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.

Shreya studied International Relations at Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, and earned an LLB (Hons) from Cardiff University, Wales. While she initially explored various career paths, she eventually discovered her passion for law during a summer course at Harvard. It was there that she realised her calling to make a difference in the legal world.

The idea for RTC was born out of a personal observation during her time in the UK, where she noticed the ease with which legal services were accessible online. In contrast, India’s legal industry was fragmented, with individuals often struggling to find competent lawyers for their specific needs. To bridge this gap, Shreya conceptualised RTC as a one-stop solution for all legal information and services in India. The platform was launched in 2021, during the pandemic, a time when the need for accessible legal assistance became more apparent than ever.

With initial funding from her father, Shreya assembled a team and laid the groundwork for RTC. Soon she onboarded over 30 lawyers and offered free legal services to clients. In FY 2022-23, RTC generated a revenue of Rs 1.25 crores despite its no-cost model for users.

Today, RTC boasts a comprehensive directory of lawyers across 200 cities in India. Apart from lawyer listings, the platform offers legal templates, explanatory materials, and insights into complex legal terminologies to help users with all the resources they need at their fingertips.

UNFAZED BY CHALLENGES

Shreya’s entrepreneurial journey has been a roller-coaster ride of highs and lows. From working solo in the early days and sketching out the platform’s user interface by hand, to building a cohesive team and managing a growing business, she has faced numerous challenges. Yet, she views these obstacles not as setbacks but as stepping stones, each one offering a unique lesson and an opportunity for growth. Shreya’s family has been her biggest support system in her journey, and gives her the confidence needed to push forward.

EMPOWERING WOMEN

One of the core missions of RTC is to ensure that legal services are accessible to everyone, particularly women. Shreya partnered with ‘Aspire For Her,’ a Mumbai-based NGO, to help women affected by the pandemic find the right legal assistance. The platform’s user-friendly interface allows women to find lawyers based on their requirements and directly contact them at no cost, ensuring they receive the help they need when they need it most.

A VISION FOR THE FUTURE

Shreya’s vision for RTC is to make it the ultimate legal resource in India—a platform that is accessible to all, regardless of the size or complexity of their legal needs. She aims to build a trusted community where users can confidently share confidential information and find the required legal assistance. With her innovative mindset and relentless drive, Shreya is not just shaping her own success story but also transforming the future of legal services in India.

SCOOPING UP ACCOLADES

Shreya’s stellar leadership has earned RTC the Best Start-Up by India 500 Start-Up Awards in 2021. The platform has also been officially recognised by the Government of India.

Devayani’s impressive educational background includes an Engineering Degree from Pune University and Master’s Degree in Management from Narsee Monjee, Mumbai, and Kingston University, UK. The well-versed leader has consistently excelled in her academic pursuits. As a globe-trotter, she brings global exposure and diverse perspectives to her work, which makes her a key figure behind the SNBP Group of Institutes’ success.

MOULDING FUTURE LEADERS

Devayani intends to establish the SNBP Group of Institutes as a premier institution in India. She believes in preparing a new generation of leaders and visionaries for the institution who shall be at the forefront of future growth and innovation in India. She endorses the idea of wholesome education devoid of stress while integrating fitness and a healthy lifestyle as part of learning practices. A prime example is the SNBP Group of Institutes’ prestigious Yoga record in the Book of Records, which highlights her dedication to promoting
physical and mental health in communities. Additionally, the SNBP Group of Institutes’ SEEK (Science Engineering Education for Kids) program is an initiative that reflects Devayani’s passion for nurturing young minds. SEEK provides students with the opportunity to experience science and engineering activities that may inspire them to introduce new inventions in the future. The institution has also collaborated with IIT Bombay in 2023 to strengthen its dedication to innovation and cutting-edge research. In addition to nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit among students,

UNIQUE LEADERSHIP STYLE

Devayani promotes a leadership-focused culture at SNBP Group of Institutes. She encourages faculty members to actively engage with leadership principles both in practice and in academic pursuits. The forward-thinking leader believes that leadership is about guiding rather than controlling. Her leadership philosophy centres on empowering her team through trust and shared responsibility. She creates a positive environment where individuals feel motivated to take initiative and make decisions independently.

Devayani’s leadership style has not only catapulted the SNBP Group of Institutes to new heights but has also inspired her team to reach their full potential. Her commitment to leadership development is demonstrated through the SNBP Group of Institutes’ “Leader in Me” program. The goal of this initiative is to empower students with important leadership skills and prepare them for responsible and impactful leadership roles.

Devayani fosters empathy and support within her team, balancing autonomy with guidance to encourage personal growth and institutional success. As a mentor, she inspires students and staff to think creatively and tackle challenges confidently. Under her leadership, SNBP Group of Institutes upholds high standards of governance, transparency, and ethics, prioritising stakeholder inclusivity for both academic excellence and societal impact.

DRIVEN BY GOALS

Devayani’s plans for the SNBP Group of Institutes’ future revolve around innovation and global collaboration. One of the most exciting upcoming projects is the exclusive partnership with Siemens, through which the institution offers a program titled “Pathway to Learning Engineering.” This initiative will introduce students to core engineering practices and provide them with the skills needed to excel in the engineering domain.

GIVING BACK TO SOCIETY

CSR is central to SNBP Group of Institutes, guided by Devayani’s commitment to environmental sustainability, youth empowerment, and social welfare. Under her leadership, the institute partners with the Robin Hood Army to combat hunger, reinforcing compassion and service among students. She also initiated an e-waste collection drive to promote recycling, alongside the “Dindi Swachhta Abhiyan” to instill environmental responsibility. Additionally, her efforts to promote gender equality in sports are seen through the institute’s inclusive hockey tournament, championing equal opportunities and nurturing interest in India’s national sport.

GLORIOUS ACHIEVEMENTS

Under Devayani’s leadership, SNBP Group of Institutes has earned several prestigious accolades, most notably a Guinness World Record for creating a flag from 35,000 rakhis, symbolising unity and togetherness. This extraordinary accomplishment highlights her commitment to fostering a spirit of inclusivity and community through impactful initiatives.

With a Master’s degree from the renowned Ohara School of Ikebana in Japan, Ms. Sharmila has dedicated over two decades to mastering the art form. Her expertise has earned her the title of “Koyo,” which means an orange maple leaf in Japanese culture. As a dedicated practitioner of this ancient art form, she has conducted workshops and demonstrations across India and abroad to spread the beauty of Ikebana. Moreover, she has participated in various Ikebana exhibitions on both national and international platforms, including cities like Taipei, Paris, Shanghai, Okinawa, Tokyo, and London.

ENTREPRENEURIAL VENTURES

Over the years, Ms. Sharmila has also exhibited a remarkable entrepreneurial spirit. As the founder of Prisha Publications LLP, she provides a platform for aspiring writers, along with professional guidance and workshops to hone their skills in editing, creative writing, and storytelling. Likewise, as the founder of Prisha Art Gallery, she has created opportunities for artists to promote their talent. She is also the founder of Artistakriti, a platform for nurturing the talents of young women painters in Hyderabad. Her motto, “You create, we design, print, and publish on an international vista for you,” reflects her commitment to nurturing creativity and providing ample avenues for expression.

LITERARY PURSUITS

In addition to her contributions to Ikebana, Ms. Sharmila is a prolific author with several books to her credit. Her works encompass diverse topics, ranging from Ikebana to poetry and beginner’s guides. To date, she has authored four books on the Japanese art form. Notably, her book “Ikebana, Japani Pushpkala’’ stands as the first and only Hindi-language publication on the subject. She also authored ‘Ikebana Sulabham,’ the only book in the world on Ikebana in the Telugu language. Furthermore, her second book, “Ikebana for Beginners: Fun with Flowers,” explains both the basic and the advanced styles of Ikebana. Additionally, her literary talents also stand out in her poetry collections, such as “Chand Lamhe,” which offer readers a glimpse into her soulful expressions and artistic sensibilities. Being a forward-thinking leader, She embraces the digital age and has made strides in digital publishing, with many of her books available on platforms like Kindle. Beyond literature, Ms. Sharmila’s artistic talents extend to painting, where she excels as a contemporary miniature artist. Her paintings have garnered recognition in solo and group exhibitions, both locally and internationally. Additionally, her upcoming book, “Inner Reflections,” incarnates her artistic journey through a collection of paintings accompanied by verses.

From 2018 to 2020, Ms. Sharmila held the position of President at the Hyderabad Chapter of the Ohara School of Ikebana. Additionally, the multitalented leader has served as the inaugural Vice President of the Ikebana International Hyderabad Chapter. She is also a founding member of the Active Teacher’s Association of Ikebana in Hyderabad.

A SOCIALLY CONSCIOUS INDIVIDUAL

Ms. Sharmila’s commitment to community service is evident through her involvement in various committees, including Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Transport FLO, where she channels her passion and dedication for bettering the community. She is not just a leader but a source of inspiration for future generations.

DEALMAKER TO DEVELOPMENT PIONEER

Throughout his illustrious career, Mr. Fabiani has been celebrated for his strategic thinking and innovative mindset. The well-versed leader completed his Bachelor’s degree in Electronics & Telecommunications Engineering from Delhi University in 1981 and a Master’s degree in Finance and Corporate Management from IESE Madrid in 1988. His corporate journey began in the world of private equity, where he honed his acumen as a dealmaker and investor. As the Chairman of the Madrid-based Americorp Group, a US$2 billion conglomerate with interests spanning technology, media, real estate, and more across Europe and India, he manages a diverse portfolio of high-growth businesses. His adept stewardship in this role has played a significant part in reshaping India’s economic landscape.

Nevertheless, his entrepreneurial spirit, along with his vision to redefine the global real estate standards, inspired him to cocreate IndiaLand in 2007. His journey wasn’t merely about building structures but about leaving a lasting legacy of architectural excellence, unparalleled safety standards, and a steadfast commitment to responsible development. Mr. Fabiani’s motto is not just about constructing buildings but creating a legacy of architectural brilliance, unparalleled safety standards, and a commitment to responsible development. Simply put, his mission is to shape the future of urban development in India. From the outset, he has focused on shaping communities and
designing spaces to encourage a sense of belonging and well-being for its residents.

REDEFINING URBAN SKYLINES

Under his sterling stewardship, IndiaLand has emerged as a leading player in the country’s real estate sector. Today, the company, headquartered in Madrid, Spain, and Mumbai, is the preferred choice for businesses seeking top-tier infrastructure solutions. Mr. Fabiani’s ability to anticipate industry trends and adapt to shifting market dynamics has been instrumental in maintaining IndiaLand’s competitive edge. Through his visionary approach, he has redefined urban living concepts by creating sustainable and vibrant communities.

Mr. Fabiani’s business acumen has made IndiaLand the preferred choice for businesses seeking world-class infrastructure in India. Over the years, the company has established a robust presence in key Indian cities such as Chennai, Coimbatore, and Pune. His visionary leadership has been instrumental in developing high-calibre projects like the Chennai Tech Park, a 2.4 million sq. ft. LEED gold-rated IT park in Ambattur, Chennai. Additionally, he spearheaded the creation of a 1.9 million sq. ft. LEED gold-rated IT SEZ in Saravanampatti, Coimbatore, which has set new standards for sustainability and innovation. In Pune, he oversaw the development of a 28-acre industrial park in Hinjewadi (Pune), further fortifying IndiaLand’s reputation for excellence.

Mr. Fabiani is also leading IndiaLand’s bold venture into establishing a Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) in compliance with SEBI regulations. With this initiative, he aims to diversify his company’s portfolio with office spaces, retail centres, and industrial complexes so as to make them accessible to a wider audience.

CUSTOMER-CENTRIC LEADERSHIP

Mr. Fabiani places customers at the core of his business philosophy. Under his guidance, every project is meticulously selected and designed to exceed customer expectations. His technical team develops real estate to the highest standards of quality and safety, ensuring that each project matches the exact designs envisioned by their architects.

Mr. Fabiani’s passion lies in leveraging cutting-edge digital solutions to bridge the gap between buyers and sellers through high-speed connectivity, smart buildings, and adaptable workspaces. Furthermore, his deep-rooted understanding of local markets and a customer-centric approach have helped him carve a niche for himself in society.

A MASTER BUILDER OF TEAMS

Mr. Fabiani attributes his success to his team members. Like a true leader, he promotes a culture of passion and enthusiasm within his organisation, where employees are consistently empowered to contribute to the high standards of work that define IndiaLand. He believes that a happy and engaged workforce is more productive and innovative. To that end, he has created a positive and supportive work environment for enhancing employee satisfaction. Additionally, with his unique leadership skills, he promotes an entrepreneurial spirit and offers a dynamic platform for individuals to grow and thrive. Furthermore, his commitment to investing in his team’s professional growth through comprehensive training and development programs has contributed significantly to his company’s success.

AN ECO-CHAMPION

A staunch advocate for environmental sustainability, Mr. Fabiani integrates green building practices into IndiaLand’s business strategy right from the conceptualisation phase. By adhering to green building norms, he aims to reduce resource consumption and minimise
total ownership costs for customers. This commitment to sustainability is not just a corporate slogan but a core aspect of his company’s operations.

SCOOPING UP ACCOLADES

Mr. Fabiani’s commitment to excellence and sustainability has earned IndiaLand numerous accolades. A shining example of this achievement is the IndiaLand Tech Park in Coimbatore, which has been awarded the prestigious ISO 9001 certification by TUV Germany. This accolade is not just a testament to IndiaLand’s quality management, environmental stewardship, and health and safety standards but also a reflection of his dedication to achieving the highest levels of operational excellence.

Mr. Fabiani is also renowned for his contributions to promoting international collaboration and advancing corporate excellence. His notable achievements include orchestrating the visit of José María Aznar, former Prime Minister of Spain, to India in September 2008. This initiative played a significant role in strengthening political and economic ties between India and Spain.

As a versatile individual, Mr. Fabiani masterfully balances his professional acumen with a deep passion for sports and art. A former squash enthusiast, he now enjoys golf, tennis, and paddle tennis, alongside gym sessions. Beyond the athletic sphere, his refined taste in art shines through his carefully curated collection, featuring works from renowned artists across India & Europe. This blend of culture, and physical vigor defines Mr. Fabiani’s unique and dynamic persona.