Anjali Merchant Majithia, the sister of the newlywed Radhika Merchant, recently opened up about her experience growing up in a business-focused family. During a panel discussion organised by Entrepreneur India, she shared insights into the values instilled in her from a young age and how her upbringing shaped her career. Anjali, who is a director at Encore Healthcare, a family-owned pharmaceutical company, reflected on the unique environment she was exposed to, which played a significant role in her understanding of the business world.
Anjali, whose graceful appearances during the Ambani pre-wedding and wedding festivities caught attention, said that business was always a central topic of conversation in her household. “These were dinner table discussions,” she recalled. From her earliest memories, the discussions around the dinner table revolved around the nuances of business, decisions that had to be made, and the larger impact these decisions could have on their family and society. It wasn’t just a matter of running a business for profit; it was about contributing to the greater good.
The values of responsibility and leadership were deeply ingrained in her by her parents, she shared. They taught her that being part of a business family carried a certain weight of expectation. Anjali revealed that her parents always emphasized that success in business went hand in hand with responsibility towards the community. This belief shaped her mindset, making her conscious of the legacy she would help carry forward as a part of the Merchant family.
Anjali explained that her family’s background and her experiences were a significant factor in her joining the pharmaceutical industry. Encore Healthcare, where she serves as a director, is not just a family-owned venture but a company with a broader mission. They aim to make a lasting impact on the healthcare sector, ensuring access to quality medical solutions and improving patient outcomes. For Anjali, the focus on health and well-being aligned perfectly with her own values, which were shaped by her upbringing in a family that prioritized contributing to society.
Growing up, Anjali’s parents were keen on her and her sister Radhika understanding the responsibilities of running a business and contributing to its long-term growth. However, it was not just about finances or profits. It was also about creating value for their employees, ensuring ethical business practices, and staying grounded in their roots. This mindset, according to Anjali, was what helped her navigate the complexities of working in the healthcare industry.
She also spoke about the importance of balancing work with personal life, a lesson she has learned from her parents’ example. Her father, she said, always made time for family despite his busy schedule. Her mother, too, was instrumental in showing her that a successful career didn’t mean compromising on family values. This sense of balance has been one of the key pillars of Anjali’s approach to her career and life.
The relationship between Anjali and her sister Radhika is also one of support and shared ambition. Although their paths are different, with Radhika now stepping into her new role as a member of one of India’s most prominent families through her marriage, Anjali believes they both share the same values and goals. Anjali stated that Radhika’s journey into the Ambani family does not change the bond they share, nor does it change their common drive to make meaningful contributions to society.
Anjali’s reflections on growing up in a business-centered household offer a glimpse into the foundation that helped shape her career. She credited her family for giving her the tools and perspective to navigate the challenges of business while maintaining a strong sense of responsibility to the community. With her position at Encore Healthcare, she is committed to using her platform to continue contributing to the field of healthcare and helping others, something she believes is the true measure of success.
Anjali also emphasized the importance of mentorship within her family. She credits her father as her first mentor, recalling how he would patiently explain business concepts and decision-making processes to her and her sister during those dinner table conversations. “It wasn’t about lecturing us,” she said, “it was about involving us in the journey.” These discussions helped her gain a strong foundation in business principles, which later proved invaluable when she formally entered the pharmaceutical industry.
She also touched upon the gender dynamics in business, highlighting how being part of a progressive family helped her navigate a male-dominated industry. Anjali expressed gratitude for the equal opportunities she received at home, where her parents never treated her differently because she was a woman. They encouraged her to pursue her ambitions with the same determination as anyone else. However, she also acknowledged that not all women are as fortunate and that more needs to be done to support women in leadership roles across industries. “I hope to use my platform to inspire and mentor young women, showing them that they too can break through barriers,” she shared.
Anjali also shed light on the challenges of managing a family-owned business, especially in a sector as competitive and demanding as healthcare. She revealed that while there is great pride in continuing the family legacy, there is also immense pressure to innovate and adapt in a rapidly evolving industry. She discussed how technological advancements and regulatory changes have significantly impacted the pharmaceutical world, requiring constant vigilance and agility. “In business, you can never rest on your laurels,” Anjali remarked, stressing the need to stay ahead of the curve while maintaining the company’s core values.
Despite the pressures of running a business, Anjali finds her work deeply fulfilling. She spoke about the satisfaction that comes from knowing that her efforts directly impact people’s lives. “When you see a product you’ve worked on improving a patient’s health, it’s incredibly rewarding,” she said. For Anjali, healthcare is not just a business—it’s a calling, and she hopes to make Encore Healthcare a company that not only thrives commercially but also makes a significant difference in people’s lives.
Looking ahead, Anjali is optimistic about the future of Encore Healthcare. She has ambitious plans to expand the company’s reach, particularly in underserved areas where access to quality healthcare is limited. She sees this as a way to not only grow the business but also give back to society, a value deeply ingrained in her family. “It’s about creating a sustainable impact, one that outlasts us,” she concluded, underscoring her long-term vision for both her personal and professional life.
Through her journey, Anjali Merchant Majithia’s story is a testament to how growing up in a business family shaped her into a leader who values not just profit but purpose. Her insights reflect a blend of tradition and modernity, a balance of ambition and responsibility, which she continues to uphold in her role at Encore Healthcare.