- Anu Aga says managing work and family is key, not just balancing them.
- She shares how struggles shaped her success at Thermax and in life.
- Aga supports CSR when done willingly, not forced, for real impact.
At BT MindRush 2025, Anu Aga, former Thermax chairperson, spoke about the heated 70-hour work week debate. She told young people to focus on managing their time between work and family instead of chasing perfect balance. “I don’t like the word balance—it’s like a tightrope,” she said during her talk, ‘Boardroom to Impact: A Leader’s Journey.’ Aga explained that sometimes work needs more hours, and other times family does. In India, she noted, family support makes this easier compared to places like France, where strict short hours are demanded.
Aga, now 82, shared her own story of turning struggles into strength. After losing her husband in 1996, she joined Thermax’s board just days later, despite feeling unsure. She grew the company from tough times into a global leader in energy and environment solutions. “Struggle happens to everyone,” she said. “Don’t waste energy asking ‘why me?’—accept it and learn to cope.” Her personal challenges, she believes, built her ability to lead and give back through philanthropy.
On corporate social responsibility (CSR), Aga had clear advice for companies. She said forced CSR has little value, but when a company truly believes in it, the impact is huge. Before it was required, Thermax gave 50% of its dividends to causes like education and healthcare for the underprivileged. “I didn’t like the CSR rule at first,” she admitted, “but now I see the good it can do with the money involved.” Aga’s life shows how managing work and family, paired with purpose, can lead to lasting success
