In this interview with Tim Banerjee Dhoul , Radhika Shrivastava reflects on an impactful shift in cultural mindset at Fortune Institute of International Business (FIIB) that enabled the school to scoop the prize for Best Culture, Diversity & Inclusion Initiative at this year’s Excellence Awards Championing the cause of Culture
“We introduced tangible changes, such as flexible work options, second career hiring and mentorship circles. But what truly changed was the expectation, with students now looking for inclusive classrooms, balanced panels and diverse role models. In addition, faculty members bring a lens of equity into their pedagogy and our hiring decisions reflect intentional inclusion. We created space, but our community filled it with purpose. That, to me, is the real impact.” Why did the school choose to prioritise gender equality? “For us, the decision was rooted in both institutional mission and moral clarity. We believe management education has a multiplier effect, shaping not just careers, but also companies, cultures and communities. If we aim to develop leaders and managers of both business and social relevance, equity isn’t optional; it’s essential. “And yet, as a smaller institution, this choice came with sharp trade-offs. In environments where resources are constrained and roles are dynamic, embedding gender-inclusive policies takes creativity, courage and collective buy-in. However, precisely because of our size, we knew our efforts could be more meaningful. When equity isn’t a checklist, but a core value, it becomes part of every decision and every classroom conversation. Our commitment was never about optics; it was about setting a standard that proves smaller schools can lead boldly.” How has the school secured support for the initiative from faculty and staff? “We made it a shared journey and not a top-down policy. Transparent conversations were central. Faculty town halls, anonymous pulse surveys and leadership retreats became platforms for co-creation. We actively invited feedback, even when it was uncomfortable.
How did it feel to win the Best Culture, Diversity & Inclusion Initiative 2025? “Winning this award was more than a moment of pride, it was a moment of deep reflection and emotional validation. At FIIB, we’ve always believed that transformative impact doesn’t require scale, but vision. This recognition affirms our long-standing belief that small institutions with bold ideas can challenge systemic norms and spark sector-wide change. “It was symbolic not just for us as a school, but also for every woman whose potential has found encouragement here, whether that’s as a student, staff member or faculty leader. It brought together years of intentional work and felt like a collective victory, rooted in the trust, contribution and conviction of our leadership, team, students and alumni. Above all, it felt like a promise kept to our founding values: to be a place where business meets purpose and diversity is more than a number; it’s the norm.” FIIB won this award for its Women in Leadership #Balancingforbetter initiative. What has been its biggest success, in your opinion? “What started as a gender equity initiative evolved into a reimagination of leadership itself. If I had to name one core success, it would be the cultural mindset shift, from supporting women to celebrating leadership in all its diverse forms.
26 Business Impact • ISSUE 4 • 2025
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