Editorial

Implementing the Learnings from 2020

Read Time:4 Minute

The Pandemic is now behind us—almost. The year 2020—despite innumerable challenges—had left us with valuable lessons. The world is not the same, and nor do we want it to be after everything that we had endured and learnt and indeed re-learnt about what really mattered to us. The outlook changed, as serving people’s interest became more important than serving one’s own.


In this context, MMA organised its flagship annual convention on the theme “India’s Turning Point: Challenges and Opportunities” virtually on 26th Feb 2021. Technology and digital revolution became critical for crusading through these difficult times. The growing evidence and sentiment that empathy is the leading skill for leaders in 2021 is right on the money. The era of the empathetic leader is now, or never. The convention was watched by over 30,000. If you missed watching it, then click here to watch… and get inspired.

The year 2020 had been a roller coaster ride for each one of us. Let me just say it that, personally, I had to unlearn planning ahead of time and be okay with certain aspects being out of control. Professionally, we had to unlearn our standard process of reaching out to a large number of our members and focussing on what works in the present and adapting it quickly. Thank you, dear members, for your understanding and support.


The Mapping Policy: A Game Changer
India’s new mapping policy can be a game changer, facilitating domestic companies to steal a march over global giants and multiplying businesses now valued at over Rs. 30,000 crores. The new policy demonstrates the government’s intent to support Indian companies. The policy will unlock huge geospatial potentials, and it’s the right time for Indian start-ups to grab the opportunity and move forward. Now, Google Map could be challenged in India.


In this context and to encourage young entrepreneurs, MMA launched a new series guided by Mr V Balaraman and Mr Shankar on “Start-up India: Opportunities & Excitement,” which will share insights from successful start-ups. The first in the series, “How to Print a Rocket—Agnikul Cosmos—A Fireside Chat with India’s Own Elon Musk” featured Mr Srinath, Co-founder and CEO, Agnikul Cosmos, in conversation with Mr Shankar, Founder, CAMS. I hope you will enjoy listening to this inspiring story as much as we enjoyed putting them together for you.


Click to watch Agnikul’s inspiring story.

Role of Next-Generation Business Leaders
With big corporate houses adapting new technologies and business policies, the role of next-generation business leaders has undergone a big change. B-Schools will have to adapt globally acceptable choice-based experimental learning and industry oriented case-study-based teaching and learning pedagogy followed by world renowned B-Schools.


In this regard, MMA organized a discussion with Dr Harbir Singh, professor, The Wharton School, USA, Dr G Raghuram, Former Director, IIM-Bangalore and Dr L S Ganesh. They discussed a number of crisis-driven opportunities that make it possible for institutions to reset their strategies, policies, programs and practices in the contemporary setting. You can hear thought provoking views of the panellists on how business education will look in the future. Click to watch.


MMA Women Convention
Come March, usually it is time again for our women members to interact with women thought leaders, entrepreneurs and corporate executives at the Annual MMA Women Managers Convention. The event is a celebration of the spirit of women and the many diverse roles that women play. Due to the prevailing situation, the MMA Committee has decided to host the Women Convention virtually on Saturday, 27th March 2021 on the theme “The New Woman of Today.” During the global lockdown, while some were able to continue with their work, studies and healthcare online, there were many who struggled to meet their basic needs, thanks to the digital divide. It is understood over one million women will never be able to return to work, severely impacting their livelihood.


In this context, the Convention Committee headed by Dr Ranjini Manian and the knowledge partner Cerebrus Consultants are putting together a great convention with a galaxy of outstanding speakers. The convention content and structure have been finalized with great care, keeping in view the aspirations and expectations of our women delegates. The aim is to bring together, viewpoints and ideas that are reflective of the changing dynamics. The theme is intended to lend a platform to the many different, yet many same stories that women have, highlighting the importance of women in leadership roles and how women’s leadership can be fostered, promoted and secured for the next generation. The participation at the MMA Women Convention is complimentary, please do join and derive the benefit out of its deliberations.


Voice of MMA
World Radio Day on 13th February seems to have slipped past without any notice. It is most unfortunate that we seem to have forgotten the magic this important tool offered us—as information, entertainment and instructions. Many of us grew up listening to popular programs on the radio. The MMA Radio, “Voice of MMA,” is a popular medium where you can listen to array of thought leaders sharing their insights on various management subjects.


The radio is truly one of man’s best companions.


Stay safe, stay healthy, and happy reading! Everything we do, we do it for you.