CIO Leadership Summit

The first edition of the CIO Leadership Summit was held on Friday May 29th and Saturday, May 30th at the Angsana Resorts and Spa, near Bangalore.
The event was highlighted by extremely thought provoking sessions by Subroto Bagchi, Gardner at Mindtree, K Ganesh, the founder of TutorVista, Anand Sudarshan, MD and CEO of Manipal Education and Bhaskar Bhat, MD of Titan Industries. The presentations focused on the most relevant topic today - Staying Buoyant in Troubled Times. Almost all the speakers focused on the power of believing and the magic of entrepreneurship as the leadership mantra in these slow conditions.

Key Highlights

Lessons from Around the Globe: Perspectives from CIOs

Subroto Bagchi, Gardner, Mindtree

In his keynote presentation, Bagchi said that  the recession has changed the world economy unrecognizably, restructuring almost every equation. The turbulence in the times, however, has actually driven innovation. Kraft's sales has increased because more and more Americans are eating at home, New Jersey's less than glamorous beaches are now populated because less people can afford the Bahamas now. So it's really about the way one looks at it, forward looking people, with entrepreneurial and leadership abilities don't take setbacks, they look for opportunities in those challenges. The Gardner of Mindtree  allowed no complacence, asserting that the economy will never go back to its pre-recession style, the nature of downturn is to seed new opportunities, and this one's no different....CIOs should not miss the train to the Boardroom, this is their best opportunity. View Video Interview

The Re-invention Equation: How to Stay Full of Fizz

K Ganesh, Founder & CEO, TutorVista

In his racy and witty style, K Ganesh spoke about why it is important to constantly re-invent one's role in the organization.  Ideas can come from anywhere, said Tutor Vista's founder, a serial entrepreneur has an unflagging faith in the power of entrepreneurship. In these turbulent times, believing on one's abilities could be the way out for a true leader to drive recovery. "I think it  is really both but what has happened in the last 6 to eighteen months  necessitates a more fundamental move rather than a gradual change, so that needs to be disruptive innovation. Fortunately technology changes makes it possible, but I personally feel while smaller tweaking will help, here is a great opportunity for us to take a giant leap forward," he pointed out. Faced with no options, business could benefit only through a dynamic leadership that keeps the fizz alive, and encourages others to do so too. Download Full Presentation | View Video Interview

Entrepreneurs Ahoy : Running IT Like a Business

Anand Sudarshan, MD & CEO, Manipal Education

In his presentation titled Running IT Like a Business, Anand spoke about why it is important for CIOs to don the role of a 'transformational agent', especially at a time like this. He said the slowdown is a great opportunity for IT leaders to take the lead and look at IT from the eyes of an entrepreneur. Stressing on the importance of leading from the front, Sudarshan said "I believe for a person to succeed he has to be self-centered. The CIO is very capable of bringing his personal self and the organizational self together." He said these are interesting times for IT pros to be proactive leaders and prepare for an adversity even before it occurs. Download Full Presentation | View Video Interview

Why a Titan Never Slows Down : Tips to Negotiate a Downturn

Bhaskar Bhatt, Managing Director, Titan Industries

While organizations face a capital crunch, most consumers are facing a cash flow challenge. That insight set off the MD of Titan Bhaskar Bhat's presentation on why Titan never slows down. He revealed new opportunities that Titan - and another companies can find to beat the slowdown -- beyond moving to less urban cities. He also explained why some segments have not decreased their purchase rates and what drives consumers to keep spending. Bhat also demonstrated how Titan planned to make itself leaner and engage its people more deeply. Download Full Presentation | View Video Interview