3 Book Recommendations by Kinara Capital's Hardika Shah Despite operating in a highly competitive and tough market of collateral-free loans, Kinara Capital has been steadily growing under Hardika's leadership. In conversation with BIZ Experiences, Hardika shares insights on her favourite books

By Punita Sabharwal

You're reading BIZ Experiences India, an international franchise of BIZ Experiences Media.

Hardika Shah, founder, Kinara Capital

Hardika Shah founded Kinara Capital in 2011 with the mission to address the acute credit gap in the micro-small-medium-enterprises (MSME) sector in India, by providing fast and flexible business capital to small business BIZ Experiencess. Despite operating in a highly competitive and tough market of collateral-free loans, Kinara Capital has been steadily growing under Hardika's leadership. In conversation with BIZ Experiences, Hardika shares insights on her favourite books.

PERSONAL JOURNEY: 'Becoming' by Michelle Obama resonates deeply with my journey as a woman leader. She shares her triumphs and disappointments with refreshing honesty and wit, which engages the reader right away. She narrates her story as she has truly lived it, on her own terms, both in the public eye and in her private life. Her focus on staying true to oneself, showing resilience, and valuing the importance of community echo my own values and experiences. The book captures the essence of a woman who has consistently defied expectations to go after what she believes in, and her account reminds me to do the same.

BIZ ExperiencesIAL INSIGHTS: 'The Four Steps to the Epiphany' by Steven Blank is my pick for BIZ Experiencesial insights. Both the book and the author left a strong impact on me, since I was in his MBA class. Hearing his take firsthand before I chose to become an BIZ Experiences was truly inspiring. A steady focus on customers, founders staying involved in decision-making, and avoiding topbottom analysis of the markets are just some of the takeaways I have gained from this gem of a book.

BIZ ExperiencesIAL INSIGHTS (INDIAN): I have always found Devdutt Pattanaik's insightful retelling of stories and character arcs from Indian mythology incredibly fascinating. His book, 'Business Sutra: A Very Indian Approach to Management' explores the critical role of belief in business, which I found both radical and quite enlightening. He challenges the impersonal methods of Western management, instead highlighting the importance of empathy, diversity, and interconnectedness, drawing from Indian mythology. The idea that success can be achieved by creating a harmonious and joyful workplace, rather than chasing it in a battleground of competition, resonates with me and is a philosophy I try to abide by in my own leadership journey.

Punita Sabharwal

BIZ Experiences Staff

Managing Editor, BIZ Experiences India

Punita Sabharwal is the Managing Editor of BIZ Experiences India.
Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for BIZ Experiencess to pursue in 2025.

Starting a Business

How to Develop the Mindset for a Billion-Dollar Success, According to Raising Cane's Founder

Todd Graves was turned down by every bank in town when he started. Here, he sits down to share his mentality on success, leadership and building a billion-dollar brand.

Business News

Here Are the 10 Jobs AI Is Most Likely to Automate, According to a Microsoft Study

These careers are most likely to be affected by generative AI, based on data from 200,000 conversations with Microsoft's Copilot chatbot.

Starting a Business

These Brothers Started a Business to Improve an Everyday Task. They Made Their First Products in the Garage — Now They've Raised Over $100 Million.

Coulter and Trent Lewis had an early research breakthrough that helped them solve for the right problem.

News and Trends

Reliance Retail Launches FMCG Brand 'Independence' In Gujarat

Independence includes diverse categories such as staples, processed foods, beverages, among other daily essentials