An MBA from Harvard Business School, Kidwai is recognised in India and abroad with several awards and listings for leadership and business. Repeatedly ranked in the Fortune global list of Top Women in Business, in the Wall Street Journal and Financial Times Global Listing of Women to Watch and listed by Time Magazine as one of their 15 Global Influentials 2002.

Naina Lal Kidwai has also received the Padma Shri from the Government of India for her contribution to Trade and Industry. Her international engagements include being a non executive director on the board of Nestle SA, Chairman, City of London's Advisory Council for India, Global Advisor, Harvard Business School and Chair of the Indian Advisory Board.