In this episode of the Lead to Soar Podcast, Michelle Redfern speaks with Nina Patil, a long-tenured CEO whose leadership has delivered sustained economic, environmental, and social outcomes in India.
Nina shares her unconventional career journey, from social work to business leadership, including a difficult early transition into commercial responsibility. She speaks candidly about learning financial acumen later in her career, the role of mentoring in closing capability gaps, and the importance of strategic networking to understand the business of the business.
The conversation explores:
How leaders build financial and commercial capability over time
Why business acumen is learned, not innate
How sustained economic outcomes depend on systems thinking and judgment
The link between women’s economic empowerment and long-term business performance
Nina also reflects on her work driving environmental sustainability for farmers and economic agency for women, including land ownership and financial literacy. This is a conversation about growth that lasts, grounded in capability, courage, and accountability.
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