(July 24, 2023) In a remarkable testament to ambition, perseverance, and unwavering determination, four extraordinary Indian-origin women who have shattered glass ceilings and emerged as beacons of success, are on the 2023 Forbes USA’s richest self-made women list with a combined net worth of $4.06 billion. Their remarkable journey not only epitomises the spirit of the American dream but also serves as an inspiration to countless individuals striving to achieve success. With their ground-breaking achievements and indomitable spirit, the four trailblazing women have redefined the notion of what it means to be self-made in the fiercely competitive landscape of the United States.
Global Indian explores the noteworthy accomplishments of these visionary leaders, who have cemented their place among the most accomplished business leaders.
Jayshree Ullal
President and CEO, Arista Networks
Net worth: $2.2 Billion
Ever since assuming the role of CEO and president of Arista Networks in 2008, Jayshree Ullal has diligently cultivated the organisation into a global powerhouse in networking technology. Arista Networks, a nascent American computer networking start up with a modest workforce of merely 50 individuals and modest revenue, underwent a remarkable transformation under Jayshree’s guidance, emerging as a preeminent market leader in open-source cloud software and ethernet switches.
Jayshree Ullal
In 2014, under her visionary leadership, the company successfully went public, launching its Initial Public Offering (IPO) on the esteemed New York Stock Exchange. Since then, Arista Networks has witnessed exponential growth, boasting an employee count nearing 3,000 and amassing an impressive revenue of more than $2.95 billion. “If you’re in engineering, you might have to learn some business. If you’re in computer science, you might want to learn something about data science and analytics. If you’re in marketing, you might study how lead generation is done today,” is her advice to people looking to achieve success and expand their horizons. The California-based business leader earned a BS degree from San Francisco State University and MS degree from Santa Clara University in the US.
Neerja Sethi
Co-founder, Syntel Inc.
Net worth: $990 Million
Florida-based entrepreneur Neerja Sethi co-founded IT consulting and outsourcing firm Syntel Inc. in 1980 which had started operations from her apartment in Michigan in US. Today, Neerja is one of the most successful businesswomen who has built her identity in the American business world with great perseverance. In 2018, Atos SE, a French IT company bought Syntel for $3.4 billion making Neerja richer by an estimated $510 million for her stake in the company.
Neerja Sethi
Neerja did her bachelors in mathematics from Delhi University and earned a master’s degree in computer science from Oakland University. She is married to Indian-origin US billionaire Bharat Desai who is also her business partner. A well-known philanthropist Neerja remarked, “Giving is not only about chequebooks. It’s about giving what you have – time, skill, compassion and experience. Share a part of who you are to make a difference to other people’s lives.”
Neha Narkhede
Co-founder and former chief technology officer (CTO), Confluent
Net worth: $520 Million
The technology entrepreneur has left an indelible mark as the co-founder of Confluent, a prominent data streaming platform. While overseeing the remarkable growth of her startup, Neha has also ventured into the realm of investment and advisory roles, lending her expertise to esteemed companies like Gem, Block Party, Material Security, Abacus AI, Cortex Data, Yugabyte, Metaphor Data, Natalist, Common Room, and more, solidifying her reputation as a multi-faceted and astute businesswoman. Two years back, she also co-founded Oscilar, a company to make the internet safer by protecting online transactions.
Neha Narkhede
Headquartered in California, her organisation Confluent has become a global catalyst in helping numerous organizations process vast volumes of data through its innovative software platform, Apache Kafka. In a monumental stride, the company went public in June 2021, securing a valuation of an impressive $9.1 billion. “You should start a company when you feel that launching it is the only vehicle to see the change you want in the world,” she said in an interview. Neha holds a BE degree from Savitribai Phule Pune University and MS in Computer Science from Georgia Institute of Technology.
Indra Nooyi
Former chairperson and CEO, PepsiCo
Net worth: $350 Million
A trailblazing business leader and visionary, Indra Nooyi embarked on a remarkable journey that defied expectations and shattered barriers. Hailing from a modest background in Chennai, she rose to prominence as one of the most influential figures in the global corporate landscape. Her ground-breaking tenure as the CEO of PepsiCo, spanning from 2006 to 2018, revolutionized the company and transformed it into a powerhouse of innovation and sustainability.
Indra Nooyi
Post retirement, Connecticut based Indra assumed a key role as the co-director of the newly established Connecticut Economic Resource Center. This innovative endeavour is a collaborative effort between the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development and private entities. Additionally, Indra serves as the co-chair of AdvanceCT, a non-profit organisation, further amplifying her commitment to the state’s economic growth and development. Beyond her local involvement, Indra’s expertise extends internationally as she serves as an esteemed corporate strategist for renowned brands. Indra earned a BS degree from Madras Christian College, MBA degree from IIM Calcutta and a master’s degree in private and public management from Yale School of Management. “Bring together what is good for business and what is good for the world,” Indra advises aspiring business leaders.
