Discovering New Horizons

On 5th May, 2020 BW Businessworld held a leadership webinar with leaders from all walks of life. They were in conversation with Dr. Annurag Batra, Chairman and Editor-in-Chief, BW Businessworld. 

A true leader is not only one who talks, but walks the talk. Setting an example to his or her colleagues, he or she go through a lot of pressure but never show it. They do lead well by encouraging their colleagues and easing their mental pressure. At the very outset of the debate leadership got a new definition from all those present. As they say each to his own. 

Ashish Vidyarthi, Film actor, motivational speaker and leadership coach said, “This is a time for individual leadership. It is a challenge no doubt. This is a time for me as the Big Bang. There is no one to tell us that everything is going to be fine soon. A new way of expressing one’s work has begun. Only with hope can we all unite and overcome this situation. We are stepping into a new world, a world that has changed. New horizons will be found. There is a lot of fear everywhere, thanks to whatsapp and all, but storms don’t last and dreams don’t perish.” 

Supporting this theory, Padma Shri Dr Pritam Singh, Former Director IIM Lucknow and MDI Gurgaon, Institutional builder felt that “The whole debate is around action, strategy and the way forward. India has a lot of challenges and our country needs to take a leap. There is always risk in business. The business world is like war. It is like in the forests, if the lion doesn’t run fast enough, he will go hungry and if the deer doesn’t run fast enough it will be eaten.” 

Gen (retd) J.J. Singh, Former Army Chief, Former Governor Arunachal Pradesh and author felt there is more to what meets the eye. He elaborates saying “The activities relating to security of the world are now extremely essential. The WHO also needs to be reviewed. No one knows the secret of the Corona virus, it has been kept hush-hush. I think there is evidence which shows something fishy.” 

Along with the rest, Aruna Jayanthi, MD Asia Pacific and Latin America, Capgemini, went on to say,” Dealing with people in 14 countries and working I have learnt that people are all the same. They have fears, aspirations, dreams and future plans. The safety of our people and engaging with them is of utmost importance. We need to see the economic health of the people as well.”

The debate, full of brainstorming and positive interaction embraced dialogue that made sense and was full of insight. 

For example, Prajakta Koli, Youtuber - a Youth leader and Social Media sensation said, “It is a massive shock, no one expected Corona at all. Mental health and well-being need to be addressed. We have to be the best versions of yourself. Conversations are important. You never know how one is ever going to react and adapt to situations like these.”  

Another viewpoint was given by Prakash Iyer, Author, motivational speaker and leadership coach who said,” It is an interesting time for individuals to demonstrate leadership. ‘If it is to be, it is up to me’. I can take charge and do, that is the mantra of the hour. Leaders have to understand that they cannot predict the future. Communication, transparency, is more important for leaders. I also think it is a time for leaders to be kind. All I can say is being in such a crisis is bad but we have to stand tall.” 

A very logical view was given by Sh D.V. Kapur, Author and institutional builder, Founder Chairman, NTPC and Former secretary, Lower and Heavy Industries, who mentioned that, “With the things not being relevant now, things we have which we took for granted, we have realized how important they are. Quality management be it in HR or Finance or Engineering is needed. Leadership needs to be seen differently, everything will change. Enterprises need to change their way of thinking. 

On a refreshing note C.P. Gurnani, MD and CEO, Tech Mahindra and inspirational leader commented saying, “I think that over the last 50 days my team has an advantage. This is the same team that faced the Satyam crisis. During the time of not knowing of what the scenario might be, we always have to be positive. Employee monitoring, health and safety is also very important.” 

These leaders expressed their views in an authentic and honest manner, enabling a fine debate with amazing experiences shared, leadership qualities discussed and last but not the least the topic of mental health during these times being addressed as well.