Building blocks: Learn from the experiences of changemakers

I firmly believe that all of us are born leaders, and it is up to us to come out of our comfort zone and embrace leadership. There are leadership lessons in every incident that we come across in our lives; it is up to us to learn from them and shape ourselves as better individuals. As Jean-Paul Sartre articulated, “Existence precedes essence”; it is our decisions, actions, and experiences that define us.

In my discussions with 33 changemakers across 12 sectors, comprising of a diverse array of business founders and industry specialists, various topics such as their belief systems, challenges, lessons learnt, and sources of inspiration, among others were explored. Each leader emphasised the core belief that they are simply a collection of their qualities which is a tenet of existentialism. Some of those qualities were instilled in them during their formative years at home, while others were acquired throughout their journeys. A unanimous theme emerged: learning is a lifelong endeavour, and both a mind and a parachute function—best when they are open. Although numerous traits have contributed to their development and success, active learning was the common thread observed among all individuals.

We are initiating this engaging series on leadership called ‘The Building Blocks,’ which focusses on how ordinary people have transformed into leaders through their remarkable actions. In the first part of this series, we will examine the essential qualities that have been pivotal in their evolution into inspiring leaders and, more importantly, into better individuals with a specific focus on the entrepreneurial community.

Building Blocks – Leadership Attributes

When inquired about the leadership qualities that facilitated their current achievements, we received a distinctly varied set of attributes. Among entrepreneurs, some of the notable attributes included Attitude, Belief, Vision, Purpose, and Dedication.

Among professionals some of the attributes that stood out includes Team, Integrity, Culture, Hard Work, Responsibility, and Humility.

How is Entrepreneurship different from Professional Journey?

 “One must possess the ability to adapt. It is akin to participating in test cricket and subsequently desiring to engage in T20,” states Roosevelt D’Souza, Customer Success Leader for the APAC Region at NIQ, reflecting on his transition from a professional career to an entrepreneurial path.

Attributes - Purpose, Vision and Commitment

Although the entrepreneurs embarked on their journey as individuals who needed to uphold the legacy bestowed upon them by their family or as those entirely motivated by the desire to effect change in society, they lacked a defined process and frequently forged their own path. For them, vision and purpose were fundamental to the framework of their achievements, characterised by unwavering focus and commitment to their mission.

“Always remain loyal to the consumer, address their challenges, and your product will reign supreme. If you were to shop for yourself, consider how you would search and discover, and you would never settle for less; infuse that same essence into your business. The excitement lies in creating something innovative and unique, yet I believe it is impractical to have 90 ideas generated by numerous individuals with only one person executing them. In fact, the reverse should be true. The epiphany I had was that where I realized there's no big grand awesome idea. There are no new things that are happening every day, business is 90% mundane. It is about maintaining consistency and a deliberate commitment to excel in all your endeavours, performing those tasks day after day without wavering.’ says Lavanya Nalli, Vice Chairperson, Nalli Group. 

Several entrepreneurs commenced their businesses without financial support; it was their profound passion for their mission, along with their intellectual resources and positive mindset, that motivated them to make a meaningful impact on society. Their dedication and perseverance throughout their journey were truly commendable.

“I did not wish to be merely another management professor who fades away. It is essential for me to leave behind something tangible and valuable to society. When I made the decision to establish XIME following my successful tenure as Director at the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore, I had no financial resources. The initial support came from my eldest brother, who contributed from home, stating that this was the family contribution. We began in a temporary location at St. Marthas Hospital, which was covered by an asbestos roof. Since then, we have made significant progress; we now have three campuses, with a fourth set to open in Hyderabad. I focussed solely on my institute, allowing nothing else to distract me. I declared that nothing would divert my attention. There is no alternative to hard work. If the cause is noble and you possess the necessary credibility, there is no need to be concerned about resources,” Late Prof. J. Philip, Founder, Xavier Institute of Management and Entrepreneurship, had said.

The journey of K.R. Nagarajan, Chairman and Founder of Ramaraj Cotton, is a narrative characterised by purpose and grit. He is an individual who chose to take on the challenge of a declining industry at a time when many were apprehensive about their survival, leading to an unprecedented rate of shop closures, including six companies that were once regarded as legends in the dhoti sector. The emphasis on purpose and action is encapsulated in a quotation prominently displayed in his office: “Leadership is not a position, but it is an action.” The mission of Ramraj is to ensure the welfare of weavers and their livelihoods. It has never been about seeking fame, generating profit, or establishing a powerful brand.

He states, ‘I’m earning a modest salary of Rs 250, and my experience in this field spans only six years. The thought of resurrecting the industry was never on my mind. How could I make such a decision? What will become of those who have faith in this business? What will happen to their means of living? These were the thoughts that occupied my mind. Rather than focussing on marketing, I contemplated the purpose of my life. The weaver who creates the dhoti and white shirt for the elite class often lacks a shirt for himself and struggles to have three meals a day, waiting the entire day to receive his payments from shop owners. He deserves respect, not my pity, and I will remain committed to my mission of providing him with the recognition and respect he rightfully deserves.”

Verghese Kurien, known as the father of the white revolution, has significantly transformed the lives of millions of farmers, the entire dairy ecosystem, the rural economy, and the nutritional needs of the nation. Today, we celebrate Amul’s achievement of surpassing Rs 1 trillion in revenue, along with numerous milk federations meeting the demands of the ever-growing Indian population. The seed that Kurien planted has grown into a banyan tree, from which we are all benefitting. I would assert that Nagarajan is quietly spearheading the second white revolution, this time focussing on the dhoti and benefiting the weaving community.

When G.R. Balasubramaniam made the decision to leave the business where he was assisting his elder sister and brother-in-law, he found himself at a loss regarding his next steps. He was entirely engulfed in the concern of who would employ someone with only an 8th-grade education and what his future would hold. For several months, he was ensnared in a web of fears; however, once he emerged from it, he never looked back. He was determined not to enter a business that would put him in competition with his sister in the butter market, so he opted to explore various opportunities. After several unsuccessful attempts, he chose to enter the ghee business. Today, his brand is recognized as GRB – The Sign of Purity. Over the past four decades, he has established a significant presence in the food industry. He asserts that his success mantra is “Fair Work, Fair Action, and Fair Thought.” The emphasis he places on the term FAIR is remarkable (as defined by the Merriam-Webster dictionary, it signifies impartiality and honesty, being free from self-interest, prejudice, or favouritism).

Attributes – Belief, Comfort Zone, Relationship and Managing self

You must see it. You must believe it. And then you must never stop working to make it happen… ~ Arnold Schwarzenegger

“I am a diligent worker,” states K.S. Kamalakannan, Chairman and Managing Director of Naga Limited. Naga is recognized as one of the foremost wheat processors in the nation and is a well-known brand in Tamil Nadu. In the upcoming weeks, we will explore his intriguing journey of resurgence, but one aspect that captivated me during our discussion was the inception of the NAGA brand. During a conversation with Ratan Tata, he was struck by the impressive business success of Tata Salt. The notion that a mere 2% ingredient could become a significant brand led him to ponder why a 98% ingredient like atta could not achieve the same. This profound idea and conviction ultimately gave rise to the NAGA brand, derived from the first four letters of his mother’s name, Nagalakshmi, which phonetically resembles TATA."

One of the most intriguing aspects that many entrepreneurs have either been compelled to undertake or have chosen to pursue voluntarily is stepping outside their comfort zones.

A classic illustration of this is Arjun Ranga, the Managing Director and CEO of N. Ranga Rao & Sons. His grandfather established the renowned brand in the spiritual sector, Cycle brand Agarbattis, and his father and uncles have elevated the brand to new heights. Growing up in a large joint family, the principles of altruism and respect were instilled in him as fundamental values during his formative years. He returned to Mysore in the seventh grade after spending a few years at a boarding school. He was dropped off at the school in a chauffeur-driven car alongside his sister and cousins. On the second day, as he was preparing to go to school, his father remarked, “Now that you are in seventh grade, you must start taking the city bus to school from today. Your sister and brothers are much younger, so they will continue to be dropped off and picked up by the chauffeur-driven car.” He also added, “You should wake up and pack your own lunch to take with you.”

“I had grown up, so I had that small box. Whatever I had for breakfast was also my lunch. The cook was not going to prepare my lunch at eight in the morning when he was busy making breakfast for 40 people. They would receive their lunch from home in the afternoon in a large tiffin carrier that was freshly prepared. I thought, ‘WHAT?, why just me?’, but then I understood that my dad was trying to teach me to be self-reliant and to step out of my comfort zone. Since I had already spent a couple of years in boarding school, it was quite easy for me,” says Arjun Ranga, reflecting on how his father encouraged him to step out of his comfort zone and prepare for the long journey ahead from a young age.

Srimanto Bhattacharya, the APAC Regional leader at Intersearch Worldwide, fully endorses the idea that stepping out of one’s comfort zone is a crucial characteristic for entrepreneurs and professionals seeking growth in their fields. His relocation to Bangalore to lead the South division of Spearhead, after establishing the business in Delhi in the early 2000s, exemplifies this principle. He further emphasizes that a sales role effectively diminishes ego and fosters humility. He referenced his experience of selling pens in the sweltering heat of Delhi summers during his first internship, which equipped him to embrace any opportunity that arises.

Relationships are more important than life , but it is important for those relationships to have life in them…. ~ Swami Vivekananda

In this rapidly evolving AI-driven world, relationships serve as the core element. Numerous entrepreneurs and professionals have emphasized this point, alongside the importance of maintaining a strong network to succeed and endure. Homi Mulla, an expert in Relationship Management, emphasizes the importance of relationships for both individuals and organizations to thrive in today's competitive landscape. Relationships serve as the crucial connection that distinguishes success from failure. The equation Resources + Relationship = Results encapsulates this idea. He pointed out the Nokia debacle, where the company possessed superior resources, yet the inadequate relationship between upper and middle management resulted in the company's significant decline.

The ability to manage oneself is another intriguing characteristic that has been highlighted. A firm proponent of Brian Klass's philosophy, which asserts that we, as human beings, often overestimate our contributions to our achievements due to cognitive biases and a false sense of control that neglects the chaotic and contingent aspects of reality. Annurag Batra, the Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of BW Businessworld and the founder of the exchange4media group, encapsulated the essential qualities one should adopt and relinquish to advance in life.

Abandon the 3 C’s – Compare, Complain, Criticise

Adopt the 3 H's – Hope, Humility, Hard Work

Cultivate the 3 G's – Grace, Gratitude, Grit

Commit fully and do not let the outcomes disturb you.

(Part 1 of a four-part series. The writer is the author of Building Blocks: Lessons on leadership that I’ve learnt on my journey, and the founder of Prajna Consulting, a boutique consulting firm. Views are personal.)