Leadership for a Changing World: IIM Rohtak Hosts Transformative Summit
Rohtak, Haryana: The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Rohtak hosted its annual Leadership Summit on December 14, 2024, under the theme “Building the Future: Key Leadership Competencies for a Changing World.” The event brought together esteemed founders from some of India’s most innovative companies, including Nexus Power, GoStops, Zeebu, Stratview Research, and Sassafras. Over 300 students and faculty members attended, seizing the opportunity to engage and network with corporate leaders.
The summit was inaugurated by Prof. Dheeraj Sharma, Director of IIM Rohtak, who, in his welcome address, thanked the distinguished speakers for their contributions. Prof. Sharma encouraged students to draw inspiration from the leaders’ journeys and experiences, emphasizing that modern leadership transcends numerical metrics to focus on achieving qualitative outcomes. He highlighted adaptability, mindfulness, emotional intelligence, and strategic alignment as critical traits for leaders in an evolving world, urging attendees to embrace these competencies to lead with resilience and purpose.
Panel 1: “Adapt and Thrive: Leaders Embracing Agility in a Dynamic Market”
The first panel delved into how leaders can successfully navigate the complexities of a rapidly changing business environment. The speakers underscored the importance of agility and innovation, emphasizing that qualitative outcomes and a growth mindset outweigh mere numerical achievements. They discussed how confronting challenges fosters creativity, urging leaders to remain proactive and adaptable in uncertain scenarios. The session concluded with a focus on aligning tactical decisions with long-term visions, fostering resilience, and driving sustainable growth.
Panel 2: “Future-Proofing the Workforce: Founders’ Role in Shaping Tomorrow’s Talent”
The second panel explored the founders’ pivotal role in mentoring and developing a future-ready workforce. The speakers highlighted the importance of fostering adaptability, emotional intelligence, and robust decision-making through effective mentorship. Decentralization emerged as a key strategy for stimulating innovation and operational efficiency. The panellists also emphasized the significance of promoting diversity, inclusion, and empowerment to cultivate a thriving organizational culture that aligns with sustainable growth and innovation.
Panel 3: “Strategic Leadership: Navigating the Demands of a Fast-Paced World”
The third panel addressed the multifaceted challenges facing modern businesses, including technological, ecological, and social dynamics. The speakers reframed these challenges as opportunities for growth and renewal, urging future leaders to embrace adaptability, team development, and the process of unlearning. They stressed the need for creative, agile solutions to meet the demands of an ever-changing world, equipping students with the skills to seize new opportunities.
Each panel resonated with Prof. Sharma’s assertion that “thriving for leaders focuses on qualitative outcomes, not just quantitative results,” emphasizing agility, innovation, and a growth mindset.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks, underscoring the importance of fostering problem-solving skills and the growing influence of intrapreneurship in organizations. The speakers highlighted the increasing relevance of a founder’s mindset for individuals entering today’s dynamic and evolving workplace.
IIM Rohtak continues to establish itself as a premier institution of national importance, recently earning AMBA accreditation, placing it among the top 2% of management institutes worldwide. The institute, home to over 1,600 students, is celebrated for its diversity, with over 75% female representation in the last three years and students from more than 30 Indian states and Union Territories. Offering eight unique programs tailored to diverse academic and socio-economic backgrounds, IIM Rohtak adopts a multidisciplinary approach to shaping future leaders who excel in a global business landscape.
The Leadership Summit reaffirmed IIM Rohtak’s commitment to empowering students with the insights and competencies needed to excel as leaders in an ever-evolving world.
