Category: Leaders

Future of Technology

A person with crystal clear opinions, Mr. Satya Nadella entered the world of technology with supreme ambitions. With a skillful mind he has always followed his instincts and has managed to fly upwards the acme of success. This illustrious spearhead is achieving the big goals like a child’s play and moving in direction of a glorious future.

There are several leaders whom people witness emerging around them but only a few reach the heights that astonish everyone. In this process, clear visions play very crucial role and are hard to maintain in the hassling world. Those who are set to mark their remarkable existence in golden words never let any worthy opportunity slip from their hands, be it major or a small one. In the long race, solely insightful people go ahead to win the world with their extraordinary aptitudes.

A utopian leader like Mr. Satya Nadella, the Chief Executive Officer of Microsoft, comes up as a quintessential pioneer. He has the courage to carve his path even in the hardest times. Mr. Satya Nadella is that sort of person who know how to project things for attaining a particular goal. His remark, “I always wanted to build things” demonstrates his inclination towards creating new things. He has been a computer science student and firmly believed that this course will prove to be a beginning of his success journey. At a quite initial stage he was sorted about his strategies that would assist him to retain his desired position in the sector of technology. Chasing his intuitions, today, Mr. Satya Nadella has accomplished his goal by earning a renowned place in his aspired sector.

REMINISCING THE PAST

Born on 19 August 1967, in Hyderabad, Telangana,  Mr.Satya Nadella belongs to a Telugu family. He did  his schooling from Hyderabad Public School, located in Begumpet. Mr. Satya Nadella’s father served  as a civil servant in Indian Administrative Service. One of the most prominent steps taken by him to  reach the pinnacle was his Bachelor’s degree in Electronics and Telecommunications, a tough field  of engineering. He had received the degree from  the Manipal Institute of Technology in 1988, which then was affiliated with Mangalore University and  presently, a part of Manipal, Karnataka. In order to touch the skies, Mr. Satya Nadella went to U.S. for higher studies. There he acquired his master’s degree in computer science at the prestigious University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, in 1990. Later, to enhance his exceptional leadership attributes. he decided to pursue MBA from the prestigious University of Chicago Booth School of Business. Though Mr. Satya Nadella got enrolled in Electrical Engineering with intention to discover his true passion, he gradually realised that this course itself is what will take him ahead in the career. He was never digressed from his path. One main reason of his success is he does what he is ompassionate for. He is an individual of high morals who believes to keep doing his work without huge expectations. According to him one should concentrate on his/her work selflessly for better outcomes. Instead of running after success, people should put genuine
attempts in every task, so that success itself, bow down against them.

THE NOTEWOrTHY TrAVErSE

4 February, 2014 has been an immensely remarkable day of Mr. Satya Nadella. This day was significant in his life because he was appointed as Chief Executive Officer of a highly reputed firm known across the world, Microsoft. For Mr. Satya Nadella, those moments were not less than any treasure; he had worked tirelessly since years to reach at this peak. The great toiling of 22 years was one of the chief reasons that led him towards these zeniths. Also, his earnest efforts inspire millions of people to have faith in their virtuosity.

The glorious professional journey of Mr. Satya Nadella was commenced in 1992 by joining Microsoft. This firm became a platform for him where he got chance to execute his potentialities. With a determined heart and a proficient mind he has taken the Microsoft to new heights. The series of accomplishments begun with Sun Microsystems. He had been an eminent member of the technology staff at Sun Microsystems, before becoming an indispensible part of Microsoft. Mr. Satya Nadella occupied a special place in the Microsoft since the year he entered it. He was President of the Server & Tools Division (9 February 2011 – February 2014). Further, he had led Research and Development deparment for the Online Services Division as Senior Vice President. Besides this, Mr. Satya Nadella had been Vice President of the Microsoft Business Division. He had been the Corporate Vice-president of Business Solutions and Search & Advertising Platform Group as well. Earlier, he was designated as Executive Vice President of Microsoft’s Cloud and Enterprise group and under his leadership company’s Computing Platforms, Developer Tools and Cloud Computing Services were structured and maintained. In addition to Mr. Satya Nadella’s prominence, he serves on the board of trustees to Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center.

“Microsoft has been a very lovable part of his existence. Mr. Satya Nadella has given valuable years of his life to this organisation. His consistent promotions at the firm are enough to justify that he has been an asset to IT”

NOURISHING THE MICROSOFT

Microsoft has been a very lovable part of his existence. Mr. Satya Nadella has given valuable years of his life to this organisation. His consistent promotions at the firm are enough to justify that he has been an asset to it. He has contributed a lot to take the firm at position where it is right now. He has spent sleepless nights to in order to establish Microsoft as a herculean organisation. Mr. Satya Nadella was the driving force behind Microsoft’s initiative of cloud computing and he was involved in the development of one of the largest cloud infrastructures in the world. He has been credited with exceptional projection of Microsoft’s Cloud OS strategy, the backend system for its online services. Cloud OS helps run Microsoft services such as Bing, SkyDrive, Xbox Live, Windows Server, and Visual Studio.

AMICABLE PERCEPTIONS

Small steps taken by him has played important role in his voyage. One thing that he strictly follows is to end each task with perfection. Mr. Satya Nadella feels astonished when he realises that modern generation is more focused to earn profits than experience. People have started to find alternatives for empiricism that eventually leads to poor knowledge.
He wants people to know that lack of awareness can only deliver unfruitful results. As reluctance for diligence affects positive career prospects. Also, Mr. Satya Nadella considers absence of stability in the youth. He finds it difficult to understand why people today, are not able to stay firm to their decisions. However, he assents to the fact that to improve the growth graph, changing a job can be useful. But for Mr. Staya Nadella if this change is
recurring, something at the core is not in order and without correcting the wrong flow one cannot expect any development.

SYNONYM FOR PERFECTION

Great success certainly brings great responsibilities with it that may develop arrogance in a person but Mr. Satya Nadella is still the same gentle person who he was at the beginning of his career. There are surely bountiful traits of this leader one may wish to assimilate in his/her character. His aura instills an impression that encourages people to follow his footsteps. Today, entire nation is proud of him and wishes that India could have more Satya
Nadella.

“Perfection comes with experience,” it is well manifested in story of Mr. Satya Nadella. Though he had been in Microsoft for since a long while when he was considered to be chosen as new CEO of the firm. But the only thing that was barring his way was, he had not any experience as a CEO before. At that time his sheer dedication, hard work, empiricism and will-power were the key factors that made the authorities, select him for this post. The firm itself had noticed that Mr. Satya Nadella was always the most reliable person who can uphold the reputation and growth of Microsoft in future as well. Also, there were times when the company found that only Mr. Satya Nadella can take decisions in crucial circumstances that later or soon will appear in the road of big achievements. Thus, the fate wrote a new chapter in Mr. Satya Nadella’s life-book.

“This journey has both kept me on my toes and constantly motivated,” stated Mr. Satya Nadella in one of his interviews. He has faced plenty of hurdles at Microsoft during his dream journey. There were times when he was utterly bewildered about what must be the next plan to put in action. But with his intellect, all the times he managed to find a solution.
The success chart of Mr. Satya Nadella’s professional expedition has a stability that attracts
attention of everyone around him. He has won the prestigious award, Indian of the year.

A Chemical Engineer from the Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai, Mukesh Ambani has pursued an MBA from Stanford University in the US. Being on the Board of Reliance Industries since 1977, he has played a significant role in the Group’s backward integration journey – from textiles to polyester fibres and further onto petrochemicals and petroleum refining, and going upstream into oil and gas exploration and production. Owing to his dedicated efforts in creation of multiple new world-class manufacturing facilities involving diverse technologies, Reliance’s petrochemicals manufacturing capacities have seen an increase from less than a million tonnes to about 21 million tonnes per year.

EXPANDING THE EMPIRE FAR & WIDE

In the late nineties, Mukesh Ambani not only created the world’s largest grassroots petroleum refinery at Jamnagar in Gujarat, India, with a capacity of 660,000 barrels per day (33 million tonnes a year), but also integrated it with petrochemicals, power generation, port and related infrastructure. In addition, he set up another 580,000-barrels-per-day refinery next to the first one in Jamnagar. No wonder Jamnagar emerged as the refining hub of the world with an aggregate refining capacity of 1.24 million barrels of oil per day at a single location. He also spearheaded the development of infrastructure facilities and created a pan-India organized retail network spanning multiple formats and supply chain infrastructure. Since 2006, Reliance Retail has been delivering superior value to its customers, suppliers and shareholders and has established itself as India’s largest retailer. Its network of retail outlets all across the nation, delivers a world-class shopping environment and unmatched customer experience by virtue of its state-of-theart technology and seamless supply-chain infrastructure. Extremely optimistic about the future of the nation, he applauds India’s entrepreneurial spirit. He feels that every small entrepreneur in India can become a Dhirubhai or a Bill Gates as the entrepreneurial talent in India is huge. An advocate of innovation, he asserts, “Essentially, whoever is successful, whoever is going to do things that make a difference, is going to be talked about.” He feels that business is a level playing field where everyone gets an equal opportunity to excel. “Everybody has equal opportunity and I think that is true for everything,” he says. Despite reaching the pinnacle of success, he feels that there is still a lot of scope to grow and expand. As he puts it, “I think our fundamental belief is that for us growth is a way of life and we have to grow at all times.”

DRIVING A DIGITAL REVOLUTION

Mukesh Ambani has created global records in customer acquisition for Jio – the Group’s digital services initiative. He has efficiently spearheaded the creation of one of the world’s most expansive 4G broadband wireless network offering end-to-end solutions. It caters to the entire value chain across various digital services in key domains of national interest, such as education, healthcare, security, financial services, governmentcitizen interfaces, entertainment, to name a few. He is of the view that India has a mobile network that is better or at par with any country in the world and it is all set to become a “premier digital society.” He feels that the big change driving this transformation is the deepening of mobile networks that are currently working at a much faster pace than before. “It all kick-started in 2014 when PM gave us the vision of Digital India … 380 million people have migrated to Jio’s 4G technology,” he says. “Pre-Jio, the data speed was 256 kbps; and post-Jio, it is 21 Mbps, he declares with pride. He believes that policy steps are needed to accelerate the early rollout of ultra-high-speed 5G services that are affordable and available everywhere. He is certain about the fact that 5G will enable India not only to participate in the Fourth Industrial Revolution but also to lead it.

ENRICHING THE WORLD

Mukesh Ambani believes in knowledgesharing and actively contributes his rich insights as a member of various national and international organizations. He is a member of the Prime Minister’s Council on Trade and Industry, Government of India, and the Board of Governors of the National Council of Applied Economic Research, India. He is also a member of The Foundation Board of the World Economic Forum, the Global Advisory Council of Bank of America, Stanford Global Advisory Council, McKinsey & Company International Advisory Council, The Business Council, India Advisory Group of the London School of Economics, Indo-U.S. CEOs’ Forum, International Advisory Council of The Brookings Institution and Board of Governors of the National Council of Applied Economic Research, India. He is an elected Foreign Member of the prestigious United States National Academy of Engineering. Mr Mukesh Ambani is an elected Foreign Member of the prestigious United States National Academy of Engineering. Only nine other Indians have received this honour. He is also the Chairman of the Board of Governors, Pandit Deendayal Petroleum University in Gujarat and India Advisory Council of The British Asian Trust.

GARNERING GLORY

Mukesh Ambani is the only Indian to be featured on Global Game Changers List of a leading international magazine. He has been awarded as Economic Times Business Leader of the Year, 2017 and has won Othmer Gold Medal by Chemical Heritage Foundation, USA in 2016. He was offered an honorary Doctor of Philosophy degree by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Roorkee in and Honorary Doctor of Science by Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai in 2013. He was conferred the title of ‘Entrepreneur of the Decade’ by All-India Management Association in 2013.

LAYING THE FOUNDATION OF A BETTER WORLD

Mukesh Ambani’s vision of an inclusive India is being realized through Reliance Foundation. Spearheaded by his better half, Smt. Nita M. Ambani, Reliance Foundation was established in 2010 to provide impetus to various philanthropic initiatives of Reliance Industries Limited (RIL). The efforts of the group have already touched the lives of more than 39.5 million people across India in more than 40,000 villages and several urban locations.

In an era often defined by new technology, the 50-year-old zillionaire, Musk has emerged as one of the most genuinely innovative entrepreneurs of his generation. He has been an inspiration for the world to go green. No wonder leading auto companies ranging from Ford to Volkswagen to Mercedes-Benz to Toyota have unequivocally committed their futures to electric vehicles. As he puts it, “For a long time, the rest of the auto industry was basically calling Tesla and me fools and frauds. They were saying electric cars wouldn’t work; you can’t achieve the range and performance. And even if you did that, nobody would buy them.” But he has proved everybody wrong. In fact he has triggered a historic shift in the world’s auto industry towards green mobility. Musk rightfully deserves the credit of transforming one of the world’s most important industries – the automotive industry – and paving the path for a sustainable future.

EARLY LEANINGS

Born to a Canadian mother and South African father, Musk was brought up in Pretoria, South Africa. He briefly attended the University of Pretoria before moving to Canada at age 17 to avoid conscription. He enrolled at Queen’s University and two years later transferred to the University of Pennsylvania, where he received a bachelor’s degree in Economics and Physics. Thereafter, he moved to California in 1995 to attend Stanford University. However, he changed his mind and decided instead to pursue a business career. Thus, he ended up co-founding the web software company Zip2 with his brother Kimbal. This startup was acquired by Compaq for $307 million in 1999. The same year, Musk co-founded online bank X.com, which merged with Confinity in 2000 to form PayPal. The firm was taken over by eBay for $1.5 billion in the year 2002. In 2002, Musk founded SpaceX, an aerospace manufacturer and space transport services company, of which he is CEO and CTO. In 2004, he joined electric vehicle manufacturer Tesla Motors, Inc. (now Tesla, Inc.) as Chairman and Product Architect, becoming its CEO in 2008. In 2006, he helped create SolarCity, a solar energy services company that was later acquired by Tesla and became Tesla Energy. In 2016, Tesla became the world’s first vertically-integrated sustainable energy company with the acquisition of SolarCity, the leading provider of solar power systems in the United States, and in 2017 it launched Solar Roof – a beautiful and affordable energy generation product.

BOOSTING GREEN MOBILITY

As the Co-founder and CEO of Tesla, Musk has been leading all product design, engineering and global manufacturing of the firm’s electric vehicles, battery products and solar energy products. Under his exemplary leadership, Tesla has been on a mission to accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy for a cleaner future, since its inception in 2003. Roadster sports car was Tesla’s first product, launched in 2008.

It was followed by the Model S sedan, which was introduced in 2012. Model S proved that electric cars could compete with the best on style and performance. Its Model X SUV was launched in 2015. These models have garnered immense popularity over time. Model S has received Consumer Reports’ ‘Best Overall Car’ and has been named the ‘Ultimate Car of the Year’ by Motor Trend, while Model X was the first SUV ever to earn 5-star safety ratings in every category and sub-category in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s tests.

Tesla came up with Model 3 in the 2017. Model 3 has successfully brought technology to a wider market. It is a mass-market electric vehicle with more than 320 miles of range. It also launched Tesla Semi, which is designed to save owners at least $200,000 over a million miles based on fuel costs alone. It unveiled Cybertruck in 2019, possessing better utility than a traditional truck and more performance than a sports car. Its Model Y compact SUV, began customer deliveries in early 2020.

BRINGING SPACE CLOSER TO EARTH

As lead designer at SpaceX, Musk efficiently oversees the development of rockets and spacecraft for missions to Earth orbit and ultimately to other planets. Under his able leadership, the SpaceX Falcon 1 became the first privately developed liquid fuel rocket to reach orbit in 2008, and SpaceX by re-flying both a Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft for the first time, made further history in 2017. Soon after, Falcon Heavy, the most powerful operational rocket in the world by a factor of two, completed its first flight in 2018. In 2019, SpaceX’s crew capable version of the Dragon spacecraft completed its first demonstration mission, and the company flew NASA astronauts to the International Space Station for the first time in 2020.

Currently, SpaceX is developing Starship (a fully reusable transportation system that will carry crew and cargo to the Moon, Mars and beyond) and Starlink, which will deliver high speed broadband internet to locations where access has been unreliable, expensive, or completely unavailable. By pioneering reusable rockets, SpaceX is pursuing the long-term goal of making humans a multi-planet species by creating a self-sustaining city on Mars. Talking about Starship, he elaborates, “Starship is a hard, hard, hard, hard project. This is the biggest rocket ever made. It will have a thrust and mass double that of a Saturn V, which is the largest rocket to reach orbit, and is intended to be fully and rapidly reusable. If we are successful with this, which I think we will be, I don’t know if we will be there in 2022. I hope so. This is a profound revolution in access to orbit. There has never been a fully reusable orbital launch vehicle. This is the holy grail of space technology.” He adds, “It is the fundamental breakthrough that is necessary for humanity to become a space civilization. This absorbs more of my mental energy than probably any other single thing. But it is so preposterously difficult that there are times where I wonder whether we can actually do this.”

INNOVATING HIS WAY TO THE TOP

In 2013, Musk proposed the Hyperloop, a high-speed vactrain transportation system. It is a high-speed vacuum tube transportation system that is twice as fast as air travel, and much more energy efficient. In 2015, he co-founded OpenAI, a nonprofit research company that promotes friendly artificial intelligence. In 2016, he co-founded Neuralink, a neurotechnology company focused on developing brain–computer interfaces. As the CEO of Neuralink, Musk has been developing ultra-high bandwidth brain-machine interfaces to connect the human brain to computers. No wonder, he has been dexterously driving Tesla, SpaceX, & Neuralink towards new horizons of success.

One of the most successful CEOs in the world, Tim Cook began as the Chief Executive Officer of Apple Inc. in 2011. A story from innovation to dominance, he previously served as the company’s Chief Operating Officer under its Co-Founder Steve Jobs. His journey from an engineer to the CEO of Apple Inc. showcases his dedication to innovation, operational excellence, and ethical leadership. His ability to navigate challenges, maintain a customer-centric approach, and uphold the company’s core values has contributed significantly to the brand’s continued success

BY JYOTI VERMA

As Apple CEO, Tim Cook has been responsible for leading one of the world’s most innovative and creative companies. While Steve Jobs is often associated with Apple’s initial groundbreaking products and creative culture, Tim Cook’s leadership has also played a significant role in fostering and maintaining the company’s creativity. Under his leadership, Apple has continued to introduce new and innovative products, such as the Apple Watch, AirPods, and various iterations of the iPhone and iPad. He has been known for his meticulous attention to detail and his focus on operational excellence, which has allowed Apple to maintain its high standards of design, quality, and user experience across its product lineup.

The Apple CEO has also shown a commitment to sustainability and social responsibility, pushing Apple to become more environmentally friendly and ethical in its practices. He has championed renewable energy initiatives, reduced the company’s carbon footprint, and taken steps to improve working conditions within Apple’s supply chain.

In terms of fostering a creative environment within Apple, Cook has encouraged collaboration and diversity among employees. He has supported initiatives that promote inclusivity and the sharing of ideas, recognising that a diverse workforce can lead to more innovative solutions and products. Apple’s emphasis on design aesthetics and user-centered experiences can be attributed to Cook’s dedication to maintaining the company’s creative spirit.

A LIVING SUCCESS STORY

Tim Cook’s success story is marked by his journey from a small-town upbringing to becoming the CEO of one of the world’s most valuable and influential companies. Born on November 1, 1960, in Mobile, Alabama, he grew up in a middle-class family and displayed a strong interest in technology from a young age. The leader earned a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering from Auburn University in 1982 and later obtained an MBA from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business in 1988. Cook began his career in the tech industry at IBM, where he held various positions in the company’s personal computer division. He quickly gained a reputation for his organisational skills and keen understanding of supply chain management (SCM).

TRANSITION TO APPLE

Cook joined Apple in 1998 as Senior Vice President for Worldwide Operations. He played a crucial role in revamping Apple’s supply chain and manufacturing processes, which helped the company streamline its operations and reduce costs. Cook’s contributions became especially evident during the launch of the iPod, where he ensured that Apple could meet the high demand for the product.

Cook’s emphasis on operational efficiency and SCM played a significant role in transforming Apple into a more agile and cost- effective company. He implemented just-in- time manufacturing and distribution methods, reducing inventory levels and improving the company’s financial performance.

As CEO, Cook continued to build upon Apple’s culture of innovation, while also focusing on expanding its product line- up and global reach. He oversaw the launch of iconic products like the iPhone 4s, iPhone 5, iPad Pro, Apple Watch, and AirPods. Under his leadership, Apple also introduced services like Apple Music, Apple Pay, and Apple TV+.

Cook maintained Apple’s legacy of innovation by introducing new products like the Apple Watch, AirPods, and iPhone models with iterative improvements. His leadership demonstrates that innovation does not always mean radical changes; it can also involve incremental enhancements that address customer needs and preferences.

The Apple CEO understands the importance of listening to customers and delivering products that resonate with their desires. He has emphasised the user experience, design aesthetics, and the integration of hardware and software to create products that customers love. One of Cook’s standout strengths is his focus on operational efficiency. He streamlined Apple’s supply chain, reduced inventory levels, and optimised manufacturing processes. This approach not only improved cost-effectiveness, but also ensured that Apple could meet high product demands. Under Cook’s leadership, Apple’s market value and revenue continued to soar. The company reached the milestone of being the first publicly traded company to surpass a $1 trillion market capitalisation.

“UNDER TIM COOK’S LEADERSHIP, APPLE’S MARKET VALUE AND REVENUE CONTINUED TO SOAR. IT BECAME THE FIRST PUBLICLY TRADED COMPANY TO SURPASS A $1 TRILLION MARKET CAPITALISATION. HE STREAMLINED SUPPLY CHAIN, REDUCED INVENTORY LEVELS, AND OPTIMISED MANUFACTURING PROCESSES”

COMMITTED TO SUSTAINABILITY

The Apple CEO has been an advocate for sustainability and ethical business practices. He pushed Apple to commit to using 100% renewable energy for its operations and worked to improve labour conditions in the company’s supply chain. Under his leadership, Apple has been working to power its operations and data centers with 100% renewable energy. This includes investing in solar power installations, wind energy, and other renewable sources. Apple has also committed to using recycled materials in its products. It has designed its products with energy efficiency and recyclability in mind. For instance, it introduced the “Daisy” recycling robot to disassemble old iPhones and recover valuable materials.

H. E. Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, and Managing Director and Group CEO of ADNOC Group, is the President – Designate of the forthcoming UN climate conference COP28. He has served as the UAE Special Envoy for Climate Change for two terms, and played a proactive participatory role at over ten COPs, including the historic Paris COP21 in 2015. He brings to this task two decades of executive business and leadership experience in government, climate policy, and renewable and conventional energy sectors

BY JYOTI VERMA

Dr. Al Jaber is an accomplished figure in the fields of energy, business, and government. He grew up in a family with a strong tradition of public service and entrepreneurship. From his graduation in Chemical Engineering from the University of Southern California, US, to his Ph.D. in Business and Economics from Coventry University in the United Kingdom, his academic background reflects a combination of technical and business knowledge, which is valuable in various sectors, including energy and industry. He has held key positions in the

energy and industry sectors in the UAE. He has been involved in various leadership roles within the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) and its subsidiaries that helped him play a significant role in advancing the country’s energy and industrial strategies. His career has included positions in the UAE government, including the role of UAE Minister of State and as a member of the UAE Cabinet, which involved policy-making, strategy development, and representing the UAE on the international stage. In 2023, his selection as COP28 President-Designate has not only put him in the centre of the most crucial discussion of modern times, but also has given him the arduous task of striking the balance between the development fossil fuels promise and their greenhouse emissions that actually is the problem.

ONE WITH A BUSINESS MINDSET

A businessman extraordinaire, Dr. Al Jaber is of the opinion that the world needs a “business mindset” to tackle the climate crisis. In one of the statements as the President-Designate of the COP28 summit, he said, “the forthcoming UN talks is a great platform to set out how the private sector can limit greenhouse gas emissions and give businesses and governments a clear set of tasks and targets. He calls for a major course correction and a massive effort to reignite progress, which governments cannot accomplish alone. The scale of the problem requires everyone working in solidarity,” he said.

Dr. Al Jaber’s previous roles have taught him the importance of concrete key performance indicators as the cornerstone of most commercial strategies and an ambitious action – oriented agenda to achieve success. His roles as the UAE Minister for Industry and Advanced Technology, Chief Executive of the UAE’s national oil company and one of the world’s biggest oil and gas producers, ADNOC, and the Founding Chief Executive of Masdar, has taught him the importance of the oil industry as an energy supplier to most countries.

What’s challenging though is the fact that his global role as COP28 President-Designate comes at a time when ADNOC is planning a massive expansion of oil and gas. His job is difficult as the climate conferences have traditionally been dominated by policymakers, ministers and politicians, and civil society activists, most of whom believe that his appointment is “a truly breathtaking conflict of interest.” On the other hand, a few experts prefer to see the big picture. There is a broad consensus that while the last few COPs have made incremental progress, they have failed to produce the kind of breakthrough needed to address the challenges. The urgency of the climate crisis needs a different approach and the UAE, under the experienced leadership of Dr. Al Jaber, just might be the country that helps bridge the gap between the Global North and Global South to produce this breakthrough.

“DR. AL JABER IS OF THE OPINION THAT THE WORLD NEEDS A “BUSINESS MINDSET” TO TACKLE THE CLIMATE CRISIS. HE BELIEVES THAT THE FORTHCOMING UN CLIMATE TALKS IN DUBAI IS A GREAT PLATFORM TO SET OUT HOW THE PRIVATE SECTOR CAN LIMIT GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS”

A CLIMATE EXPERT

Dr. Al Jaber was the UAE’s Special Envoy for Climate Change from 2010 to 2016, and has been from 2020 onwards. Over eight years in this role and representing the country at previous climate conferences has given him a thorough insight into the complex challenges of sustainable development. As CEO of Masdar, he played a vital role in executing the vision of the country’s leadership to encourage the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) to set up its headquarters in Masdar City, Abu Dhabi. IRENA now has 167 countries plus the EU as its members, and plays a lead role in guiding and supporting green energy transitions.

Dr. Al Jaber has been a vocal advocate for sustainability and environmental conservation. He has been involved in initiatives aimed at promoting renewable energy and reducing carbon emissions. His leadership has contributed to the UAE’s efforts to diversify its energy mix and reduce its carbon footprint.

Masdar or the Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company was set up in 2006 with the goal of becoming a global leader in renewable energy and sustainable urban development. Under Dr. Al Jaber’s stewardship, the company has become one of the largest global players in the renewable energy space globally. It has invested in solar and wind energy projects in 40 countries, and aims at accomplishing the target of 100 GW by 2030. It is also investing in modern technology to build solar-powered water desalination and waste to energy plants. The leader’s two decades of dedication to renewable energy serve as evidence that he and the UAE offer the most promising opportunity to achieve a global consensus for addressing climate change.

OPENING DOORS TO EXTRAORDINARY HOMES

MR. N. NAGABUSHANA REDDY, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF NBR GROUP, IS A REMARKABLE LEADER WHO HAS ELEVATED THE COMPANY TO A PROMINENT REAL ESTATE FIRM. HIS FORWARD-THINKING LEADERSHIP, DEDICATION TO CREATIVITY, AND STRONG EMPHASIS ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY DEMONSTRATE THE STRENGTH OF INSPIRING LEADERSHIP

HUMBLE BEGINNINGS

Mr. N. Nagabushana Reddy is a prominent real estate developer in Bengaluru. After finishing his education, he entered the real estate industry and established NBR Group in 1998. The primary goal was to provide affordable housing options with top-notch amenities and a gated community living experience in eco-friendly spaces that would contribute to Bengaluru’s green cover.

Since the inception of the first project, Mr. Nagabushana has been realizing these goals. Over the past two decades, he has become known for his innovative approaches, customer-oriented mindset, and developing sustainable communities, positioning the company as a trailblazer. He builds strong connections with stakeholders and consistently prioritizes the quality and satisfaction of customers.

Mr. Nagabushana knows that the real estate sector is highly competitive, and hence, he eagerly embraces its numerous challenges to succeed. He ensures that all projects surpass market expectations, not just meet them. Under his mentorship, the company’s flagship project, “NBR Hillsview,” represented a significant milestone in the prosperity of the business.

EMPOWERING THE TEAM MEMBERS

Mr. Nagabushana consistently strives to uplift and encourage his team members by assisting them in formulating a clear vision for the future. He emphasizes the importance of a hands-on approach and actively participates in all aspects of the business, constantly supporting his team members. He promotes an open work environment where people are free to communicate, collaborate to generate new ideas, and take ownership of their work, paving the way for a motivated and collaborative team.

ADHERING TO GOOD GOVERNANCE PRACTICES

Mr. Nagabushana believes that the success of his company is reliant on its principles and policies. The visionary leader strongly promotes good governance to ensure that NBR Group always operates with integrity, transparency, and accountability. By implementing regular audits, upholding ethical business practices, and maintaining strict compliance with regulatory standards, he has been instrumental in driving the company’s sustained success and fostering strong trust among stakeholders.

AWARDS AND ACCOLADES

Mr. Nagabushana has worked hard to build a business acknowledged as a real estate industry pioneer. Under his leadership, the company has won prestigious honors such as the “Trusted and Innovative Developer of the Year” by ET Achievers 2024 (Times of India), the “Residential Plot Development of the Year” Award in 2012 for the NBR Meadows project, and the “Residential Plot Development of the Year” Award in 2013 for the NBR Green Valley project.

UNLOCKING OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE FUTURE

With an aspirational and progressive outlook for the company’s future, Mr. Nagabushana emphasizes sustainability, creativity, and client happiness. He plans to build new high-rise luxury apartments and environmentally friendly residential areas in the near future. In addition, he intends to discover fresh markets nationally and globally and keep investing in modern technologies that will improve the quality of life for NBR Group’s clients. Over the next few years, Mr. Nagabushana sees the company rising to the top of the luxury real estate world and becoming renowned for its innovation.

HAPPY HOMES GUARANTEED

Mr. Ameya inderkumar Jain, the Managing Director of Kumar Lifespaces Pune, is a highly successful and innovative entrepreneur in the real estate industry. A distinguished leader, he is known for transforming living spaces through his expertise in construction and architecture

TAKING THE LEGACY FORWARD

Born into a family with a 58-year background in real estate, Mr. Ameya Jain picked up designing sophisticated and sustainable buildings after observing his father and grandfather work tirelessly to propel their company to the top of the real estate sector. He graduated with a degree in civil engineering from Bharati Vidyapeeth’s College of Engineering in Pune. Driven by a deep passion for creating extraordinary structures, he entered the industry and is now offering his clients top-notch real estate options with advanced infrastructure and technology. As the Managing Director of Kumar Lifespaces, Mr. Jain has been designing homes that families cherish for years. With more than 135 projects delivered and a diverse community of over 35,000 satisfied residents, Mr. Jain takes pride in leading the company trusted by many for its premium living spaces, eco-friendly designs, and top-notch amenities for comfort and convenience.

RAISING THE BAR HIGH

Mr. Jain is well-known for putting quality over money in his work, which has helped his business earn a solid reputation for building outstanding homes. His commitment to excellence is evident in the completion of several remarkable projects that have set a high standard in the housing industry. The construction considers environmental factors and uses sustainable materials to reduce the use of cement. Kumar Lifespaces has established itself as a trusted name in Pune’s real estate industry, consistently delivering projects like Kumar Princeville, Kumar Pratham, Kumar Siddhachal, Kumar Palmsprings, Kumar Prospera, Kumar Sienna, and Kumar Pacific Mall, among others, that foster community, well-being, and an enriched lifestyle.

CARING FOR THE COMMUNITY

Mr. Jain prioritises corporate social responsibility and is actively involved in projects that help improve communities and promote positive social change. He ardently advocates equal access to high-quality healthcare as a fundamental right rather than an exclusive privilege. He has collaborated with Pune’s H.V. Desai Eye Hospital to facilitate high-quality eye care and cost-effective cataract surgeries for the less fortunate. Mr. Jain and his team also provide underprivileged people with excellent dialysis facilities as well as free or substantially affordable healthcare services through the family-run Kesarimal Himmatlal Charitable Trust. Additionally, Mr. Jain’s team identifies extraordinarily talented students from low-income families and helps them pursue their academic goals in engineering, medicine, and other fields, depending on their capabilities.

MESSAGE FOR YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS

Mr. Ameya Jain views real estate as far more than mere structures; he sees it as an opportunity to create vibrant communities and nurturing spaces that enhance individual well-being. To him, success in this industry is not solely defined by profits but by the ability to deliver lasting value and meaningful experiences to customers. For aspiring entrepreneurs, Mr. Jain’s advice is clear: cultivate a genuine passion for your work, grounded in honesty, excellence, and a steadfast commitment to customer satisfaction. Building a strong foundation based on trust, quality, and integrity is essential. He emphasizes that real estate is not just about construction; it’s about shaping communities and crafting living environments that bring joy and fulfillment to people’s lives. Ultimately, success in real estate lies in creating enduring value and fostering positive, impactful experiences for clients.

UPPING THE GAME IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR

MR. KAUSTUBH VASANT PHADTARE, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF KAVITSU ROBOTRONIX PRIVATE LIMITED, IS AN INNOVATOR IN THE CONSTANTLY EVOLVING FIELD OF ENGINEERING MANUFACTURING IN INDIA. HE IS HEADING THE COMPANY WITH STAUNCH DETERMINATION AND FORWARD-THINKING LEADERSHIP AND ESTABLISHING NEW BENCHMARKS FOR EXCELLENCE

CREDENTIALS THAT SPEAK VOLUMES

Mr. Kaustubh Vasant Phadtare completed his B.E. in Instrumentation from Vishwakarma Institute of Technology, Pune, and a master’s degree in Mechatronics from the Newcastle University, United Kingdom. Following his education, he entered his family business, Kavitsu Group, established in 1992 by his father. Demonstrating a strong dedication to domestic innovation and a clear vision for international competitiveness, Mr. Phadtare has successfully guided the company towards remarkable achievements. After his successful stint at the Kavitsu Group, Mr. Phadtare decided to explore new opportunities in engineering manufacturing. He entered the market of slew ring bearings through Kavitsu Robotronix Private Limited, a part of the Kavitsu Group. By utilising advanced machinery and delivering quality, Mr. Phadtare became a prominent manufacturer and exporter of slew bearings, expanding his national and international presence.

VISION FOR GLOBAL EXPANSION

Mr. Phadtare envisions a future where his company, Kavitsu Robotronix Private Limited, expands its reach into global markets, including the USA and Europe. As part of this, he plans to establish a dedicated forging plant, ensuring thorough inspection of raw materials and maintaining the highest standards of quality. These measures will enable the company to deliver superior products, further solidifying its reputation for excellence and innovation. Central to this vision is Mr. Phadtare’s emphasis on indigenous innovation, which lies at the core of his leadership style. While many companies depend on technology from multinational corporations, Mr. Phadtare’s approach is distinctly different. His company sets itself apart by developing in-house products, reinforcing its self-reliant ethos, and earning global recognition for its unique and innovative solutions.

SUPPORTING AN EXPERT TEAM

Mr. Phadtare has assembled a committed group of engineers and technicians who diligently research new technologies, improve the quality of existing products, and create inventive solutions to address the changing market demands. The team puts in significant effort to produce goods recognized for their robustness, accuracy, and effectiveness, positioning them as the preferred choice for clients in search of top-notch engineering solutions. Maintaining exceptional quality standards in all areas of the company’s functions has solidified the company’s reputation as a reliable partner for business in the sector. Mr. Phadtare advises aspiring entrepreneurs to prioritize quality and timely service delivery. He believes that failures are stepping stones to success and encourages all to not give up when faced with setbacks. He suggests that they continue to give their best efforts, assuring them that their hard work will pay off.

AWARDS AND ACCOLADES

For his exceptional contributions to manufacturing, robotics, and automation, Mr. Phadtare has received several awards, including the Business Excellence Award in 2019 from the Global Indian Business Forum, Pune, and the Most Influential Leaders Award in 2022 from The Economic Times. He was honoured as one of the Young Achievers—Beacons of Business in 2020. Additionally, he received a certificate of recognition and achievement for trusted slew ring-bearing manufacturers from Outlook Business. He was also awarded a Certificate of Appreciation for his outstanding contributions to the bearing manufacturing industry and for being named one of the Times Most Powerful Leaders for 2022–23. In May 2024, he was included in Forbes India’s Digital Edition list of The World’s Billionaires. Furthermore, in 2022, he was felicitated by MAS Satara on MAS Vardhapan Din.

Breaking New Ground

Aditya Vikram Birla, Chairman and Managing Director at Cosmic Birla Group, is a name to be reckoned with in the industrial sector. Under his visionary stewardship, Cosmic Birla Group, a leader in engineering and manufacturing, has evolved into a diversified entity

“He champions open communication, collaboration, and transparency at work”

Aditya’s vision and business acumen are deeply rooted in his education, which began at Don Bosco School in Kolkata, India. Additionally, the leader boasts an impressive academic background with an MBA from Cardiff University in Wales and a BBA from Jadavpur University in West Bengal. He has been Director at Cosmic EV since September 2023, leading innovation in the electric vehicle sector. As Managing Director at Cosmic CRF Limited since April 2022, his leadership has been marked by significant growth and transformation. He has also served as Executive Director at Asansol Steel Castings Pvt. Ltd. and Prilika Enterprises Pvt. Ltd. since 2020 and 2019, respectively. He is the Director at Comet Technocom Pvt. Ltd. since January 2019.

Harnessing Diversification

Under Aditya’s leadership, Cosmic Birla Group has transformed into a diversified entity encompassing several industry-leading subsidiaries. For instance, Cosmic CRF leads in innovative solutions across sectors, enhancing industry progress and efficiency. Comet Technocom excels in precision engineering, producing specialized components, while Comet Tradecom delivers high-quality consumer goods worldwide. Additionally, AVB Entech connects global markets and drives sustainable mobility with its investments in EV research. Asansol Steel supplies railway components, while Prilika Enterprises specializes in wagon construction essentials. Other notable subsidiaries include Cosmic Springs and Engineers Ltd, Cosmic Rail Solutions Ltd, and Raft Cosmic EV.

Customer-Centric Leadership in Action

Aditya credits the group’s success to strong customer relationships built over the years. He focuses on delivering quality, innovation, and excellence to enhance customer satisfaction, which is reflected in the group’s investments in advanced technology. He also values his dedicated team’s commitment, fostering a work environment of open communication and collaboration, empowering them to consistently deliver high-quality results.

Commitment to Sustainability

Aditya’s commitment to sustainable practices is exemplified by the recent acquisition of RAFT Motors, an innovative electric vehicle manufacturer. With Cosmic EV leading the charge, the group is poised to revolutionize the transportation sector and contribute to a greener and cleaner future. This strategic move has positioned Cosmic Birla Group as a leader in the growing electric vehicle industry.

Garnering Accolades

Aditya’s commitment to innovation recently earned him the prestigious Tally MSME Honours 2024 Award in the Business Maestro category by the Hindustan Times. He was also invited to speak at the 2024 India Conference at Harvard Business School on the topic “Transforming a Legacy Business into an Innovative Powerhouse,” sharing the stage with prominent world leaders. He and the Cosmic Birla Group were recognized as “Emerging Leaders in Industrial Excellence” at the Times Now Business Excellence Awards, East 2024. Additionally, Cosmic CRF Ltd received the honor for “Excellence in Industrial Innovation” at the Times Business Awards, East 2024. He was also featured in Entrepreneurs Today’s prestigious “40 under 40” list of business individuals across India for the year 2024.