Leaders Conjunction 2022: Entrepreneurship & Innovation

Introduction

The previous edition of Leaders’ Conjunction, held in 2020, received an overwhelming response, bringing together prominent industry leaders to discuss the future of work, evolving workplace culture, and changing consumer behaviour. After a one-year break, Leaders’ Conjunction Season II returned with renewed energy, focusing on the theme “Entrepreneurship & Building Innovative Organisations.”

Key Dignitaries and Panellists

The panel featured an esteemed group of industry leaders from diverse sectors, including Mr. Shashank Jagirdar, Former Vice President & Global Head HR at DHL GSC and Former Senior Director HR at DHL Supply Chain; Mr. Sachin Sahni, Founder and CEO of Keeros Super Foods Pvt. Ltd.; Mr. Ashish Goyal, Founder and CFO of EarlySalary.com; Mr. Abhinandan Dhoke, Managing Director of Bauli Group; Mr. Thomas Lagashu, Vice President – Sales at WhiteHat Jr.; Mr. Ramesh Mitragotri, CHRO at UltraTech Cement Limited; and Ms. Richa Kaur, Head of Human Resources at Fraazo.com. Together, they shared valuable insights on entrepreneurship, innovation, leadership, and building future-ready organisations.

About the Session

The discussion threw light on the ecosystems for innovative organisations while dwelling on the need to create a platform to sell ideas.

Mr. Thomas Lagashu, Vice-President, Sales, WhiteHat Jr, on his part, said, “The world is changing fast today thanks to technology. Be a problem solver and be the innovator.”

Mr. Sachin Sahni, Founder and CEO, Keeros Super Foods Pvt Ltd, noted, “You need to think like an entrepreneur when you work as an employee. People at the lowest level come up with ideas that even people at the managerial level don’t. We need to bridge the gap and move forward.” He added, “Though at Keeros, our focus is on diabetes, our products are healthy and meant for all.”

Mr. Shashank Jagirdar, Retired VP Global Head HR DHL GSC, dwelt on the fact that solving small problems are game changers indeed.

The student interactive session was lively, with young minds keenly following the vision of the panelists. Mr Abhinandan Dhoke, Managing Director, Bauli Group, was quick to point out that if we think of innovation, the first name that comes to mind is Apple. It is in their DNA. “Innovation has to be ongoing, and students need to be a big part of that innovative culture,” he noted. He said, business strategy depends on the proposition of the entire business.

Mr. Ramesh Mitragotri, CHRO, UltraTech Cements Limited, was quick to add that the power of ownership cannot be diminished. In his opinion, innovation need not be a breakthrough, nor does it need to be complex. Just like the power of Nokia when it transfers numbers from one tower to the next. According to him, paradigms need to be constantly challenged.

Ms. Richa Kaur, Head of Human Resources, Fraazo.com, elaborated that Fraazo has an idea forum in place and provides a platform to share ideas to everyone in the organisation, from ground level to the top management. “So never stop giving ideas,” she said.

Ashish Goyal, Founder and CFO of EarlySalary.com, had a message for students. “We went bankrupt twice. You will feel hopeless in many situations, but it is up to you to make the best of where you are. Trust me, some of your life decisions will be made in those situations. Starting your own business is never risky. Entrepreneurship teaches you every aspect of life. Dream, risk, and you will always come out a winner,” he noted. It was undoubtedly an evening to remember.