A Lifelong Pursuit...

Ah, the corporate treadmill - The epicentre of my musings and the backdrop of countless leadership sagas. Picture this: A random encounter with a curious duo -first the wife, then her elusive husband - both 'hungry' for my take on leadership.

Five months ago, I was knee-deep in personal challenges, struggling to find time to distill my thoughts on this sprawling topic. Then, in a moment of clarity in the month of December 2023, I locked myself away and wrestled my insights onto paper.

But here’s where it gets juicy. After three months of radio silence from the elusive gentleman, the truth emerged: A choked pipeline and a dollar sign. Yes, they offered a shortcut to publication - for a fee!

Now, fast forward to the present. Armed with fifteen years of corporate battle scars, I’m reclaiming my narrative. No energy for a rehash, no time for putting filters. This Q&A is the raw truth, straight from the corporate front lines.

So, join me on this rollercoaster ride through leadership land. It’s time to break free from the treadmill and share the real deal. Let’s dive in.

What have you found most challenging as a leader?

Effectively leading a team stands as the paramount and formidable task for any true leader, and I am no exception. The art of team management encapsulates the complex processes of assembling a cohesive unit, weaving the intricate fabric of shared culture that every member wholeheartedly embraces, and nurturing individuals to blossom into leaders in their own right. Remarkably, this demanding role necessitates a leader to operate with absolute selflessness. A task made significantly more attainable for those leaders who emanate a profound sense of inner security.

How did you become a leader? Can you please tell the story?

In the nascent stages of my career, I encountered a series of formidable challenges that played a pivotal role in sculpting my leadership acumen and eventually my leadership style.

Initially, I found myself under the mentorship of an exceptionally demanding boss, whose sheer brilliance and high expectations propelled me to elevate my performance. Adapting to his furious pace, I discovered the art of collaboration, honing my interpersonal skills in the ordeal of professional demand. This experience became my inaugural lesson in leadership – A lesson of paramount importance – Collaborate.

The commencement of my career presented me with a baptism by fire – A project so notoriously challenging that six predecessors had succumbed to its complexities and moved on. Compounding the complexity of the task was a demanding client, adding an extra layer of challenge. This experience not only tested my resilience but also laid the foundation for fearlessness and a willingness to experiment in the face of adversity.

Guiding me through my formative years was a mentor whose unconventional grooming strategy involved immersing me in the toughest projects alongside exceptionally bright but formidable team members. This strategic approach, although seemingly unconventional, moulded me into an efficient project manager and an able mentor in my own right. These experiences not only strengthened my ability to manage challenging projects but also fast-tracked my career while contributing significantly to my growth as a leader. Working with irreverent talent added yet another layer to my learning journey, instilling in me a profound sense of humility. It was here, in the early stages of my career, that I learned a valuable lesson – To succeed, one must master the art of tolerating the genius. This realisation became a cornerstone of my leadership philosophy, emphasising the importance of embracing diverse perspectives and talents, even when they come in unconventional or challenging forms.

Reflecting on this journey, it becomes evident that none of these experiences were by design; they unfolded organically. My genuine passion for learning played a crucial role in propelling my rapid professional growth.

How do you structure your work days from waking up to going to sleep?

I can’t operate without job lists. Daily job list, weekly job list, monthly job list, quarterly job list, annual job list and bucket list. Sometimes even an hourly job list. This helps me plan things well, prioritise effectively and have a very focused approach overall.

In my relentless pursuit of productivity, I wield an arsenal of job lists finely tuned to the cadence of time. At sunrise, a Daily Job List sets the tone, guiding me through impactful tasks. Weekly, Monthly, and Quarterly lists scale the scope, ensuring strategic alignment and adaptation. The Annual Job List is a roadmap for triumph, and the Bucket List adds spontaneity to aspirations. And in the nooks of time, an Hourly List ensures every moment counts. These aren't mere schedules; they are precision instruments orchestrating my journey to success and stress-free life.

What’s a recent leadership lesson you’ve learned for the first time or been reminded of?

Effective leadership hinges on the ability to wield and channel positive energy. The contagious nature of these energies, especially those emanating from a leader, underscores the leader's responsibility to stand resolute in the face of challenges. Regardless of the difficulties encountered, a true leader must stand tall and radiate the right vibes to inspire and uplift their team.

In the recent past, I found myself working with leaders whose energies lacked the strength and resilience needed to navigate tough situations. This experience served as a poignant reminder of a crucial leadership lesson: Energies are not only influential but also reflective of a leader's fortitude. In moments of adversity, it becomes paramount for a leader to maintain composure, projecting optimism and determination.

As human beings, we all face moments of derailment, and I am no exception. However, I am fortunate to be surrounded by remarkable individuals in my life who serve as pillars of support. It is through their encouragement and wisdom that I swiftly regain my footing, emerging from challenges stronger than before. Each setback becomes an opportunity for personal and professional growth, a chance to refine my leadership skills and contribute more effectively.

In essence, the journey of leadership is not without its twists and turns, but it is in these moments of testing that true leaders distinguish themselves. By harnessing and projecting positive energy, a leader not only guides their team through adversity but also cultivates a culture of resilience and continuous improvement. The ability to make a powerful comeback, fortified by the lessons learned, defines the essence of impactful leadership.

What’s one book that has had a profound impact on your leadership so far? Can you briefly tell the story of how that book impacted your leadership?

The book "I Too Had A Dream" by Dr. Verghese Kurien uniquely influenced my approach to leadership. Each page and chapter contained invaluable lessons drawn from Dr. Kurien's remarkable life. The narrative underscored his key qualities such as resilience, passion, courage, compassion, self-belief, and irreverence.

Having delved into this book several years ago, I encountered a plethora of lessons. However, the paramount takeaway for me was the affirmation that my leadership style is the right fit for me, and I should persist in the same direction. Dr. Kurien's journey served as a powerful validation, reinforcing the importance of authenticity and dedication in leadership. This insight continues to guide and shape my professional endeavours, reminding me to stay true to my unique approach and values.

If you could only give one piece of advice to a young leader, what would you say to them?

Be fearless – Don't be a slave to the rulebooks!

What is one meaningful story that comes to mind from your time as a leader, so far?

In 2015, as I laid the foundation for a new Strategic Business Unit (SBU), my leadership centred around three pillars: Fearlessness, Fun, and Fairness. These principles became the bedrock of an environment where my team not only seamlessly bonded but also gained a reputation as the happiest within the organisation. It was no surprise that we emerged as the best-performing unit across the entire network. Recognising the importance of showcasing my team's brilliance, I dedicated efforts to eliminate individual insecurities, fostering alignment with both my vision and the overarching goals of the organisation.

Amidst a year (2016) characterized by a conservative appraisal cycle, I achieved the seemingly impossible - Successfully negotiating a substantial increment for my team! This accomplishment was facilitated by my CEO's intimate familiarity with each member of my team and their individual contributions to our collective success.

As a leader, my unwavering belief is that investing in and advocating for your team yields multifaceted rewards. This commitment not only benefits the organization and its leadership but also creates a positive and fulfilling experience for the individuals involved. A particularly noteworthy moment occurred when my fearless negotiation tactics led to my CEO approving an increment for a highly talented team member (in the form of a spot bonus on her last day) who had chosen to move on. Despite facing technical eligibility constraints, I navigated the rule book to secure what I deemed fair - A compelling testament to the transformative impact of fearlessness and fairness in leadership. 

As we reach the conclusion of our journey through the dynamic world of leadership, one thing is certain: leadership is an ever-evolving adventure, not a static destination.

From tackling tough projects to mastering negotiation tactics, my experiences have been a crash course in authenticity and resilience. If there's one piece of advice I'd offer to emerging leaders, it's this: embrace fearlessness and stay true to yourself.

Leadership isn't just about fancy titles - it's about making a meaningful and lasting impact with passion and purpose. It's about making a real difference to other lives. So, let's break free from the corporate agendas and lead with enthusiasm, paving the way for positive change wherever we go!