Leadership Is Cultivated, Not Inborn: Ch. Sailaja Kiron at FICCI FLO Vijayawada Chapter Launch

By: WE Staff | Friday, 13 June 2025

• During her speech, Ch. Sailaja Kiron stressed that leadership is developed rather than born
• Integrity, ethics, accountability, and trust are essential components of a successful business
• She was giving a speech at the opening of the 21st FICCI FLO chapter in Vijayawada

Amaravati "Leadership needs to be developed; it is not innate". Ch. Sailaja Kiron, Managing Director of Margadarsi Chit Funds and Kalanjali, stated at the opening of the 21st chapter of FICCI FLO (Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry – Ladies Organization) in Vijayawada that "true success in the business world is built on trust, ethics, accountability, and integrity."

She stressed the value of honesty, promptness, and values-based leadership while addressing a group of aspiring female entrepreneurs. She emphasized that people who help others achieve their goals are the ones who achieve long-term success. Through a PowerPoint presentation, she offered insights on qualities that are essential for women in business, including resilience, credibility, and the ability to build lasting relationships.

When Sailaja Kiron thought back on her career, she recalled how Sri Ramoji Rao, the founder of the Ramoji Group, gave her the task of overseeing the Margadarsi chit fund business. "The company's commitment to strong values earned enduring customer trust despite political challenges from both Congress and the YSR Congress Party," she said.

Today, Margadarsi reports a turnover of ₹12,800 crore, runs 124 branches, and oversees 5,200 chit fund groups—all without sacrificing moral standards. In addition, she stated that the group has never turned to dubious sources of income like the sale of alcohol, demonstrating her unwavering dedication to the principles established by its founder.

Poonam Sharma, the national president of FICCI FLO, reaffirmed the organization's mission to empower women at all societal levels, from small-scale business ownership to boardroom leadership. She promised that the FLO would help women develop their leadership and marketing skills. Vijayawada MP Kesineni Sivanath (Chinni) opened the event by highlighting the government's emphasis on women's empowerment and mentioning programs like the "Vikasith Panchayat," which gives rural women access to markets and tools.

Virtually attending the event, Andhra Pradesh Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha commended Ch. Sailaja Kiron and Nara Bhuvaneshwari for being role models for women in a variety of fields. Key members of the FICCI FLO, such as Padmarajagopal, Amruthakumar, and Rashmi Saritha, also attended the event.