Tough Times Do Not Last, Only Tough People Do, Says Kanwaljeet Jawa, MD & CEO, Daikin India
Excerpts:
2018-19 was a good year for the consumable durable sector, post Covid-19 once things start picking up, what will Daikin’s strategy be?
Last year was exceptionally good for the air conditioning sector. We are looking at the positives and working on our strategy for long-term. Long term plans are still very encouraging and promising as far as air conditioning is concerned.
You mentioned that China is large part of your sales, almost $5.5 billion sales come out of the region. Since China has got impacted and your global revenues are being affected, and of course Indian revenues are being hit, will there be any change in plans as you go forward?
Revenues might be affected this year however, our long-term plans and our investment plans for India, Vietnam and Malaysia will remain same and in place.
What do you think is the kind of leadership that will take us through these difficult times?
Effective leaders definitely have very high working standards. They have well defined goals and always plan keeping the long-term in mind. Simplicity of thoughts and actions is paramount. Further, they also practice people-centered management. Our company’s philosophy for instance has always been positive and pro-active. We have learnt from failure. If you look at Daikin’s performance over the last 10 years, you will see we have been growing in every part of the world. We are standing on a very solid platform. Ten years ago, we were less than a Rs. 450 crore company and this year we will be crossing Rs. 5,000 crore, that is a 10 x jump in growth.
In the times of crisis leadership takes on even more meaning, who is a leader that you look up to for inspiration?
I would say Jack Welch (Chairman and CEO, General Electric) who had immense creative vision and relentless passion.
Is there a quote that inspires you? Is there something that you say to yourself every day?
Jawa: I am a firm believer that tough times do not last, only tough people do. This is what I keep sharing with my people. Also, winners do not do different things, they do things differently.
