Early Spark – Passion Meets Purpose

From a young age, Dr. Anjali Chaurasiya was drawn to creativity, communication, and the idea of helping others grow. Backed by a strong academic foundation—IT Specialist, Graphics Designer, and Post-Graduation from Mumbai University—she began her professional journey with her entrepreneurial ventures. These early businesses taught her the value of independence, responsibility, and customer engagement.
Later, her experience in the film industry as a child artist coordinator further honed her discipline, networking skills, and presentation finesse—qualities that became cornerstones of her career.

Expanding Horizons – Banking Business Correspondence and Healing

Her journey took an unexpected turn when she stepped into the financial world as a Banking Business Correspondent. Here, she focused on bridging the gap between financial services and communities in need, especially in rural and underserved areas.
Parallel to this, she pursued her calling as a Certified Healer, helping individuals enhance their emotional and spiritual well-being—a role that brought compassion and empathy into her professional identity.

Entrepreneurial Leap – Building Ventures with Vision

The drive to create opportunities led Dr. Chaurasiya to establish her own ventures, including a subliminal printing business and CSC Point. These businesses were more than profit-making endeavors—they became platforms for community support and empowerment.
Her ability to adapt to different industries and manage diverse responsibilities became one of her defining strengths.

Challenges Along the Way

Each industry brought unique challenges. In the film world, competition was fierce, and talent often had to prove itself over connections. In entrepreneurship and banking, she had to break stereotypes about women in leadership, manage limited resources, and sustain momentum in tough times.
Rather than letting obstacles slow her down, she embraced them as opportunities for growth. “Every setback became a stepping stone,” she says.

Shining Moments – Recognition and Milestones

Two moments stand out as turning points in her journey:

Miss India Gujarat 2024 (2nd Runner-Up) – A recognition that gave her a platform to inspire others.

Honorary Doctorate in Business Management – Honoring her leadership and entrepreneurial achievements.

These accolades validated her hard work and fueled her mission to empower lives through her various roles.

The Connector – Bridging Industries and People

Today, Dr. Chaurasiya operates at the intersection of four worlds—banking, healing, entrepreneurship, and films.

In Banking Business Correspondence, she advocates for digital transformation and financial inclusion.

In healing, she promotes mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

In business, she champions innovation with social impact.

In films, she supports diverse talent and creativity.

Her unique perspective allows her to act as a bridge—connecting ideas, opportunities, and people for lasting change.

Words of Wisdom – Advice to Aspiring Professionals

“Don’t limit yourself to one path—learn, grow, and create value. Every challenge is just a hidden opportunity.”
For Dr. Chaurasiya, success is built on authenticity, consistency, and a constant hunger to learn. She encourages aspiring professionals to explore multiple skills and embrace challenges as part of the growth process.

Looking Ahead – A Legacy of Empowerment

For Dr. Anjali Chaurasiya, work is not just a profession—it’s a mission. Whether she’s helping someone secure financial stability, guiding them through healing, building a business, or coordinating film projects, her goal remains the same: to empower lives and create lasting impact.

Her journey proves that with vision, resilience, and passion, one can successfully walk many paths—and unite them into one meaningful purpose.

The post Dr. Anjali Chaurasiya – A Journey of Many Paths, One Purpose first appeared on LeaderonTop.

The journey of Pranjali Awasthi began very early. Encouraged by her computer engineer father, she started coding at just 7 years old. By the age of 13, she was already interning at advanced research labs like Florida International University’s Neural Dynamics of Control Lab, diving deep into machine learning and AI.

At 16, she founded Delv.AI in Miami, aiming to simplify academic research by helping users extract, summarize, and organize information from academic PDFs and documents—saving hours of repetitive research work.

Delv.AI: Disrupting the Way the World Does Research

Delv.AI isn’t just another AI tool. It lets researchers search multiple documents at once, connect cloud drives, and export data seamlessly. Backed by investments from Backend Capital and Village Global, the platform raised over ₹3.8 crore ($450,000) and scaled quickly.

Within a year, it earned a ₹100 crore valuation, becoming a favorite in the R&D space for its ability to cut down manual work by 75%.

What’s Next?

Dash – The Action-Oriented AI Assistant Now 18 and pursuing her Bachelor’s in Computer Science at Georgia Tech, Pranjali Awasthi is focusing full-time on her new venture Dash (usedash.ai), working alongside fellow tech minds Dhruv Roongta and Harsha Gaddipati.

While Delv.AI helps researchers read better, Dash is designed to do more.

“Think of Dash as ChatGPT with hands,” says Pranjali.

It goes beyond conversation, enabling real-world automation, task execution, and intelligent actions. Dash recently hit #1 on Product Hunt, a popular product launch platform, and its Discord community is growing fast.

Redefining What’s Possible at 18

Pranjali has also interned at top institutes like the Swartz Center for Computational Neuroscience, led AI workshops, and completed the Creative Destruction Lab’s Apprentice Program—exploring everything from neuroscience to agriculture.

She’s not just building tools—she’s redefining how young women lead in tech. From hackathons to headlines, her vision is bold: Create AI that’s useful, accessible, and action-driven.

The post Meet Pranjali Awasthi: The Teen Prodigy Behind a ₹100 Cr AI Startup Now Building “ChatGPT With Hands” first appeared on LeaderonTop.

What makes this even more remarkable? He now ranks below his former employee and Microsoft CEO, Steve Ballmer—the very man Gates once personally hired.

Gates’ Wealth Drop: Philanthropy Over Fortune

Bill Gates’ drop from the upper echelons of the billionaire list is not due to business losses or mismanagement—it is the result of intentional generosity.

A recent recalculation by Bloomberg, which accounts for Gates’ massive charitable contributions, saw a staggering $52 billion reduction in his estimated wealth. The move reflects his commitment to donate the majority of his fortune toward global health, education, and poverty alleviation initiatives.

“We plan to spend $200 billion over the next 20 years. And by 2045, we will sunset the foundation,” stated the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation earlier this year on its 25th anniversary.

So far, Gates and his ex-wife Melinda have donated over $60 billion, solidifying his reputation not just as a tech visionary, but as one of the most impactful philanthropists in history.

Gates’ Current Standing on the Billionaire List

According to Bloomberg’s July update:

Bill Gates ranks #12 with a net worth of $124 billion

He now falls behind:

• Steve Ballmer – $172 billion (Rank #5)
• Michael Dell
• Warren Buffett
• Sergey Brin

Meanwhile, the top of the list includes:

• Elon Musk – $259 billion
• Mark Zuckerberg – $253 billion
• Larry Ellison – $248 billion
• Jeff Bezos – $244 billion

From Tech Titan to Purpose-Driven Leader

While some may view Gates’ fall from the billionaire elite as a decline, LeaderOnTop views it as a transformation—from wealth accumulation to legacy creation.

Gates’ shift in priorities represents a new paradigm of leadership—one where impact, intention, and empathy outweigh numerical rankings. In donating more than most billionaires combined, Gates is setting a gold standard for purpose-driven entrepreneurship and conscious capitalism.

The Irony: Ballmer Outranks the Man Who Hired Him

Perhaps the most fascinating subplot in this shift is that Steve Ballmer, once handpicked by Gates to lead Microsoft, now surpasses his mentor in personal wealth. Ballmer, who owns the Los Angeles Clippers and continues to hold significant Microsoft stock, has seen his net worth soar in recent years.

Yet, this is not a rivalry—it’s a reflection of different leadership journeys: one pursuing scale and personal wealth, the other choosing to reinvest into global good.

Leadership Is No Longer Just About Net Worth—It’s About Net Impact.

Read more inspiring leadership stories like Jayshree Ullal.

The post Bill Gates Falls Out of Global Top 10 Richest List—Now Ranks Below Former Microsoft CEO He Once Hired first appeared on LeaderonTop.

Her story is not just about numbers—it’s about resilience, foresight, and redefining power in tech. Here’s a deep dive into the incredible journey of the woman who helped build the modern internet.

Jayshree Ullal – At a Glance

Full Name Jayshree V. Ullal Born March 27, 1961 (London, UK) Nationality American (Indian origin) Role President & CEO, Arista Networks Education B.S. in Electrical Engineering (San Francisco State University), M.S. in Engineering Management (Santa Clara University) Family Married to Vijay Ullal, mother of two daughters Net Worth $4 Billion (as of April 2025)

Early Life & Education

Born in London to Indian parents, Jayshree Ullal spent her early childhood in New Delhi, studying at the Convent of Jesus and Mary. At the age of 16, she moved to the United States to pursue higher education. A natural in the sciences, she graduated in Electrical Engineering and later earned her master’s in Engineering Management.

Today, she lives in Saratoga, California, with her husband Vijay Ullal, a seasoned tech executive and venture capitalist. Her family includes two daughters and a legacy that is inspiring millions of future leaders.

Career Beginnings: From Engineering to Executive Leadership

Jayshree’s career kicked off in the 1980s with roles at Fairchild Semiconductor and AMD, where she made a seamless transition from engineering to strategic business development. Her reputation quickly grew, and in 1993, she joined Crescendo Communications, which was later acquired by Cisco Systems—a pivotal move in her career.

At Cisco, she made history by scaling the Catalyst LAN switching business to $7 billion, eventually rising to the position of Senior Vice President, where she led a $10 billion division. Her leadership laid the groundwork for many of the networking technologies we take for granted today.

The Arista Networks Legacy

In 2008, Ullal was recruited by tech legends Andy Bechtolsheim and David Cheriton to lead their then-fledgling startup, Arista Networks. What followed was nothing short of extraordinary.

Under her visionary leadership:

• Arista went public in 2014
• Revenue jumped from $200 million in 2010 to $5.7 billion by 2024
• The company became a key player in hyperscale data centers, serving tech giants like Microsoft Azure, Amazon AWS, Meta, and Google Cloud
• Arista is now targeting $1.5 billion in AI-driven revenue for 2025

From 10 to 800 Gigabit Ethernet switching, Arista’s innovations have made it a backbone for global internet infrastructure.

Stock Holdings & Personal Wealth

Jayshree Ullal directly owns around 3% of Arista’s shares, making her one of the richest self-made women in the world. With her net worth crossing $4 billion, she has outpaced fellow Indian-origin tech CEOs like Sundar Pichai (Google) and Satya Nadella (Microsoft).

Some of her holdings are designated for her children, niece, and nephew—showcasing her values of legacy and family empowerment.

Beyond Arista: Influence & Recognition

Ullal is more than just a CEO—she’s a global influencer in the world of enterprise tech. She sits on the Board of Snowflake Inc., a rising leader in data warehousing and cloud solutions.

• She has also been consistently ranked among:
• Fortune’s Most Powerful Women in Business
• Barron’s World’s Best CEOs
• ET Global Indian of the Year (2023)
• Silicon Valley Power 100 (2023 & 2024)

Her awards are a testament to a career that is as impactful as it is inspiring.

Awards & Honors Snapshot

• Entrepreneur of the Year – Ernst & Young (2015)
• World’s Best CEOs – Barron’s (2018)
• Top 20 Business Persons of the Year – Fortune (2019)
• Global Indian of the Year – Economic Times (2023)
• Silicon Valley Power 100 – SVBJ (2023 & 2024)

Why Jayshree Ullal Matters Today

In an era where women in leadership are still underrepresented, Jayshree Ullal stands tall—not just as a leader in tech, but as a symbol of global Indian excellence. She has built billion-dollar empires, broken glass ceilings, and is now shaping the future of AI and cloud networking.

Her journey proves that vision, resilience, and integrity are timeless assets in leadership.

Want more stories of trailblazing leaders like Jayshree Ullal? Explore the world’s top innovators like Ghazal Alagh.

The post Jayshree Ullal: The Indian-American Tech Visionary With a $4 Billion Net Worth—Richer Than Pichai & Nadella first appeared on LeaderonTop.

In a viral LinkedIn post, Ghazal Alagh, Co-founder of Mamaearth and investor on Shark Tank India, delivers a candid reminder that continues to resonate across industries: toxic leadership is often the hidden reason great employees quit.

With her rich entrepreneurial experience in building brands like The Derma Co, Aqualogica, Dr. Sheth’s, and BBlunt, Alagh shared eight common types of toxic managers that silently damage team morale and drive high-performing professionals to walk away.

The 8 Types of Toxic Bosses That Make Top Talent Quit

1. The Micromanager Controls every move. Leaves no room for autonomy or innovation, only stress and eventual burnout.
2. The Credit Taker Quick to take credit for success, but never acknowledges the team behind the results.
3. The Ghost Rarely available when guidance is needed. Avoids one-on-ones and key decision-making moments.
4. The Volcano Known for unpredictable mood swings and emotional outbursts. Creates a toxic, unsafe atmosphere.
5. The Information Hoarder Withholds critical information, blocking growth and informed decision-making across the team.
6. The Never-Satisfied No matter the achievements, it’s never enough. Constantly moving goalposts kill motivation.
7. The Favouritist Plays favorites, giving recognition and opportunities only to a select few, leaving others feeling invisible.
8. The Risk-Free Boss Avoids innovation and fears failure. New ideas are stifled, leading to stagnation and missed opportunities.

Ghazal’s Leadership Insight: Culture Is Built Daily

What makes Alagh’s post stand out is more than just the list—it’s the wake-up call to leadership across all levels.

“Culture isn’t just about policies or perks. It’s shaped through everyday leadership, how we listen, support, and empower people,” she wrote.

In India’s startup ecosystem, where pressure is high and burnout is common, her advice serves as a much-needed reality check.

The Silent Resignation Is Real

Ghazal’s post reflects a growing sentiment among India’s workforce—especially millennials and Gen Z—that no salary or job title is worth enduring toxic management.

Even the most promising startup will struggle to retain talent if its leadership lacks empathy, trust, and accountability.

Time for Founders and CXOs to Self-Reflect

If you’re a leader, ask yourself:

• Are my managers empowering or micromanaging?
• Are we building trust or breeding fear?
• Am I listening, or just instructing?

At the end of the day, retention isn’t built on bean bags and bonuses—it’s built on trust, respect, and real leadership.

Want to become a true Leader On Top? Lead with empathy. Recognize effort. Build a team that stays not just for the work, but for the people they work with.

Want to know what makes Ghazal Alagh a true leader, beyond her viral insights?
Read her full journey and leadership story here — and discover how she’s redefining what it means to lead with purpose and power.

The post From Ghosts to Micromanagers: Ghazal Alagh’s Eye-Opening Take on Toxic Leadership That Drives Talent Away first appeared on LeaderonTop.

The Great Reliance Split: Beginning of Two Empires

In 2005, following the death of Dhirubhai Ambani, India witnessed a historic corporate split. Under a settlement brokered by their mother Kokilaben, the Reliance empire was divided between Mukesh and Anil.

Anil Ambani inherited key businesses like:

• Reliance Communications (Telecom)
• Reliance Capital (Financial Services)
• Reliance Energy (now Infrastructure)
• Reliance Natural Resources

This marked the beginning of his solo empire-building.

The IPO Boom and Peak Ambition

In 2008, Anil Ambani launched the Reliance Power IPO, the largest in Indian history at the time.

• Oversubscribed 69 times
• Raised ₹11,500 crore ($3B)
• Sent his net worth soaring to $42 billion
• Ranked 6th richest person globally

It was the peak of his financial empire, outpacing even his brother Mukesh—briefly.

From Telecom to Tinseltown: The Diversification Era

With investor confidence soaring, Ambani ventured across sectors:

• BIG FM and Adlabs Films (Media)
• $825M partnership with Steven Spielberg’s DreamWorks
• Insurance, mutual funds, and infrastructure projects via Reliance Capital and Reliance Infra

It was a vision built on scale, ambition—and debt.

The Fall: Debt, Legal Crises & Public Collapse

Reliance Communications Crumbles

• Jio’s telecom war destroyed RCom’s market share
• $2B merger with MTN failed (2008)
• Filed for bankruptcy in 2019

Ericsson Contempt Case (2019)

• Couldn’t pay ₹550 crore
• Held in contempt by Supreme Court
• Mukesh Ambani bailed him out with ₹453 crore

🇬🇧 UK Court Order

• Ordered to pay over $700M to Chinese banks
• Claimed zero net worth

Regulatory Blow (2024)

• SEBI barred Anil & 24 others from the securities market for 5 years
• ₹25 crore fine over Reliance Home Finance mismanagement
• Supreme Court overturned ₹8,000 crore arbitration win
• Ordered to refund ₹3,300 crore to DMRC

Anil Ambani’s empire was in freefall.

Reinvention: Ambani 2.0

In 2024–25, Anil pivoted. The new Reliance Group strategy focuses on:

• Defense manufacturing
• Green energy
• Debt-light models

This shift aligns with Atmanirbhar Bharat and India’s clean energy goals.

Reliance Power’s Turnaround (FY25)

• Swung from ₹397 crore loss to ₹125 crore profit
• Launched Asia’s largest solar + battery storage project (930 MW + 465 MW BESS)
• Committed to going debt-free

Key Financials (Q4 FY25)

• Revenue: ₹1,978 Cr
• PAT: ₹125.57 Cr
• Comprehensive Income: ₹122.41 Cr

Reliance Infrastructure’s Revival

• Cut net debt from ₹3,831 crore to near zero
• Q4 profit: ₹4,387 crore
• Targeting ₹10,000 crore in Ministry of Defence contracts

Financial Highlights FY25

• EBITDA: ₹8,876 Cr (up 681%)
• FY PAT: ₹4,938 Cr
• Net Debt: ₹0

Big Bets in Aviation and Defense

June 2025 Milestones:

• Partnered with Dassault Aviation to build Falcon 2000 business jets in Nagpur
• First “Made-in-India” jets expected by 2028
• DRAL assembly line set to boost India’s aerospace manufacturing

Defense Factory in Ratnagiri:

• ₹10,000 crore deal for Vulcano 155 mm precision artillery shells
• Facility to produce 200,000 shells/year + explosives
• Project part of Dhirubhai Ambani Defence City (DADC)

These strategic moves boosted Reliance Infra stock by 4.2% and reaffirmed the group’s future-forward focus.

Next-Gen Leadership: Passing the Baton

Anil Ambani is now backed by his sons: Jai Anmol Ambani – Financial strategist, ex-Director at Reliance Capital Jai Anshul Ambani – Key figure in defense and infrastructure revival

Their involvement marks a generational transition and signals a new leadership approach for the Anil D. Ambani Group.

Conclusion: The Comeback Blueprint

Anil Ambani’s story is the stuff of leadership case studies—meteoric rise, dramatic collapse, and now a strategic reinvention. From being a global billionaire to facing jail, and now returning with purpose in clean tech and defense—he proves that true leaders don’t quit—they adapt.

Stay tuned to LeaderOnTop.com for more powerful comeback stories and insights into leadership that shapes the future.

The post Anil Ambani’s Rise, Fall & Return: A Leadership Story Like No Other first appeared on LeaderonTop.

With this strategic move, Kohli now owns a 1.94% stake in Agilitas, reflecting his growing focus on building a long-term business legacy beyond the pitch. This funding came through the allotment of 3,61,611 Class 2 Compulsorily Convertible Preference Shares at ₹1,106 each, according to regulatory filings with the Registrar of Companies (RoC).

Building a Sporting Empire — The Kohli Way

Kohli’s entry into Agilitas marks a significant business pivot, especially after his high-profile exit from a ₹110 crore endorsement deal with Puma India earlier this year. His shift indicates a deeper alignment with Agilitas’ mission — to create a full-stack, India-rooted, globally-aspiring sports ecosystem.

Founded in 2023, Agilitas Sports is reimagining the sporting goods sector by vertically integrating manufacturing, licensing, and retail, bringing world-class infrastructure and homegrown innovation under one roof.

A Game-Changing Ecosystem

Agilitas’ growing portfolio includes:

One8 — Kohli’s signature lifestyle label

Lotto — Licensing rights in India and Australia

Mochiko Shoes — A key manufacturing partner to major global brands like Adidas, Puma, Skechers, and New Balance

These assets, combined with Kohli’s brand equity and strategic influence, make Agilitas a formidable force in the “Make in India” manufacturing movement.

Funding Round Highlights

Total round exceeds ₹600 crore

Co-investors include cricketer Abhishek Sharma, SMLINE Ventures

Post-money valuation: ₹2,058 crore ($242 million)

Major shareholders:

Infinity Direct Holdings (Mauritius) – 37.73%

Abhishek Ganguly – 18.26%

Nexus Venture Partners – 9.16%

Virat Kohli – 1.94%

Yuvraj Singh – 0.51%

Scaling Domestic & Global Ambitions

With Kohli’s entry, Agilitas is now poised to aggressively scale its operations across India and global markets. His involvement is expected to elevate the brand’s reach and relevance, blending performance, style, and local manufacturing excellence.

“We’re not just creating a sportswear brand; we’re building an ecosystem that champions Indian innovation, quality, and self-reliance,” said Abhishek Ganguly, CEO of Agilitas.

Leadership in Action

Kohli’s investment in Agilitas reflects a broader trend among top-tier athletes transitioning into serious business leadership roles. From being one of the most recognized faces in global sports to becoming a stakeholder in India’s manufacturing future, Kohli continues to lead — this time from the boardroom.

Stay tuned to LeaderOnTop.com for more updates on emerging Indian entrepreneurs, influential investors, and leadership stories redefining the global business landscape.

The post Virat Kohli Bets Big on ‘Make in India’ with ₹40 Cr Investment in Agilitas Sports first appeared on LeaderonTop.

From a Small Town to the Top

Born on 26th January 1983 in a small village in Punjab, Deepinder Goyal rose from humble beginnings to become one of India’s most inspiring tech entrepreneurs. Today, he resides in Gurugram, helming one of the most powerful food delivery platforms in the country. His journey is a true Leader On Top story — one of ambition, resilience, and innovation.

The Spark That Lit Zomato

After graduating from IIT Delhi in Mathematics and Computing in 2005, Deepinder began working at Bain & Company. It was here that the seeds of Zomato were sown. Frustrated by the long queues for ordering food, he created a simple intranet website listing restaurant menus — a small idea that quickly snowballed into FoodieBay, and then eventually Zomato in 2010.

What started as an internal tool soon became a nationwide solution — solving everyday dining problems for millions of users.

Zomato’s Global Rise

Under Deepinder’s leadership, Zomato went global, acquiring over 15 startups across various countries, including Poland’s Gastronauci and Italy’s Cibando. Their acquisition of Blinkit (formerly Grofers) in 2022 for $560 million marked a bold move into the quick-commerce space.

In March 2025, the parent company was rebranded to Eternal Limited, although the Zomato app and brand remain unchanged in the public domain.

Goyal’s Entrepreneurial Hustle

From bootstrapping FoodieBay to raising the first $1M from Info Edge, Deepinder faced several challenges — including financial instability and family pressure to stay in a secure job. But his commitment to solving real problems kept him going.

His rise to billionaire status is marked by strategic vision, a relentless drive, and the ability to constantly evolve. As of October 2024, Deepinder Goyal’s net worth is estimated at $1.7 billion.

New Ventures & Investments

Beyond Zomato, Deepinder has launched a health-tech startup named Continue, focused on wellness and mental health, and has co-founded LAT Aerospace in 2025. He’s also an active angel investor with 22+ startups in his portfolio — including Unacademy, Shiprocket, Ultrahuman, and Park+.

Media Presence: Shark Tank & Public Image

In 2023, Goyal joined Shark Tank India Season 3 as a judge, inspiring young entrepreneurs across the nation. His straightforward yet visionary thinking added depth to the panel. However, his appearance in Season 4 was controversially cut short due to Swiggy’s sponsorship of the show — highlighting fierce rivalries in the food tech world.

He also drew attention for a controversial Chief of Staff job post in 2024, which stirred debates on accessibility and elite privilege in startup hiring.

Awards and Recognition

Economic Times Startup of the Year (2011)

Business Today Young Business Leader (2012)

Distinguished Alumni, IIT Delhi (2018)

GQ Men of the Year (2019)

Fortune India 40 Under 40 (2020)

Leader’s Takeaway

Deepinder Goyal’s story reflects what it means to lead from the front, take risks, and break norms. From a modest Punjabi village to building one of India’s most valuable startups, his journey is a testament to vision, hard work, and staying hungry — both literally and metaphorically.

Inspired by Deepinder’s journey? Discover more untold stories of trailblazers and visionary entrepreneurs only at LeaderOnTop.com. Stay connected, stay inspired.

The post Deepinder Goyal Success Story: Zomato Founder’s Journey & Life Behind the Brand first appeared on LeaderonTop.

A Landmark Victory at UzChess Cup

The 19-year-old Grandmaster secured the title by defeating Uzbek GM Nodirbek Abdusattorov with Black pieces in the final round. This win not only clinched the tournament for him but also catapulted him to the fourth spot in the global live ratings, with an Elo of 2778.3.

Latest Global Chess Rankings

As per the latest live ratings:

R Praggnanandhaa – 2778.3 (India No. 1, World No. 4)

D Gukesh – 2776.6 (India No. 2, World No. 5)

Arjun Erigaisi – 2775.7 (India No. 3, World No. 6)

Viswanathan Anand – 2743.0 (India No. 4, World No. 13)

Aravindh Chithambaram – 2724.0 (India No. 5, World No. 24)

Meanwhile, Magnus Carlsen (2839.2) continues to lead the world rankings, followed by Hikaru Nakamura (2807) and Fabiano Caruana (2784.2).

Anand Congratulates Praggnanandhaa

Chess legend Viswanathan Anand took to X (formerly Twitter) to praise Praggnanandhaa, stating:

“Of all his wins this year, this one seemed the least likely with just two rounds to go. However, he defeated Arjun Erigaisi and today in the crucial match defeated Nodirbek Abdusattorov to tie for first place. In an impressive demonstration of character, he won his third tiebreak of the year as well. He is deservedly the new number four in the chess world and the highest rated player in India.”

Insights from Coach RB Ramesh

Pragg’s longtime coach RB Ramesh credited the shift in style for his recent success. He shared:

“Pragg is quite good in attack, but he was playing too solid in 2024. We discussed this and talked about being more adventurous, which you can see now.”

He also acknowledged the impact of Vaibhav Suri, who has been working closely with Praggnanandhaa as his second:

“Vaibhav has been helping us for a while, but only recently started accompanying Pragg to tournaments. It’s good to have someone who believes in you travel with you during important events. When things get tough, having that support helps you believe in yourself.”

R Praggnanandhaa’s rise marks a significant shift in the Indian chess scene, signaling a new generation ready to take on the world stage with skill, resilience, and strategy.

Don’t stop here — explore more powerful stories of changemakers and leaders on LeaderOnTop.com

The post R Praggnanandhaa Becomes New India No. 1 in Live Chess Rankings, Gukesh Slips to Second first appeared on LeaderonTop.

At LeaderOnTop, we spotlight entrepreneurs who reshape industries and challenge norms—and Peyush Bansal stands as a powerful example of innovation, grit, and leadership.

A Mission Fueled by Purpose

India has more than 550 million people who need vision correction, yet fewer than 170 million have access to affordable, quality eyewear. Recognizing this massive gap, Peyush Bansal launched Lenskart in 2010, aiming to democratize vision care for all, while introducing world-class design, technology, and customer service to the Indian market.

What began as an online platform for contact lenses has evolved into a full-fledged omnichannel eyewear giant with over 1,100 stores, offering 5,000+ styles, and serving millions. Under Bansal’s leadership, Lenskart entered the unicorn club in 2019 and today commands a valuation of $5.6 billion.

The Man Behind the Brand

Peyush Bansal isn’t just a business builder; he’s a people-focused leader. Currently holding the position of Chief Executive & People Officer at Lenskart, he’s known for cultivating a work culture driven by empathy, purpose, and innovation. A graduate of McGill University and an alumnus of IIM Bangalore, Bansal combines international exposure with deep insight into Indian consumer behavior.

He rose to household fame after appearing as a Shark on Shark Tank India, where he’s admired for his calm demeanor, sharp insights, and human-first approach to entrepreneurship.

Shark Tank India: The Investor with a Heart

Though initially hesitant to join Shark Tank India, it was his wife Nidhi who encouraged him to take the plunge. From Season 1 to Season 3, Bansal has invested over ₹44 crore in startups, backing ideas with social impact and long-term vision. He’s particularly known for supporting food & D2C brands, and founders with a mission-driven approach.

In a recent Shark Tank India Season 4 episode (Feb 2025), Bansal publicly defended a founder against harsh judgment, once again showing his compassionate leadership style—even when emotions run high.

His Portfolio: Betting Big on India’s Future

Beyond Lenskart, Peyush Bansal has invested in over 15+ Indian startups, ranging from tech to sustainability and education. Some notable investments include:

Awards & Accolades

Peyush Bansal has earned wide recognition, including:

• Innovator of the Year – NDTV Indian of The Year Awards 2023–24
• India TV Yuva Awards – 2015
• Fortune India 40 Under 40 – 2019
• Red Herring Asia Top 100 – 2013
• Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year – 2012

Controversies and Comebacks

Bansal has faced his share of public scrutiny. A lighthearted remark about chartered accountants during Shark Tank India went viral, drawing criticism and trending hashtags like #SayNoToLenskart. He was quick to apologize publicly, reaffirming his humility and accountability—traits rarely seen at such levels of success.

A Leader for the People

As a visionary entrepreneur, Peyush Bansal is more than just the founder of Lenskart—he’s a symbol of how purpose-driven innovation can lead to global success. From building a unicorn to empowering startups across India, his journey is a reminder that real leadership lies in lifting others while solving real-world problems.

At LeaderOnTop, we celebrate stories like his—not just for what they’ve built, but for the impact they create.

For more stories of visionary entrepreneurs and rising leaders, stay tuned to www.leaderontop.com.

The post Peyush Bansal: The Visionary Leader Behind Lenskart’s Billion-Dollar Revolution first appeared on LeaderonTop.