The Young Bombay Forum of the Bombay Chamber organized a dynamic Thought Leadership Session on September 25, 2024, featuring Dr. VS Parthasarathy, a distinguished coach, mentor, and social entrepreneur. Dr. Parthasarathy, known for his roles with SEWA, LIC, NIIT, Cloud9, and other prominent organizations, delivered an enriching session at The Ruby, Mumbai, that attracted professionals eager to gain insights from his extensive leadership experience.
The session began with a warm welcome by Ms. Shruti Rathod from the Bombay Chamber, followed by introductory remarks by Mr. Ashith Kampani, Chairman of the Young Bombay Forum and Managing Director of CosmicMandala 15 Securities Pvt. Ltd. Mr. Kampani reflected on the historical milestones of both the Bombay Chamber and the Young Bombay Forum, setting the stage for an engaging discussion.
Dr. Parthasarathy captivated the audience with his insightful address on leadership, emphasizing both professional and personal development. His talk was inspiring, practical, and interactive, encouraging active participation from the attendees. He offered actionable advice on enhancing leadership skills, grounded in his philosophy of perseverance, passion, and purpose—the “three Ps” that he believes are essential for success.
He shared key mantras for excellence and leadership, focusing on empathy, understanding others, and the importance of consistent practice. Dr. Parthasarathy challenged the common belief that success is solely about strategy and execution. He argued that true success also requires perseverance. He illustrated this with a powerful metaphor: “When you plant a seed and water it, the results aren’t immediately visible. It takes time and perseverance for the plant to grow.”
Dr. Parthasarathy also spoke about the significance of creating a familial atmosphere in the workplace. Given the long hours professionals spend at work, he suggested treating colleagues like family to achieve better work-life balance. He emphasized that perseverance, once established as a habit, helps in balancing life effectively.
Looking to the future of business, he discussed the idea of “business movement,” where companies evolve beyond their original models—just as Amazon expanded from a bookstore to finance, insurance, and data centers. He highlighted the importance of adaptability, especially as the world grapples with climate change and the rise of experiential commerce. He stressed that only innovative companies that are willing to adapt will survive.
“Learning should never end,” Dr. Parthasarathy advised, encouraging continuous learning and adaptability. He introduced the concept of shifting from a 70:30 to a 30:70 ratio—where 70% of repetitive tasks should be automated through technologies like AI, allowing professionals to focus 70% of their time on future-oriented strategies.
In closing, Dr. Parthasarathy left the audience with memorable words: “Keep your eyes on the horizon but your feet firmly on the ground.” He urged everyone to remain grounded while aiming high, recounting his personal journey of perseverance and growth, starting alone and gradually building a strong network of like-minded individuals.
The session concluded with a lively Q&A segment, where participants had the opportunity to seek advice from Dr. Parthasarathy on their professional challenges. The feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, reflecting the event’s success and the profound impact of Dr. Parthasarathy’s insights.