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.

In the world of luxury fashion and retail, few names command as much respect and admiration as Bernard Arnault. As the Chairman and CEO of LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, Arnault has not only solidified his position as one of the most influential figures in the industry, but has also left an indelible mark on the global business landscape. Beginning from a small town in France to becoming a self-made billionaire and a revolutionary force in the luxury industry, Arnault demonstrates the power of relentless pursuit of excellence, commitment to innovation, and global vision

In the annals of business history, the story of Bernard Arnault stands as a testament to the power of vision, innovation, and relentless determination. He is the Chairman and Chief Executive of LVMH, which owns Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior and Moët & Chandon champagne. The company’s shares have shot up by more than 150% in the past three years, hitting a new high of €853 in April 2023. The rise helped Arnault and his family witness an estimated peak net worth of US$240.7 billion, making him the richest person in the world at the time. The 74-year-old then became only the third person in history – after Tesla’s Elon Musk and Amazon’s Jeff Bezos – to have hit the milestone of amassing an estimated fortune above $200 billion. In 2022, LVMH achieved record sales of €79.2 billion, and has begun a €1.5 billion share buyback programme, which has helped further lift the share price.

EARLY LIFE AND AMBITION

However, there is more to Arnault than his stupendous wealth. Born in Roubaix, France, in 1949, he emerged from humble beginnings to become a self-made billionaire who not only transformed his life, but also revolutionised the entire luxury industry. His journey to the pinnacle of the luxury industry began with a keen interest in entrepreneurship and a burning ambition to succeed.

Arnault attended the prestigious École Polytechnique and École des Hautes Études Commerciales in France, acquiring a solid educational foundation in engineering and business management. This academic rigour would serve as the foundation for his future success. His early career saw him working for his family’s construction and real estate business, Ferret-Savinel. However, it was his acquisition of Boussac, a textile company in financial distress that marked the turning point in his career. At just 34 years old, the young leader displayed his entrepreneurial acumen by reviving the struggling firm, laying the groundwork for his ascent in the business world.

THE BIRTH OF LVMH

The defining moment in Arnault’s career came in 1989 when he engineered the takeover of Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton (LVMH). Recognising the immense potential of the luxury market, he embarked on a mission to consolidate and redefine the industry. This bold move laid the foundation for the creation of the world’s largest luxury conglomerate.

Under Arnault’s leadership, LVMH acquired an impressive portfolio of iconic brands, including Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, Givenchy, Fendi, and many others. His ability to identify and nurture talent, coupled with a commitment to preserving the unique identity of each brand, set LVMH apart as a leader in the luxury market.

Arnault’s visionary leadership style encouraged innovation and creativity within the conglomerate. He understood that luxury is not static; it evolves with the times. As a result, the leader championed collaborations with artists, designers, and even technology companies, taking LVMH to new heights, and pushing the boundaries of what luxury could be.

“BEYOND BUSINESS SUCCESS, BERNARD ARNAULT CHAMPIONED SUSTAINABILITY AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY. HE COMMITTED LVMH TO ENVIRONMENT-FRIENDLY PRACTICES AND ETHICAL SOURCING, ALIGNING THE LUXURY INDUSTRY WITH CHANGING CONSUMER VALUES”

AHEAD OF THE CURVE

At the heart of Arnault’s leadership is his visionary approach. He has always been ahead of the curve, possessing an innate ability to spot opportunities and trends in the luxury market long before others. His foresight allowed him to acquire iconic brands such as Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, and Moët & Chandon, transforming LVMH into a conglomerate that houses over 70 prestigious brands spanning fashion, cosmetics, jewellery, and more.

Arnault was among the first to recognise the potential of emerging markets, particularly China. He strategically positioned LVMH to capitalise on the rising affluence of consumers in these regions, solidifying its global dominance. His acquisitions and partnerships have strengthened LVMH’s presence in key markets worldwide. Its commitment to international growth has helped it become a truly global luxury powerhouse.

One of Arnault’s key leadership achievements is his ability to create synergy among LVMH’s diverse portfolio of brands. He has fostered collaboration and cross-pollination between brands, enabling them to share resources, expertise, and market insights. This synergy has increased the overall value of LVMH, and allowed each of its brands to thrive within the conglomerate.

COMMITTED TO CHANGE

Throughout his tenure, Arnault has faced numerous challenges, from economic downturns to global crises. However, his leadership has consistently demonstrated resilience and adaptability. His ability to pivot and make tough decisions has allowed LVMH to weather storms and emerge stronger from adversity. Today, his leadership is a testament to his visionary mindset, innovative spirit, and commitment to excellence.

Beyond business success, Arnault championed sustainability and social responsibility. He committed LVMH to environment-friendly practices and ethical sourcing, aligning the luxury

industry with changing consumer values. It sticks to sustainable practices, such as reducing carbon emissions and promoting ethical sourcing.

Rising from a humble background to a position where the whole world gets inspiration from your exceptional success story is one of the biggest achievements a person can accomplish in his life. Mr. Lakshmi Mittal created a similar career story, and is now helming the world’s largest steelmaking company – ArcelorMittal.

A STEELY DETERMINATION

Born in a small town called Sadulpur in Rajasthan, he moved with his family to Calcutta where his father began his own business in a challenging environment. When Lakshmi Mittal graduated from Jesuit College, St Xavier’s with excellent grades in accounting and mathematics, he surprised everyone by joining his father’s business, Ispat, instead of going for a career in accountancy.

A farsighted leader, he got inspired “by the massive rollers driven by rubber belts and pulleys that flattened the red hot steel into bars,” and founded his own establishment, LNM Group in 1976 at the age of 26. He had a vision in his mind to be the leading player of the steel market, and to turn that vision into reality he gradually started expanding his business at the global level. It was in the year 2004 that his dreams came true when he created Mittal Steel by merging Ispat International and LNM Holdings. The same year Mittal Steel became the largest steelmaker in the world, with shipments of 42.1 million tonnes of steel and profits of over $22 billion. The firm proudly employs 300,000 people in 60 countries.

Again taking an astonishing step in the year 2006, he acquired Arcelor Steel, a company created through a merger of firms from Spain, France, Luxembourg, and Belgium. This huge acquisition resulted in the formation of what now is the biggest steel firm on earth – ArcelorMittal.

HOLDING A GOLDEN HEART

An active philanthropist, Mr. Lakshmi Mittal has made huge contributions towards various social issues. In 2008, he made a donation of £15 million to Great Ormond Street Hospital in London. He also collaborated with the Government of Rajasthan to lay down the foundation the LNM Institute of Information Technology (LNMIIT) in Jaipur. Further, his charitable foundation – Lakshmi Niwas Mittal and Usha Mittal Foundation has also established the Usha Lakshmi Mittal Institute of Management in New Delhi, and Bal Vidya Bhawan. Passionate about sports and dedicated towards encouraging the deserving sportspersons, he has also set up Mittal Champions Trust with $9 million to support 10 Indian athletes with world-beating potential.

Apart from leading ArcelorMittal, Mr. Lakshmi Mittal is also a member of the Foreign Investment Council in Kazakhstan, the International Investment Council in South Africa, and the World Economic Forum’s International Business Council. He is also a member of the International Iron and Steel Institute’s Executive Committee. He received the “Steelmaker of the Year” award in 1996 by New Steel, and the “Willy Korf Steel Vision Award” in 1998, for outstanding vision, entrepreneurship, leadership, and success in global steel development from American Metal Market and PaineWebber’s World Steel Dynamics. He was also honored with Padma Vibhushan, the second-highest civilian award of the Republic of India, in the year 2008.

Though he considers himself a “global Indian”, his heart belongs to India. He is considered a national icon in India and his story has inspired many young entrepreneurs.

Adi Godrej heads the 120-year-old Godrej Group, which has a revenue of US$5 billion and comprises several consumer-goods companies. The Group came into existence, when Ardeshir Burjorji Sorabji Godrej established the Godrej Group in 1897, giving up his profession as a lawyer to make locks, and his brother Pirojsha Burjorji acquired a vast stretch of land in suburban Mumbai. The Group also has its roots in the country’s independence struggle including the Swadeshi Movement.

Adi Godrej graduated from Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and came back to India in 1963 to join the family business. He became the Chairman of the Group in 2000. Though he joined the family business, both the state and the status of the Group or the companies have immensely improved since he joined. Actually, he is credited with modernising the management structure and improving processes in the organization.

He is currently the head of the Godrej family, and chairman of the Godrej Group. As of November 2017, his individual net worth is US$2.8 billion. The Godrej family’s net worth as of April 2017 is US$14.2 billion.

He was very close to his socialite and philanthropist wife, Parmeshwar Godrej , who left him for the heavenly abode in October 2016. His three children help him fill the void. Eldest daughter Tanya Dubash is Executive Director and Chief Brand Officer of the Godrej Group. Nisaba is the second child, and is currently the Chairperson of Godrej Consumer Products. The youngest son Pirojsha Godrej is the Executive Chairman of Godrej Properties.

Adi Godrej is not known for wearing his emotions on his sleeve; however, at the same time there is no doubt that he is genuinely concerned for his people in the Godrej Group. Of course, he is better known for his strong work ethics, a sense of fairness and personal integrity, which not only inspire the people who work with him but also serve as a benchmark for all.

As the Chairman of Godrej Group, he has established Godrej Properties as a strong real estate player in the Indian market, with a belief that it is uniquely positioned to take advantage of the increased need for excellence in real estate. Godrej Properties was the first Indian real estate development company to have obtained an ISO certification. Adi Godrej has always believed in quality processes, a philosophy of putting customers’ interests first, and has guided Godrej Properties to develop millions of square feet of quality real estate in the form of several signature projects, with an unwavering commitment to improvement and innovation.

Godrej Group has diversified interests and products, and GCPL is the flagship firm of the Group, which has presence in consumer goods, real estate, appliances, and agriculture sectors, among others. The Group companies manufacture several products including locks, soaps, property, retail and animal feed to the engines that power India’s space programmes.

STURDY PERSONAL & PROFESSIONAL GROWTH

Under the stupendous guidance of Adi Godrej, Godrej Consumer Products has grown into a strong FMCG player in the market.

The approach can be best described as a 3X3 model, by which he has successfully expanded internationally – building a presence in 3 emerging markets (Asia, Africa, Latin America) across 3 categories (homecare, personal wash and hair care).

He has regularly served as the Head of several Indian Trade and Industrial Bodies and Associations, including the Indian School of Business as Chairman; Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) as President; Dean’s Advisory Council of the MIT Sloan School of Management as Member; and Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies as Chairman of the Board of Governors.

His stature in the society and business community can be judged by the awards he has won, which include the Rajiv Gandhi Award; The American India Foundation (AIF) Leadership in Philanthropy Award; The Entrepreneur of the Year, Asia Pacific Entrepreneurship Awards; Best Businessman of the Year Award; GQ Men of the Year Award; AIMA-JRD Tata Corporate Leadership Award; Bombay Management Association – Management Man of the Year Award; Qimpro Platinum Standard Award for Business; Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award; Padma Bhushan; The Asian Awards Entrepreneur of the Year; All India Management Association-Business Leader of the Year Award; etc.

BACK TO THE SOCIETY

Through Godrej Group, Adi Godrej has substantially contributed to the society. In support of the World Wildlife Fund in India, the Group has developed a green business campus in the Vikhroli township of Mumbai. The township has a 1500 acre mangrove forest and a school for the children of company employees.

Contributions to the society in the form of healthcare, education and environmental sustainability initiatives are also made through the Pirojsha Godrej Foundation, the Soonabai Pirojsha Godrej Foundation and the Godrej Memorial Trust. The initiatives include The Mangroves, Teach for India, WWF, Smile Train and the Godrej Memorial Hospital among others.

INDIA’S FUTURE

Immensely optimistic and focusing only on the outcomes, smartly overcoming the challenges including the recent Demonetization and GST, Adi Godrej asserts that, “By 2050, I expect India to become the largest economy in the world by purchasing power parity.”

About GST, he says, “India has seen great economic reforms in the last 25 years and the economy has grown reasonably well. Most recently, GST, which is an outstanding reform that will boost consumption and help companies grow. Once GST is smooth, it will have a huge impact as GDP will go up, and all businesses will go up. Though the wholesale channel will have to change its ways of dealing with cash, I do not think there will be a problem. Actually, GST will add a lot of GDP growth to our economy going forward.”

He is very positive about the effects of demonetization also, especially elimination of black money, “Generally, black money has come down in the country after demonetisation, and after GST it will come down further. The days of black money are going away.”

Believing in reforms to improve situation in the economy, he shares, “India will do well and GDP rate will accelerate. Lot of reforms coming in and we have to make sure we leverage it properly as a Group. I am optimistic about the future for the country and the Group.”

Sharing his vision on Group’s growth, he says, “As a Group we are already in adequate number of lines of business. Expanding the number of lines of business is not going to be our objective but expanding respective businesses.

Dr. Christina Rahm is a true polymath, with a diverse educational background from Harvard University. She has a comprehensive understanding of areas as diverse as nanotechnology, pharmaceutical management, nutrition, education, and philosophy. She has fortified her intellectual pursuits with a Master of Science degree, while attaining a doctorate in Strategic Sciences from Charter University in December 2014.

MASTERING MULTIPLE DOMAINS

Dr. Rahm established DRC Ventures to cultivate a collaborative environment that transcends geographical and cultural boundaries. Through philanthropic foundations, beauty and fashion brands, influential platforms, and reputable organisations, DRC Ventures facilitates widespread access to medical, supplementary, and environmental services.

Under her astute leadership, DRC Ventures has emerged as a formidable powerhouse. Through strategic investments in pioneering start-ups that challenge conventions, she leads the company to actively nourish the advancement of groundbreaking technologies, services, and paradigms in the business sphere. DRC Ventures actively shares its invaluable insights and experiences through compelling content, industry conferences, and impactful speaking engagements.

Furthermore, she champions diversity and inclusion in entrepreneurship, acknowledging its potential to spur innovation and propel success. Under her guidance, DRC Ventures actively promotes underrepresented entrepreneurs, providing opportunities for women, minorities, and marginalised individuals, thus cultivating an inclusive culture that breaks down entry barriers within the start-up landscape.

A serial entrepreneur, Dr. Rahm has also achieved remarkable success with The ROOT Brands, an esteemed social sharing community platform, which has swiftly amassed a substantial following across over 60 countries. The platform facilitates connections and engagement among like-minded individuals.

THE UPHILL JOURNEY

Despite grappling with formidable health obstacles, including Lyme disease and multiple instances of cancer, Dr. Rahm has displayed a remarkable embodiment of fortitude and determination. Her indomitable spirit has not only allowed her to surmount these challenges, but also glean profound insights along the way. Furthermore, through extensive global travels and interactions with individuals from over 80 countries, she has amassed a vast reservoir of academic, professional, spiritual, emotional, and intuitive wisdom, instrumental in navigating the intricate stages of her health journey.

CREATING A POSITIVE IMPACT

Dr. Rahm’s dedication to philanthropic endeavours is deeply rooted in her upbringing, shaped by the values of generosity, compassion, and selflessness imparted by her grandparents and parents. They taught her that a life of privilege and abundance comes with a corresponding responsibility to give back to others. She believes that philanthropy is not merely an act of benevolence, but a moral imperative that lies at the core of our shared humanity.

Her involvement in the Rahm Foundation has allowed her to champion various causes, including the promotion of women’s rights and social, cultural, and academic empowerment programs. She is associated with the UN Women for Peace Association as a dedicated supporter. Additionally, as an ambassador to the European Women’s Association in the USA, she has demonstrated her passion for promoting tolerance and respect for women by advocating for access to education, freedom, and protection for women. She actively supports other foundations in Africa and South Africa. Through her contributions to organisations such as Korah Kids, Rudolph College, Grace Bible University, and The Treasured Foundation, she has helped to improve the lives of women and children in multiple countries, including Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Nigeria, and Korah, Ethiopia.

Dr. Rahm’s dedication to advancing research and scientific institutions is truly remarkable. Through her tireless efforts, she has helped establish Medical School programs and Research Science Programs that have garnered significant acclaim and recognition. She has also been honoured with numerous awards, including Honorary Doctorate degrees and the naming of a building in her honour.

RACKING UP ACCOLADES

Dr. Rahm has received numerous accolades and awards for her contributions to the fields of product innovation, healthcare, and entrepreneurship. She was honoured with the “Network-Karriere for Product Innovation Award in 2018,” and her products were recognised as the best in the MLM industry by the “European Award for Best Products” that same year. In 2014, she was recognised as a Healthcare Hero Judge and awarded the “Nashville Healthcare Hero Award.” She has also been a finalist for the “NEXT Awards” and was named the “Enterprising Women of the Year Winner in 2012.” In addition, she has been recognised as a “Top Entrepreneur by Business Leader and was named the #1 Specialty Pharmaceutical Representative in the Nation in 1998.” She has played a key role in healthcare innovation, having been involved in ventures such as DC2 Holdings, NOC2 Healthcare, and Clinical Care Continuum (C3), which seeks to revolutionise medical research and care.

Dr. Rahm is also a prolific author with numerous published books. Her notable works include Cure The Causes and her latest publication, Cure the Causes Cookbook, both of which cover topics such as nutrition and the environment. Furthermore, her oratory skills have made her a highly sought-after speaker, captivating audiences with her inspirational and motivational speeches. Her profound wisdom, infused with practicality and universal understanding, make her a relatable figure who resonates with individuals from all walks of life.