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CNBC-TV18 Future. Female. Forward. Season 4 opens with grand galas
Delhi and Mumbai events spotlight women leaders, equity and inclusive growth
MUMBAI: CNBC-TV18 has kicked off the fourth season of Future. Female. Forward. Season 4 with large-scale gala events in New Delhi and Mumbai, bringing together leaders from business, policy, entrepreneurship, entertainment and social impact to discuss the future of inclusive leadership in India.
Presented by HSBC India, co-presented by Cognizant India and powered by Reliance Industries, the platform blended business dialogue with storytelling, audience interaction and cultural performances to move beyond the standard conference playbook.
Across both cities, the initiative focused on workplace equity, representation in leadership, entrepreneurship and the broader question of how India can build a more inclusive growth story. From town halls and fireside chats to interactive audience sessions and felicitation ceremonies, the events aimed to turn conversations into actionable ideas.
Opening the season, CNBC-TV18 managing editor Shereen Bhan stressed the need for organisations to move from discussion to execution on gender parity.
She said, “When women are half the talent but not half the table, something is fundamentally broken. Future. Female. Forward. is about moving beyond conversations and creating real pathways for change.”
Meanwhile, HSBC India CEO Hitendra Dave linked India’s economic future to greater participation of women across industries and leadership roles.
He noted, “The next trillion dollars in India’s growth is inevitable, but its true impact will depend on how inclusively we grow.”
One of the defining moments of the Delhi chapter was the launch of the official FFF Advisory Committee in collaboration with IMFA’s SakhiSeed Initiative, aimed at supporting female micro-entrepreneurs through mentorship and financial assistance. Adding a lighter touch to the evening, Aiyo Shraddha delivered a stand-up set on modern ambition, gender expectations and everyday workplace realities.
Audience interaction also took centre stage through the “Take Your Stance: Hot Take or Hard Pass?” segment, where speakers and attendees shared candid views on leadership stereotypes, workplace bias and representation. The format sparked lively exchanges and more than a few knowing laughs.
The Delhi edition also honoured changemakers across defence, activism, education, sports and social impact through the FFF Icons Felicitation segment, recognising individuals who have challenged barriers and reshaped conventional narratives.
In Mumbai, discussions continued around leadership access, entrepreneurship and financial inclusion. Sessions featured prominent business leaders and entrepreneurs examining how organisations can create more equitable workplaces and scalable opportunities for women-led businesses.
Reflecting on the changing nature of growth and leadership, Sunil Kant Munjal said India’s next growth chapter would depend heavily on greater female workforce participation and technology-led transformation.
Adding to the conversation, Arundhati Bhattacharya highlighted the importance of confidence and inclusive workplace cultures in helping women step into leadership roles.
Closing the launch events, Cognizant India president global operations and chairman and managing director Rajesh Varrier said meaningful progress would require organisations to build systems that consistently enable opportunity and advancement for women.
With packed halls, candid conversations and a blend of boardroom insight and cultural storytelling, Future. Female. Forward. Season 4 has set the tone for another season focused on turning inclusion from aspiration into action.
