As artificial intelligence, global capability centres (GCCs) and shifting business models reshape the healthcare and life sciences industry, professionals are increasingly being called upon to move beyond functional expertise and take on enterprise-wide leadership responsibilities.

These themes formed the backdrop to the Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association (HBA) India’s third India Leadership Summit (ILS) 2026, held in Hyderabad on September 11–12 under the theme, “Command the Shift: Influential Leadership in the Age of AI & Global Capability.”

The summit brought together hundreds of senior and emerging professionals from healthcare, life sciences, pharmaceuticals, contract research organisations (CROs) and GCCs to examine how leaders can build influence, commercial acumen and the confidence required to navigate increasingly complex organisations.

The discussions come at a time when India is evolving from a talent and execution hub into a strategic base from which global healthcare businesses are increasingly being built and led. GCCs are assuming broader mandates, while AI and digital technologies are changing roles and expectations across the sector.

Against this backdrop, HBA is positioning leadership development as an important part of strengthening the healthcare industry's talent pipeline. Through mentorship, leadership development programmes, peer networks and access to experienced practitioners, the organisation aims to equip professionals not only to advance their careers but also to influence business and industry outcomes.

The first day of ILS 2026 focused on practical leadership development through four masterclasses hosted at Amgen India. The sessions covered influencing across matrix organisations, developing commercial acumen, career reinvention and leading in areas where AI cannot replace human capabilities.

The second day shifted to leadership conversations with executives who have navigated these challenges in their own careers. Amitabh Dube, Country President and Managing Director, Novartis India, opened the programme with a keynote focused on turning change and uncertainty into leadership opportunities.

Mary Stutts, CEO, Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association, said, “India has become an increasingly important part of HBA’s global growth story as well as that of our corporate partners. It was inspiring to see that momentum come alive at this year’s India Leadership Summit. I was delighted to meet both seasoned healthcare leaders and the emerging talent shaping India’s next chapter. What stands out is not just the scale of the community, but its ambition to lead, influence and contribute globally." 

Dr. Deepa Desai, Global Board Director, HBA and Founder & CEO, D Cube Consultancy, said, “Over the last few years, HBA India has grown from a small community into one of HBA’s most dynamic leadership ecosystems. With that growth comes a greater responsibility, not just to develop better leaders, but to empower them to create change."