In this episode of Give It a Go, Naghma Mulla sits down with Harsh Mariwala — the visionary entrepreneur behind one of India’s most iconic consumer brands and a deeply passionate philanthropist. From his early days at Bombay Oil Industries to building Marico into a household name, Mr. Mariwala opens up about his journey of innovation, focus, and fearless entrepreneurship.
He shares powerful insights on what it takes to stay ahead — from nurturing passion and pioneering business practices to redefining leadership with purpose. The conversation delves into his approach to philanthropy, where he champions informed, involved, and impactful giving. Through his work in mental health and entrepreneurship, Mr. Mariwala illustrates how meaningful change is built — not just through success, but through thought leadership and a genuine commitment to creating lasting social impact.
Chapters
00:00 Highlights of the Episode
01:19 Introduction to Harsh Mariwala
01:53 The Birth of Marico
03:18 Challenges of Running a Family Business
06:57 The Importance of Focus
09:01 Wealth and Personal Values
10:35 The Joy of Giving
14:34 Leading Change in Mental Health
16:47 How Business and Philanthropy Evolve Together
19:25 The Changing Landscape of Philanthropy
19:32 Navigating Judgment in Philanthropy
20:28 The Journey in Mental Health
22:52 Supporting Entrepreneurs
24:48 The Role of Information in Overcoming Poverty
28:21 Personal and Corporate Social Responsibility
30:47 The Importance of Vulnerability in Leadership
33:13 Reflecting on the Philanthropy Journey