New Delhi, Nov. 24 -- Conversations around the family's export business were a regular feature at meals during Anupam Bansal's growing years. The other constant presence were shoes. And quite literally too.

"Ours was probably the only house where shoes could be found on the dining table. We grew up surrounded by them. There were times we would play around the factory, so learning and fun went hand in hand. Shoes became a natural part of who we were and what we loved," says Delhi-based Bansal, 55, Executive Director, Liberty Shoes.

Studying economics from Shri Ram College of Commerce gave him a balanced view of how countries, markets and economies functioned, besides the practical aspects of running a business. By the time he graduated i...