IIM-Shillong recently organised the Thought Leaders Conclave on the theme “Experiences in Building World-Class Indian Organisations and Lessons for Entrepreneurship.”
The event featured prominent speakers who included N Lakshmi Narayanan (Co-Founder of Cognizant and Director at CMI, ICT Academy, and Shriram Capital Pvt Ltd), K Venugopal (Director of Kasturi & Sons Limited), and Gopal Srinivasan (Chairman and Managing Director, TVS Capital Funds Pvt Ltd).
The discussion emphasised the growing need for entrepreneurial thinking in India, underscoring the role Indian organisations can play in solving complex global challenges. Companies such as ONDC, UPI, Nykaa, and Zomato were highlighted as examples of how innovation has enabled Indian businesses to outperform global giants.
Narayanan stressed the importance of technological and data literacy in today’s business landscape. He said that automation reshapes industries, he highlighted the importance of three core skills: technological literacy, data literacy, and human-centric abilities like communication and creativity.
He emphasised that continuous learning, especially in areas like AI and short-term courses, is crucial for staying relevant. According to him, success in this evolving landscape is not merely tied to advanced degrees but to mastering technology, data, and social skills.
Srinivasan discussed India’s potential to become a $35 trillion economy by 2047, with technology forming the foundation of future business growth. He urged aspiring entrepreneurs to gain real-world experience before launching ventures, emphasising that attracting, retaining, and motivating talent are key to building successful businesses.
He also noted that innovation is no longer optional but essential, driven by collaboration between startups, corporations, and the government to reimagine traditional industries and propel India’s growth.
Venugopal focused on the distinction between managers and entrepreneurs. He said that while managers sustain and improve, entrepreneurs create new opportunities that drive growth and transform industries.
He also urged the students of IIM-Shillong to focus on becoming job creators rather than job seekers.
The conclave also reflected on the broader mission of IIMs to shift from producing managers to cultivating entrepreneurs. With the evolving economic landscape, IIMs are poised to play a pivotal role in fostering innovation-driven entrepreneurship.
By integrating entrepreneurial curriculum, offering mentorship and funding support, and encouraging risk-taking, IIMs can produce the next generation of business leaders who not only manage existing systems but also create new ventures and drive India’s economy forward.
The event fostered an intergenerational dialogue between experienced industry leaders and the students of IIM Shillong, encouraging a vibrant exchange of ideas on building world-class Indian organisations rooted in core social values, while underscoring the institute’s vital role in nurturing entrepreneurs over managers.
