MOHAMMAD BADRI
Honoring Heritage, Pioneering Progress
Editorial
The Leader's Signature
Leader'sinthecorporateworldaremorethanjustfigureheads;theyarethestrategiccaptainssteering
organizationsthroughcomplexbusinesslandscapes.Theiruniqueskillsetsformthecornerstoneof theirpersonalbrand,distinguishingtheminacompetitivefield.
ALeader'stoolkittypicallyincludesablendofhardandsoftskills.Financialacumen,industryknowledge,and strategicplanningabilitiesarecrucial,allowingdirectorstomakeinformeddecisionsthatdrivegrowthand mitigaterisks.Equallyimportantareleadershipqualities,emotionalintelligence,andthecapacitytofoster collaborationamongdiversestakeholders.
ExperienceplaysapivotalroleinshapingaLeader'sbrand.Whetherit'snavigatingmergersandacquisitions, overseeingdigitaltransformations,ormanagingcrises,eachchallengefacedbecomesavaluableadditiontotheir professionalnarrative.Thisaccumulatedwisdomenablesdirectorstooffernuancedperspectivesandanticipate potentialpitfalls.
Themodernboardroomdemandsversatility.Leaderswhocanadapttorapidlychangingbusinessenvironments, acknowledgeinnovation,andchampionsustainabilityinitiativesareincreasinglysoughtafter.Theirabilityto balanceshort-termobjectiveswithlong-termvisionsetsthemapart.
Ultimately,theuniquecombinationofskillsandexperiencesthatLeadersbringtoeachboardrolenotonly definestheirpersonalbrandbutalsocontributessignificantlytotheoveralleffectivenessandsuccessofthe organizationstheyserve.
Initslatestedition, "Middle East’s Leading Business Leaders Shaping the Future – 2025" TheCIOWorld showcasestheregion'stopexecutivetalent,highlightingthosewhohavemadesignificantimpactsintheir respectiveindustries.Thisspecialfeatureoffersinsightsintothediverseskillsandexperiencesthathave propelledtheseleaderstotheforefrontofMiddleEasternbusiness.
Haveagreatreadahead!
C O V E R S T O R Y
Mohammad Badri HonoringHeritage,PioneeringProgress
P R O F I L E
20.
Venkatesh Rao A Powerhouse of Leadership
16. 28.
C X O ’ S
Pioneering Data-Centric Transformation and Inspiring Excellence - Priya Reddy
Emerging Climate Risks and Evolving Sustainability Strategy of Corporates by Sumit Barat – Chief Sustainability O cer
TheGrowthMindsetLeader:Risingasa TransformationalLeaderinToday'sWorkplace
EmergingTrendsandBestPractices:ExploringThe FutureofBusinessLeadership
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Featuring
Company
Michael Stewart
Managing Director Alvarez & Marsal www.alvarezand marsal.com
Mohammad Badri
Managing Director Eros Group www.erosgroup.ae
Prashant Gupta Director Run me Sofare www.run me.og
Priya Marwah
Managing Director Tyche Jobsn www tychejobs.com
Sumit Gupta InvAscent
Managing Director www.invascent.com
Venkatesh Rao
Managing Director of Middle East
Descrip on
Michael Stewart is a strategic thinker with a focus on delivering impac ul solu onst Alvarez & Marsal, guiding teams to navigate complex challenges and achieve transforma e results for clients.
Mohammad Badri is a visionary leader dedicated to driving growth and innova on t Eros Group, fostering strategic partnerships, and enhancing customer sa ffac on tough technology integra on.
Prashant Gupta is a forward-thinking innovator at Run me So are, dedicated to devveloping cu ng-edge sare solu ons tht enhance operaa onalfficiency and drive technological advancements in the industry.
As the Founder and Managing Director of Tyche Jobs, Priya excels in global execu ve search, connec ng top talent with leading consumer and real estate companies worldwide.
Sumit Gupta is the Managing Director at InvAscent, specializing in life sciences private equity, focusing on investments in pharma, healthcare, and medical devices.
Venkatesh Rao is a dis nguished Managing Diector at Unique Group, driving integrated subsea engineering solu ons in the Unique Group Middle East, recognized for his excep onal leadeship and www.uniquegroup.com strategic vision.
Badri
Managing Director
Eros Group
Mohammad
Mohammad
Honoring Heritage, Pioneering Progress
As a Managing Director, I bear the responsibility of providing strategic direc on to the organiza on, se ng and achieving growth objec ves, and ensuring that our opera ons align with our core values and vision.
Delivering Quality Products and Exceptional Services Since 1967!
Leadershipisacomplexandmultifacetedconcept thatcantakevariousforms.Someleaderspreferto sticktothetriedandtestedmethodsoftheir predecessors,relyingonestablishedstrategiesand practices.Thesepathsareoftenassociatedwithtradition, stability,andcomfort.However,thereareexceptional leaderswhonotonlyfollowinthefootstepsoftheir predecessorsbutalsohavethevisionandbraverytopush boundaries,enhanceexistingapproaches,andcreatenew paths.Theseleadersarethetrailblazers,theinnovators,and thearchitectsoftransformativechange.
InthecaseofMohammadBadri,ManagingDirectorof ErosGroup,hisjourneyisdeeplyrootedinhisfamily's history,butittranscendsmerecontinuity.It'sajourneythat celebratesalegacywhileenvisioninganevenbrighter future.
MohammadBadriisnotjusttheleaderofacompany;he's thetorchbearerofalegacythatbeganwithhisfather,the visionaryfounderofErosGroup.Fromhumblebeginnings, hisfatherlaidtheinitialgroundwork,layingthefoundation forwhatwouldeventuallybecomeoneoftheregion'smost respectedconglomerates.ButforMohammad,hisfatheris morethanafounder;he'shishero,hisinspiration.
"My father founded Eros Group, and he is my hero, my inspiration," heshares,hisvoicecarryingadeepsenseof reverence.It'sasentimentthatechoesthroughoutour conversation,emphasizingtheprofoundinfluencehisfather hashadonhislifeandcareer.Intheworldofbusiness,it's notuncommonforafamilybusinesstopassdownfromone generationtothenext.However,ittakesauniqueblendof dedication,values,andcommitmenttonotonlyinheritbut alsoelevateandexpanduponthatlegacy Thisisprecisely whatMohammadBadrihasdone.Heembodiesthevalues instilledinhimbyhisfather,valuesthatincludeintegrity, hardwork,andacommitmenttoexcellence.
"While he laid the initial groundwork and set the first building block that has shaped Eros Group into what it is today," Mohammadreflects, "My inspiration comes from my father's dedication, values, and commitment." It's evidentthathisfather'slegacyisnotjustasourceof inspiration;it'sthedrivingforcebehindeverydecisionand actionhetakesastheManagingDirectorofErosGroup.
ErosGroup,underMohammad'sleadership,hasevolved intoatestamenttohisfather'svision.It'saconglomerate thatspansindustriesandregions,withareputationfor innovation,quality,andtrust.Thegroup'sdiverseportfolio encompassesconsumerelectronics,technology,retail,real estate,andmore.Attheheartofitallisacommitmentto excellencethatrunsthroughtheDNAoftheorganization.
"Upholdinghislegacyisnotonlymymotivationbutalsoa sourceofimmensepride,"Mohammadshares,asenseof responsibilityevidentinhiswords. "It's not just about maintaining what he built, but also about taking it to new heights."
Below are the highlights of the interview:
ErosGroup: A Legacy of Excellence and Progress
TheErosGroupboastsanextraordinaryjourneythatbegan withhumbleoriginsin1967asamodestshopinDeira.In justtwoyears,by1969,thecompanyhadalready establisheditselfasaprominentHitachidistributor.Bythe early1980s,theErosGrouphadexpandeditsfootprintinto AbuDhabi,solidifyingitspresenceacrosstheEmirates. However,itwasin1995thatatrulysignificantmilestone wasachievedwhentheErosGroupsecuredexclusive distributionrightsforSamsungfaxmachines.
Thistransformativepartnershipbecamethedrivingforce behindtheirrapidexpansion,pavingthewayforan extraordinaryjourneycharacterizedbyinventivesolutions, highstandards,andanunwaveringfocusoncustomer satisfaction.Fromitshumblebeginningstothepresentday, theErosGrouphascontinuouslyadapted,allthewhile upholdingaresolutededicationtoprovidingexceptional productsandservicestoitsesteemedcustomerbase. Reflectingonitshistory,itisevidentthatthecompany's legacyembodiesexcellence,progress,andaprofound commitmenttofulfillingcustomerdemands.
SteeringErosGroupTowardsaBrightFuture
InhispositionasManagingDirector,MohammadBadri holdsthecrucialresponsibilityofguidingthestrategic directionoftheorganization.Heistaskedwithsettingand achievinggrowthtargets,aswellasensuringthattheir operationaleffortsalignwiththeircorevaluesandoverall vision.Oneofhiskeyresponsibilitiesisoverseeing innovativestrategiesthatpositionErosGroupasaleaderin theirindustry
My journey is deeply rooted in my family's history. My father founded Eros Group, and he is my hero and my inspira on. He laid the ini al groundwork and laid the first building block that has shaped Eros Group into what it is today.
Mr.Badriworkscloselywiththeirdedicatedteam,fostering aculturethatemphasizesexcellencetoensurethattheir customersconsistentlyreceivethehighestqualityproducts andservices.
Additionally,heisdeeplycommittedtocultivatingand maintainingstrongrelationshipswiththeirpartnersand stakeholders.Thiscommitmentreflectsthetrusttheyhave placedinusovertheyears.Ultimately,hisrolerevolves aroundpreservingandenhancingtheesteemedlegacyof ErosGroup,drivingittowardsafuturecharacterizedby long-lastingsuccessandexpansionwithintheGCC.
NavigatingChallengeswithData-DrivenExcellence
InhisroleasManagingDirector,MohammadBadriplaces astrongemphasisondata-drivendecision-making.Heand histeammeticulouslyanalyzemarkettrends,customer feedback,andindustryinsights.Furthermore,Badrifosters acultureofcollaborationwithintheorganization,ensuring thatawiderangeofperspectivesaretakeninto consideration.Undoubtedly,thedynamicbusiness landscapepresentsvariouschallenges,includingmarket fluctuationsandintensecompetition.However,Badriand histeamtacklethesechallengeswithremarkableagilityand adaptability,beingunafraidtorevisittheirstrategieswhen required.Anothersignificanthurdlethey'vefacedis maintainingasteadfastcommitmenttoqualityamidrapid growth.Nevertheless,thededicatedteamandstringent qualitycontrolmeasureshaveproventobeindispensablein surmountingthisobstacle.
ProvenStrategiesforSuccess
Inhisdistinguishedroleasaleader,MohammadBadrihas orchestratedaseriesoftriumphantendeavors,includingthe expansionoftheirproductrangeandthesuccessfulentry intonewmarkets.Theseaccomplishmentsowetheir successtoameticulousapproachthatcombines comprehensivemarketresearchwiththepowerofeffective teamcollaboration.
AttheheartofMohammadBadri'sleadershipphilosophy liesacommitmenttonurturingapositiveandvibrantwork environment.Hisprioritizationofopencommunication channelshascreatedaculturewhereinnovationthrivesand exceptionalachievementsarerecognizedandrewarded. Centraltothisethosisthebeliefthatemployeeengagement isthecornerstoneofsuccess.Consequently,ErosGroup consistentlyprovidesopportunitiesforprofessionalgrowth, comprehensivetraining,andasupportiveworkplaceculture thatencouragesindividualstoflourish.
Oneofhismostimpactfulstrategiesrevolvesaround motivatingtheirdedicatedteammembers.Hefirmly believesinsettingclear,achievablegoals,offering constructivefeedback,andinstillingaprofoundsenseof ownershipandpurposewithintheorganization.Through thesevisionarystrategies,BadrihasnotonlyenhancedEros Group'sstandingbutalsosolidifieditsreputationasan industryleaderdrivenbyexcellence.
BlueprintforSeamlessInterdepartmentalCollaboration
Toensureeffectivecommunicationandcollaboration betweendifferentdepartmentsorteamswithinthe company,Badritakesseveralsteps.Regularcrossdepartmentalmeetingsandprojectupdatesareprioritizedto facilitatecommunication.Anopen-doorpolicyisalso encouraged,allowingemployeestofreelyexpresstheir concernsandideas.Inaddition,team-buildingactivitiesand workshopshavebeenimplementedtostrengthen interdepartmentalrelationships.
PrudentApproachtoGlobalBrandPartnerships
ErosGroupcarefullyselectsitsglobalbrandpartnersby consideringtheirreputationforqualityandinnovationand howwelltheirproductsalignwiththeneedsoftheir customers.Thecompanyevaluatesitsproductportfolioand marketdemandbeforeformingpartnerships.Intermsof geographicalpresence,ErosGroupprimarilyoperatesin keymarketsacrosstheMiddleEastandNorthAfrica (MENA)region,includingtheUnitedArabEmirates(UAE) andBahrain.Additionally,ErosGroup'sinternational divisionexportsproductstovariousregionsintheGulf CooperationCouncil(GCC)andAfrica.
TailoredApproachtoTradeChannels
TheErosGroupcaterstodifferenttradechannelsand engageswitheachoftheminspecificways.Intheretail channel,thecompanyservesconsumersdirectlythrough showroomsandonlineplatforms,offeringawiderangeof electronicproducts.Inthedistributionchannel,it collaborateswithpowerretailersandresellerstosupply products,providemarketingsupport,andofferafter-sales services.Thecompany'sprojectsolutionschannelfocuses onprovidingcustomelectronicsolutionsforbusiness-tobusinessclients.Additionally,ErosGrouphasanexport departmentthatservespartnersintheMENAregion.This comprehensiveapproachallowsthecompanytoeffectively meetthediverseneedsofeachtradechanneland demonstrateitscommitmenttodeliveringqualityelectronic productsandservicestovariouscustomersegments.
To foster a posi ve work environment, I priori ze open communica on, encourage innova on, and recognize and reward achievements. Employee engagement is vital; we offer opportuni es for growth, training, and a suppor ve workplace culture. Mo va ng our team involves se ng clear goals, providing construc ve feedback, and promo ng a sense of ownership and purpose within the organiza on.
DynamicStoreNetworkandBrandPartnerships
ErosGroupboastsarobustretailpresence,withatotalof 16retailstoresstrategicallylocatedacrosstheUAE. Amongthese,9areexclusiveEROSstores,eachabeacon ofqualityandinnovation.Additionally,thegroupoperates 2SamsungBrandStoresand5HuaweiBrandStores, providingcustomerswithimmersiveexperiencestailoredto theserenownedbrands.
WithintheexpansiveEROSstores,customerscandiscover dedicatedspacescuratedforover14esteemedpartner brands.Thesebrandspacesaredesignedtoshowcasethe latestofferingsandinnovationsfromindustryleaderssuch asSamsung,Hitachi,TCL,Ariston,Midea,andmanymore. ThepresenceofthesepartnerbrandswithinEROSstores ensuresthatcustomershaveaccesstoadiverserangeof cutting-edgeelectronicproductsandsolutions,allunder oneroof.
ErosGroup'scommitmenttocreatingexceptionalretail experiencesisevidentnotonlythroughitsimpressivestore countbutalsointhecarefulcurationofbrandspaces, fosteringanenvironmentwherecustomerscanexplore, engage,andmakeinformedchoices.
CustomSolutionsandTechnologicalExcellence
ErosGroupextendsextensivesupporttoitspartners, includingsystemintegrators,architects,andconsultantsin themarket.Thecompanyofferscustomizedelectronic solutions,producttraining,technicalguidance,and marketingassistance.Theseservicesenablepartnersto efficientlycatertoclientrequirementsandremainupdated withthelatesttechnologicaladvancements,thereby enhancingtheirmarketsuccess.
RavingRewards
• ErosGrouphasbeenawardedasthemostvaluable partnerbyTCLin2023.
• ErosGrouphasbeenawardedasTopPartnerby Aristonin2021.
• ErosGrouphasbeenawardedTaqdeerawardsin2020 and2022.
• ErosGrouphaswontheIconsofRetailAwardin2023.
• ErosGrouphasbeenawardedBestNewcomerRetailer byNothingin2023.
Thelandscapeofleadershipischanging.Goneare
thedaysoftheauthoritativefigurebarkingorders fromthetop.Intoday'sdynamicworkplace,the conceptofagrowthmindsethasbecomeacornerstoneof effectiveleadership.
Agrowthmindsetleader,inspiredbythetheoriesofCarol Dweck,believesinthepotentialfordevelopmentand improvement,bothpersonallyandwithintheirteams.This approachfostersacultureofcontinuouslearning, resilience,andinnovation,enablingleaderstotransform theirorganizationsinsignificantways.
Thus,themosteffectiveleadersarethosewhocultivatea growthmindset,fosteringanenvironmentofcontinuous learning,innovation,andresilience.
WhatisaGrowthMindsetLeader?
Agrowthmindsetleaderbelievesthatintelligenceand abilitiescanbedevelopedthrougheffortanddedication. Theyunderstandthatchallengesarenotroadblocks,but opportunitiesforgrowth.Here'showthismindsettranslates intotransformativeleadership:
EmpoweringOthers:Growthmindsetleaderstrusttheir teammembersanddelegatetaskswiththebeliefthatthey canlearnandgrowintheirroles.Thisfostersasenseof ownershipandaccountability,leadingtohigherengagement andmotivation.
FosteringaLearningCulture:Theycreateanenvironment whereexperimentationandtakingcalculatedrisksare encouraged.Mistakesareseenaslearningexperiences,not failures.Thisfostersacultureofcontinuousimprovement andinnovation.
BuildingResilience: Challengesareinevitable.Growth mindsetleadershelptheirteamsovercomesetbacksby focusingonlearningandadapting.Theyencouragea"never giveup"attitudeandcelebratetheperseveranceshownin thefaceofadversity
DevelopingTalent: Theseleadersactivelyinvestintheir team'sgrowth.Theyprovideopportunitiesforlearningand development,whetherthroughcoaching,mentorship programs,oraccesstotrainingresources.Thisempowers theirteammemberstoreachtheirfullpotential.
AdaptabilityinaChangingWorld: Themodernworkplace isinconstantflux.Growthmindsetleadersareflexibleand adaptable,abletonavigatethroughdisruptionsandseize newopportunities.Theyencouragetheirteamstodothe same.
EmbracingContinuousLearning:Agrowthmindsetleader prioritizescontinuouslearning,bothforthemselvesand theirteams.Theyencourageanenvironmentwhere employeesfeelempoweredtopursuenewskillsand knowledge.Thisdedicationtolifelonglearninghelps organizationsstayadaptableandcompetitiveinarapidly changingbusinesslandscape.
EncouragingAdaptability:Leaderswithagrowthmindset understandthatfailureisanaturalpartofthelearning process.Theypromoteresiliencebyencouragingtheir teamstoviewsetbacksasopportunitiesforgrowthrather thanasinsurmountableobstacles.Thisperspectivefostersa culturewhereemployeesaremorewillingtotakerisksand innovate,knowingtheyhavethesupporttobounceback andlearnfromtheirexperiences.
NurturingaCollaborativeCulture:Collaborationiskeyina growth-orientedenvironment.Growthmindsetleaders recognizethevalueofdiverseperspectivesandfostera cultureofopencommunicationandteamwork.By encouragingcollaboration,theseleadersharnessthe collectivestrengthsoftheirteams,drivinginnovationand problem-solving.
LeadingbyExample:Transformationalleadersembodythe principlestheyadvocate.Agrowthmindsetleader demonstratestheircommitmenttopersonaland professionaldevelopment,settinganexamplefortheir teamstofollow Thisleadershipbyexamplebuilds credibilityandinspiresemployeestoadoptasimilar mindset,creatingarippleeffectthroughoutthe organization.
PromotingInnovation:Agrowthmindsetnaturallyaligns withinnovation.Leaderswhobelieveinthepotentialfor growthanddevelopmentaremorelikelytosupport innovativeideasandapproaches.Theycreatean environmentwherecreativityisencouraged,andnewideas arewelcomed,leadingtobreakthroughsandadvancements withintheorganization.
CultivatingEmotionalIntelligence:Growthmindsetleaders alsoexcelinemotionalintelligence,understandingthe importanceofempathy,self-awareness,andinterpersonal skills.Theycreatesupportiveenvironmentswhere employeesfeelunderstoodandvalued,whichenhances motivation,engagement,andoveralljobsatisfaction.
DrivingOrganizationalSuccess:Ultimately,growth mindsetleadersdriveorganizationalsuccessbyfosteringa culturethatembraceschange,valueslearning,and encouragesinnovation.Theirapproachleadstohigher employeeengagement,improvedperformance,andamore agileandcompetitiveorganization.
TheBenefitsofGrowthMindsetLeadership
Theimpactofagrowthmindsetleaderextendsbeyond individualteammembers.Studiesshowthatorganizations withleaderswhocultivatethismindsetexperience:
• IncreasedInnovation:Employeesfeelempoweredto shareideasandexperiment,leadingtoamore innovativeandcreativeworkenvironment.
• ImprovedProblem-Solving:Withafocusonlearning frommistakes,teamsbecomebetterequippedtotackle challengesandfindcreativesolutions.
• EnhancedEmployeeEngagement:Employeesfeel valuedandinvestedintheirprofessionaldevelopment, leadingtohigherlevelsofengagementandmotivation.
• StrongerCompanyCulture:Agrowthmindsetfostersa cultureofcollaboration,trust,andcontinuous improvement,benefitingtheentireorganization.
BecomingaGrowthMindsetLeader
Thegoodnewsisthatagrowthmindsetcanbecultivated. Leaderscantakestepstodevelopthiswayofthinking:
• EmbraceSelf-Reflection:Regularlyassessyourown mindsetandidentifyareasforimprovement.Areyou opentofeedback?Doyouseechallengesas opportunities?
• ChallengeYourAssumptions:Don'tbeafraidto questionthestatusquo.Beopentonewideasand perspectives.
• FocusonEffortandLearning:Whenfacedwitha challenge,focusontheeffortyou'reputtinginandthe lessonsyou'relearning,notjusttheoutcome.
• CelebrateYourTeam'sGrowth:Recognizeandreward yourteammembers'effortstolearnandgrow.
Intoday'sdynamicworld,agrowthmindsetisnolongera luxuryforleaders–it'sanecessity.Byembracingthis approach,leaderscanunlockthefullpotentialoftheir teamsandguidetheirorganizationstowardscontinued successandtransformation.
Venkatesh Rao Managing Director of Middle East Unique Group
Middle East’s Leading Business Leaders Shaping the Future – 2025
A Powerhouse of Leadership –Venkatesh o
Leading Unique Group’s Emergence as the Most Reliable Integrated Engineering Solutions Provider
Tostandoutasaremarkablepersonality,aleader
mustpossessauniqueblendofqualitiesthatcater tothespecificneedsofthepeopleandtheregion. Thisincludesvisionaryandstrategicthinkingalongwith fundamentalcomprehension.
Itmeansunderstandingtheregionallandscape,economic trends,andculturalnuancestodevelopaclear,long-term visionforthecompany'ssuccessintheMiddleEast.Italso involveseffectivelyleadingdiverseteams,fosteringa cultureofinclusion,andunderstandingdifferent communicationstyles.Further,buildingstrongrelationships withgovernmententities,localbusinesses,andkey stakeholderstonavigatethebusinessenvironmentand secureopportunitiesisamust.
Thenextsetoftraitsincludesmarketknowledge, innovationandgrowth,andfinancialandbusinessacumen. Theseensurethecompany'sfinancialhealthand profitabilitywhileconsideringlocaleconomicfactorsand regulations.
Theattributesthatcompletethisintegrationarethosethat includepersonalqualitieslikeresilienceandadaptability, strongworkethics,culturalsensibilities,social responsibility,anddigitaltransformationinthatcontext.
MeetVenkateshRao,thepowerhousewithallthese qualities,leadingUniqueGroup'soperationsintheMiddle East.RecognizedasoneofthemostremarkableManaging Directorsintheregion,andforgoodreason,MrRaois currentlycontributingtoUniqueGroup'semergenceasa leadingproviderofintegratedsubseaengineeringsolutions.
Mr Rao spoke in an exclusive interview, the highlights of which are given herein.
Pleasetellusaboutyourselfandwhatmotivatedyouto embarkonthissector.
Iamanengineeringgraduatefromareputeduniversityin Indiawhograduatedin1988.MyinitialcareerwasinIndia asaTechnicalSalesprofessionalsellingInstrumentation productstovariouspublicandprivatesectorindustries.I gotanopportunitytopursuemycareerintheMiddleEast in1997,whichledmetoexploretheMarineIndustryfor thefirsttime.
IspentsevenyearsworkingforMaritronics,aUAE-based marineservicescompany,asaKeyAccountManager responsibleforSales&Businessdevelopmentofcertain shipborneInstrumentation,Navigation,andCommunication productstoShippingindustriesintheMiddleEast.
IjoinedUniqueGroupin2004tostartandleadthenew MarineBusinessDivision.Uniquewasthenanalready well-establishednameinthesubseamarketthatprovided speciallyengineeredsolutionsandservices.Unique’s businessstartedgrowinggloballybetween2007and2010, whichprovidedampleopportunitiesformetolearnmore aboutsubseaapplications,whichwasastartingpointfor mycareergrowth.Icompletedmyfull-timeMBAin InternationalSalesandMarketingsimultaneously.
AfterUnique’sbusinessrestructurein2017,Iwasentrusted withtheresponsibilityofmanagingUnique’sMiddleEast Division,coveringalllinesofbusinesssuchasDiving+
I have been fortunate enough and can’t thank enough many of our elite clients in the Middle East who have been with us since the company's inception three decades ago.
LifeSupport,Buoyancy+WaterWeights,Survey Equipment,UnmannedSurfaceVesselsandLifting+ MooringandI'veneverlookedbacksincethen.
Pleasebriefusaboutyourcompanyanditsinception story.
UniqueGroup,establishedin1993asaconventionalrental providerfortheOilandgasindustryintheMiddleEast,has evolvedtobecomeagloballeaderinsubseatechnology. Fromitshumblebeginningswithjustthreeemployees, today,itisaglobalsubseainnovatorboastingaworkforce of600+professionals,includingover200engineers.We specializeinprovidingintegratedsubseaandoffshore solutions.
Ourexpertiseencompassesacomprehensiverangeof solutions,includingunmannedsurfacevessels(USVs), surveyequipment,divingandlifesupport,liftingand mooring,buoyancy,andwaterweights.Theseservicescater totheOilandGassectorandextendsupporttothe Renewables,Defense,Offshore,andMedicalindustries.
WithmanufacturinghubsstrategicallylocatedintheUK, SouthAfrica,andtheMiddleEast,weensureaglobal presencetomeetthediverseneedsofourclients.Our commitmenttoinnovationisevidentthroughourdedicated R&Ddepartment,whichisconstantlyworkingon pioneeringsolutions.Underthe"Uni"brand,weproudly offeroursurveyandUSVsolutionsline.
UniqueGrouphastransformedintoaleadingglobalplayer, offeringcutting-edgesolutionsacrossmultipleindustries andcontinuallypushingtheboundariesofsubsea innovation.
Howdoyoueffectivelymanageandleadateamof executivesandemployees,andwhatstrategiesdoyou
implementtodrivegrowthandprofitabilityinyour organization?
Clearcommunicationensurestheteamunderstandsthe organization’sgoals,mission,andcorevalues.Ibelievein teamworkandencourageacollaborativeworkenvironment. Peopleareourassets,andIbelieveindelegating responsibilities,empoweringthemtomakedecisions,and trustingthemtofosterasenseofaccountability.
Itisimportanttobeawareofthechangingmarketdynamics andstayinformedaboutindustrytrendstoarriveattheright strategyalignedwithouroverallmissionandvision. Introducinginnovativetechnologiesorideasandadapting ourapproachtochangingmarketconditionsiskeyto drivinggrowthandprofitability.
Howdoyouapproachdecision-makingandproblemsolvingasaManagingDirector?Canyousharean exampleofachallengingsituationyoufacedandhow youtackledit?
Tomaketherightdecisionsandfindasolutiontoany problem,Itrytogatherasmuchinformationrelevanttothe problemordecisionathandaspossibleandsetaspecific objective.Idiscussthedecisionwithrelevantstakeholders toseektheirinputandevaluatevariousalternativesbefore arrivingatadecision.Imakesuretoimplementthe decision,maintainingopenandtransparentcommunication withallstakeholders.
Howdoyouensureeffectivecommunicationand collaborationbetweendifferentdepartmentswithinthe organization?
Weeklyandmonthlybusinesscoordinationmeetingswillbe heldwithalldepartmentheads.Clearlydefineroles, responsibilities,andworkflowstominimizeconfusionand duplicationofeffort.Usingthetechnology,i.e.,weuse MicrosoftTeamsextensivelytocommunicatewithawider audienceacrossallregions—brainstormingandteam buildingsessionsinamorerelaxedenvironmentto overcomebarriersandbuildmutualsupport.
Whatmeasuresdoyoutaketostayupdatedwith industrytrendsandchangesinthebusiness environment,andhowdoyouhandleandresolve conflictswithinyourorganization?
Nowadays,mostoftheinformationrelatedtoindustry trendsandtechnologiesisavailableonlineviasocialmedia andspecializedwebsites.Ialsobelieveincontinuous
learningbyengaginginonlineeducationthroughcourses, webinars,andattendingconferencesandexhibitionsrelated toourindustry Wehaveaccesstosomeindustry publicationsthroughsubscriptionsthatprovideuswiththe latestmarkettrendsandotherusefulinformation.Astrong professionalnetworkconnectingwithindustryleadersand peershelpsstayinformed.
Iencouragetransparentandhonestconversationamong teammemberstoaddressanyconflictsastheyariseand preventescalation.Iprovideacollaborativeenvironment forteammemberstofindmutuallyacceptablesolutions.
Canyoudiscussasuccessfulprojectorinitiativeyouled andthekeyfactorsthatcontributedtoitssuccess?
Well,Icannottakecreditaloneforvarioussuccessful projectsexecutedacrossalllinesofbusinessintheMiddle East.Oneofthekeystrategicinitiativestakenrecentlywas tostrengthenandexpandouroperationslocallyinKSAto meetgrowingdemandsinthecountryandfulfillregulatory requirements,includingtheAramco-initiatedIKTVA(inkingdomtotalvalueadd)program.Ourlocalpresenceand operationsbenefitedusinsecuringsomeimportantprojects fromtheKSAgovernmentsector.Also,theyfacilitatedthe additionofnewlinesofbusinessofferings,resultinginour overallbusinessgrowth.
Howdoyouprioritizeandmanageyourtimeeffectively asaManagingDirector?
IderivemyoverallKPIsbasedonthegoalsandobjectives setforthbyC-levelmanagementandprioritizethetasks basedonimportanceandurgency.Ihaveastrongteamto supportme,andempoweringthemtotakeownershipgives meampletimetotakeonahigherlevelofresponsibility Wehavegoodmanagementtools,suchasERPsystems, CRM,andPowerBidashboards,thathelpprovideuseful MISdatatotrackandmonitorrelevantbusinessresults.
Howdoyoudevelopandnurturerelationshipswithkey stakeholders,suchasclients,investors,andboard members?
AsImentionedearlier,clearandregularcommunication withfulltransparencyandtrustisthekeytobuildingand nurturinganyrelationship.Fortunatelyforme,mostofthe stakeholders,includingtheGroupC-suitemembers,are locatedonthesamepremisesasIoperate,whichgivesme anaddedadvantageandopportunitiestoengagewiththem regularly
Howdoyoufosterapositiveandinclusiveworkculture withinyourorganization?
AtUnique,wehaveestablishedclearpoliciesand guidelinestopromotediversity,equity,andinclusionthat applytoallourregionalofficesacrosstheglobe.
Wepracticeaprofessionalhiringandpromotionprocess purelyonameritbasis.IntheMiddleEast,wheremostof theworkforcecomprisesexpatworkers,weencourage recruitingpeopleofdifferentethnicitiesandtrytomaintain ahealthygenderratio.Also,aspartoftheinclusion,we recruitlocalEmirati/Saudiyoungprofessionalstotrainand nurturethem.Wehaveprovidedallemployeeswithan onlineplatformtogivefeedbackandsuggestionsfor improvement.Wehaveimplementeda monthly/quarterly/yearlyrecognitionandrewardprogram invariousresultscategories.
Finally,whatdoyoubelievesetsyouapartasa ManagingDirectorandmakesyouastrongleader?
Well,throughoutmyentirecareer,Ihavelearnedacouple ofimportantlessonsthatIhavefirmlybelievedallalong, suchasthatthereisnosubstitutionforhardworkandthat teamworkisessentialforsuccess.Ialwaystreatpeoplewith respectandequalityandprovidethemopportunitiesto expressthemselvesandgrow,aswellasbegoodteam players.
Pleasegiveustestimonialsfromyourclientsandawards orrecognitionthataccuratelyhighlightyour achievementsinthecorporateniche.
Thebiggestawardiswinningthetrustofourclientsand maintainingthattrust.Ihavebeenfortunateenough,andI wouldliketothankmanyofoureliteclientsintheMiddle Eastwhohavebeenwithussincetheinceptionofthe companythreedecadesago.
PioneeringData-Centric Transformation and Inspiring Excellence
- by Priya Reddy
Intoday’srapidlyevolvingdigitallandscape,dataholds
thekeytounlockingunprecedentedinsightsand drivinginnovation.Theabilitytoharnessthepowerof datahingesoneffectivedatamanagement,adedicated team,andaculturethatvaluesdata-drivendecisionmaking.JoinusasweexplorePriyaReddy’sexceptional leadershipjourney,insights,andstrategiesthatencompass buildinghigh-performanceteams,cultivatingadigital culture,andreimaginingemployeemotivation.
ALeaderBeyondCompare
PriyaReddyisastandoutleaderwhodistinguishesherself throughablendoftechnicalexpertise,peoplemanagement skills,andextensiveexperienceinfinancialservicesand fintech.Herjourneyasaleaderismarkedbyrapid successes,includingthedevelopmentofanEnterpriseData ManagementplatformforRepriseFinancial,goingfrom concepttolaunchinaremarkablyshorttimeframe, surpassingexpectations.Sheleadsbyexamplewith integrity,accountability,empathy,recognition,andastrong customerservicefocus.
Priya’shands-onapproach,activelycontributingtocoding andprojectexecution,showcaseshermultifaceted leadershipstyle.Sheexcelsinmanaginghighexpectations andadaptingtodynamicsituations.Herleadership philosophyrevolvesaroundbuildingandempowering teamstofocusongoalsandmotivatingthemtoreachtheir best.
AVisionfortheFuture
Asafuture-focusedleader,Priyaresiststhetemptationto prioritizeimmediategainsoverlong-termstrategy.She emphasizestheimportanceofconstantlyscanningfor
what’snextandensuringherteamisprepared.However, shestrategicallyalignsherinitiativeswithbusinessgoals, believinginabalancedapproachthatblendstechnicaland socialskillsanddrivesrealisticresults.
Priyaispassionateaboutlayingastrongfoundationfordata management,enablingtheintegrationofAIandfuture revolutionarytechnologies.Sheemphasizestheimportance ofhavingtherightdataforeffectiveAI,suggestingthatit’s anaturalprogressiontoconvergedataownershipwith analyticsandAI.Ensuringdataisnotmisinterpreted becomesparamountinthiscontext.
ArchitectingFuture-ProofTransformations
Intoday’sdigitalworld,dataisaninvaluableresourcethat canguidebusinessstrategies,enhanceoperations,andspur innovation.PriyaevangelizestheconceptofArchitecting Future-ProofTransformationsbyinvestingindata architecturerightfromthestartofnewtransformation projects.Thisshiftfromremediationtopreventionandfrom reactivetoproactivemarksacrucialtransition.Shehas takenanoffensiveroute,creatingdatafoundationstodayto servethefuture,makingdataapproachableandavailableto everyone.Priyasuggeststhreecriticalstepstomakethis transitionincrediblydoable:
1. Architecture:Getitrightbeforeyoustart
2. BusinessDomain:Understandthebusinesscontext
3. Governance:Doitrightfromtheget-go
TheCrucialRoleofGoodDataforEnhancedCustomer Satisfaction
Attheonset,Priyaacknowledgesthattechnological advancesdependonaccesstoreliabledata,emphasizing that“gooddataisfundamental.”
Priya Reddy Vice President Enterprise Data Management, Reprise Financial
Shecontendsthatcustomerprocessingtechnology capabilities,suchaschatboxanalytics,canonlyproduce qualityresultsifthedataisgoodandmanagedaccordingto bestpractices.Priyahasarchitectedandengineereddata operationprocessestomeetSLAs24/7,positively impactingcompanymetricsgoalsandenhancingcustomer satisfaction.Sheemphasizesthatinaccuratedatacanleadto anunsatisfactorycustomerexperienceandinsistsonthe needtoaccuratelyretrievecustomerinformationtomake betterdecisionsaboutprovidingservices.
Inaddition,Ms.Reddy’sinnovativeapproachtodata integrationandharmonizationhasstreamlinedthe company’soperationsandfacilitatedmoreinformed decision-making.Shehasachievedthisthroughthe developmentofsophisticateddataintegrationpipelines, rigorousdataqualitychecks,validationprocesses,master datamanagementstrategies,andcontinuousmonitoring. Theseeffortshaveempoweredvariousdepartmentsto accessaccurateandconsistentinformationforbothinbound andoutbounddataoperations,facilitatingeffectivedata sharingbothwithinandoutsidetheorganization.
BuildingHigh-PerformanceTeamsforInspiring Excellence
AstheVPofEnterpriseDataManagement,Priya’srole encompassesvariousdatamanagementcapabilities, includingdataengineering,dataarchitecture,data operations,databaseadministration,qualityassurance,data governance,andmore.Sheviewstheseasfoundational prioritiesforRepriseFinancial.Herabilitytobuildhighperformingteamsisevidentinhersuccessinassemblinga committed,honest,andaccountablegroupofData Architects,DataEngineers,andDatabaseAdministrators. Herbeliefincontinuousimprovementinspiresherteam daily,andcollaborationatalllevelsisahallmarkofher leadership.Priyadeliversexceptionalresultsbyexpertly managingprojects,resources,andprocesses.
Additionally,Ms.Reddy’sinnovativeapproachtodata integrationandharmonizationhasstreamlinedthe company’soperationsandfacilitatedmoreinformed decision-making.Throughthedevelopmentofsophisticated dataintegrationpipelines,rigorousdataqualitychecks, validationprocesses,masterdatamanagementstrategies, andcontinuousmonitoring,shehasempowereddifferent departmentstoaccessaccurateandconsistentinformation, leadingtoimprovedcross-functionalcollaborationand efficiency
CultivatingaDigitalCulture
AsVPofEnterpriseDataManagement,Priyahasreshaped organizationalculture,fosteringacultureofexcellenceand achievement.Sheguidesprojectsfrominceptiontosuccess throughstrategicplanning,communication,andteamwork. Shebelievesincelebratingteamwins,aligning contributionswiththecompany’smission,andboosting motivation.Sheinspiresexcellenceinleadershipbypaying meticulousattentiontodetail.Sheensuresherteambuilds andsupportssolutionscloselyalignedwiththecompany’s goalsandmetrics.Herself-driven,forward-thinking approachcreatessustainablesolutions,fearlesslyresolving issuestoensurethecompany’sbestinterestsarealwaysat theforefront.
TheFutureofEmployeeMotivation
Priyachallengesthetraditional“carrotsandsticks” approachtoemployeemotivation,emphasizingthe importanceofhelpingemployeesdiscover“What’sinItfor Them”tofindmeaningintheirworkandconnecttheir effortstothecompany’sobjectives.Shebelievesthat engaged,enthusiastic,andauthenticleadersarekeyto motivatingemployees.
ContinualEducationandAspirations
Asafirmbelieverincontinualeducation,Priyasuccessfully graduatedfromtheCDataOcertificateprogramatCarnegie MellonUniversityinJune2023.Hergoalistoharnessdata asastrategicasset,fosterinnovation,andmakeinformed decisionsandregulatorycompliance.Hergoalistopropel hercompany’sexpansion,reinforcecustomertrust,and establishaprominentpositionintheevolvingfintech landscape.
Tobecomeafuture-focusedandtrulytranscendentleader, Priyahighlightstheimportanceoffindingabalancenot onlybetweentechnicalandsocialskillsbutalsobetween goalsandpeople.Sheadvocatesforgroundedleadership thatpaysattentiontodata,details,andemployee perspectivestosetsensibletargets.
Emerging Trends and Best Practices
Leadership
Thelandscapeofbusinessleadershipisconstantly
evolving,andaswelooktothefuture,itisessential toexaminetheemergingtrendsanddynamicsthat willshapethewayleadersnavigatetheirorganizations.The futureofbusinessleadershipholdsbothexciting possibilitiesanduniquechallenges,requiringleadersto adaptandembracenewapproaches.Inthisarticle,wewill delvedeeperintokeyareasthatwilldefinethefutureof businessleadershipandexplorestrategiesforsuccessinan ever-changingworld.
EmbracingDigitalTransformation:
Inthecomingyears,digitaltransformationwillcontinueto revolutionizeindustriesacrosstheglobe.Businessleaders mustrecognizethepotentialofemergingtechnologiessuch asartificialintelligence,blockchain,andtheInternetof Things.Theyneedtofosteracultureofinnovationand digitalliteracywithintheirorganizations,enablingthemto leveragethesetechnologiestodriveefficiency,enhance customerexperiences,anduncovernewbusiness opportunities.Effectiveleaderswillhaveadeep understandingoftechnologytrends,stayinformedabout disruptiveinnovations,andproactivelyadapttheir strategiestostayaheadofthecurve.
NavigatingDisruptiveMarketForces:
Thefutureofbusinessleadershipwillbecharacterizedby intensemarketdisruptionsandrapidchangesinconsumer behavior.Leadersmustbeagileandproactive,capableof identifyingemergingtrendsandshiftsinthecompetitive landscape.Theabilitytoanticipatemarketchangesandact swiftlywillbecrucialforstayingrelevantandmaintaining acompetitiveedge.Futureleaderswillneedtofostera cultureofcontinuouslearningandencouragetheirteamsto embracechange,takecalculatedrisks,andthinkoutsidethe box.
CultivatingEmotionalIntelligence:
Inaneraofautomationanddigitalconnectivity,leaderswill needtoplaceanincreasedemphasisonemotional intelligence.Understandingandeffectivelymanaging emotions,boththeirownandthoseoftheirteams,willbe essentialforbuildingstrongrelationships,fostering collaboration,andinspiringemployeeengagement.Leaders whocanempathize,communicateeffectively,andmotivate theirteamswillbebetterequippedtonavigatecomplex challengesanddriveorganizationalsuccess.
GlobalMindsetandCulturalIntelligence:
Thefutureofbusinessleadershipwillbemarkedby increasingglobalizationandinterconnectedness.Leaders mustpossessaglobalmindset,whichinvolves understandingdiversecultures,markets,andglobaltrends. Culturalintelligencewillplayavitalroleinbuilding relationshipswithinternationalpartners,managingdiverse teams,andexpandingintonewmarkets.Leaderswho demonstrateculturalsensitivity,adaptability,andtheability tobridgeculturalgapswillbewell-positionedtolead multinationalorganizationsandnavigatethecomplexities ofaglobalizedworld.
Purpose-drivenLeadership:
Inthefuture,successfulleaderswillbethosewhocan inspireandunitetheirteamsaroundasharedpurpose. MillennialandGenZemployees,inparticular,seek meaningandpurposeintheirwork.Leaderswhocan articulateacompellingvision,alignitwiththe organization'svalues,andfosterasenseofpurposeamong employeeswillattractandretaintoptalent.Purpose-driven leadersprioritizesocialresponsibility,sustainability,and ethicalpractices,ensuringthattheirorganizationsmakea positiveimpactonsocietywhileachievingbusinessgoals.
EmbracingFuture
Thefutureofbusinessleadershipwillrequireacombination ofadaptability,technologicalacumen,emotional intelligence,culturalawareness,andastrongsenseof purpose.Leaderswhoembracethesequalitiesandstrategies willbewell-preparedtonavigatethechallengesandseize theopportunitiesthatlieahead.Byfosteringinnovation, cultivatingstrongrelationships,andleadingwithintegrity, thebusinessleadersofthefuturewilldrivetheir organizationstowardssustainablesuccessinarapidly changingworld.
Embracetechnology:Businessleadersofthefuturewill needtohaveadeepunderstandingofemerging technologiesandtheirpotentialimpactonbusiness. Technologieslikeartificialintelligence,blockchain,and automationwilltransformindustries,andleaderswhocan leveragethesetechnologieseffectivelywillhavea competitiveadvantage.
Fosteracultureofinnovation:Inarapidlychanging businesslandscape,innovationwillbecriticalforsuccess. Futureleadersshouldcreateaculturethatencourages
creativity,risk-taking,andcontinuouslearning.Theyshould promotecollaborationandempoweremployeesto contributeideasandexperimentwithnewapproaches.
Developdigitalliteracy:Asbusinessesbecome increasinglydigitized,leadersmustdevelopastrongdigital skillset.Thisincludesunderstandingdataanalytics,digital marketing,cybersecurity,andtheuseofdigitaltoolsfor communicationandcollaboration.Digitalliteracywillbe essentialformakinginformeddecisionsanddrivingdigital transformation.
Emphasizesustainability:Withgrowingenvironmental concerns,businessesareexpectedtoprioritize sustainability.Futureleadersshouldincorporate sustainabilitypracticesintotheirbusinessstrategies,suchas reducingcarbonfootprint,implementingrenewableenergy sources,andpromotingethicalandsociallyresponsible practices.Thisnotonlybenefitstheplanetbutalso improvesbrandreputationandattractsconscious consumers.
Cultivatediversityandinclusion:Thefutureofbusiness leadershipwillinvolvefosteringdiverseandinclusivework environments.Leadersshouldvaluediversityintermsof gender,race,ethnicity,age,andbackground,asdiverse teamsbringdifferentperspectivesandideas.Inclusive leadershipinvolvescreatingasafeandsupportive environmentwhereeveryonefeelsvaluedandempowered tocontribute.
Climatechangeisnolongeratheorybutareality
AccordingtoareportbytheMinistryofEarth Sciences(MoES)publishedin2020, theimpactsof climatechangehavebecomescientificallyevidentinthe Indiansubcontinentthroughacomparisonoflong-term climaticpatterns.Thereporthighlightedevidenceof climatechangeinIndia,citingspecificfactsasfollows:
Ÿ Between1901and2018,Indiaexperiencedanaverage temperatureriseof0.7°C.Itisprojectedthat temperaturescouldincreaseby4.4°Cbytheyear2100 comparedtothe1976-2005average.
Ÿ Thewarmestdayandcoldestnighttemperatureshave risenbyapproximately0.63°Cand0.4°C,respectively, overtherecent30-yearperiod(1986-2015).
Ÿ Summermonsoonrainfallhasdecreasedby6%from 1951to2015.
Ÿ There’sanincreasedfrequencyoflocalizedheavy rainfall,leadingtoflashfloodsandaprojectedrisein dailyextremerainfall.
Ÿ Thefrequencyofseverepost-monsooncyclonicstorms hassignificantlyincreasedinthelasttwodecades.
Ÿ SealevelsintheIndianOceanhaverisenatarateof 1.06mm-1.75mmperyearduring1874-2004.
Ÿ WhilecentralIndia’shumidregionshavebecome drought-prone,coastalareas,EasternUP,Gujarat,and majorurbanareaslikeMumbai,Kolkata,andChennai arebecomingflood-prone.
Giventhesecircumstances,thereisagrowingneedfora robustregulatoryframework,policy-drivenmitigation measures,andvoluntaryinitiativestolimitGreenhouseGas (GHG)emissions.AfterIndia’scommitmenttoachieving NetZeroby2070, numerouscompaniesinthecountryhave voluntarilypledgedtoreducetheirGHGemissionsand combatclimatechange.
Therenewableenergysectorstandstogainundersuch circumstancessinceitproducesenergywithoutemitting GHGs.However,likeanylarge-scaleinfrastructure, renewablepowergenerationfacilitiesarealsosusceptibleto physicalrisksarisingfromclimatechange.Someofthese risksinclude:
Ÿ Flashfloodscausedbyextremerainfallleadingto infrastructuredamage,equipmentdamage,and additionalcapitalexpenditureforrepairs.
Ÿ Heatstressandrisingtemperaturesleadtoreducedsolar photovoltaicefficiencyandacceleratedaging.
Ÿ Changesinwindspeedcausinginfrastructureand equipmentdamage,increasedsoiling,andstructure collapse,affectingwindturbinegeneratorproductivity
Ÿ Damagetoassociatedinfrastructureduringextreme weatherevents,leadingtostrandedassetsandreduced productivity
Hence,it’scrucialforrenewableenergycompaniesto incorporateclimatechangeriskmitigationstrategiesatboth thecorporateandprojectlevels.Employingtechnological solutionstoaddressclimatechangerisks,suchasselecting moduletechnologieswithlowertemperaturecoefficients, becomesessential.
SustainabilityStrategy
Theenvironmentalimpactofrenewableenergysystemshas beenaconcernfordecades.Severalpredominant environmentalimpactshavebeenidentified,including:
1. Landuseandthermalpollution
2. Pollutantdischargeduringconstruction
3. Visualimpacts
4. Effectsonnaturalresources
Withtherapidincreaseinthescaleofrenewableenergy projectsinIndia,fromkilowattstogigawatts,emerging sustainabilitychallengesarenowbeingrecognized.These challengesinclude:
Ÿ Impactonnaturalcapital:Large-scale,renewableenergy installationscandisruptcriticalnaturalhabitatsand impactlocalfauna.Transmissionlinesandwind turbines,forexample,canharmavianfauna.Water usageformodulecleaningaffectslocalwaterresources, andimpropermoduledisposalcanleadtosoil contamination.
Ÿ Impactonhumancapital:Lackofstandardizedhuman resourcepractices,unequalemploymentopportunities, andinadequatetrainingandmentoringimpactthe workforce.Healthandsafetyconcernsalsoariseasthe industryexpands.
Ÿ Impactonsocialcapital:Unethicallaborpracticesby vendorsandsub-vendors,non-compliancewith internationalguidelines,andunsustainablepractices erodesocialcapital.
Ÿ ConsideringthecumulativeimpactontheGreatIndian Bustard(ahighlyendangeredavianspecies)from transmissionlines,theSupremeCourtofIndiaordered alltransmissionlinesintheirhabitattobemoved
underground Anumberofoperating/under constructionrenewableenergyassetsfallunderthe purviewofthisjudgment.
Ÿ Since2021,therehavebeenincreasingglobal concernsaboutpossiblehumanrightsviolationsin XinjiangprovinceofChina.Pursuanttothis,thereis anindustry-widefocusondevelopingsustainable supplychains.
Consideringthesechallenges,renewableenergycompanies shouldshifttowardsaholisticsustainabilityapproach. Addressingsustainabilityissuesateverystageofthe business,frombiddingtodecommissioning,offers numerousbenefits:
Ÿ Enhancedbrandimageandcompetitiveadvantage
Ÿ Increasedproductivityandreducedcostsandrisks
Ÿ Improvedcompliancewithregulations
Ÿ Long-termoperationalstability
Ÿ Attractionofemployeesandinvestors
Ÿ Valueadditiontoinstitutionalandcommercial customersprocuringgreenpower
Thepursuitofsustainabilityisnotjustaboutpotential benefitsandrisks;itistheresponsiblecourseofaction.It’s timetoapproachsustainabilityholisticallyandintegrateit intoallaspectsoftherenewableenergybusiness.
