India journal - Great Lakes Leadership Academy - Michigan State ...

Discussions with Young Indians: how can we use these
relationships to further the common good?
February 26, 2012
The days continue to fly by each one
12-15 hour days full of tremendously
rich presentations, interactions and
amazing places. At last I’ve caught
up in my writing and get back to
today. We headed off to meet with
business people of India – a
wonderful, breezy, open-air setting
on a porch with stimulating
conversation and delicious food. I
spoke with the head of the business
school, a woman in that position for
the last five years; a retired energy
“NO BUSINESS CAN NOT BE
TOUCHED BY WORLDWIDE
EVENTS”
global CFO – talking about America,
our place in the world and our
future. I also talked with several
entrepreneurs – IT, web platforms,
vehicle weight and tracking
automation – and professor of
agronomy among others. We then
headed out for an engaging session at
the Confederation of Indian
Industries with the Young Indians
(yionline.org) followed by one with
business people 10 – 20 years their
senior. YI folks an incredibly
thoughtful group talking about how
to bring the entire country along and
how to have wealth accumulation
happen in a socially responsible
context. Other thoughts I capture
briefly as I listen and take notes: “It’s
not a responsibility, it’s an
opportunity – it’s not about a single
business, an industry, a business
owner, it’s about the nation.” “While
we may be living in comfort and with
certain privileges we know that there
is another Indian in need.” And then
some of the lessons learned from the
entrepreneurs who now have
significant experience: “Manage your
dreams. Balance your dream with the
resources you can mobilize.” “When
do you professionalize – don’t seek
or get comfortable with a comfort
zone.” “You can’t do it all yourself. Be
flexible.” “No business can NOT be
touched by worldwide events.”
“Finding the right talent – senior,
middle and fresh is key. Employ the
unemployable.” “In your first ten
years you are growing your base.”
“How knowledgeable you are gives
you an edge.” “Financing from banks–
problem is that being based on track
record or collateral is not ideal. It’s
typically been a problem and that
system is starting to change.” “Vision
and targets might be very personal.
You need to set it up in a way that
will be exciting for everyone you
want to bring along. That vision must
be exciting and authentic.”
Lisa Brush
Photos by Michael McClellan
20