School of Inspired Leadership (SOIL) hosted its Annual Business Forum on 21st February, 2014 which was woven around the theme – ‘Demystifying Strategy‘.The event served as a platform to generate ideas on the formulation and implementation of strategy. It was attended by eminent Indian business leaders and international thinkers. The Inaugural address was delivered by Dr. Ajay Bakshi, CEO & MD, Max Healthcare and the event was marked by a valedictory session by Mr. Prithvi Shergil, Chief Human Resources Officer, HCL Technologies Ltd. The conference witnessed participation of representatives from various organizations including Bosch India, Ranbaxy Laboratories Limited, Schneider Electric Infrastructure Limited, Max Life Insurance, Eicher Motors, Times of India etc. and Deepalaya, Sakaar Outreach from social sector amongst others.
The morning session explored the key imperatives of Strategy Formulation. This session witnessed the presence of distinguished speakers including Mr. Ramnath Balasubramanian, Partner at McKinsey & Company; Dr. Lilach Nachum, Professor at Zicklin Business School, Baruch College, New York; Ms. Rajani Kesari, VP Finance & Country Finance Partner, Greater India Zone, Schneider Electric India; Ms. E Jayashree Kurup, Head of Content & Research, Times Business Solutions Ltd and Mr. Arvind Nair, Chairman, Carpe Diem Capital.
The afternoon panel discussion focused on achieving execution excellence through Strategy Implementation. This session had eminent panel members like Mr. Philip Mathew, Chief People Officer, HDFC Bank; Mr. Abhilash Lal, Partner & COO, MCap Fund Advisors; Dr. Biswajit Sen, Rural Development Specialist, World Bank and Dr. Ravi Srinivasan, Former Director Strategy & Planning (Asia Pacific), Hewlett Packard.
In his welcome speech Mr. Anil Sachdev, Founder & CEO, SOIL, spoke about how the battle of Mahabharata presents the greatest example of strategy formulation & implementation. Mr. Sachdev reinforced the fact that key reason behind strategies not being successful is the lack of clarity among the leaders about the purpose & values of organization and their ignorance to the external environment. He said “Strategy doesn’t look at the short term goals but at the long term objectives, probably losing a few battles but winning the war”.
Dr. Ajay Bakshi, CEO & MD, Max Healthcare during his inaugural speech connected strategy to neuroscience and made the participants understand how decision making in organizations is similar to decision making in human bodies. Mr. Prithvi Shergil, Chief Human Resources Officer, HCL Technologies Ltd. in his valedictory session spoke about the strong connect between culture and strategy. He said “Today the ability to refresh, rejuvenate and review at a faster pace redefines strategy”.
Recording :
http://www.soilindia.net/business-forum-21st-feb-2014.html