LEADER's TALK
LEADER’s TALK is a one-hour leadership series featuring distinguished speakers like Mr. Jinal Mehta, Mr. Ajay Piramal, Mr. Uday Kotak, and Mr. R. Balasubramanian, who share their journeys, achievements, challenges, and core values. These insightful talks offer participants valuable perspectives from some of the most influential leaders in business and beyond.
Values-Driven Growth: Nurturing Ethics in Business: Mr. Jinal Mehta.
School of Ultimate Leadership (SOUL) launched the LEADER’s TALK Leadership Series in collaboration with leading educational institutions across India. The inaugural session was held at Pandit Deendayal Energy University, featuring Mr. Jinal Mehta, Managing Director of Torrent Power, as the keynote speaker.
The event opened with remarks by Dr. Hasmukh Adhia, Vice Chairman of the SOUL Board, who stressed the increasing complexity and evolving nature of leadership in today’s fast-paced, global environment. He emphasised the importance of values-based leadership in navigating these complexities and shaping a sustainable, ethical future.
The LEADER’s TALK Leadership Series is designed to inspire and equip aspiring leaders with insights into real-world leadership challenges. It provides a unique opportunity to interact with trailblazers who have not only driven business transformation but have also redefined leadership through ethical decision-making and a commitment to social responsibility.
In his session titled “Values-Driven Growth”: Nurturing Ethics in Business”; Mr. Jinal Mehta shared powerful insights on the role of integrity, transparency, and ethical practices in building successful, sustainable businesses. He delved into the core principles that have guided Torrent Power’s journey and spoke about the challenges and decisions that shaped the company’s path to success.
Through real-world examples, Mr. Mehta highlighted how ethical decision-making and values-driven leadership have played a critical role in Torrent Power’s growth and resilience. He underscored that while the pursuit of business growth is essential, it must always be balanced with ethical principles and long-term sustainability. His candid reflections on maintaining transparency and accountability in business operations resonated deeply with the audience.
Mr. Mehta’s session served as a powerful reminder of how values-driven leadership can create lasting impact—not just for organisations but for society at large. His message was clear: businesses that prioritise ethics and integrity are better positioned to achieve sustainable success and make meaningful contributions to the community.
The session concluded with an interactive Q&A, where students and faculty engaged with Mr. Mehta on various aspects of ethical leadership and business strategy. The dialogue further enriched the learning experience, offering attendees valuable perspectives on how to align personal values with professional goals.
As the LEADER’s TALK Leadership Series continues to unfold, it promises to bring more such leaders to the forefront, providing invaluable guidance and inspiration for the next generation of change- makers. By emphasising ethical leadership, the series aims to build a network of responsible leaders who will drive positive change and contribute to nation-building.
Leadership in the New Era: Mr. Uday Kotak
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.
Eternal Values in a Changing World: Mr. Ajay Piramal
The School of Ultimate Leadership (SOUL), in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA) MBA – PGPX program, hosted a distinguished session as part of the LEADER’s TALK
Leadership Series and the MBA – PGPX Speaker Series. The keynote address was delivered by Mr. Ajay Piramal, Chairman of the Piramal Group, on the theme “Eternal Values in a Changing World.” In his thought-provoking session, Mr. Piramal emphasised the enduring significance of integrity, compassion, and ethical leadership, particularly during periods of volatility and transformation.
Drawing from his extensive global business experience, he illustrated how values-based leadership not only builds long-term trust but also fosters sustainable success in an increasingly unpredictable world. According to him, while markets and industries may constantly evolve, core values serve as an unwavering compass that guides leaders through change and uncertainty.
A key highlight of Mr. Piramal’s discussion was the seamless integration of timeless ethical principles with modern innovation, demonstrating how values-driven businesses can create significant economic value. He shared insightful anecdotes from his leadership journey, reinforcing the idea that change is inevitable, but values are eternal. These values, he emphasized, are vital for effective decision-making, resilience, and meaningful growth in both personal and professional spheres.
Mr. Piramal also reflected on the importance of compassion and empathy in leadership, urging future leaders to focus on creating positive impact while building profitable enterprises. His personal experiences highlighted how businesses that prioritize the well-being of their employees, customers, and society at large ultimately achieve more sustainable growth and lasting success.
The event featured an engaging interactive Q&A session, where participants—ranging from business
executives and students to young entrepreneurs—had the rare opportunity to engage directly with Mr. Piramal. He answered questions on navigating business challenges, balancing profitability with ethical responsibility, and the evolving role of leadership in a globalized world.
Dr. Hasmukh Adhia, Vice Chairman of SOUL, delivered closing remarks, emphasizing the deeper dimensions of leadership beyond management. He noted that true leadership is an internal mindset shaped by values and ethics, which empower leaders to remain grounded while driving transformation. His reflections on leadership resonated deeply with the audience, reinforcing the session’s core theme of aligning eternal values with contemporary leadership practices.
The event attracted a diverse audience, including IIMA faculty, students from multiple universities, and business leaders from across the country. It served as a powerful platform for thought exchange, reaffirming SOUL’s mission to cultivate ethical, values-driven leadership and IIMA’s commitment to fostering global business excellence.
Through such sessions, the LEADER’s TALK Leadership Series continues to inspire emerging leaders to navigate the complexities of modern business while staying rooted in timeless principles.
Indic Leadership for Modern Governance – Insights from Thought Leaders: Dr. R Balasubramaniam, Dr. Hasmukh Adhia, Mr. Jaxay Shah and Prof. Neharika Vohra
In an era of rapid transformation and global interconnectedness, leadership rooted in ethical and value-based principles has never been more relevant. The event titled “Indic Leadership for Modern Governance” served as a powerful platform to explore how ancient Indian wisdom continues to offer valuable lessons for today’s leaders in government, business, and social enterprises. The session brought together some of the most respected voices in governance, public policy, and corporate leadership, who reflected on the importance of leadership styles anchored in Indic ethos for sustainable growth and transformation.
The event was designed to bridge the gap between traditional leadership values and contemporary governance challenges. It highlighted how India’s rich cultural heritage provides a leadership model that blends compassion, ethics, and purpose-driven action with modern practices. From the strategic decision-making of global leaders to the governance frameworks of the nation, the speakers emphasised how Indic leadership can be a source of inspiration and strength in modern times.
Key Themes and Takeaways:
The discussion touched upon several critical themes:
Leadership from Within: Dr. R Balasubramaniam underscored that true leadership begins with self-awareness and a deep connection to the purpose of serving others. He highlighted how transformational change is possible when leaders align their personal values with the
needs of the people they serve. Reflecting on Prime Minister Modi’s decision-making style, Dr. Balasubramaniam explained how a single guiding question—“Is this good for the country?”—is the foundation for many critical decisions.
Ethical Foundations in Governance: Dr. Hasmukh Adhia spoke about India’s long-standing tradition of valuing ethics at the core of leadership. He stressed the importance of staying anchored in moral values while embracing modern governance practices. As governance becomes more complex, leaders must remain grounded in ethical frameworks that ensure equitable and just outcomes for all sections of society.
Compassionate and Competitive Leadership:
Mr. Jaxay Shah provided a business perspective on leadership, emphasising the need to blend competitiveness with compassion in the global business landscape. Drawing from the Indian ethos of harmony between people and profit, he encouraged leaders to adopt a balanced approach that priorities both organisational success and societal well-being.
Balancing Values and Action: Moderating the session, Prof. Neharika Vohra highlighted how leadership in the Indian context offers a unique blend of values and action. Drawing from her academic and practical experience, she emphasised that the future of leadership lies in
creating empathetic leaders who are not just effective but also rooted in the values of service and compassion.
A Platform for Learning and Networking
The event was more than just a panel discussion; it was an opportunity for learning, introspection, and dialogue. Government officials, business leaders, academicians, and students engaged in thought-provoking conversations about the relevance of Indic leadership in today’s dynamic and evolving landscape. Participants left with actionable insights on how they could incorporate ethical, purpose-driven leadership into their professional journeys. As India continues to play a growing role on the global stage, the lessons from this session are a reminder that leadership is not just about power and influence but about service, compassion, and staying true to one’s values.
About the Speakers:
Dr. R Balasubramaniam – Member HR, Capacity Building Commission & Author of Power Within: The Leadership Legacy of Narendra Modi
Dr. Hasmukh Adhia – Former Finance Secretary, Government of India & Principal Advisor to the Honourable Chief Minister of Gujarat
Mr. Jaxay Shah – Founder & CMD, Savvy Group & Chairperson, Quality Council of India
Prof. Neharika Vohra – Professor, IIM Ahmedabad
The event provided fresh perspectives on how Indian leadership styles can inspire modern governance practices.