The School of Ultimate Leadership (SOUL), in collaboration with Ahmedabad University, hosted an insightful session under the LEADER’s TALK Leadership Series, featuring Uday Kotak, Founder- Director of Kotak Mahindra Bank. The session offered students and aspiring leaders the opportunity to learn from one of India’s most respected business leaders and gain valuable insights into leadership, ethics and adaptability.

In this engaging discussion, Uday Kotak reflected on his leadership journey, emphasising the dynamic nature of today’s business environment. He noted that and opportunity does not announce before it comes and urging leaders to remain agile, anticipate change, and act with foresight. Drawing from personal experiences and industry insights, Kotak highlighted the importance of resilience, strategic decision-making, and sustainable growth in effective leadership. His reflections underscored that  adaptability and foresight are crucial for staying relevant in an ever-evolving world.

A key highlight of the session was Kotak’s emphasis on Leadership for a New Era, where he reflected on the balance between narrative and truth, stressing that sustainable leadership must be built on a foundation of ethical decision-making. He spoke about the significance of maintaining integrity and transparency in leadership, particularly in times of uncertainty. He also drew lessons from history, encouraging future leaders to learn from past challenges while remaining focused on growth and innovation.

Kotak’s thought-provoking one-liners left a lasting impression on the audience, inspiring attendees to reflect on leadership’s evolving nature. He reminded future leaders that they carry the responsibility of shaping the nation’s trajectory. According to Kotak, the country’s future success depends on leaders who can make decisions grounded in both vision and values. His message was clear: sustainable leadership requires balancing business growth with ethical responsibility and a focus on long-term impact.

Another focus of the session was the growing role of AI and technology in shaping the future of leadership. Kotak emphasised that while technology presents immense opportunities, it must be guided by human values. He encouraged leaders to adopt technology without losing sight of empathy, fairness, and ethical considerations.

The interactive Q & A session that followed enriched the experience further. Students and faculty asked Kotak about leadership in the digital age, managing uncertainty, and fostering innovation while staying true to core values. His thoughtful responses provided practical advice, urging attendees to embrace change and act with resilience and integrity.

The event reinforced SOUL’s mission to cultivate visionary leaders who can navigate complex challenges while staying committed to ethical principles. The LEADER’s TALK Leadership Series continues to offer a platform for learning from industry pioneers, inspiring future leaders to create meaningful change and contribute to the larger societal good.