Sumit Grover

A Humbling Encounter with Neeraj Sharma, Director of the Lexicon Group Some meetings leave you inspired, and then there are meetings that redefine your perspective on leadership and success. Yesterday, I had the privilege of meeting Neeraj Sharma, the visionary Director of the Lexicon Group, a powerhouse behind brands like Citta Beauty, Multifit, Thinker Place, Rest My Case, and more. The agenda was to explore their franchise models for Multifit and Lexicon Schools with an eye on expanding in the Mumbai region. However, the biggest takeaway for me wasn’t about business—it was about humility and leadership. What truly stayed with me was a simple yet profound statement he made: "I am nothing. It’s my team that makes me successful." In a world where personal accolades often take center stage, hearing these words was both refreshing and humbling. It’s been years since I’ve come across someone who genuinely embodies such selflessness and gratitude toward their team. Neeraj Sharma’s qualities are a lesson in true leadership: Team-first mindset: He recognizes and celebrates the power of collaboration, giving credit where it’s due. Humility in greatness: Despite his many accomplishments, he remains grounded, never letting success overshadow his values. Empathy and attentiveness: He not only listened to us with patience but ensured we left feeling heard and valued. Soft-spoken yet impactful: His words carried a quiet strength, inspiring reflection and admiration. This meeting wasn’t just about business—it was a moment of introspection for me. If there’s one thing I walked away with, it’s the realization that true success lies not in individual achievements but in lifting those around you and building a legacy of teamwork and respect. I hope to carry forward even a fraction of these qualities in my own journey. #LeadershipLessons #Inspiration #Teamwork #Humility https://lnkd.in/dCJzJxBU

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Revolutionize the future of finance! 🚀 Join our upcoming webinar on 'Transforming Fintech with Gen-AI' and discover how AI is transforming the financial industry. Register now and get ready to stay ahead of the curve! 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗻𝗼𝘄: https://lnkd.in/dyMEHupc #Fintech #GenAI #Webinar #teliolabs #jocata

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There is a thin line between being parents and being overprotective parents. How do you judge yourself as parent and how to foster a resilient child, this article by Dr Jil Shah, a practicing pediatric and founder of Aroha Hospitals explains it in a detailed way. Amongst all points, the key point I would like to follow is to Avoid why and try how questions. Are you a parent ? Which point do you like the most from this ? Or is there something that you would like to add to this ?

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As we get set for the third Nexus of Good Annual Awards, I recall how it was the interaction with organizations like Akshay Patra, Humana India , Akshara, Lend-A-Hand India and the wonderful work done by these organizations that gave me the idea of Nexus of Good . This article in Indica News is all about the evolution of Nexus of Good movement that has come a long way. https://lnkd.in/gxSDqyKV

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Real #climateaction is no longer happening at CoPs, but in our communities. Data, community engagement and digitisation should enable better informed decisions at all levels of governance, agency of local community and information access as a public good. Thanks to Society for Promoting Rural Education and development, Rishabh Verma and women leaders on ground, we have mapped common resources such as forests, agricultural land, pastures and non-timber forest produce such as mushrooms, sal leaves, kendu leaves over time to understand how changing patterns in climate and locally have affected these resources. Details in the links below...

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𝗜 𝗮𝗺 𝗻𝗼 𝗶𝗻𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿. 𝗕𝘂𝘁, 𝗜 𝗮𝗺 𝗮 𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 Inflection Point Ventures. My reason for joining them was simple - I am fascinated by the world of #Startups. Innovation and new ideas excite me. I am curious to know the what, how, and the why of the founder's ideas. I want to expand my network, my knowledge, and learn more about angel investing. The only way to learn is by exploring, being curious, and asking questions. And by networking outside of your comfort zone. 𝙄𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙣𝙚𝙩𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜, 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜. Investors have many apprehensions when it comes to investing. Attending the IPV Connect event held in Mumbai on June 14, 2024, was an eye-opener at various levels. Listening to tips on allaying those apprehensions through a scintillating conversation between Vinay Bansal and Ankur Mittal, ably moderated by Rajiv Indimath, here is what I picked up: 🔰 You need to get involved to understand this sector 🔰 Take baby steps - observe, listen, read, and learn 🔰 Experiment with small amounts 🔰 Follow your passion and interest - for instance, agri and health tech startups interest me the most because I am fascinated with the impact innovative ideas in this field can do 🔰 Get out of your comfort zone and network with other investors 𝗜 𝗮𝗺 𝗻𝗼 𝗶𝗻𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿. 𝗡𝗼𝘁 𝘆𝗲𝘁. #startups #angelinvesting #networking #innovation #curiosity

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"Consider everything a risk and do everything you can to mitigate it." A thoughtful insight from Nithin Kamath during his conversation with Shradha Sharma. Managing risk is key to staying ahead in business. A big shoutout to YourStory Media for always being at the forefront of great conversations and ideas. See you all at Day 2 for more insightful discussions! #RiskManagement #BusinessLeadership #TechSparks2024 #Entrepreneurship

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Going to be an interesting session.

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How do you declutter communication to make every conversation count? In a world of information overload, communicating clearly and effectively is a critical skill for leaders. Mohit Rawat President and Chief Business Officer of Fusion Pharmaceuticals, has mastered this art. During an insightful chat with Prezent, he shared how distilling conversations to their essence transforms leadership. The secret?  Listening first. Leaders can pinpoint challenges and tailor their influence by truly understanding what others care about. Mohit employs what he calls a "pipeline" approach. By simply asking, "Why is this important?"...he can peel back the layers of a conversation to unveil its core issues. "When you reach the core, it's simple," he explains. "It clears the clutter and sets the foundation to build on. Here's his powerful three-point strategy: 1. Recognize priorities: True priorities are few. Identify what matters most. → Focus your energy on critical areas to address the most impactful issues rather than getting bogged down by less critical matters. 2. Lead with action: Get senior leadership to focus on the core question and tailor your message. → When your message addresses things that matter to your audience, it becomes easier to garner support and drive collective action. 3. Think downstream: Connect with your team. What's in it for them? Simplicity in communication wins. → When everyone knows what's at stake and can see how their contributions fit the bigger picture, they’re more likely to be engaged. How are you simplifying your conversations to drive impact? Share your strategies below!

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India’s Global Capability Centers (#GCCs) are experiencing a significant transformation. Recent data indicates that approximately one-third of existing GCCs are expanding their presence within the country, with half aiming to do so within the next five years. This trend is driven by the need for diverse talent and the desire to mitigate risks associated with location concentration. By establishing multiple centers across various regions, companies can tap into a broader talent pool and ensure operational resilience. The impact of this expansion is substantial. GCCs contribute over 1% to India’s GDP and significantly boost service exports. The market size of India’s GCCs is projected to grow from $64.6 billion in fiscal 2024 to between $99 billion and $105 billion by 2030. This growth is not limited to traditional tech hubs like Bengaluru and Hyderabad. There’s a noticeable shift towards Tier 2 cities, offering cost advantages and access to untapped talent. As we witness this evolution, several questions arise: 1) How can organizations ensure that their multi-GCC strategy aligns with their global objectives while catering to local dynamics? 2) What measures should be taken to maintain a cohesive corporate culture across multiple centers in diverse locations? 3) How can companies leverage the unique strengths of each region to foster innovation and drive global competitiveness? #gics #techoutsourcing #beyondmetros #talentavailability Follow us on #ceosgurukul #firsttimeceos https://lnkd.in/dmg4m2E7

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I will be moderating a panel discussion on "AI Powered Startups: Thriving in the Age of Innovation" at PM Conclave-NX 2024. This annual flagship event of PMI Mumbai Chapter brings together industry leaders, PM practitioners, domain experts, academic institutions, students, and sponsors to celebrate the project management profession. Our theme this year, "Project Leadership Re-imagined: 'AI' as your Copilot," sets the stage for exchanging insights on technology trends, best practices, and the application of AI advancements. Join us to explore analytics, multidisciplinary team building strategies, and utilizing AI tools to drive corporate initiatives. At PM Conclave-NX 2024, we will delve into AI adaptation, cutting-edge tools like Generative AI, Large Language Models, cybersecurity trends, cloud computing, and robotic process automation. Sessions will focus on project management methodologies, AI-enhanced decision-making, sustainable projects, and transformational leadership. This event is a must-attend for those looking to excel in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. Join us to enhance your project leadership skills and connect with an innovative community. Looking forward to meeting my fellow panelists Utpal Chakraborty (PhD), Uday Sanghani, Dr. Suresh Nadar, Alok Ranjan and Dr. Neha Mishra. Annual conclave is also a unique event to reunite with friends at PMI Mumbai Chapter. Looking forward to meeting all members, volunteers, President Dr. Oscar Leo D'souza, PMP®and all Board of Directors of the chapter. Don't miss the opportunity to learn, grow, and network with project management practitioners from the western region. #PMConclaveNX2024. #ProjectManagement #AI #Innovation #Leadership

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Creating climate lexicon that can speak about lived experiences that connect peoples' local dialects with narratives on climate change. Sharing work that is being developed in Maharashtra through 'Gram Samvaads' being done by our partner RSCD. Read more about it in this article in Outlook's climate special.

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Such a delight addressing @ NATCON, 2024 a two day fantastic event themed as "India @2047: Human Capital for a developed India" . An absolute honor to share stage space with some mighty luminaries in the craft @SreekanthKArimanithaya TVRao T, @SampadaPachaury, Debashis (Deb Ashis) Chatterjee, @ShettySobinsKuriakose, Maj Pallavi Shivanna ACC ICF, @Dr.RamanRamachandran, @VinayRanjan, Prakrithi Shetty, @AnilKaushik, @SushirKumar @RohithBhat @AreffSalauroo, @KenVijayakumar -Chartered FCIPM Ahmed Ibrahim, Chartered MCIPD, CPHR, @Dr.PMeganathan @KamalBali, @RavindranathGumaste, @Richard Lobo @SantoshBhave, @NanjappaKG @aditya joshi @ShrinivasHn, Kena Shree @Nandita Gurjar Spoke on "Impact of technology and AI in shaping HR" My favorite part of my talk was playing the devil's advocate with the topic. "In all the hype created around technology and AI, that those two will be the game changers in the future, let us not forsake the human touch that is all so important for human progress." "We have not inherited the planet from our ancestors, but we just borrowed it from our children. And the generation next is already digitalized, and automated. In the name of tech progress. Are we going to automate them more, digitalize them more or do we understand our responsibility to humanize them more?" "Let's not just train them on Artificial Intelligence, but on Social Intelligence as well" "Let's not just empower them with Machine Language but with the Missing Language of love and care as well" "Let's not shape the future with technology but with empathy and community as well." "The future is safe if we teach our minds to innovate, but our hearts to elevate." Thank you so much Robert Cutinha for the invite, @Steevan Pinto, Chairman and Convenor of the conference for your hospitality, Asha A Pai for the co-ordination, Stelson for being my man Friday, and the entire team for your seamless professional touch #praisethelord #motivationalspeaker #corporatetrainer #HRM #Conferencespeaker #DJ #India #Speaker

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Navigating the Challenges of Parenting Teens in India Parenting teens today is increasingly complex due to technology's pervasive influence. 89% of Indian teens have smartphones, leading to pressures from academics, social media, and mental health issues. With nearly 40% experiencing overwhelming stress, the need for effective strategies is crucial. The Genius Matrix offers tools for parents to understand and guide their teens, establishing healthy boundaries and fostering emotional intelligence. By reconnecting with your child, you can help them thrive in a digital world. #Parenting #Teenagers #MentalHealth #GeniusMatrix #DigitalParenting #EmotionalIntelligence #India

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🌏 SEP Reunion India: A Journey of Learning, Connection, and Celebration! 🇮🇳✨ What an incredible experience! As part of the SEP Alumni Scholarship Foundation , our SEP Reunion in Jaipur with generations of Stanford University Graduate School of Business alumni. Our mission? To connect, learn, celebrate, and—most importantly—raise a scholarship for a social leader to attend Stanford. 🌟 With inspiring leaders full of Wisdom to Guide us the Future, we kicked off with thought-provoking insights from: 🧘‍♀️ Sarah Soule Reminded us that listening is the greatest gift we can offer and that leaders must slow down—“busy is the new stupid.” (something I need to deep dive in!) 🌏 Mr. Shri Dammu Ravi (Secretary of Economic Relations, India): Emphasized inclusive economic policies and collaboration, teaching us that no one can do it alone. 🏥 Lav Agarwal (India’s Dr. Fauci): Shared how India’s healthcare system is leveraging AI at scale while turning constraints into opportunities. 🌱 Dr. Prashant Narnaware (Commissioner, Women and Child Development): Inspired us with his work in tribal development and the message that the future must be inclusive. 📚 SEP Talks: Our very own alumni took the stage to share groundbreaking ideas and personal insights that inspire action: 💡🌱🤝🌍 Nicolas Sauvage “Innovation Karma” – You can’t predict the future, but you can dream it and make it happen. 🇮🇳 Prasad Vanga Revealed the power of India’s youth, where 1 in 5 people worldwide is an Indian under 25. 🔄 Claudia Salvischiani Showed us how changing our perception can change the world. 🌎 Olga Paxson, Ph.D. Shared actionable steps for SEPeers to help reduce carbon emissions and drive sustainability. ⚡ Reynaldo Passanezi, PhD. Highlighted the need for renewable energy investments in cost-efficient markets. ✈️ Monali Jain (MJ) Unveiled how the autonomous airspace industry is shaping up and why India is the perfect place to build it. 💸 Sanjay Sinha Delivered a masterclass in pricing strategy—start with the right value to avoid chaotic discounts. 🚀 Startup Spotlights: Innovation in Action 🎯 Special thanks to Samir Shah for helping these startups to shine! 🙌 💰 2NK Partners by Nayim Khemais : Private credit and distressed M&A specialists. 🎵 Ripe Capital by Serge Golovkov Democratizing music royalties through blockchain. 🧘‍♂️ CalmMind by Kseniia Petrova AI-driven stress management solutions. 🧠 Dialogai by Mikhail Karpov Generative AI transforming corporate training with avatars. 🌀 MEA Mindfulness App by Stefanie M. McNansky Mindfulness reimagined for personal well-being. Vivek Biyani and Rahul Agarwalla explored how AI is an equalizer and globalization is an evolution, not a dilution. 💖 Gratitude & Special Thanks to everyone who made this possible—your contributions, energy, and spirit were unmatched! Sindoor Mittal Mehul Thakur Prakash Nedungadi Prof Dr GVR Shastri Abhishek Sharma Flt Lt Kanchan Dwivedi (Retd) Bharat Bakhshi Bakhshi

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Check out my latest article, "Digital Leadership for a Viksit Bharat 2047: Fostering Innovation, Shaping Tomorrow," featured in The India Foundation Journal's May-June issue, one of the most respected mediums for policy discourse in India. I delve into the transformative journey of India over the past decade, focusing on key government reforms and digital initiatives. Exploring how digital inclusion, infrastructure development, and emerging technologies are shaping our path towards a developed India by 2047.  In the article, I have comprehensively covered the important government initiatives and their direct and indirect impact on the people and the country, including: 1.⁠ ⁠How digital inclusion has emerged as a cornerstone of development strategies in an increasingly interconnected world. 2.⁠ ⁠Analysis of the significant outcomes over the past decade, since the Indian government launched the ambitious “Digital India” programme in 2015 against the program's overarching goal.  3.⁠ ⁠Impact on the digital divide between urban and rural areas and connecting the unconnected. 4.⁠ ⁠Analysis of infrastructure development initiatives  5.⁠ ⁠The smartphone and data revolution as the foundation for the decade of transformation 6.⁠ ⁠Modi G se 5G - India's high tech adoption rates in the last 10 years 7. India's AI Mission 8.⁠ ⁠Solutions of complex societal challenges 9. Way Forward for a Viksit Bharat 10. The Next 100 Days I structured my piece around these 5 themes: 1.⁠ ⁠Economic Growth 2.⁠ ⁠Digital Public Infrastructure  3.⁠ ⁠Digital India Program 4.⁠ ⁠Entrepreneurship and Innovation  5.⁠ ⁠Emerging Technologies Also created a model based on where we are and where we aspire to be by 2047. As we aim to take the big steps towards a Viksit Bharat, the STRIDE model of Transformation aims to be the lighthouse, guiding us there. I thank the India Foundation leadership for the opportunity to thoroughly explore, engage, and examine and contribute to this very important theme. My comprehensive article, "Digital Leadership for Viksit Bharat 2047: Fostering Innovation, Shaping Tomorrow" can be found here. Do please read and share. would love to hear from you: https://lnkd.in/gQ7RFT4j #ViksitBharat2047 #DigitalIndia #DPI #IndiaAIMission #AI #publicpolicy #Modi #India #10years #goodgovernance #responsibleleadership #governmentaffairs #DevelopedIndia2027 #DigitalEconomy

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For starters, it is heartening to observe the spark of intellectual leadership within the Indian tech sphere emanating from entrepreneurial visionaries which till now have been coming from the saffron leadership (probably signs of capitalism). Sadly, though the remainder of these startup founders & investors seem to have capitulated their integrity to the omnipotent behemoths of Big Tech. Second, let us appreciate, if not their endeavors, then at the very least the noble intentions of Bhavish Aggarwal and the Ola & Ola Electric team in articulating a visionary manifesto for India. This needs not just government support but significant awareness of era of tech colonialism we are in. Now, to the article and a few of the facts in it below. The thing that I loved the most is dual focus on tech & energy, both needed to transform India's future. #1 Despite our huge success in IT services, it represents just 1% of the $30 trillion global technology industry. #2 The analogy of raw materials export from India only for the final products to be imported is so true even today. #3 The biggest chip company in the US has a market cap more than India's GDP. Still we don't want to invest a few thousand crores in it? #4 The most number of chip developers in the world are Indians. But sadly, we don't have a single Indian-designed chip If we want a different future, we need to act today and we have to work hard in our present. Yes, it will be a painful experience in the near term extra working hours and worse pay but for your God's sake let's build that future for India not for your employer, not for your family, not even for yourself but for India who will be proud of us in 2047. https://lnkd.in/gDcR2_7f #JaiHind, #tech #energy #India2047

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How can frugal founders make their money go further? Hear from Arshdeep Jindal from Finvisage as he speaks of the three things that they do. #aroundtheworld #frugalfounders

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I am in this spree of soul searching, setting goals, for which I have to thank the infectious energy of Archana Dutta and Neha Kirpalani. I have been trying a series of journal prompts. The first one is my first principle of any clarity exercise : What would I do, how would I fill my time and attention with, if all my needs were met? And most importantly, there was no one, absolutely no one to witness me - not to criticise, but more importantly - nor anyone to applaud and validate? What would I do? The list is below. What would you do? This is first step towards clarity, and goal setting. #self-discovery, #goalsetting #purpose #clarity #journaling #flowstate #creativity

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