Leadership Lessons

Behind every Silk Mark label is a trusted network of weavers, cooperatives and sellers. They are called authorised users, and they are the heart of the Silk Mark story. In this episode of Woven True, host Nelson John returns to Dr. Naresh Babu N., IFS, Joint Secretary (Technical), Central Silk Board (CSB), and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Silk Mark Organisation of India (SMOI), to go behind the...

Saugata Gupta, Managing Director and CEO of Marico Limited, on what it really takes to build brands in India and take them global. In this conversation he unpacks why succeeding in India gives you a head start anywhere in the world, how Marico grew beyond its legacy brands into premium personal care, foods and digital first categories, and how to tell a short lived fad from a habit worth investing...

In this first episode of Woven True, host Nelson John sits down with Dr. Naresh Babu N., IFS Joint Secretary (Technical), Central Silk Board (CSB) Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Silk Mark Organisation of India (SMOI) for a warm and simple conversation about the Silk Mark. What the tag is, how the hologram and QR code work, and the confidence it gives every silk buyer. We explore the beautiful vari...

Is our education system preparing students for an AI-powered future? In this episode of Leadership Lessons, host Hrishi K sits down with Vivek Varshney — IIT-IIM alumnus and Founder & CEO of Speed Labs and STEMLearn.ai- to discuss why. AI fluency is no longer optional, and how India can become the global talent hub for the AI workforce. From bringing AI education to classrooms across tier 2 and ti...

India is rapidly emerging as a global MedTech manufacturing powerhouse, and this transformation is being driven by innovation, localisation, policy momentum, and advanced healthcare technologies. In this episode, host Anil Machado speaks with Shuba Nagesh, Director, Supply Chain, GE HealthCare India South Asia and Managing Director, GE-BEL, about India’s growing role in global healthcare manufactu...

How is digital education transforming access to elite learning in India? In this insightful conversation with Rajiv Tandon from BITS Pilani Digital, we explore how online education is no longer a backup option, but a powerful, outcome-driven pathway for ambitious learners across the country. By breaking geographical and financial barriers and enabling immersive experiences like virtual labs and gl...

This episode features a conversation between BITs Pilani Digital CEO Rajiv Tandon and our Host, Educator & Creator Daria Gangwani, discussing the importance of holistic development over traditional academic metrics. They argue that while high grades were once the primary signal of success, modern employers prioritize practical experience, resilience, and the ability to navigate ambiguity. Tandan e...

This episode explores how BITS Pilani Digital is redefining elite higher education by prioritizing real learning outcomes over traditional markers like physical attendance and campus presence. As online degrees in India approach a regulatory tipping point, now offering the same legitimacy and alumni status as on-campus programs, the conversation shifts to what truly defines quality in a digital-fi...

In this episode of our exclusive series with BITS Pilani Digital, Learning Reimagined, host Nandini sits down with Mr. Rajiv Tandon, CEO of BITS Pilani Digital, to debunk the biggest myths surrounding online learning and challenge long-held perceptions of quality in higher education. Moving beyond “glossy brochures” and traditional markers like campus infrastructure, the conversation explores what...

In this episode of Leadership Lessons, we present a definitive roadmap to navigating the rapidly evolving worlds of work, education, and Artificial Intelligence. Drawing on exclusive insights from Rajiv Tandon, CEO of BITS Pilani Digital, we examine how leaders can bridge the widening AI talent gap and move beyond buzzwords to create real-world impact. As the workforce accelerates toward 2026, tra...

In this insightful episode of Leadership Lessons from HT Smartcast, host Anil Machado converses with Raghavendra Rao, Business Head – Imaging, GE HealthCare South Asia. Rao discusses India's rise in the MedTech industry, highlighting the country's strengths in human resources and product diversity. He explains Wipro GE Healthcare's contribution to making healthcare more accessible, affordable, and...

In this episode of Leadership Lessons, host Anil Machado sits down with Chaitanya Sarawate, President and CEO of GE Healthcare South Asia, to delve into India's healthcare journey. They explore the opportunities, challenges, and future of MedTech in India, discussing key topics such as non-communicable diseases, access to quality care, and the impact of public-private partnerships (PPPs). Chaitany...

In this episode of Leadership Lessons, we dive deep into the human side of leadership with Mr. Amit Syngle, Managing Director and CEO of Asian Paints. We explore the timeless campaign 'Har Ghar Kuch Kehta Hai,' its evolution, and how it has sustained its emotional connection with generations. Amit shares insights on brand building, the importance of emotional connectivity, and how innovation and t...

It’s not the perks or the logos—it’s the people, the culture, and the principles that stand the test of time and make the workplace iconic. In this episode, Neelesh Gupta, Partner at ‪@indeloitte‬ joins host Yatin Naik, Business Head - HTSmartcast, to unpack what it really takes to build a workplace that’s not just good—but legendary. Drawing from the ‪@livemint‬ India’s Iconic Workplaces framewor...

In this powerful episode of Leadership Lessons Podcast, we take a deep dive into the evolving infrastructure and financial ecosystem of India. Joining Yatin Naik-Business Head at HTSmartcast are two industry veterans—Nilesh Sampat, Chief Financial Officer and Shishir Kumar, Chief Compliance Officer at Aseem Infrastructure Finance Ltd.—who bring decades of expertise in finance, compliance, and stra...

What does it take to lead in high-capital, long-term industries like INFRASTRUCTURE FINANCE? In this episode of Leadership Lessons, host Yatin Naik (Business Head, HT Smartcast) sits down with Virender Pankaj, CEO of Aseem Infrastructure Finance Limited, to explore the evolving landscape of India’s BFSI sector. With 33+ years of experience in Fortune 500 companies, Virender shares the Importance o...

In this episode, host Yatin Naik sits down with Prof. Dale Pinto, President and Chair of the Board, CPA Australia, and Rowena Buddee, Chief Member Experience Officer, CPA Australia, to explore the evolving world of accounting and finance. The conversation delves into the role of CPA Australia, how it compares to CA certification, and the shifting expectations from accountants in a rapidly changing...

In this exciting episode, host Yatin Naik chats with Ritesh Malik, co-founder of Ritz Media, about the future of media, marketing, and technology in 2025. Together, they delve into the evolution of traditional media alongside digital innovations, the power of AI in content creation, and the importance of data-driven strategies. From emerging content formats to integrated marketing secrets, Ritesh...

In this episode of *Leadership Lessons*, host Yatin Naik, Business Head at HT Smartcast, sits down with Atul Sharma, CEO of Ruder Finn India and Head of the Middle East, to explore the transformative role of AI in PR and marketing communications. With over 20 years of experience, Atul shares insights on how AI is reshaping crisis management, reputation building, and client trust while highlighting...

In this episode of Leadership Lessons, host Yatin Naik, Business Head at HT Smartcast, engages in an insightful conversation with Nirvaan Birla, the Director of Birla Open Minds. Nirvaan shares his journey from wealth management to transforming education, focusing on holistic learning through innovative initiatives like the First Hybrid Schooling system and subjects such as Soul Science. The discu...

In this episode of Leadership Lessons - Future with AI, host Yatin Naik explores how generative AI (gen AI) is driving digital transformation and how leaders are navigating the changing landscape. To discuss this and more, he was joined by Sanjay Menon, Managing Director at Publicis Sapient India. Together, they explore AI’s evolution—from Turing’s early innovations to recent breakthroughs like Ch...

In this special episode of Leadership Lessons, host Yatin Naik sits down with Siddhant Dalmia, founder of Dosa Coffee. Siddhant shares his journey from a computer science graduate to leading a thriving South Indian food brand with 22 outlets and growing. Discover the challenges he overcame, the strategies he employs to motivate his team, and the innovation behind Dosa Coffee’s success. Whether you...

In this special episode of Leadership Lessons, we were joined by Dr. Harshal Shah, Professor, Computer Science & Engineering at Faculty of Engineering and Technology and Manager of Tinkering Hub, Parul University. Helping us understand the significance of specialized labs, Dr. Shah highlighted unique projects coming out of Parul University, their multidisciplinary approach to solving complex socie...

In this special episode of HT Smartcast Leadership Lessons, we're delighted to have Chirag Agrawal, a Partner and Leader in Corporate Finance Advisory with Deloitte India. Chirag has extensive experience in financial advisory, helping businesses navigate the complexities of corporate finance. His topic, "Moving past the headwinds: Creating growth-oriented deals," offers a glimpse into how companie...

In this episode, we were joined by Mr. Jay Sudani, CEO at Parul Innovation and Entrepreneurship Research Centre, Parul University. He has established a robust Startup Incubation Centre to cater to the aspiring entrepreneurial need of more than 45,000 students at Parul University. Join us as we explore the vital role that incubators play in nurturing startups and fostering innovation within entrepr...