The year 2025 is an exciting time in education, with practical women leaders changing schools and universities in smart and effective ways. These leaders have strong knowledge, good planning skills, and the ability to adapt to the fast-changing world of education. They focus on including everyone and encouraging new ideas to help students face future challenges.
By working together with businesses, forming global partnerships, and supporting diverse voices—especially women—these leaders are making education fairer and more impactful. Their practical approach focuses on solutions that are realistic and can grow, ensuring that education stays relevant and meets the needs of society.
Among the influential pragmatic women leaders in education today is Dr. Chandni Kapadia, the Executive Director of GLS University. Dr. Kapadia exemplifies the qualities that define pragmatic leadership through her rich and multifaceted career that spans law, fashion, corporate leadership, and academia. Her diverse experiences have uniquely equipped her to understand and address the complex demands of modern education.
Early Life and Influences
Dr. Chandni Kapadia, from a young age, was drawn to creativity and the pursuit of excellence. Her teenage years were marked by a significant experience when she moved to New York to study at the Fashion Institute of Technology. This opportunity opened her eyes to the vibrant world of fashion and business, where she learned from industry icons like Ralph Lauren. Their influence ignited a lifelong passion for branding and business in her. Coupled with her culturally rich upbringing and an insatiable curiosity, these experiences shaped her worldview and leadership style.
Global Academic Journey and Leadership Style
Dr. Kapadia’s academic journey spans prestigious institutions across the globe, including New York, London, and India. Each of these experiences contributed uniquely to her leadership style. In New York, she learned the importance of boldness and innovation. Her MBA at the London School of Economics grounded her in strategic thinking and global frameworks. Upon returning to India to pursue law, she added an analytical and ethical layer to her decision-making.
Transition from Corporate to Education
After years of leading iconic brands such as Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, and Starbucks in India and the Asia-Pacific region, Dr. Kapadia felt a strong desire to give back and shape future leaders. She saw education as the perfect platform for this mission. When the opportunity to join GLS University arose over a decade ago, it felt like a natural extension of her journey.
As the Executive Director
Dr. Kapadia’s core responsibilities include steering the institution’s global vision, creating academic-industry linkages, and fostering a strong, inclusive ecosystem for learning and innovation. She focuses on developing a curriculum that is both design-forward and relevant to the market. Strategically, she is working on international collaborations, expanding research opportunities, empowering women through education, and ensuring that GLS remains a future-ready university.
One of her most significant contributions at GLS University has been driving its international outlook and transforming design education into a launchpad for global opportunities. She takes pride in curating world-class collaborations, creating industry-responsive programs, and nurturing leadership teams that exemplify empowerment and performance. These efforts have fostered a culture of ambition, equity, and excellence, recently highlighted by the university’s NAAC A+ Accreditation.
Vision for the Future of GLS University
Looking ahead, Dr. Kapadia envisions GLS University as a beacon of global academic excellence, where design, technology, and business converge. The university is already collaborating with prestigious institutions like Harvard, Luiss Business School, and CBU. Her goal is to create not just graduates, but global citizens—thinkers, creators, and changemakers who can lead with empathy and innovation.
On a Personal Note
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Dr. Kapadia pursues hobbies and passions that keep her inspired and grounded. She is an avid traveler and a devoted animal lover, finding joy in the simple moments spent with her pet, Zoey. Additionally, she actively contributes to animal welfare and women’s advocacy through meaningful associations with organizations like WICCI and the Rotary Club.
Lastly, as a multifaceted leader, Dr. Kapadia maintains a healthy balance between her demanding roles in executive leadership and her personal life. For her, balance is about aligning her passions and building strong support systems. She has been fortunate to assemble teams that share her drive and compassion. Prioritizing self-awareness, she takes time for causes she cares about and approaches every role with mindfulness. While the journey has not always been easy, she believes that living a life true to one’s values makes the experience fulfilling and sustainable. Despite the challenges, she has no regrets about the demanding roles she has taken on, as they have only strengthened her self-belief and determination.
