Pinky Lilani: The Visionary Champion of Women, Leadership, and Kindness
Who Is Pinky Lilani?
Pinky Lilani CBE DL, born Nusrat Mehboob Lilani on 25 March 1954 in Kolkata, India, is an internationally recognised author, motivational speaker, food expert, and women’s advocate. She is best known as the founder and chair of the Women of the Future Awards and the Asian Women of Achievement Awards, two of the United Kingdom’s most influential platforms celebrating female leadership and innovation.
Today, at 71 years of age, Pinky Lilani continues to inspire thousands through her commitment to kindness-centred leadership, cultural connection, and women’s empowerment.
Early Life and Education
Pinky Lilani was born and raised in Kolkata, India, where she attended Loreto House School. Her early education focused on literature and social sciences, leading her to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Education and English at the University of Calcutta. She later completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Social Communication Media at the University of Bombay (now Mumbai).
In the mid-1970s, at just 24 years old, Pinky married Amin Lilani, a businessman, after a brief courtship. Within three weeks of meeting him, she moved to the United Kingdom to begin a new chapter of her life — a transition that would eventually shape her career and global influence.
The Journey from Kitchen Novice to Food Expert
Pinky Lilani and Spice Magic
Ironically, Pinky Lilani did not grow up cooking. At home in Kolkata, professional chefs handled meals, leaving her unfamiliar with culinary basics. When she moved to Britain, she had to teach herself to cook, exploring Indian cuisine with creativity and enthusiasm. What began as curiosity soon became a calling.
In 2001, she founded Spice Magic Ltd, a company that combines food, storytelling, and leadership lessons. Through Spice Magic, she hosts cookery workshops, motivational sessions, and corporate events that teach the importance of passion, networking, and kindness in business. Her unique approach uses the art of food to connect cultures and foster inclusion.
Pinky Lilani’s debut cookbook, Spice Magic: An Indian Culinary Adventure, became a reflection of her life’s philosophy — blending heritage, creativity, and love for people.
Pinky Lilani CBE: A Leader of Kindness and Change
Championing Women’s Empowerment
Beyond her success in food, Pinky Lilani transformed her experiences into movements that celebrate women’s achievements and leadership potential. She noticed a lack of visible platforms for minority women in Britain and set out to change that.
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In 1999, she founded the Asian Women of Achievement Awards (AWA) to recognise British-Asian women making outstanding contributions to society, business, and the arts.
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In 2006, she launched the Women of the Future Programme, including the Women of the Future Awards, Network, Summit, and Ambassadors Programme. This ecosystem connects senior women leaders with sixth-form students, building mentorship and nurturing a pipeline of female talent.
Her awards have expanded globally to include Women of the Future Southeast Asia, reinforcing her vision of transnational collaboration and leadership.
Books by Pinky Lilani
1. “Spice Magic: An Indian Culinary Adventure” (2001)
Pinky’s first book takes readers on a journey through Indian cuisine, introducing simple yet authentic recipes while celebrating the cultural heritage behind each dish.
2. “Coriander Makes the Difference”
This second book reflects Pinky’s passion for flavour and her belief that small touches — whether in food or life — make a lasting impact. It highlights the role of spices as symbols of diversity and creativity.
3. “Some Kind of Wonderful: The Magic Life Has Taught Me”
A deeply personal memoir, this work combines her life story with reflections on leadership, kindness, and resilience. It offers lessons drawn from her experiences as an immigrant, entrepreneur, and advocate for women.
Through these books, Pinky Lilani proves that storytelling, culture, and compassion can coexist in both the kitchen and the boardroom.
Professional Roles and Recognitions
Founder and Chair of Women’s Leadership Platforms
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Asian Women of Achievement Awards (1999 – Present)
Celebrates unsung heroines across business, charity, entrepreneurship, and community service. -
Women of the Future Programme (2006 – Present)
A comprehensive initiative linking award-winning women with students, supporting leadership growth through mentoring and community. -
Global Empowerment Award (2008 – Present)
Honours individuals whose vision and leadership inspire economic and social progress worldwide. -
Inspirational Women’s Network (2007 – Present)
A platform encouraging collaboration and peer-to-peer support among professional women. -
Global Kindness Institute (2025 – Present)** Patron**
Promotes kindness as a core leadership value, aligning with her lifelong belief in compassion as a strength.
Academic and Advisory Roles
Pinky Lilani serves as an Associate Fellow at the Saïd Business School, University of Oxford, contributing to executive education and global leadership discussions.
Awards and Honours
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Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) – 2007, for services to charity.
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Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) – 2015, for services to women in business.
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Deputy Lieutenant (DL) of Greater London – 2014, recognising her contribution to civic life.
These honours affirm her reputation as a transformative leader who unites business with social responsibility.
Personal Life and Family
Pinky Lilani’s personal story is as inspiring as her professional achievements. Her marriage to Amin Lilani, a supportive businessman, marked the start of her life in Britain. The couple has two sons, and Pinky often credits her family for grounding her values and ambition.
She has openly spoken about the cultural adjustments she faced after arriving in the UK — from learning to cook to building confidence in a new society. Over time, those challenges became catalysts for growth, teaching her empathy and determination.
Philosophy: Kindness as a Tool for Leadership
The Power of Kindness
A recurring theme in Pinky Lilani’s life is her conviction that kindness is not a weakness, but a profound force for success. Her mantra — “You haven’t lived a perfect day unless you’ve done something for someone who can never repay you” — reflects her belief in the transformative power of generosity.
Through her projects and mentorships, she encourages leaders to combine achievement with compassion, arguing that empathy drives innovation and community better than authority ever can.
Pinky Lilani on Leadership and Cultural Identity
Cross-Cultural Leadership
As an Indian-born British citizen, Pinky Lilani’s identity bridges two worlds. Her work embodies the essence of cross-cultural dialogue, merging Indian values of warmth and family with British professionalism and inclusivity.
Women’s Agency and Visibility
She continues to advocate for women to take charge of their own narratives, reminding them that recognition, visibility, and networking are just as crucial as skill and ambition. Her Women of the Future initiatives give women the tools and confidence to occupy leadership spaces without fear or guilt.
Legacy and Continuing Influence
After more than two decades of influence, Pinky Lilani’s impact stretches across continents. Her awards have spotlighted hundreds of women who have since become CEOs, ministers, social entrepreneurs, and global changemakers. She has built a living legacy of collaboration and mentorship — not through hierarchy, but through humanity.
At 71 years old, she remains active as a speaker, author, and advisor, continuing to prove that success, empathy, and kindness can go hand in hand.
FAQs
1. Who is Pinky Lilani?
Pinky Lilani CBE DL is an Indian-born British author, motivational speaker, food expert, and women’s leadership advocate. She founded the Asian Women of Achievement Awards and the Women of the Future Programme.
2. What is Pinky Lilani’s age?
Pinky Lilani was born on 25 March 1954, making her 71 years old in 2025.
3. Who is Pinky Lilani’s husband?
She is married to Amin Lilani, a businessman. The couple moved to the United Kingdom shortly after their marriage in the 1970s.
4. What books has Pinky Lilani written?
Her notable works include Spice Magic: An Indian Culinary Adventure, Coriander Makes the Difference, and her memoir Some Kind of Wonderful: The Magic Life Has Taught Me.
5. What is Pinky Lilani’s company Spice Magic?
Spice Magic Ltd is her culinary and motivational business offering cookery experiences, leadership sessions, and corporate events that blend food, culture, and kindness.
