Anjali Merchant Majithia, sister of the newlywed Radhika Merchant, recently shared insights about her upbringing in a business-oriented family during a panel discussion organized by Entrepreneur India. Majithia, a director at Encore Healthcare, a family-owned pharmaceutical company, described how being part of the business community and contributing to family and country were values instilled in her from a young age. “These were dinner table discussions,” she recalled, referring to how business topics were often discussed at home.
Majithia reflected on a childhood experience in Oman, where her grandfather lived, as a significant moment that shaped her understanding of business priorities. She recounted how her parents had to leave Oman during his illness to attend a critical USFDA audit, emphasizing the importance of balancing family and professional responsibilities.
She also highlighted the importance of relationships and family values in her career, noting that she comes from a family where relationships are held in high regard. This upbringing, Majithia explained, influenced her approach to business and life, shaping her priorities and mindset.
Psychologist Priyamvada Tendulkar explained that growing up in a business-focused family offers unique advantages and challenges. On the positive side, children in such families are often exposed to an “abundance mindset,” where they are encouraged to take risks and think beyond a fixed monthly income, fostering entrepreneurial thinking from an early age. This mindset, along with early exposure to business strategies, helps build psychological resilience and comfort with uncertainty.
However, there are also challenges, as Tendulkar noted. Business families often operate within traditional, hierarchical structures, which can suppress individuality and creativity. Children may feel restricted by family expectations and decision-making power concentrated with the “family boss.” This can lead to feelings of repression, depression, or rebellion in adulthood. Furthermore, the pressure to live up to the success of previous generations can be overwhelming, causing feelings of inadequacy or existential depression, despite material security.
