November 9,2024: The 43rd HYSEA Leadership Development Program kicked off with an inspiring inaugural session, led by Pallavi Katiyar, CIO of Tech Mahindra.
Week 1: Setting the Stage for Transformative Leadership
Sharing her remarkable leadership journey, Ms. Katiyar encouraged participants to step beyond comfort zones, seize opportunities with clarity, and trust their instincts to unlock true potential. Her insights highlighted the power of family support in navigating professional hurdles and celebrated organizations that are reshaping the workplace with inclusive policies like extended maternity leave and remote work flexibility. She emphasized the unique strengths women bring to leadership through collaboration and innovation, while addressing the societal challenges they continue to face in professional settings. With her parting words, “Be open to change—it’s the only constant that drives transformation,” Ms. Katiyar left participants inspired, motivated, and ready to take decisive steps toward their leadership goals. Her message resonated with participants, inspiring them to embrace change and unlock their full potential.
This was followed by three insightful sessions:
Flt Lt Bipin Chandra Dutt Pendyala, Senior Director and General Manager of Appen, in his session on Leadership Overview and Leading High-Performance Teams, provided actionable strategies to build and lead impactful teams. He shared practical insights and strategies for building high-performing teams and leading them effectively.
Saradhambika Kameswaran, Manager at Google, in her session on #IAmRemarkable, encouraged participants to embrace their achievements and break barriers to self-promotion. Her session empowered participants to celebrate their accomplishments and overcome self-doubt in promoting their achievements.Yogesh Agiwal, Founder & CEO of Crossover Leadership, in his session on Emotional Intelligence, underscored the importance of self-awareness and empathy in effective leadership. He emphasized the critical role of emotional intelligence in building strong relationships and leading effectively.
Week 2: Equipping Leaders with Future-Ready Skills
November 16,2024: The second week of the program focused on equipping participants with practical tools and transformative insights to navigate the complexities of modern leadership.
Isaac Rajkumar, MD of RealPage, in his session on Collaborative Leadership, emphasized that leaders thrive when collaboration replaces silos. He stressed building trust, aligning on shared visions, and managing challenges collectively to drive collective success.
Key Takeaway: Collaboration isn’t just teamwork—it’s purposeful leadership. His session highlighted the importance of fostering a collaborative culture and breaking down silos to achieve greater success.
V Laxmikanth (VLK), Managing Partner of Pavestone, in his session on Strategic Thinking, unraveled the art of strategic thinking, highlighting bold decision-making and envisioning future possibilities. Leaders learned to balance data-driven insights with imaginative strategies while aligning people, processes, and rewards for greater impact. VLK’s session provided valuable insights into the importance of strategic thinking and its role in driving organizational success.
Dr. Kiranmai Pendyala, in her session on High-Impact Communication, introduced the 6 C’s of Communication: Clear, Concise, Compelling, Curious, Compassionate, and Concrete. The session underscored the importance of active listening and cultural awareness in fostering genuine connections. Dr. Kiranmai’s session emphasized the importance of effective communication as a key leadership skill, providing practical tips for improving communication skills.
Paritosh Saran, Founder & CEO of Transhuman Consulting, in his session on Intuitive Leadership, inspired participants to tap into their intuition alongside data-driven logic in a world shaped by AI. The session explored how leaders can make bold decisions, foster trust, and drive innovation through creativity and authenticity. Paritosh’s session provided a unique perspective on leadership in the age of AI, highlighting the importance of intuition and creativity in making informed decisions.
Week 3: Leading with Impact and Well-being
November 23, 2024: The final week of the program focused on leading with impact and well-being, emphasizing the importance of holistic leadership.
Sri Ram S, in his session on the Anatomy of Wellness, emphasized the interconnectedness of physical, mental, and emotional well-being, highlighting how resilience and self-care enhance decision-making and leadership. He stressed the importance of prioritizing well-being as a crucial aspect of effective leadership.
Munwar Khan’s session on Design Thinking showcased this approach as a leadership mindset for solving challenges with empathy, fostering collaboration, and driving innovation. He demonstrated how Design Thinking can be a powerful tool for leaders to navigate complex challenges and drive positive change.
Sailaja Josyula, in her session on Building Trust and Respect, stressed the importance of authenticity, aligning actions with words, and creating mutual respect to inspire trust and integrity. She emphasized the critical role of trust and respect in building strong teams and fostering a positive work environment.
Kishore Borra‘s session on Essential Shifts for Effective Leadership highlighted key transitions for leaders—focusing on team empowerment, embracing creativity, giving constructive feedback, and leading with purpose. He provided practical insights and actionable advice on how leaders can adapt to the changing landscape of the IT/ITeS industry.
The week concluded with an inspiring keynote by Ms. Divya Devarajan, IAS, CEO of SERP, who highlighted the importance of empathy, empowerment, and authenticity in leadership. Her thought-provoking address reminded us that true leadership thrives on compassion and staying true to one’s identity. Her message resonated deeply with participants, leaving them inspired to embrace a more empathetic and authentic leadership style.
