Most
Driving Business Growth and Expansion in 2025
What is Training? Dos and Don'ts in the Training Phases of Leadership
Perumal Vice President of Opera ons AgnoShin Technologies
Gomathi Perumal
Gomathi
Driving Business Growth and Expansion in 2025
Editor's N ote
THE BRIGHTEST BEACONS TO RECKON
Leadershipwillbeplayingavitalroleinthechanging
businesslandscapetodefinethefutureofindustries andeconomies.2025isexpectedtobringforward growth-oriented,innovative,andexpandingvisionaryleaders ineverysector.
Suchleadersaredeeplyknowledgeableabouttheflowof marketdynamicsandforward-thinking,whichallowsthem toascertainthebestwaystohandleeverychallengeand opportunitythatcomestheirway Theiropennessto embracingnewtechnologies,likeartificialintelligenceand dataanalytics,allowstheirorganizationstobecomeearly adaptorstochangeindigitaltransformation.
Amajorcharacteristicisthattheycreateinnovationculture. Theseleadersurgecreativethoughtsandencouragetheir teamstocomeupwithinnovativesolutionstohelpin responsetoemergingcustomerneeds.Thisnotonlyingrains competitiveprowessbutalsofostersindustrygrowth.
Moreover,thesetrendsettersareredefiningtheprinciplesof sustainabilityandcorporateresponsibility.Byintegrating environmentallyfriendlypracticesandprioritizingsocial impact,theyaresettingnewstandardsforethicalbusiness operations.Theireffortsarecreatingarippleeffect,
inspiringothercompaniestoadoptmoreresponsible practices.
Theinfluenceoftheseleadersextendsbeyondthe boardroom.Theirstrategicinsightsanddecision-making acumenhavefar-reachingimpactsontheshapingof industrytrendsandeconomicgrowth.Theyareasourceof inspirationforyoungentrepreneursandexecutivesinthe making,exemplifyingthevirtuesofresilience,adaptability, andvisionarythinking.
Withtheever-growingtrendsofthedigitalage,thereisan urgentneedforsolid,innovativeleadership.Onlythatwill definewhowillmakeitthroughwhencompaniesare confrontedwithchangeandneedtofindnewwaysof innovating,inspiring,andleading.
These‘10MostInfluentialLeadersDrivingBusiness GrowthandExpansionin2025,’ofCIOLookIndiawillbe notonlyshapingthefutureoftheirorganizationsbutalso furthercontributingtoindustryadvancementandthe developmentoftheglobaleconomy Theirleadershipisa testamenttotheextraordinarychangepossiblethrough vision,innovation,anddetermination.
- Gaurav PR Wankhade Managing Editor
Gomathi Perumal
20 A Trust-Building
Digital Marketeer
Mr Jivesh Bakhtiani
Telling Real, Relatable, and Grand Brand Stories
26 Prajakta Kutnikar
Proving Indian Digital Transformation Prowess Globally with ITCHamps Software Articles
16 Armed for Battle What is the Difference Between Confrontation and Leadership Coaching?
22 What is Training? Dos and Don'ts in the Training Phases of Leadership
Abhishek Joshi
Editor-in-Chief
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Rs.
10 Most Influential Leaders Driving Business Growth and Expansion in 2025
Featuring Company
AnilBhavnani, SrExecutiveVicePresident andNationalHead
GomathiPerumal, VicePresident ofOperations
InderjeetMehta, ChiefFinancialOfficer
JiveshBakhtiani, ChiefExecutive Officer(CEO)
HDFCBank
AgnoShin Technologies
VolvoFinancial Services
SenateMarketing PrivateLimited
ManoharLahori, Chairman PalmonGroup
PradeepCorrea, DirectorandAdvisor
PrajaktaKutnikar, Directorand Co-founder
RajasSPathak, Co-founder
RajatSinghal, ChiefFinancialOfficer
SatishDarekar, ManagingPartner
SevenIslands ShippingLtd
ITChampsSoftware PrivateLimited
Securia InfosecLLP CrayonsNetwork
AnilBhavnaniistheSrExecutiveVicePresidentand NationalHeadSemiUrban&RuralBankingatHDFCBank, Mumbai,Maharashtra,India. Description
TheVicePresident ofOperationsatAgnoShinTechnologies, Gomathiisastraightforward,resultorientedprofessional with16yearsofintensiveexperienceinProcessandPeople Management,StrongIndustryExperienceinTalent Management,Sales&Marketing,Operations,Delivery Management,ClientRelationships,AccountManagement, SkillMapping.
InderjeetMehtaAppointedasChiefFinancialOfficeratVolvo FinancialServices.
MrJiveshBakhtiani,theFounder&CEOofSenate MarketingPvtLtdhasprojectmanagementskillscombined withtherock-solidnetworkhebuilds,makinghima'GoTo' guyfororganizinganythingunderthesun.
ManoharLahoriisthechairmanandCEOofPalmonGroup,a manufacturing,retail,andlogisticscompanybasedinthe UnitedArabEmirates(UAE).
PradeepistheDirectoratSevenIslandsMaritimeTraining FoundationandAdvisoratSevenIslandsShippingLtd.
PrajaktaisthefoundingDirectorsofITChampsPvtLtd,one ofIndia'sleadingSAPconsultingandeducationfirms.
RajasSPathakisaCybersecurityConsultant&anEthical Hacker.Heisalsotheco-founderofSecuriaInfoSecLLP whichisaCybersecurityfirmbasedinPune.
Rajat,aChiefFinancialOfficeratTheCrayonsNetwork,is alsoaCharteredAccountant&CompanySecretarywithover 15yearsofpostqualificationexperiencespecializinginthe coreaccounting&FinanceFunction.
DSPLegal
SatishDarekarisanExperiencedHeadwithademonstrated historyofworkinginthelawpracticeindustry
A Business-Empowerer of the New Era
Gomat h i Perumal
Creating
Meaningful Socio-Economic-Entrepreneurial Change
We are a technology-agnostic company focusing on platform, protocol, and device-independent solutions in the customer experience management ecosystem.
Gomathi Perumal Vice President of Operations
AgnoShin Technologies
10MostInfluentialLeadersDrivingBusinessGrowthandExpansionin2025
Itisfascinatingtowitnesshowanexceptional
entrepreneurlikeGomathiPerumalbecomesthe topmost influential leader driving business growth and expansion bycultivatingseedsof talent management, sales & marketing, operations, delivery management, client relationships, account management, and skill mapping intotheindustrialgroundsoftechconsultingandas a process improvement enthusiast within-depthexperience inIToperationsanddigitaltransformationacrossseveral functionsrangingfrom budget analysis, people management, process improvement, change management and overall organizational management, grows a tree of AgnoShinTechnologiesintooneoftheleadingbusiness successconsultingfirmofthemodernera.
Today, AgnoShin Technologies isattheforefrontof revolutionizingcustomerexperiencemanagementthrough innovative,technology-agnosticsolutions.“We are a technology-agnostic company, focusing on platform, protocol, and device-independent solutions in the customer experience management ecosystem,”saysGomathi, emphasizingtheircommitmenttoflexibilityand adaptability
Thecompany'sprofessionalservicesteams,underthe exemplaryleadershipof Gomathi,itsVicePresidentof Operations,arededicatedtostayingaheadoftechnological changes,ensuringtheirclientsremainfreefrom obsolescenceandalignedwiththelatestadoptioncurves. Bypaying“close and diligent attention to every smallest detail related to the customer and their needs,”AgnoShin fostersconnectionsthattransformordinarycustomersinto loyaladvocates.
Thiscustomer-centricapproachnotonlyenhances satisfactionbutalsodrivessignificantbusinessgrowth, turningregularclientsintopromotersandcreatingaripple effectofincreasedsales,broadercustomerbases,and sustainablerevenuegrowth,sharesGomathi,whosejourney fromatech-enthusiasttotoday’ssuccessfulbusinessleader is…
ATaleofTurningSmallOpportunitiesintoTurning Points
Gomathi’sjourneyintoentrepreneurshipisatestamentto turningsmallopportunitiesintotransformativemilestones.
“When I started my professional life in IT 20 years ago, I didn’t have a plan to be an entrepreneur,”sheshares.Her careerbeganwithinvolvementingreenfieldinitiativesthat offeredacomprehensiveunderstandingoftheITecosystem.
Theseexperiences,combinedwiththesupportofcofounderswhosharedhervision,sowedtheseedsfor AgnoShinTechnologies.
Thecompanyemergedfromashareddesiretocreatea workplacethatbalancesresponsibilitywithenjoyment, addressingnichecustomerrequirementswithasmall, focusedteam.“Large corporations need scale for every idea, and we as a team decided to do what we are good at—building a business,”sheexplains.Thisapproach allowedAgnoShintodevelopauniqueidentitywhile stayingtruetoitscorevalues.
ReflectingonAgnoShin’sfive-yearjourney,Gomathi acknowledgesbothchallengesandachievements.“If you ask me if we should have grown a little more—I would say yes,”sheadmits.Yet,whatstandsoutisthecompany’s impactfulworkforce,withover60%women,manyof whomre-enteredprofessionallifeaftermaternitybreaks. BydrawingtalentfromTier-2andTier-3towns,AgnoShin notonlydeliversvaluetoitscustomersbutalsofosters inclusivityandopportunityinunderservedcommunities.
Thisinspiringjourneyhighlightshowsmallbeginnings, whencombinedwithaclearvisionandadedicatedteam, canleadtoremarkableachievementsandcreatemeaningful changeinboththeindustryandsociety
ALeaderTrainedbytheLegends
I was blessed to work under leaders who moulded my earlier days with an empowerment model, investing trust, breaking my inhibitions, and encouraging my risk-taking ability.
Gomathiattributesherleadershipjourneytotheinvaluable mentorshipshereceivedearlyinhercareer.“I was blessed to work under leaders who moulded my earlier days with an empowerment model, investing trust, breaking my inhibitions, and encouraging my risk-taking ability,”she reflects.Theseexperiencesshapedherconfidenceand approachtoleadership,inspiringhertoempowerothers similarly
AtAgnoShin,Gomathistrivestorecreatethisculture, emphasizingtrustandindependencewithinthe organization.“In our line of business, it’s our associates’ problem-solving skills and ability to deliver solutions to customers that ensure stickiness and growth,”sheexplains. Byinvestinginherkeyleadershipteam,shefostersa collaborativeenvironmentwhereindividualsare encouragedtoinnovateandleadindependently.
Speakingaboutherleadershipphilosophy,Gomathi emphasizesabalancedapproach.
“I do micromanage only in crisis situations, and that too only if my involvement is required. Otherwise, I tend to set strategic objectives and facilitate the team to work on their plan,”shenotes.
ThisapproachempowersseniorleadersatAgnoShintorun businessunitsautonomously,encouraginginnovationand ownership.“Leaders need to play more of a facilitation role rather than a transactional role in the consulting business,” sheadds,highlightingtheimportanceofenablingteams ratherthancontrollingthem.
ThisphilosophyhasnotonlyshapedAgnoShin’sculturebut alsolaidthefoundationforsustainablegrowth,creatinga legacyofempowerment,independence,andexcellence.
EmbracingChangetoRemainExceptional
Inabusinessworldmarkedbyrapidadvancements, Gomathiemphasizestheimportanceofadaptabilityand foresight.“Change is the only constant, and the rate of
What started as a small startup has grown into a 200+ team with global locations.
change is increasing while the response time to adapt is decreasing,”sheshares.Reflectingonthelasttwodecades, sheobserveshowthelandscapehasevolvedfromlandline telephonesanddot-matrixprinterstomobile-first transactions,emphasizingthespeedoftransformation.
AtAgnoShinTechnologies,thecompany’sroleasa strategicconsultingserviceprovidergivesitvisibilityinto emergingchanges,whetherinhardwareplatforms, implementationecosystems,oruserrequirements.“No change is going to come and affect your business in a fraction of a second. One needs to observe the trends closely and constantly evolve in sync with emerging changes,”Gomathiadvises.Bydeployingsmaller,agile teamstotrackandadapttoindustryshifts,AgnoShin ensuresitstaysaheadofthecurve,settingtrendsratherthan followingthem.
Balancingoperationalexcellencewithstakeholder expectationsisanothercriticalaspectofAgnoShin's strategy.“There’s no set formula. These two objectives
cannot be independent or vectors in different directions that drag one another,”Gomathiexplains.Shestressesthe importanceofaligningcustomerobjectiveswith organizationalgoals.“In simple terms: First time right, every time right. Delivering through structured processes helps us meet customer objectives, and in turn, other KPIs fall into place.”
Thiscustomer-centricapproachensuresthatAgnoShin remainsexceptional,evolvingseamlesslywithindustry demandswhilemaintainingexcellenceindelivery
LeveragingTechnologybyListeningtoCustomers
Intoday’srapidlyevolvingtechnologicallandscape, GomathihighlightsthecornerstoneofAgnoShin Technologies’success:attentivelistening.“Listen to the customer, listen to the customer’s customer, and listen to technology or platform developers’views on the customer’s business,”shesays.Byfosteringaproactiveengagement model,herteamformssmall,agilegroupsdedicatedto trackingtechnologicaladvancementsandidentifyingtheir potentialimpactonclients,ensuringtheorganization remainsaheadofthecurve.
EmergingtechnologieslikeAI,machinelearning,and cybersecurityarereshapingindustries,butGomathioffersa pragmaticperspective.“These technologies were there in the industry under different names and avatars,”she explains.Whathaschangedisthevisibility,thanksto advancementsinprocessingpowerandmassivedata storage.“Our business revolves around these frameworks, and we align our solution delivery with the customer’s choice of platforms,”sheadds,emphasizingatailored approachtomeetspecificneeds.
Byintegratinghuman-centricprincipleswithcutting-edge tools,AgnoShinTechnologiesensuresthattechnology servesasanenablerofenhancedcustomerexperiences. Gomathi’sphilosophyencapsulatesabalancedapproachto innovation:listening,adapting,andleveragingemerging toolstocreatefuture-readysolutionsthatresonatewith clientsandtheirecosystems.
AnEmpoweredTeamCanConquerCrisis
Gomathiunderscoresthetransformativepotentialofan empoweredteaminnavigatingchallengesanddriving sustainedsuccess.“Unlike large companies, startups offer more growth opportunities for one’s work,”shesays, emphasizingAgnoShinTechnologies’commitmentto
fosteringaculturewhereemployeesthrive.
“We promote a happy, fun-loving, respectful, and mutually supportive environment, with proactive help and support in adopting technology first, followed by domain expertise.”Thisadaptivecultureensuresthatteamsnot onlydeliverprojectsseamlesslybutalsoembracenew recruitseffectively,creatingadynamicandresilient workforce.
Reflectingonasignificantchallenge,Gomathirecountsthe trialsfacedduringtheCOVID-19pandemic.“Our pipeline drained, costs went up, and our revenue and margins suffered massively. Employees were getting infected, and some even lost family members,”sheshares.Despitethese adversities,thecompanymadeacourageousdecision:“We took a business call to stay with our core team and our customers, even at the cost of our top line, bottom line, and reserves.”
Thisdecisionpaidoffwhennormalcyreturned,as AgnoShinTechnologiesemergedstronger,supportedbythe samededicatedteam.Gomathi’sleadershipduringthis periodexemplifiesthestrengthofresilienceandcreativity, provingthatanempoweredteamcanovercomeeventhe mostdauntingcrises.
AMessagetoAlltheNew-AgeBusinesswomenLeaders
Asatrailblazingleaderinthetechnologyindustry,Gomathi sharesaprofoundperspectiveontheevolvingroleof womeninleadership.“Domination in any segment, space, or territory comes from deep domain strength.
Traditionally, men have had the advantage simply because they ventured out earlier—forming alliances, travelling, and working long hours to achieve their goals,”she explains,acknowledgingthededicationrequiredtoexcelin traditionallymale-dominatedindustries.
However,Gomathipointsoutthehistoricalchallenges womenhavefaced.“For women, career and health often become the first casualties due to responsibilities like maternity breaks or caring for ageing parents and in-laws. These life circumstances have prevented many from running the long race,”shereflects.
Thetideisturning,andGomathiseespromisingprogressin today’sworld.“New-age women leaders are balancing these responsibilities remarkably, with partners increasingly playing supportive roles. Give us another 30 years, and women will be on every cover!”
Give us another 30 years, and women will be on every cover!
Hermessagetoaspiringbusinesswomenisclear:success requiresperseverance,strategicalliances,andadeep commitmenttopersonalandprofessionalgrowth.With determinationandevolvingsocietalsupport,thefuture holdsunparalleledopportunitiesforwomentoleadand thriveinanyindustry
FosteringanIdeaintoaSuccessfulBusiness
Gomathi’sjourneywithAgnoShinTechnologies exemplifieshowavision,combinedwithdedication,can transformastartupintoathrivingenterprise.“What started as a small startup has grown into a 200+ team with global locations,”shesharesproudly.Highlightingthestrong foundationofthecompany’sworkculture,sheadds, “Nearly 50% of our employees who started with us are still part of our journey. We’ve created a supportive work ecosystem that retains and nurtures talent.”
Lookingtothefuture,Gomathi’sfocusisonfostering growthandempoweringthenextgeneration.“I would like to spend 50% of my time with my customers and the other 50% mentoring young recruits,”sheexplains—her approachcentresonthetwinpillarsofenablingand empoweringherteam.“Enable and Empower are two large objectives for my role. I am gradually dissolving track and control to create more independent leaders within the organization,”shesays.
Throughherefforts,GomathiPerumalaimsnotonlyto continueshapingthemodernindustrybutalsotoinspire futuregenerationstoembraceinnovationandleadership withconfidence.Hervisionreflectsacommitmentto growth,collaboration,andlong-termsuccess.
What is the
Di erence Between Confrontation and Leadership Coaching?
Inthedynamicworldofbusinessandorganizational
management,successisgreatlyimpactedbyhow leadersaddresschallengesandguidetheirteams.Two approachesthatarecommonlyobservedinthiscontextare confrontationandleadershipcoaching.Bothpresent similaritiesintermsofresolvingproblemsandimproving performance.However,thesetwoapproachesvary significantlyintermsofapproach,outcomes,andthe resultantlong-termimpact.
UnderstandingConfrontation
Confrontationisahead-on,oftenadversarial,mannerof resolvinganissue.Confrontingsomebodyoragroupto raiseissues,enforceaccountability,orforceinstantchanges isinvolvedintheterm.Generally,confrontationis characterizedbyitsurgencyandintensity
Whilenecessarytoconfrontoncertainissueswithwhich onefacesethicalviolationsandlapsesofperformancethat leadtowardthedeclineoforganizationalobjectives,this verystyleofleadershiptendstopromotetensionand reactionattimes.
Itcangetindividualstodefensiveanddecreasethelevelof moraleamongthem;thismaydeterioraterelationshipsover time.
PrimaryTraitsofConfrontation:
• Direct:Straightforwardonanissueinfrontofan audience.Theresponseisinstant.
• Highlypressurizing:Urgencyandintensityassociated withit.
• AuthoritativeTone:Theleadertakesonadominant role.
• Short-TermFocus:Itseeksimmediateresolutionrather thanlong-termdevelopment.
LeadershipCoaching:ADevelopmentalProcess
Whereasleadershipcoachingisthatdevelopmentalprocess thatallowsgrowth,skilldevelopment,andenablespeople todeveloptotheirbestselves,thisapproachismoreof guidanceandmentorshipandnotcontrollingorenforcing.
Leadershipcoachingcreatesaculturefororganizational learninganddevelopment.Itpreparespeopletobecome moreawareoftheirstrengths,weaknesses,andachievable goals,thuscreatingconfidenceandapositiveworking environment.
CharacteristicsofLeadershipCoaching
• GuidanceandSupport:Shouldencourageonetofind solutionsanddevelophisorhercapability.
• Collaborative:Opencommunicationwillapplymutual respect.
• LongTermFocus:Ensureslong-termgrowthand development.
• Empowerment:Enablesthepeopletocontroltheirown growthandtheirowndecisions.
Confrontationvs.LeadershipCoaching:Key Differences
• Objective:Confrontationfocusesonimmediate problemresolution,whilecoachingemphasizeslongtermdevelopment.
• ToneandCommunicationStyle:Confrontationisoften authoritativeanddirect,whereascoachingissupportive andcollaborative.
• ImpactonRelationships:Confrontationcanstrain relationships,whilecoachingstrengthenstrustand engagement.
• Focus:Confrontationaddressesspecificissues,while coachingtakesaholisticviewofindividualgrowth.
AnotherTake:Confrontationvs.LeadershipCoaching: AFundamentalDifference
Whilebothareameansofperformanceimprovement, confrontationandleadershipcoachingaretwodistinct approacheswithvaryingresults.
Confrontationtypicallyischaracterizedby:
• Negativefocus:Primarilyfocusedonshortcomingsor failures
• Blameorientation:Canblamethepersoninsteadofthe situation,whichmightmaketheindividualdefensive andresentful
• Top-downapproach:Oftenone-waycommunication whereexpectationsandconsequencesaredictatedby theleader.
• Short-termfocus:Mainlyfocusedonimmediate problems,withmuchlessconcentrationonlongerterm developmentandgrowth.
LeadershipCoachingisasfollows:
• Focusongrowthanddevelopment:itsintentistohelp thepersonidentifytheirweaknessesandstrengthsas wellasadviceondevelopingwaysforimprovement.
• Collaborativeandsupportive:Inthisway,thereisa two-waydialogue.Theleaderandtheindividual concernedwill,therefore,findsolutionsanddevelop actionplanstogether
• Itfocusesonlong-termgoals:Ithashighlightedthe developmentoflong-termskillsandcompetenciesto enableindividualstosucceedintheirroleandto acceleratetheircareers.
• Itemphasizesself-awarenessandreflection:This encouragesindividualstodevelopself-awareness, identifyareasforchange,andownresponsibilityfor theirdevelopment.
• Ingeneral,confrontationgenerallycentersonproblems thatneedtobedealtwith,butleadershipcoaching centersmoreondevelopingtheindividual.
WhentoUseEachApproach
Effectiveleadersknowthatconfrontationandcoachingare bothappropriate.Thequestioniswhentousewhich.
WhentoConfront:
• Whenthereareethicalviolations.
• Whenimmediatecorrectiveactionisrequiredto addresscriticalperformanceissues.
• Whenorganizationalrulesandvaluesareatrisk.
When
toCoach:
• Whenguidingemployeesthroughskilldevelopment.
• Whenfosteringinnovationandcreativeproblemsolving.
• Whenbuildingacultureoftrustandcontinuous improvement.
FindingtheRightBalance
Asuccessfulleaderknowshowtobalanceconfrontation andcoaching.Whentheneedisforconfrontation, confrontationmustbethere;butifthiswereoverused,then abadworkingenvironmentmightdevelop.Conversely, coachingwillrequiresometimeandpatiencebutproduces lasting,positiveeffects.
Emotionalintelligenceandeffectivecommunicationwill empowertheleaderstorealizeatwhattimestheyneedto beassertiveandatwhattimestheyhavetoexhibitamore nurturingattitude.Thisshallenablethemtoachieveboth personalandorganizationalobjectivesinmostefficientand sustainableways.
InEffect
Confrontationandleadershipcoachingaretwodifferent approachesthatleadersneedtonavigatewisely While confrontationaddressesimmediateissues,leadership coachingfostersgrowthanddevelopment.By understandingthenuancesoftheseapproachesand applyingthemjudiciously,leaderscanbuildhighperformingteams,fosterapositiveorganizationalculture, andachievelastingsuccess.
A Trust-Building Digital Marketeer
Mr Jivesh Bakhtiani Telling Real, Relatable, and Grand Brand Stories
Marketing is not just about selling a product; it’s about creating an experience, a connection, and a purpose.
Intheever-evolvingworldofdigitalmarketing,staying aheadofthecurverequiresmorethanjust expertise—it demands a visionary leader who can foresee trends, adapt strategies, and deliver results that truly matter MrJiveshBakhtiani .Meet ,thedynamicforce behindoneofthemostsought-afterdigitalmarketing agencies– .Knownfor SenateMarketingPrivateLimited hisunparalleledabilitytotransformchallengesinto opportunities,Jiveshhascarvedanicheintheindustry, helpingbrandstranscendboundariesinthedigitalrealm.
Fromcraftingcutting-edgecampaignsforgloballuxury brandstoempoweringstartupswithimpactfulstrategies, Jivesh’sjourneyisatestamenttohispassionforcreativity andinnovation.Asamentor,strategist,andentrepreneur,he hasbuiltateamthatshareshisethosofexcellence, deliveringtailoredsolutionsthatresonatewithdiverse audiences.
JourneyingintoStorytelling’sPower
Jivesh’sventureintodigitalmarketingstemsfromadeep fascinationwithstorytellingandhumanbehaviour. “Marketing is not just about selling a product; it’s about creating an experience, a connection, and a purpose,”
heexplains.Drawntothedynamicandever-evolving natureoftheindustry,hecombinescreativitywithstrategy tohelpbrandsstandout.“I’ve always been driven by the desire to help brands tell their stories in ways that feel real and relatable,”heshares,emphasizinghispassionfor meaningfulconnections.
AReliableTeamLeader
Jivesh’sleadershipat thriveson Senate Marketing collaborationandempowerment.“A strong team is the backbone of any successful business,”heemphasizes, fosteringanenvironmentwhereinnovationandopen communicationflourish.Byaligningindividualstrengths withcleargoals,histeamexcelsindeliveringimpactful digitalmarketingstrategieswhilestayingaheadina competitivemarket.
DeliveringImpactfulSolutions
Jiveshskillfullybalancescreativityandanalyticstodeliver impactfulresults.“Creativity grabs attention; analytics ensures the flame burns brighter,”heexplains.Byblending compellingnarrativeswithdata-driveninsights,histeam designscampaignsthatresonateemotionallyandperform
effectively Thisintegrationensuresthateachstrategy alignsseamlesslywithclientgoalsandaudience aspirations.
CreatingaRippleEffectofValue
Jiveshiscommittedtocreatingarippleeffectofvaluefor clients,employees,andthecommunity.“My goal is to create a win-win ecosystem,”hesays.Byaligningstrategies withclientgoalsandfosteringacultureofinnovationand growthamongemployees,heensuresexceptional outcomes.Throughpurpose-drivencampaignsand communitymentorshipinitiatives,Jiveshusesdigital marketingtodrivepositivechange,leavingalastingimpact onallstakeholders.
FosteringaClient-FocusedFuture
Jiveshenvisionsaclient-focusedfuturefordigital marketingdrivenbypersonalization,innovation,andtrust. “The future belongs to brands that authentically connect with their audience,”heshares.AdvancesinAIandARwill
Mr Jivesh Bakhtiani Chief Executive Ofcer (CEO)
enablehyper-personalizedandimmersiveexperiences, whileprivacyanddataethicswillshapemarketing strategies.Sustainabilityandpurpose-drivencampaignswill becomepivotalasconsumersprioritizevaluesalongside products.Bycombiningcreativity,technology,and adaptability,Jiveshbelievesbrandscandeliverimpactful, meaningfulcampaignsthatresonatewithevolvingaudience expectations.
TheSimplest&ProfoundestMessage
Jivesh’sadviceforaspiringdigitalmarketersisbothsimple andprofound:“Focus on delivering value and embracing continuous learning.”Heemphasizestheimportanceof masteringfundamentalslike and SEO,socialmedia, analyticswhilestayingcuriousaboutemergingtrends. Authenticity,creativity, genuineaudience and connectionshouldguideeverystrategy.Ratherthan chasingmetrics,heencouragesbuildingtrustthrough meaningfulstorytelling.Jiveshremindsaspirantsthat successindigitalmarketingrequirespatience,adaptability, andarelentlesscommitmenttocreatingimpactfulsolutions thatresonatedeeplywithaudiences.
Dos and Don'ts in the Training Phases of Leadership
Leadershipisnotborn;it'slearned.Andeffective
leadershipdevelopmentisaninvaluableinvestment foranyoneandanyorganization,promoting development,improvingperformance,andfosteringsuccess. Leadershiptrainingisofutmostimportanceforthe developmentofcapable,confident,andeffectiveleaders. Whiletrainingiscertainlyaboutknowledgeacquisition,it involvesthedevelopmentofskills,values,andmindsetsthat allowonetocutthroughthemanycomplexitiesofthe organization.Morethanevertoday,withaconstantly changingworldofbusinessandindustry,properleadership trainingmustbeinplacetoensuresustainedgrowthand innovation.
What is Training?
Insimplewords,trainingisaprocessoflearningaboutthe skills,knowledge,andbehaviorsneededforindividualstobe abletocompletetheirroles.Itisbasicallytheprocess throughwhichknowledgecanbeacquiredanddeveloped andmadebettertoputitintoeffectiveuseinaneffortto performjobsmoreefficiently
• SkillDevelopment:Focusonalltheelementary leadershipcompetenciessuchascommunication, decisionmaking,problemsolvingskills,critical
thinking,emotionalintelligence,andstrategic planning.
• BehaviouralChange:Encouragingneededattitudesof leadershipsuchasempathy,accountability,delegation, andteambuilding.
• PersonalGrowth:Self-awareness,self-reflection,and self-improvementtomakeleadershipbetter.
UnderstandingLeadershipTraining
Leadershiptrainingisasystematicmethodfordeveloping leadershipskillsandcompetenciesthatarerequiredtolead, motivate,andinfluencetheteam.Suchprocessincludes communicationanddecision-makingskills,conflict resolution,strategicthinking,andemotionalintelligence.
Effectivetrainingensuresleaderscancreateworkculture, followorganizationalobjectives,andmotivatestafftowards commongoals.Leadershipdevelopmentinvestment,thus, addsbothtotheindividualperformanceimprovementas wellasaddstothecompetitivenessofanorganization.
DosinLeadershipTrainingPhases
• AssessTrainingNeeds:Determinetheskilland competencyneedsofleadersanddesignarelevant trainingprogramforthem.
• SetClearObjectives:Theobjectivesofthetraining programmustbedefined,andparticipantsshouldknow whatisexpectedofthem.
• IncorporatePracticalLearning:Thetheoryshould bebalancedwithpracticalexperiencethrough workshops,role-playing,andcasestudiestoenhance learning.
• EncourageOpenCommunication:Asafe environmentshouldbecreatedwhereparticipantscan sharetheirthoughts,askquestions,andlearnfromeach other
• ProvideContinuousFeedback:Giveroomfor frequentconstructivecriticismthroughoutallthe trainingstagestohelpleaderstracetheirdevelopment andprogress.
• Follow-UpaftertheTraining:Reinforcelearning throughfollow-upmeetings,mentorship,or performancereviewsforbetterment.
• DefineClearLearningGoals:Clearlystatewhatisto beachievedfromthetrainingprogram.Whatdo participantslearntogain?
• ChoosetheRightTrainingMethods:Different trainingmethodsincludingworkshops,simulation,case study,mentoringandcoaching,usetotrainbasedon thepeople'slearningneedsandmakepeopleactively participateinthelearningprocesses.
• CreateSupportiveLearningEnvironment:Establish safeandinclusivesettingswherelearnerswillfeel comfortable,learn,test,andbeallowedtofail.
• ProvideFeedbackandCoachingintheOngoing Process:Helpparticipantsapplyknowledgeinreal settingsthroughregularfeedbackandcoaching.
The
Don’ts
ofLeadershipTrainingStages
• Don't adopt the one-size-fits-all policy: Develop diverseparticipationandlearningstyle-basedtraining programs.
• Don't Neglect Soft Skills: Technologymayseemto dominatebutsodoesemotionalintelligenceand interpersonalskillsoftheleader.
• Avoid Ignoring Real-World Application: Ensurethat thetrainingisapplicabletoparticipants'jobsandroles.
• Avoid Information Overload: Trainingcontentshould bedividedintosmallerpartsforabetteracceptance andretentionofthetopicsinvolved.
• Don't Neglect Evaluation: Monitortheeffectiveness ofthetrainingcourseitselftoimprovewhereitdoesn't gosowell.
• Don't Leave Participants Unengaged: Keepthe sessionsinteractivefortheparticipants.
• Don’t Continue lectures only: Donotuselectures involvinglonghours.Usegroupdiscussions,roleplays,casestudies,etc.solelytogeneratesomedebate andrelatedaction.
• Don’t Neglect individual needs: Donotuseaone-sizefits-allapproach.Designtrainingprogramstomeetthe specificneedsandlearningstylesofindividual participants.
• Don’t Overlook the importance of follow-up: Donot simplydelivertrainingandthenforgetaboutit.Provide ongoingsupportandmentorshiptoreinforcelearning andensurethatparticipantscanapplytheirnewskills effectively
• Don’t Underestimate the leadership development process. Thatis,leadershipdevelopmentisseennotas aone-timeactbutratheranongoingjourneywithno endpoint.
• Don’t Overemphasize technical skills and overlook emotionalintelligenceandinterpersonalskillsandlack ethicalleadership.
The Beginning…
Leadership training is a transformational process that entails careful planning, execution, and follow-up. When organizations adherent to the dos and avoid the don'ts, it enables them to formulate leaders who can drive innovation, foster collaboration, and deliver outstanding results. In light of changing business challenges and opportunities, the demand for thorough and effective leadership training is inescapable for lasting success.
PRAJAKTA
KUTNIKAR
Rajesh Kutnikar Founder and CEO
Software
Proving Indian Digital Transformation Prowess Globally with ITCHamps Software
Prajakta Kutnikar Director and Co-founder
10 Most Influential Leaders Driving Business Growth and Expansion
Withtheirinnovativemindsets,transcendental
vision,andresoluteleadershipwillpower, visionaryleaderslike are PrajaktaKutnikar alwaysinspiringtheworld.Shestates,“A proponent for women’s empowerment and entrepreneurship and a strong believer in India’s growth story, I take pride in saying that along with my husband Rajesh, we are first-generation entrepreneurs, a couple who succeeded through passion and perseverance. Both of us value integrity and building deep relationships.”
AboutRajeshKutnikar,theFounderandCEOof ITChampsSoftware
RajeshKutnikarisatechnocratandamentor,an entrepreneur,whohasbeensuccessfullyrunningan enterpriseinSAPconsultingandtrainingwhichhecofoundedwithhiswife,Prajaktabackin2005.
RajeshwasborninHubliandbroughtupinBangalore wherehecompletedhisEngineeringinComputerScience andTechnologyfromPESIT.Hewasoneofthefirst10 developershiredbySAPAG,GermanyfromBangalore.He workedasanHRDeveloper,QualityCoordinator,and ManagerinSAPAsia,SingaporebeforemovingtotheUSA in1998.HeworkedintheUSAasaSeniorConsultantand ManageratDeloitteConsultingimplementingand managingSAPprojectsfororganizationslikeMicrosoft, Starbucks,J.Crew,etc.,andreturnedtoIndiawithhis familyin2004.
HehasbeeninstrumentalingrowingITChampsasanSAP PartnercompanywithpartnershipsforSAPlicensesales, implementations,support,hostingSAPsolutionsonthe cloud,andSAPtraining&Education.ITChampshas trainedover500careeraspirantsasSAPconsultantsinthe past19yearsandhasprovidedemploymenttoover250 resources.
ApartfrombeingtheFounderandCEOofITChamps, RajeshisamemberoftheBangaloreChapterofthe prestigiousCEOClubsofIndia,MemberoftheITpanelof CII,andCharterMemberoftheMysuruchapterofTiE (TheIndusEntrepreneurs)andalifememberofIIMM.
Rajeshhasalsobeenamemberofthe“BoardofStudies”at VTU,Belgaum.
HisinterestsincludeMusic,Biking,andGolf.
AstheDirectorandCo-founderofITChampsSoftware PrivateLimited,PrajaktaensuresthatIndiaremainsthe globalhubandworldleaderindigitaltransformation technologies.
How Prajakta, her husband Rajesh, and their team are doing it isregaledbyPrajaktainanexclusiveinterview withCIOLookIndia,thehighlightsofwhicharegiven herein.
Prajaktaji,asavisionaryleaderintheindustry,could youtakeusbacktothebeginningofyourjourney? Whatmotivatedyoutostepintothisdynamic ecosystem?
Myjourneyinthetechnologysectorbeganwithmy engineeringdegreefromWalchandInstituteofTechnology, Solapur Afterafewyearsabroad,myhusband Rajesh Kutnikar, the CEO, andImadetheconsciousdecisionto returntoIndiain2005.Wesawtremendouspotentialin India'sgrowingITlandscape,particularlyintheSAP ecosystem.Werecognizedthatorganizationsneeded reliable,committeddeliverypartnerswhocouldprovide high-qualitySAPimplementationandsupportservices. Thisvisionledtothefoundingof ITChamps Software Private Limited inMysore.
I believe India's technology sector has immense potential, and we want to play our part by delivering quality solutions while creating opportunities for talent development.
Whattrulymotivateduswasnotjustthebusiness opportunitybutthechancetocontributetoIndia'semerging technologysector.Wewantedtobuildanorganizationthat coulddeliverexcellenceinSAPserviceswhilemaintaining strongethicalvaluesandcustomerfocus.Westartedasan SAPimplementationpartner,andovertheyears,we've evolvedandexpandedourserviceofferingstomeetthe changingneedsofourclientswhilestayingtruetoour foundingprinciplesofpassion,dedication,andethics.
ITChampshasemergedasIndia'sleading transformationalcompany.Couldyousharetheguiding philosophythathaspropelledyourorganization's success?
Ourphilosophyhasalwaysbeenstraightforward- 'Scaling New Heights through Passion, Dedication, and Ethics.' What'sworkedforusismaintainingconsistentqualityin ourSAPimplementationserviceswhilebuildinglong-term relationshipswithourclients.We'vegrownsteadilyfrom ourinitialdaysasanimplementationpartnertonow supportingclientsacross45countries.
Oursuccessstemsfromstayingfocusedonwhatwedobest andensuringwedeliverreliablesolutions.We'vebeen fortunatetoworkwithorganizationslikeABB,wherewe've maintainedapartnershipforover15years,supportingtheir payrolloperationsacrossmultiplecountries.Theselongtermrelationshipsreflectourcommitmenttoqualityand customersatisfaction.
Theindustriallandscapeiscontinuallyevolving.Please briefouraudienceaboutITChamps’USPsandhowyou arecurrentlypositionedasoneofthebest transformationalcompaniesinitssector.
Ourprimarydifferentiatorisourdelivery-focused approach Withateamofover120consultants,wedon't justimplementsolutions– we work alongside our clients to ensure they achieve their business objectives.Inmyrole overseeingprofessionalservicesandSAPeducation,I've seenhowthiscollaborativeapproachhelpscreate sustainablesolutions.
Whattrulysetsusapartisourwillingnesstogotheextra mile.Whetherit'sdevelopingcustomsolutionsforspecific industrychallengesorofferingvalue-addedservices withoutadditionalcosts,webelieveincreatingwin-win situations.Thisapproachhashelpedusmaintainlong-term relationshipswithourclientsacrossmanufacturing, aerospace,andprofessionalservicessectors.
Yourvisionaryleadershipstyleisoftenrecognizedasa drivingforcebehindyourcompany'sachievements. Couldyoushedlightonyourapproachtoleadership andteambuildingwithintheorganization?
Ibelieveinaveryhands-onapproachtoleadership.One practiceImaintainishavingregularone-on-one conversationswithouremployees.Thesepersonal interactionshelpmeunderstandnotjusttheirwork
challengesbutalsohowthey'redoingoverall.Ourteam membersmustknowtheycanapproachmedirectlywiththeir concernsorideas.
InoverseeingprofessionalservicesandSAPeducationat ITChamps,Ifocusonensuringthatourconsultantshavethe resourcesandsupporttheyneedtoserveourclients effectively.Thesepersonalconversationsoftenrevealinsights thathelpusimproveourworkenvironmentanddelivery processes.
Forus,teambuildingisn'taboutgrandinitiatives—it'sabout dailyinteractionsthatbuildtrustandcollaboration.When teammembersknowtheyhavedirectaccesstoleadershipand thattheirvoicesareheard,theynaturallyfeelmore empoweredtodelivertheirbestwork.Thispersonal connectionwithouremployeeshashelpedusmaintaina positiveworkculturewhereeveryoneunderstandsthattheir growthisdirectlylinkedtoourclients'success.
Theessenceoffuturetransformationliesininnovation, disruptions,andenhancingtheend-userexperience.How doesyourcompanystrikeabalancebetweenoperational efficiencyandcustomersatisfaction?
AtITChamps,webelieve operational efficiency and customer satisfaction are interconnected.Ourdeliveryfocusedapproachnaturallyaddressesbothaspects.When implementingSAPsolutions,weoftendevelopadditional toolsthatweprovidetoclientsatnoextracostsimply becauseweseeanopportunitytoenhancetheirexperience.
Beingresponsiveandadaptableiskeytomaintainingthis balance.Wemeasureoursuccessnotjustbyproject completionbutbyhowwelloursolutionsworkforend-users intheirday-to-dayoperations.Thispracticalapproachhas helpedusmaintainlong-termrelationshipswithourclients whilecontinuouslyimprovingourdeliveryefficiency
Digitalizationandtechnologicaladvancementsarecrucial aspectsofthemodernindustrialecosystem.Howdoes ITChamps'integratetheseprinciplesintoitscore functioningandcontributetoatechnovativefuture?
Whileeveryonetalksaboutdigitaltransformation,weliketo keepthingssimpleandpractical. Our focus has always been on helping our clients use technology in ways that actually make sense for their business.Sometimes,thatmeans implementingthelatestS/4HANAcloudsolutions,andother times,it'saboutfindingcleverwaystoimprovetheirexisting systems.
What'sreallyexcitingisseeinghowwe'vehelped companies,especiallyinmanufacturingandaerospace, modernizetheiroperations.We'vecreatedsolutionslike digitalroutecardsandtraceabilitysystemsthathave madearealdifferenceintheirdailyoperations.It'snotjust aboutusingnewtechnology—it'saboutusingitsmartly
Theworkforceisthecornerstoneofanysuccessful organization.Howdoesyourcompanyfosteraculture ofgrowth,skilldevelopment,andempowermentamong itsemployees?
Takingcareofouremployeestranslatesdirectlyintotaking careofourclients.Imakeitapointtohaveregular conversationswithourteammembers—it'simportantto knowhowthey'redoing,notjustprofessionallybut personally,too.
Weencourageourconsultantstokeeplearningand growing.BeinganSAPeducationpartnerhelps our teams access the latest training resources.Butbeyondformal training,wecreateopportunitiesforourpeopletoworkon diverseprojectsacrossdifferentindustries.Thishands-on experienceisinvaluable.
Whatmakesourculturespecialisthateveryonefeelsheard. Whensomeonehasanideaorseesabetterwaytodo something,theyknowtheycanwalkuptoanyofusin leadershipandhaveaconversationaboutit.
AsaleaderinIndia's industrialsector,your companyhaslikelyfacedits shareofchallenges.Couldyou shareaninstancewhereyour team'sresilienceandingenuity triumphedoveradversity?
Tobehonest,theCOVIDperiod wasquitechallengingforus. Initially,westruggledwiththe suddenshifttoremotework—we hadongoingimplementations acrossdifferentcountries,and ourtraditionalhands-on approachseemedimpossibleto maintain.Ourteamswereused toworkingdirectlywithclients, andthetransitionwasn'teasy
Butwhatreallyimpressedme washowourpeopleadapted. Oncewegotpastthoseinitialhurdles,wefoundnewwaysto delivereffectively.Wedevelopedbetterremotecollaboration methods,whichhelpedusbecomemoreefficient. Our teams didn't just manage to complete ongoing projects—they found innovative ways to provide additional support to clients who were also struggling with the transition
Lookingback,thesechallengeshelpedusbecomemore resilientandversatileinourdeliveryapproach.
BusinessesareawayfortheIndianindustrytopaceupits economicpotentialandcapacity.Whatwouldbeyour advicetootherbuddingentrepreneurswhoaspireto ventureintothestartupspace?
Frommyexperience,businesssuccessisn'talwaysabout havingthemostinnovativeidea—it's about consistent delivery and building trust.WhenwereturnedtoIndiatostart ITChamps,weweren'ttryingtoreinventthewheel.We focusedondoingonethingwell:beingareliableSAPdelivery partner
Myadvicewouldbetofocusonbuildinggenuine relationships.Sometimes,youmightneedtoprioritize long-termrelationshipsovershort-termgains.We'veoften providedadditionalsupportorsolutionstoclientswithout chargingextrabecausewebelieveininvestinginthese relationships.Itmayseemcounterintuitive,butthisapproach hashelpedusgrowsustainably
Also,don'tunderestimatethepowerofagoodteam. Your people are your biggest asset, and taking care of them is crucial for any business's success
Lookingahead,whatisyourvisionforITChamps?How doyouaspiretocontinuemakingasignificantimpact onIndia'stransformationalfuturelandscape?
Ourvisionisquitestraightforward– we want to keep growing while maintaining the same level of quality and personal touch that got us here Werecentlyopenedour officeintheUK,whichisanexcitingstepinour geographicalexpansion.We'relookingtostrengthenour presenceinmorecountrylocationstobettersupportour
globalclients,butwe'redoingitinameasuredwaythat ensureswedon'tcompromiseonourdeliverystandards.
We'reseeinggreatmomentuminareaslikeaerospaceand cloudsolutions.Butwhatreallydrivesusisseeingourclients succeed.Whetherit'shelpingamanufacturingcompany streamlineitsoperationsorsupportingagrowingbusiness withitsdigitaltransformation,wewanttocontinuebeingthe reliablepartnertheycancounton.
India'stechnologysectorhasimmensepotential,andwe wanttoplayourpartbydeliveringqualitysolutionswhile creatingopportunitiesfortalentdevelopment. It's about sustainable growth – for our clients, our employees, and ourselves.
Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other.
Whether you think you can, or think you can’t –you’re right.
- Henry Ford
