I recently had the privilege of delivering a guest lecture at IIM Trichy, and what began as a structured session quickly evolved into a vibrant debate. The theme I explored was three-fold: anticipating where markets are headed, driving innovation, and building resilient ecosystems. But as often happens in an academic setting, the conversation grew into something much richer.
Future of Business and Innovation
We debated deeply on the future of business education—how it must evolve to remain relevant in a rapidly shifting world. The students raised thought-provoking questions on whether innovation can be structured, and if so, what frameworks enable organisations to truly develop future-proof strategies. The dialogue reminded me of the importance of striking a balance between discipline and adaptability for leaders.
Storytelling, Culture, and Strategy
To illustrate these concepts, I drew from diverse case studies. We examined how the Korean Pop (K-Pop) industry built global dominance over six generations (1992–today) by leveraging culture, storytelling, and fan engagement. We also examined Amul’s use of the film “Manthan” to shape its brand narrative, demonstrating how stories can create lasting emotional connections between businesses and communities.
India’s Healthcare Ecosystem
Given my background, I also shared perspectives on India’s healthcare ecosystem. The discussion centred on how India is rapidly emerging as a global powerhouse in health services, not only by scaling capacity but also by shaping innovative, technology-led care models. For the students, this served as an example of how a nation can align vision, policy, and execution to reshape industries.
Messi vs Ronaldo – A Lesson in Strategy
We wrapped up the session with a lighter but equally insightful debate: Messi or Ronaldo? While opinions differed, my answer has always been Ronaldo. Not just for his extraordinary talent, but for his discipline, sacrifice, and his uncanny ability to be where the ball is going, not where it is. It’s a philosophy that leaders, innovators, and strategists can all learn from.
Conclusion
The experience at IIM Trichy was a reminder of how powerful dialogue can be when theory meets practice. For me, it reinforced the idea that whether in business, healthcare, or football, the ability to anticipate, adapt, and discipline oneself is what separates the good from the great.
