
Kishor Fogla, founder of Yellow Slice, is a trailblazer in India’s design industry, driving user-centric innovation across technology, healthcare, and finance. Over 15 years, Yellow Slice has completed 2,000+ projects, earning global acclaim for transformative UX and UI design. Kishor’s ventures, including DesignX Academy, DRILL, and Bhagwaanji.com, reflect his vision to empower individuals and organizations through creativity and strategic thinking. With a team of 85+ professionals, he has built an ecosystem merging design and technology, while also exploring wellness innovation through Holivus, integrating wearable tech and data-driven health insights. Kishor’s work continues to redefine the impact of design in shaping industries and lives.
6. Jagganath Kanumuri – CEO, ACI Infotech
Industry: Technology & Digital Transformation
Jagganath Kanumuri, CEO of ACI Infotech, is a visionary leader driving innovation in technology and digital transformation. With a Master’s degree in Industrial and Systems Engineering from the University of Louisville, Jagganath was inspired by the potential of technology to revolutionize lives and industries. Witnessing the Y2K phenomenon sparked his understanding of the dynamics between technology, processes, and people, leading him to establish ACI Infotech. Under his leadership, ACI Infotech provides cutting-edge digital transformation solutions, blending customer experience (DCX) and operational excellence (DOX) to help businesses optimize their operations. Serving Fortune 500 companies and SMEs globally, ACI empowers enterprises to transition from traditional IT systems to connected digital ecosystems, fostering innovation and growth through seamless processes and industry expertise. Jagganath’s mission is rooted in creating sustainable value for clients while leveraging technology to uplift society and drive progress.
7. Aditya Jangid, Managing Director of AdCounty Media
Industry: Performance Marketing
Aditya Jangid, the Managing Director of AdCounty Media, is a TCS alumnus with extensive expertise in both technology and business. With a deep passion for product development, he specializes in translating design and cutting-edge technology into impactful business opportunities. Aditya has a keen understanding of how innovation can drive growth and value. He firmly believes that building a great product is a continuous process that requires constant evolution. His approach is grounded in three essential pillars: user experience, technological advancement, and revenue potential. Throughout his leadership, Aditya has played a pivotal role in shaping AdCounty Media’s success, consistently focusing on creating solutions that align with market needs while maximizing business performance. His dedication to these principles ensures that every product remains relevant and competitive in an ever-changing landscape.
8. Ashish Agarwal – Co-Founder, Enzyme Office Spaces
Industry: Workplace Solutions
Ashish Agarwal, co-founder of Enzyme Office Spaces, is redefining modern work environments in India. Since its establishment in 2014, Enzyme has flourished under his leadership, managing over 1.4million sq. ft. of premium office spaces tailored to the needs of enterprises, startups, and entrepreneurs. Ashish’s focus on innovation, cost-effectiveness, and outstanding customer experience has positioned Enzyme as a leader in managed offices and coworking solutions. Driven by his passion for creating productive and collaborative workspaces, Ashish has cultivated dynamic environments that empower businesses to grow, making Enzyme a trusted partner for professionals across the country.
9. Gurmit Singh Arora – National President, Indian Plumbing Association
Industry: Plumbing & Construction
Gurmit Singh Arora has been a transformative leader in elevating plumbing standards across India. As the National President of the Indian Plumbing Association, he has played a crucial role in expanding the organization to 28 chapters, establishing it as a cornerstone of the construction industry. With a progressive vision, Gurmit champions sustainable water management by advocating eco-friendly plumbing solutions that prioritize water conservation and efficiency. Under his leadership, the industry has embraced green plumbing technologies, water recycling systems, and rainwater harvesting, fostering collaboration to implement best practices nationwide. As India undertakes ambitious infrastructure projects, Gurmit is at the forefront, driving innovative plumbing solutions that integrate sustainability, resource efficiency, and cutting-edge technology into modern construction.
10.Mamta Shekhawat – Founder, Gradding.com
Industry: Education
Mamta Shekhawat, the visionary founder of Gradding.com, is revolutionizing the study abroad journey for aspiring students. With a strong academic foundation in political science and an MBA in Human Resources, Mamta honed her expertise through leadership roles at renowned multinational corporations such as ITC and Hitachi. In 2012, she launched Gradding.com to address the challenges students face in navigating the complexities of international education. The platform stands out for its personalized guidance, seamlessly connecting students with leading universities worldwide and helping them realize their academic dreams. Driven by her passion for education and a deep understanding of students’ needs, Mamta has positioned Gradding.com as a trusted partner in achieving global academic success.
As we look ahead, the contributions of these visionary leaders will continue to resonate, leaving a lasting impact on industries and communities alike. Their journeys are a testament to the power of determination, innovation, and leadership. By transforming challenges into opportunities and ideas into action, they are not only shaping the future but also inspiring the next generation of leaders to dream bigger and strive harder. The legacy of these visionaries will undoubtedly serve as a beacon of progress for years to come.
