Anchored in grit, rising with grace

A true Woman of Substance, she exemplifies that with courage and conviction, no dream is out of reach.

For some women, strength isn’t a choice—it’s a necessity. In 2001, Nafeesa Moloobhoy was thrust into the unfamiliar world of maritime services when her husband fell ill. With young children, a crumbling company, and a 96-year-old family legacy at stake, she had two options: sink or swim. She chose to swim—and soared.

Moloobhoy Marine, founded by her husband’s ancestors, was on the verge of closure following a family split and a failed partnership. While her husband was ready to walk away, Nafeesa stepped in.

“We cannot shut it at 96,” she said. “Let me try.” With no formal training, she left the comfort of South Bombay to lead a company from a small office in Darukhana. She learned everything from scratch—through books, staff, and conversations.

Despite skepticism from peers and competitors, her determination never wavered. “I knew nothing about ships, but I knew people were counting on me.” From a turnover of just over a crore, she built the company to nearly 200 crores. Her secret? Integrity.

“No shortcuts. We do it honestly or not at all,” she says. Her commitment to quality earned industry trust and long-lasting client relationships. A pivotal moment came in 2005 when she risked 50 lakhs on a tender and flew to Japan to pitch for the Furuno Electric agency. After an uneventful meeting, fate stepped in—she bumped into the company’s MD, made her case, and won the exclusive agency. Today, Moloobhoy Marine represents Furuno across India and the Gulf.

She brought her daughters into the business, inspired by the respect she received as a woman in a male-dominated space. “After the initial skepticism, the industry embraced me. I was never made to feel less because I was a woman.”

Now, Nafeesa is focused on corporatizing the business through professional leadership and future-ready transformation. “It’s like surgery on a beating heart,” she says. “But it’s time.”

Her journey, she says, evolved through anxiety, aggression, bitterness, and now gratitude. “God carried me through my darkest days,” she says, attributing her success to divine grace, a loyal team, and hard work. She gives back through employee welfare and ethical practices.

Her advice to women: “Capability is your passport. Gender doesn’t limit you—only doubt does.” From unfamiliar waters to industry leader, Nafeesa Moloobhoy built a legacy of resilience and purpose. A true Woman of Substance, she proves that when courage meets conviction, nothing is impossible.