Be brave, bold, benevolent: Kinara Capital’s Hardika Shah’s mantra for navigating workplace challenges

Overcoming workplace challenges and breaking free from stereotypes requires one to be brave, bold and benevolent, according to Hardika Shah, Founder & CEO of Kinara Capital. 

Speaking at SheSparks 2025 in Bengaluru, Shah shared her personal journey of resilience, highlighting the challenges of work-life balance and the importance of staying true to oneself. She also reflected on growing up at a time when opportunities for women were scarce. 

“When I began my career in Chicago as one of only two female computer science graduates in my college, I quickly learned that breaking into the workforce came with unexpected challenges,” she recalled.

“My first training session wasn’t about coding or professional development—it was about dress codes for women. Skirt lengths, pantyhose requirements, and restrictions on accessories were the primary focus. Before I even had the chance to prove my abilities, I was already placed in a predefined box.” 

This experience taught her an invaluable lesson about success. “Success isn’t about fitting into a mold; it’s about breaking free from it,” she said. 

Be brave, bold and benevolent

At the age of 40, Shah left a thriving career in consulting in the United States to move to Bengaluru and start Kinara Capital to fund micro enterprises in India.

“It was a leap into the unknown, but courage often leads to the most transformative experiences,” she said.

At Kinara Capital, Shah made a deliberate and bold decision to ensure that 50% of its management team comprised women. “This wasn’t about fulfilling quotas—it was about creating equitable opportunities and setting a precedent for the industry,” emphasised Shah.

Shah believes success is not a solo journey and is built on collective efforts. She draws inspiration from Maya Angelou’s words: “When you stand for yourself, you stand for every woman.”

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Empowering others—through mentorship, leadership, or everyday encouragement—creates a ripple effect that extends beyond individual achievements. “You should learn to stand for yourself first because when you do, you pave the way for others to follow.”

“So, to everyone navigating their journey: Be brave. Be bold. Be benevolent. And, most importantly, be your authentic self,” said Shah. 

Let go of guilt

Women, in particular, are often burdened with unrealistic expectations of balancing career, family and societal obligations. However, it is important to be kind to oneself and let go of guilt,  said Shah. 

“If spending time with your child is a priority, allow yourself that time without guilt. If professional growth is your focus, embrace it wholeheartedly.”