Of leadership, innovation & emerging markets…
MMA All-India Management Students Convention: A Remarkable Success
It brings me immense pleasure to share with you that the Management Students Convention, organized by MMA on October 4th, 2023, at the IIT Research Park Auditorium, was an overwhelming success. The event was attended in person by over 1000 students and a staggering 20,000 viewers online. The convention featured a galaxy of eminent speakers who captivated the audience with their insights. The pinnacle of the event was the highly anticipated grand finale of ‘Chanakya: The Master Mind’ competition.
Among the 5000 talented students, the ten shortlisted finalists showcased their prowess in a series of rigorous tests, culminating in a nail-biting final round. The deserving winner, Ms. Deeksha from IIM Lucknow, was crowned as the ‘Chanakya: The Master Mind’, receiving the prestigious trophy and a cash prize of Rs. 1.00 Lakh.
In this edition, we are privileged to present the transcript of the inaugural address by Dr. K V Ramani, Vice Chancellor of Sai University, and the thought-provoking valedictory address by Mr. Ravi Viswanathan, Managing Director of TVS Supply Chain Solutions, and also the insights shared by Mr. S V Nathan, Partner at Deloitte, as he expounded on the theme “Leadership for Inclusive Success,” with an embedded video.
Our sincere gratitude extends to the multitude of students and management institutions for their enthusiastic participation and to the sponsors for their unwavering support. Special appreciation goes to Mr. P Elango, the Convention Chairman, and the Managing Committee Members for their invaluable contributions to the success of the convention.
Continuing our commitment to fostering a culture of innovation, the upcoming 10th edition of the Dr. KCG Verghese Endowment Lecture will be delivered by Mr. Velusamy R, President of Automotive Technology and Product Development & Member of the Group Executive Board at Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. He will shed light on the theme “Innovation in Emerging Markets.” I extend a warm invitation to all members to join us at the lecture and witness the insights of one of the brightest minds in the field of innovation.
Hamas attack on Israel
Hamas’ lightning, brutal and simultaneous attack on several locations in Israel on 07 October 2023 stunned Israel and the international community. It is unfortunate that both Israeli Government and Hamas know that they cannot achieve their respective goals. Hamas is conscious that the state of Israel can never be destroyed or “Pushed into the Sea” as they claim. Israel equally knows that the ideology behind Hamas cannot be eliminated, nor can Hamas as an entity. Thus both the sides are irresponsibly pushing ordinary citizen into the Jaws of death and misery. Israel expected to ground attack against the Hamas would test the degree to which Iran and Hezbollah are committed to the Palestinian group and Palestinian cause. The war between Russia and Ukraine has already sent the world into chaos. Now, with this new conflict, the world in going to encounter an increase in rifts which is a serious threat to global peace.
In this context, to understand the complex issues and geopolitical impact, MMA is organising a discussion on the theme “Gaza Demystified” on 08 November 2023 at MMA Management Centre. Eminent thought leaders would share their insights on this complex issue and please do make time to watch this important discussion in person or watch it live – Click to view the invitation.
India is ready to host Olympic Games 2036!
The Prime Minister’s announcement at the IOC session in Mumbai that India will “Leave no stone unturned” in its bid to host the 2036 Olympic Games has removed whatever doubt there might have been about India’s ambition to host the modern world’s biggest sporting extravaganza. Thirteen years is not a long time. Even if you want to bid for the games, you have to start working from now to make yourself presentable to bid for the games. Let’s follow the famous Olympic Motto: “Faster, Higher and Stronger” for an effort to achieve success and also grow in our economic front to achieve the objective.
Cricket World Cup 2023: Lessons Beyond the Field
Forty-eight years have passed since the inception of the quadrennial ODI World Cup, where the West Indies once reigned as the dominant team. However, in the current tournament, their absence reflects the considerable transformation since the inaugural World Cup in 1975. Presently, six out of the ten teams exhibit a balanced competition, while the remaining four possess the potential to cause upsets. The challenge of determining the four semi-finalists through a round-robin league across ten venues in a vast country of ten teams and forty-five games will undoubtedly test adaptability.
As the World Cup is in progress, the incredible diversity of pitches and varied conditions promise a tournament where anything can happen. It’s an event flavoured with versatility, necessitating captains and coaches to think swiftly and strategically on their feet.
The game of Cricket unfolds not just as a sports spectacle but also as a repository of management lessons waiting to be learned. The strategic decisions, adaptability, and the unyielding spirit displayed on the field offer invaluable insights applicable off the field as well.
In this context, MMA is organizing two significant events: “Cricket World Cup 2023 – Management Lessons for Success” on November 6, 2023, and “Leadership Lessons from the World Cup” on November 21, 2023, post the finals, aiming to benefit our members. Join us and gain insights from your favourite cricketers and passionate fans to understand the nuances of the game and draw inspiration.
Click to view the invitation and watch it live….
Improving Board Room Effectiveness for Competitive Advantage
The board holds the potential to serve as a strategic asset for any company by emphasizing a formula encompassing contest, clarity, composition, and conduct. Traditionally, boards have concentrated on compliance and regulatory adherence, with recent emphasis placed on transparency and corporate governance. Today, the focus is on transforming boards into sources of competitive advantage within the current VUCA environment characterized by volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity.
It’s crucial to recognize that every board possesses a unique identity and grapples with complex issues, whether in publicly traded companies or privately held entities. The contemporary board transcends being a mere regulatory necessity; it stands as a strategic asset for the company, offering a genuine competitive edge.
In line with this perspective, MMA hosted a discussion on the theme of the book “Inside the Boardroom – How Behaviour Trumps Rationality,” co-authored by R. Gopalakrishnan and Tulsi Jayakumar, featuring prominent corporate leaders. I am pleased to present the transcript of this distinctive discussion in this issue, catering to the benefit of our members. I encourage you to delve into this insightful content and view the video recording of the discussion.
The Evolving Role of CEOs for Sustained Growth
CEOs today are consistently driven by the imperative need to enhance their organizations and the inherent hunger to thrive in a constantly evolving landscape. Unlike any generation before them, today’s CEOs embody traits of passion, agility, humility, and a relentless pursuit of continuous learning. The pursuit of growth is an unceasing journey that demands perpetual evolution for remaining competitive and amplifying business performance and profits.
The CEO’s role has transcended merely steering a company; it now encompasses adapting to the evolving business environment, fostering innovation, and driving sustained growth. The dynamic nature of markets and technology necessitates CEOs to be agile and proactive in steering their companies towards sustainable success.
In light of this, MMA recently organized two distinctive discussions, focusing on the themes of the books “Just Aspire: Notes on Technology, Entrepreneurship, and the Future” and “Busted: Debunking Management Myths with Logic, Experience, and Curiosity.” The speakers shared invaluable insights, offering perspectives that are both thought-provoking and insightful. I am pleased to present articles on these discussions for your reading pleasure, which I’m certain will inspire you. I encourage you to delve into the depth of knowledge shared in these discussions and watch the accompanying videos for a more enriching experience.
Women Empowerment:
The time has come for women to rise and contribute towards making the world a better place. In line with this vision, MMA is organizing a discussion aimed at exploring the multifaceted journey of women in overcoming stereotypes and limitations, while simultaneously celebrating their unique strengths. This event is designed to honour the unstoppable spirit of women and provide a platform for them to showcase their remarkable achievements, as well as share the invaluable lessons they’ve learned on their journey.
Mark your calendars to join us at this unique event, ‘Empowering Women – Breaking Boundaries and Embracing Strengths,’ scheduled for 6:00 PM on Thursday, November 23, at MMA Management Centre you can also watch it live.
A word of caution?
The stock markets have been mostly steady this year but were jolted recently from the uncertainty around the ongoing Israel – Hamas War. It fell for six consecutive days. A deeper correction is possible and experts stress on the importance of asset allocation.
It is imperative for investors not to panic and navigate the current volatility to protect their interest.
As always, we would be happy to hear your views, comments and suggestions.
Happy reading!