Inspiring Leaders Redefining the Future – 2025

5. very great story begins with a turning point. For many leaders, it is the moment they choose to step E outside their comfort zone and embrace challenges that test their courage. What sets them apart is not only their ability to dream, but also their will to keep moving forward when the road gets uncertain. Walking The world today needs leaders who understand that true success is measured not just by personal achievements but by the lives they touch. These are individuals who stand firm in the Path their values, yet remain open to learning and evolving. They build not only businesses, but also communities of trust, collaboration, and hope. Their journeys are reminders that leadership is not about titles. It is about responsibility, empathy, and vision. of Purpose Each story we encounter is a reflection of perseverance. Some leaders rise from humble beginnings, carrying with them the lessons of patience and persistence. Others channel years of expertise into creating opportunities that leave a lasting mark. What unites them is a shared belief that progress is possible when one dares to take the first step. Leadership is never a straight line. It is marked by trial, error, and discovery. The inspiring part lies in how these individuals continue to adapt, to innovate, and to guide others through change with a steady hand. They remind us that tomorrow is shaped not by chance, but by deliberate action taken today. In this latest edition, Inspiring Leaders Redefining the Future - 2025, we highlight voices that continue to shape industries, uplift people, and open doors to new possibilities. These leaders stand as reminders that progress is never accidental. It comes from choices made with conviction, from resilience in the face of setbacks, and from the vision to create something larger than oneself. Have a great read ahead!

6. THE PRIMETODAY EXCELLENCE IN EVERY EDITION Editor In Chief - Sara Nethan Senior Editor - Mark Levine Executive Editor - Jessica Grey Visualizer - Johan Marshall Art and Design - Kiran Kamble Vice President - Kathleen Lewis Sales Manager - Akshay Dokh Team Leader - Manthan Tambe Operation Manager - Tracy Oliva Technical Head - Chris Dey Digital Marketing - Ritu Baviskar

8. Cover story 10 Amb.Dr. Rajib Acharya

9. CONTENT Amir Dr. Haleema Vashkover Yezdani Neha Shivinder Sharma Sharma A R T I C L E S 24 Leadership vs Management: The Key Differences Explained 40 Top 7 Leadership Styles and How to Select the Correct One

18. iscipline and focus are not What defines Amir is his ability to continues to drive how Amir leads, learned overnight. For Amir bridge high-stakes decision-making innovates, and imagines the years D Vashkover, these qualities with practical solutions. At Philips, this ahead. were honed in the military, where translates into security strategies that every decision carried weight and enable growth and innovation while Purpose Drives Leadership preparation determined success. That protecting sensitive information. His same mindset now guides his work in leadership ensures that digital Persistence serves as a powerful force, cybersecurity, where stakes are equally transformation is not a risk but an but purpose guides every step in the high and precision is critical. opportunity, and that every initiative right direction. Consistency plays a key aligns with a purpose larger than role in leadership, shaping the way At Philips, Amir leads Data Security, technology itself. decisions are made, communication is forming enterprise-wide strategies to delivered, and behavior is protect the company's digital Amir Vashkover's journey shows that demonstrated. Adhering to high ethical transformation. From adopting principles forged in service can guide standards ensures that actions remain generative AI technologies safely to leadership in any arena. By combining aligned and reliable. building robust security programs, he discipline, technical acumen, and a ensures innovation moves forward commitment to people, he secures the At the same time, successful leaders without compromising safety. What he digital world while inspiring those maintain a balance between steadfast brings from his military experience is around him to embrace challenges with consistency and creative flexibility. mission-driven leadership: a precision and confidence. This equilibrium allows them to think commitment to protecting people, innovatively while remaining grounded processes, and data with the same rigor The Spark of Vision in principles. Leadership extends he applied to leading troops in complex beyond ego or authority; it is a role situations. Amir believes that the people defined by responsibility. People surrounding an individual play the choose to follow, support, and draw Over 20 years, Amir has held global greatest role in shaping purpose and inspiration from a leader rather than roles spanning technical, business, and drive. When trust, support, and being compelled. leadership responsibilities. He has built empathy are extended, they naturally professional services teams, led inspire reciprocation. The principle When faced with uncertainty, Amir strategic alliances, and developed reflected in Newton's Third Law of emphasizes a mindset of programs that strengthen cybersecurity Motion for every action, there is an service—serving the vision, the team, on a global scale. For him, success is equal and opposite reaction guides, and the greater good. This approach measured not just by technical motivates, and focuses him on guides decision-making with integrity solutions but by the people and teams improving the world each day. and a long-term perspective, keeping empowered to execute them. Strong fear from dictating actions and teams, he believes, are the most Years ago, a sudden call from a long- ensuring leadership remains resilient defense against evolving time mentor offered Amir a senior purposeful. threats. position at a young cybersecurity startup. The opportunity carried Leadership Responsibility Trust Beyond his professional achievements, immense potential alongside Amir maintains a life of discipline and significant risk. He accepted the offer Visibility is a privilege, but it is also a endurance. He is a triathlete and with boundless motivation. responsibility. When the world is marathon runner, constantly watching, words and actions carry challenging himself physically, while This decision became the catalyst for greater weight, which means one must long-distance motorbike rides offer his vision of the future. He realized be intentional. For Amir, this space for reflection and clarity. He also that extraordinary achievements responsibility comes down to two volunteers as a certified EMT with the emerge only when individuals step out things: transparency and Red Cross, extending his mission- of comfort. To shape the future, one accountability. driven approach to serve the must embrace reinvention and venture community. into the unknown. This mindset of Leadership today is less about being a courage and constant renewal heroic figure and more about building

19. Builds Global Security Programs and Teams to Protect Philips' Digital Assets! Amir Vashkover Defending Data, Enabling Progress

20. collective ownership. His achievable when divided into gives Amir confidence and motivation responsibility is to ensure ambition small, measurable steps. to overcome it. He listens to feedback never blinds the organization to ethics, and other perspectives carefully, sustainability, or the human impact of 2. Building the business case – recognizing their importance. decisions. When people trust someone Resources are always limited: with leadership, they trust them with time, budget, knowledge, and so This approach is especially true with their time, their careers, and their on. Prioritization is key, and transformative technologies such as hopes, and that accountability is demonstrating value-for-money GenAI. Resistance often arises from something Amir never takes lightly. makes ideas viable. fear, fear of replacement, fear of losing control, or fear of the unknown. To This is especially relevant today, as 3. Iterating constantly – Impossible lead effectively, Amir addresses these technologies like GenAI reshape entire ideas rarely arrive fully formed. concerns directly, helping people view industries. While GenAI enables They evolve through testing, GenAI as a tool that augments human extraordinary possibilities, it also feedback, and refinement. creativity and efficiency rather than a brings questions of trust, bias, and threat. accountability. As a leader, Amir Amir observes that technologies like ensures these tools are applied GenAI help shorten the distance To inspire others, he acknowledges the ethically and transparently. Technology between imagination and reality. What challenges as real. He emphasizes the should accelerate progress but never at once required months of research or purpose behind actions and the the cost of people's confidence. When prototyping can now be accelerated in possibilities that emerge when people trust someone with leadership, days. These tools do not replace human persistence continues. He believes in they trust them with their time, their vision but amplify the ability to test, leading by example, understanding that careers, and their hopes, and that refine, and create at scale. when people observe calmness, focus, accountability is something Amir never and consistency during difficult times, takes lightly. He always reminds himself that “it is they gain permission to believe that the always hardest to take the car out of storm will pass. Making the Impossible Possible the parking lot.” Leadership as Example and Impact Amir often says that anyone can “kill” Staying Rooted Amid Doubt and a good idea. Therefore, “impossible” Resistance Leadership is something hard to define exists only as one perspective. He but easy to identify. For Amir, one of nurtures ideas in three ways: Doubt and resistance form part of the most challenging yet meaningful every change. While uncertainty can leadership roles is with those most 1. Breaking them into milestones – feel discouraging, resistance almost important to him his children. It can be Even the boldest vision becomes always appears, and paradoxically, that the most complicated thing or the simplest thing. He simplifies it by saying, “Leadership is to be a role model for your kids and make them proud of you.” In the business world, he often uses this measure of leadership: “When your leader joins a meeting you are leading – do you feel relief or anxiety?” Managing Risk with Clarity Amir believes there is risk in everything people do. To completely

21. that perspective keeps everything else reminds himself that time is the most in balance. precious resource and its value only grows. That is why he should not The Cost of Leadership postpone today's dreams for tomorrow. No true achievement comes from a But the biggest thing Amir has had to place of comfort. When someone feels let go of is perfectionism. As a leader, too comfortable for too long, they may he quickly realized that one cannot be missing something critical perhaps control every outcome nor should they. even something harmful in the long To grow, a leader must trust others, run. embrace failure as part of the process, and accept that progress often comes in Amir likes to use “tasty food” as a imperfect steps. metaphor. When the food is delicious, it is often not the healthiest too much Closing Thought - In His Words sugar, fat, or salt. Similarly, if someone feels like they are in the “best job ever” My personal motto has always been: for a very long time, it might be the “It's always either achievements or right moment to challenge themselves excuses.” For me, this is not just a avoid risk, one would have to stop and push towards the next level. phrase it's a guiding philosophy. We acting. Comfort can sometimes move a person can't control everything, but we can away from the core into the “nice-to- control how we show up, how we He uses two principles to manage risks have” zone. persist, and how we create value. effectively. First, he "cleans up the noise" minimizing the weight of Another sacrifice is losing control of If I leave behind a legacy, I hope it is isolated examples, arbitrary incidents, time. With leadership comes many one of courage to reinvent, integrity in advice from people one does not know, leadership, and unwavering belief in commitments, and with that, time is no or things outside one's control. Second, the power of people to shape the future. longer fully one's own. Amir often he puts things into proportion and "normalizes" the impact of risks. In truth, very few things can affect what truly matters the health and safety of oneself and loved ones. Daily Reminders That Keep Him Grounded Amir keeps two reminders at the core of his daily life. The first comes from Maslow's hierarchy the most basic needs must always be prioritized. Eating well, sleeping well, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle are essential. In the professional world, this translates to respecting work–life balance. The second reminder is to never let ambition overshadow kindness and empathy. Before being a leader, he is a human being, and staying grounded in

24. eadership and management are often used as if they mean the same thing. L Yet, they play very different roles in any organization. According to a Gallup study, only one in ten people have the natural talent to manage, while an even smaller percentage Leadership excel at leading. vs That means most organizations struggle to balance both functions. Without clear leadership, people lose direction. Without Management: strong management, systems break down. Understanding where the two meet and where they differ is what sets successful professionals The Key Differences Explained apart. What is Leadership: The Bigger Picture Leadership is about vision and influence. A leader paints a picture of the future and inspires others to work toward it. Think of someone like Mahatma Gandhi. He had no official title of authority in a corporate sense, yet he moved millions through his vision and values. Leadership goes beyond authority. It comes from the ability to spark belief in others. Leaders focus on long-term goals. They are driven by change, innovation, and the need to take people somewhere they have not been before. Leadership is often future-focused. What is Management: The Structural Backbone Management is about structure, process, and execution. Where leadership sets the vision, management makes sure it gets done. Imagine a construction site. The architect is like the leader who designs the vision, while the project manager is the one ensuring materials arrive on time, deadlines are met, and budgets stay in check. Managers are focused on order. They break down complex goals into tasks and systems. They ensure stability by setting rules, processes, and guidelines. While leaders often look at what could be, managers deal with what is happening now. Without them, even the best vision remains an idea.

25. Leadership vs Management: Key Leadership vs Management: People chains, and customer service, those Differences in Approach vs Processes visions would collapse. The first major difference lies in Leadership is people-centered. Leaders Look at any hospital. Doctors who focus. Leadership drives change, focus on developing individuals, guide patient care with vision and while management sustains unlocking their potential, and helping empathy act as leaders. Hospital operations. Leaders ask questions like them grow. A leader sees a person not administrators who manage staff “Where should we go next?” only for their current role but for what schedules, budgets, and compliance Managers ask “How do we get there they could become. serve as managers. safely and efficiently?” Management is process-centered. How to Balance Leadership and Another difference is their Managers focus on efficiency, rules, Management in Your Role relationship with people. Leaders and accountability. They ensure tasks inspire through trust and motivation. are completed correctly and on time. Many professionals find themselves Managers build relationships through caught between the two roles. A team authority and responsibility. Leaders The difference can be explained leader in a corporate setting, for often encourage experimentation, through a sports analogy. The coach example, may need to inspire their while managers minimize risk. who motivates and inspires players is team while also ensuring deadlines are Neither is superior. Both are the leader. The operations manager met. Balancing both requires self- necessary for any organization that who ensures training schedules, awareness. wants to grow without collapsing logistics, and resources are in place is under chaos. the manager. The team needs both to Develop leadership skills by practicing succeed. empathy, improving communication, Leadership vs Management: and sharing vision with others. Decision-Making Styles Why Both Leadership and Strengthen management skills by Management are Important learning project planning, time management, and performance Leaders often make decisions based tracking. on vision and intuition. They can see Organizations that only have leaders may move quickly but lack stability. patterns that others may overlook and are comfortable taking bold steps into They may dream big but fail to deliver The balance can also shift over time. the unknown. For instance, when results. On the other hand, Startups often need more leadership Steve Jobs pushed for the creation of organizations with only managers may early on to set bold directions. As the the iPhone, many thought it was run smoothly but remain stagnant, company grows, management becomes unrealistic. That decision shaped the unable to adapt to change. critical to maintain structure. future of technology. A balance of both is essential. Leaders Leadership and management are Managers, on the other hand, make bring vision, while managers bring different, but they are not opposites. decisions based on data, structure, and order. Together, they create progress. A They are complementary forces that existing systems. They rely on proven Harvard Business Review article once work together to drive success. methods to minimize mistakes. In the explained it perfectly: leadership Leadership is about vision, inspiration, same Apple example, managers were without management can be chaos, and and change. Management is about the ones who turned the iPhone idea management without leadership can be order, systems, and execution. into a reliable, market-ready product lifeless. by coordinating engineers, suppliers, Real-World Examples of Leadership For anyone aiming to grow in their and marketing teams. vs Management career, the key is not to choose one over the other, but to develop both. Both styles of decision-making are Consider Elon Musk. His leadership Organizations need leaders who can valuable. Vision without execution is pushes Tesla toward ambitious goals see the future and managers who can imagination. Execution without vision like space travel and renewable energy. make it real. When the two align, is repetition. Yet, without strong managers inside progress is not only possible but Tesla handling operations, supply sustainable.

28. Dr. Haleema How Dr. Haleema Uses Technology to Transform Healthcare Access! Yezdani A Lifeline Across Screens

29. n many remote villages, medical help arrives late, the patients who find hope and healing through accessible care renew her strength. Their gratitude serves as a sometimes too late. Families wait anxiously for I reminder that medicine encompasses more than treating guidance that could save lives. It was in such a place illness; it restores dignity, nurtures trust, and preserves that Dr. Haleema Yezdani first realized the power of telemedicine. A family reached her through a simple video human connection. call during a critical health emergency. Step by step, she guided them, and the relief and gratitude in their voices What continually drives Dr. Haleema is a vision of a stayed with her forever. That moment showed her that healthcare system where no one is overlooked, where technology could do more than connect, it could deliver technology acts as a bridge rather than a barrier, and where care, dignity, and hope. compassion leads the way in innovation. This sense of purpose sustains resilience and determination, even during Dr. Haleema had begun exploring virtual consultations long times of uncertainty and self-questioning, keeping her before the pandemic made them essential. At the time, commitment to healthcare steadfast and focused. skeptics doubted whether a screen could replace the human touch of a clinic. Yet, her early experiences proved Leading with Vision and Responsibility otherwise. Every patient she guided reinforced a vision: healthcare should reach every corner, without delay or In 2025, Dr. Haleema carries a profound sense of compromise. responsibility, aware that the world observes not only her as an individual but also the broader vision of patient-centered Her personal health challenges added urgency to this vision. digital health she represents. Visibility serves as a measure She understood the value of timely medical access and saw of accountability rather than recognition. Every platform how digital tools could make that possible. When the world she addresses, every initiative she leads, and every decision faced the pandemic, the ideas she had championed became she makes reflects a steadfast commitment to the patients, vital for millions, validating the path she had chosen. colleagues, and communities that place their trust in her. This trust holds a sacred significance, consistently Today, Dr. Haleema focuses on building patient-centered reminding her that leadership embodies service alongside digital healthcare solutions that meet people wherever they ambition. are. For her, technology is not an abstract innovation; it is a bridge that transforms access into care, distance into Ambition drives Dr. Haleema to push boundaries and connection, and screens into lifelines. reimagine healthcare for a future marked by equity and compassion. Accountability anchors her work, ensuring that Through her work, she proves that the future of medicine is innovation proceeds alongside ethics, safety, and the human not only about technology, but about compassion delivered connection at the heart of medicine. Balancing these forces in every interaction, whether in person or through a screen. requires humility, listening to patients, collaborating with peers, and maintaining transparency in both successes and Guided by Purpose challenges.. Purpose has always served as a compass, providing She emphasizes two principles to educate her peers: steadiness even when the path ahead feels uncertain. Dr. 1. Upholding humanity in every patient-centered Haleema holds a deep conviction that healthcare is a decision. fundamental right for every human being, accessible to all 2. Embracing new technology to enhance patient regardless of location or resources. Every individual outcomes. deserves compassionate, timely, and dignified care. This belief remains a constant guiding principle, shaping her For Dr. Haleema, true leadership is measured by the clinical practice, advocacy, and work in digital health. collective progress inspired rather than personal milestones achieved. Her responsibility lies in using her visibility to Along her journey, challenges have appeared formidable, amplify voices, create opportunities, and build systems of limited infrastructure, resistance to new approaches in care that benefit communities at large. delivering care, and occasional moments of self-doubt. Yet,

30. Nurturing Vision into Reality become. This shift in perspective transforms resistance into energy, allowing communication with both conviction and Every vision begins as a fragile seed of imagination. At empathy, which naturally encourages others to join the first, it may appear overly ambitious, uncertain, or journey. impossible. Dr. Haleema believes impossibility represents only a temporary state until conviction and consistent effort Resilience is cultivated through reflection, prayer, and expand the boundaries of what is achievable. Nurturing dialogue with mentors and peers. Leadership is exercised such ideas begins with returning to the “why,” with transparency, acknowledging challenges while sharing understanding why it matters, who it will impact, and what the possibilities ahead. Witnessing both honesty and hope in difference it will make. That clarity provides the courage to leadership inspires courage in others and sustains belief in continue moving forward, even when the path remains the vision. partially unseen. Ultimately, each wave of doubt strengthens resolve. Every This principle has been evident in healthcare, particularly challenge reinforces the importance of pursuing a vision through telemedicine. When Dr. Haleema first entered the that tests the norm, demonstrating that persistence today digital space, many doubted whether virtual care could earn can transform resistance into acceptance tomorrow. trust or widespread acceptance. By protecting the idea with resilience, nourishing it with persistence, and allowing collaboration to provide the support it required, an uncertain dream transformed into a tangible reality. Today, telemedicine serves as a lifeline for countless patients. The journey from imagination to reality, according to Dr. Haleema, relies on steady, deliberate steps rather than sudden leaps. Every challenge offers an opportunity to refine the idea, every criticism strengthens it, and every small success signals that the seed is growing. When intention remains pure and vision is anchored in purpose, even the most ambitious ideas flourish into realities that touch lives and transform systems. Running telemedicine helplines for organizations such as BENFA and AFIFA has given this vision concrete form, exemplifying the true joy of leadership, witnessing imagination blossom into meaningful impact. Acknowledging Change with Purpose Doubt and resistance accompany every path of change. When they arise, Dr. Haleema perceives them as signposts, urging pause, reflection, and reconnection with the deeper purpose behind the vision. Clarity emerges from returning to the “why.” Why was this journey begun? Whose lives will be transformed by its continuation? This reminder provides stronger grounding than any external validation. Strength comes from those served, patients, communities, and colleagues. Their experiences reaffirm that the work centers on creating access, dignity, and hope through healthcare rather than personal ambition. Family also provides a vital source of strength, particularly parents whose dedication shaped her into the person she has

31. Leadership with Lasting Impact Living with Clarity Leadership often appears in immediate results, projects In a world that moves with relentless pace, Dr. Haleema completed, numbers achieved, or systems implemented. maintains simple rituals that reflect her essence beyond her Legacy, however, emerges in deeper ways: through the leadership role. Each day begins with quiet moments of enduring impact on lives and the values passed to those reflection and prayer, offering clarity, grounding her who follow. intentions in gratitude, and fostering a sense of calm. She dedicates uninterrupted time to her family, whose presence Dr. Haleema hopes that years from now, people will serves as a reminder of the values she embodies and the remember not only the actions taken but also the purpose reason she chose a healing profession. behind them. She wishes to be recognized as a leader guided by compassion, one who made healthcare more Reading and journaling hold a special place in her routine, accessible and humane, and who stood firmly in moments providing space to process experiences with honesty and of doubt to ensure patients and communities received humility. These practices sustain her humanity and allow unrelenting care. her to bring authenticity into every environment where she leads. Dr. Haleema also prioritizes respect for time, Her journey in telemedicine and digital health reflects this punctuality, and discipline, recognizing their significance in vision. She aimed to break barriers, bringing care to both personal and professional spheres. individuals who once believed it was beyond reach, demonstrating that technology can carry empathy as In Her Own Words - The Cost of True Commitment powerfully as it carries data. Equally important, she sought to create spaces for others, particularly women in medicine “Success is often admired, but the sacrifices behind it are and emerging healthcare leaders, to dream bigger, step rarely visible. For me, one of the greatest sacrifices has forward, and extend the work further. been time, precious moments with family, personal rest, and the comfort of slowing down. There were countless evenings For Dr. Haleema, legacy revolves around trust. In an era of that stretched into long nights, birthdays I could not attend, transformation, she strives to lead with integrity, serve with and milestones I quietly missed because responsibility purpose, and leave pathways for others to build upon. demanded otherwise. These choices were not easy, but they Leadership, she emphasizes, thrives through care, became part of the path I had chosen. compassion, and empathy. Embracing telemedicine early in my career was one such One of her most unconventional decisions involved defining sacrifice. At a time when many dismissed its value, embracing telemedicine long before it became widely I chose to take the risk, knowing it would demand long accepted. At that time, many believed medicine required hours of learning, advocacy, and overcoming skepticism. I physical consultations, and virtual care faced skepticism had to let go of the security of traditional practice and face and resistance. Dr. Haleema recognized its potential to the discomfort of building something new with limited bridge gaps, especially for patients in rural or underserved acceptance. It was often a lonely journey, but one that communities who lacked alternatives. taught me courage, resilience, and conviction. Venturing into this uncharted territory required courage and What I gained in return was far more meaningful: a chance conviction, as it challenged traditional norms and to make healthcare more accessible, to bridge gaps for confronted doubts from peers and patients alike. Over time, patients who had no other options, and to shape the future this choice redefined her purpose, not only as a clinician but of digital health. Leadership, I have learned, is not about as a leader in digital health. It reinforced her belief that what we hold on to, but about what we willingly surrender healthcare extends beyond treating illness; it involves so others can rise.” reshaping systems to make care inclusive, accessible, and patient-centered. This decision continues to anchor her The most important sacrifice that I personally feel is values: innovation with empathy, and progress with missing quality time with my daughter, though I try my best responsibility. to cover this, but there have been issues at times.

34. How a courtroom expert fuels ethical growth at Corporate.

35. N NE EH HA A SHARMA Guiding Business with Law and Integrity uilding a strong business is much like preparing a For her, legal work goes beyond avoiding risks. It means perfect meal, it requires the right ingredients, shaping policies that support transparent operations and B careful attention, and respect for the process. At foster long-term relationships, with customers, partners, and Barbeque Nation, where every dish is crafted to bring employees alike. In a hospitality business, where reputation people together, trust and consistency are key. Behind this matters immensely, Neha's role ensures that trust remains at smooth experience is more than just chefs and servers; it is the core. also a careful framework of rules and decisions that keep the company honest and growing. This is where Neha She believes that law is a tool for positive change, a way to Sharma steps in. protect the company's future by embedding fairness and integrity into its everyday actions. Her job is to understand She knows that law is not only about courtroom battles but the business fully and guide it through the complex web of about setting a firm foundation for a business to thrive. regulations without losing sight of its mission. With an LL.B. and an LL.M. focused on Corporate, Commercial, and Business Laws, she spent over 7 years in Neha's journey from courtroom advocate to corporate guide litigation, learning how to argue cases and think on her feet. shows how law can be a foundation for real growth. Her Yet, she realized that law's real power lies in guiding work at Barbeque Nation is a reminder that the strongest companies to act responsibly and build lasting trust. businesses are built not just on good products but on values that stand the test of time. Switching from litigation to the corporate side was a turning point. At Barbeque Nation Hospitality Ltd., Neha The Influences That Shape a Legal Mind applies her legal knowledge to help the business grow ethically and sustainably. She works behind the scenes, One of the most formative influences in Neha's career was making sure every decision aligns with legal standards and growing up around people who valued discipline and moral values. fairness. Early in her career, she worked on high-stakes

36. litigation matters, representing big Challenging Tradition to Drive Legal corporates before Courts & Tribunals. Innovation That experience formed her mindset: As Neha works to bridge the gap law must be precise, but it must also be between law and technology, she principled. Later, entering the remembers a key moment early in her corporate space gave her a new lens, to career when she proposed overhauling see law as a tool for collaboration, traditional legal workflows with innovation, and value creation. It is this automation and specialized software. blend of courtroom clarity and Although, the idea was met with boardroom strategy that defines her skepticism. current philosophy: to be the lawyer who listens, leads, and lifts not just However, she stood by her vision. The legally, but ethically and intelligently. change led to faster decisions, reduced legal spend, and empowered internal When Decisive Action Secures teams with better legal awareness and Success quicker results. The reward was not just operational but cultural as well. Building on the foundation shaped by She learned that innovation begins discipline and fairness, Neha recalls a with conviction, not consensus. pivotal moment when a major deal faced collapse due to a last-minute Strength Through Purpose and legal challenge. While others hesitated, Reflection she stepped forward, took charge, and proposed a revised structure. Neha explains that resilience is not formed in courtrooms or boardrooms but in moments when one chooses to Her clear approach quickly gained alignment from all parties involved, continue despite challenges. She has ultimately saving the deal. She encountered public scrutiny and emphasized that clarity, speed, and the internal pressure, yet a clear confidence to act when others hesitate understanding of purpose has helped Bridging the Gap Between Law and can make all the difference in critical her remain steady. Technology situations. Reading serves as her anchor, with Aligned with her commitment to Integrity Above All books broadening her thinking, integrity, Neha recognizes a pressing vocabulary, and ability to communicate challenge where legal frameworks lag Following decisive action, Neha stands effectively. They reinforce the idea that behind fast-moving technology. Areas firm on a principle she considers every setback represents a moment in such as fintech regulation, data privacy, essential, integrity. There have been time and that no single case outweighs and digital disruption present situations where commercial interests the importance of one's greater complexities where laws trail behind clashed with compliance boundaries. purpose. innovation. Instead of giving in to shortcuts, she Leadership as Influence and Through her work, she addresses this focuses on resolving issues through Mentorship gap by enhancing her expertise in communication because she believes a emerging fields like FinTech Law and lawyer's credibility is their biggest Neha believes leadership transcends International Contract Enforcement. currency. Ethics are not roadblocks; titles and is rooted in influence. She Her focus remains on helping they are roadmaps. Standing her has consistently embraced the principle organizations move beyond mere ground respectfully earns her respect in of lifting others while advancing in her compliance to becoming prepared for return. own career. Her guidance extends future legal landscapes. beyond technical skills such as contract

37. core values to guide her decision-making as a legal mind of drafting, aiming to help colleagues discover their unique influence. Truth serves as her anchor, keeping her grounded legal voices. in reality. Structure enables her to think with clarity and order. Mentorship, for her, encompasses fostering the right mindset, clarity, and confidence, values instilled during her Adaptability allows her to evolve alongside the ever- own upbringing. Watching those she mentors grow into changing demands of the legal profession. Rather than independent legal professionals provides a deeply seeking perfection, she strives for precision, a well-defined rewarding experience. process, and clear purpose. Standing Firm in Difficult Decisions Redefining Legal Leadership for the Future There was a time when Neha faced pressure to support a Neha wants to leave behind a new definition of legal course of action that seemed quick and commercially leadership, one that is tech-savvy, ethically grounded, and convenient, but legally and ethically she could not align strategically aligned. She envisions a future where in-house with it. She stepped into that meeting with data in hand, law legal teams are not just reactive support systems but on her side, and calm conviction in her voice. proactive value creators. She respectfully laid out an alternative path that took longer Every time she mentors, optimizes a workflow, or chooses but preserved the company's legal standing and brand integrity over convenience, she moves one step closer to reputation. It was not the most popular choice at the time, that legacy. but eventually, it proved to be the right one. That experience taught her that influence is not about pleasing everyone; it is about standing steady when it matters and building trust through truth. Driving Legal Strategy Through Growth and Innovation Neha treats legal strategy like growth hacking, involving experiment, optimization, and adaptation. She uses tools to streamline contract cycles, automate compliance tracking, and integrate legal with business thinking. Personally, she commits to ongoing learning, starting from CS finals to international certifications in fintech and contracting. Growth is not just what she does; it is also how she thinks. The Cost of Legal Excellence Neha reflects on her journey, acknowledging the late nights, missed birthdays, and emotional fatigue that accompany the path she chose. These experiences have built her into a sharper, stronger, and more grounded individual. The sacrifices taught her discipline with time, emotional balance, and the power of perseverance. These lessons have influenced not only her career but also her character. Guided by Truth, Structure, and Adaptability In moments of doubt or uncertainty, Neha relies on three

40. generally operate in situations where strict procedures are necessary, like the Top 7 Leadership Styles and military or those industries where compliance is essential. How to Select the Correct One The strength of this style is speed. Decisions are made quickly, and the line of authority is well defined. But it fosters dependency where the team members do not bring suggestions, but instead, wait to be told what to do. An example where autocratic leadership can work is a factory floor that has to adhere to safety procedures because clarity minimizes mistakes. 2. Democratic Leadership Style Participation is the strength of democratic leadership. Democratic leaders encourage participation by inviting inputs, promoting collaboration, and making decisions as a representative of the group's voice. This leadership style works extremely well in companies that prioritize creativity, innovation, and collective responsibility. Research indicates that democratic leaders tend to construct higher levels of job satisfaction among their teams. For instance, a marketing team brainstorming for a new campaign can perform well when all members feel their opinions matter. style, yet only using intuition can be eadership has never been more restrictive. Selecting the best influential in making teams 3. Transformational Leadership leadership style is a matter of knowing L and organizations successful, Style what your team needs, what your yet the leadership style a person uses is organization wants to achieve, and as important as his or her vision. The transformational style of what situation you are operating in. Research indicates that approximately leadership is one of inspiring change. Below are the best seven leadership 70% of variation in worker They inspire others through the styles, how they operate, and advice on engagement results directly from communication of a vision, the selecting the one that suits your path. leadership behavior. When leaders can establishment of challenging goals, and guide individuals in the right direction, encouraging individual development. 1. Autocratic Leadership Style they are able to build loyalty, achieve They are sometimes characterized as greater outcomes, and develop thriving visionaries who challenge people to Autocratic leadership is geared towards cultures. think differently and excel beyond centralized control where the leader what was thought possible. decides mainly. The style would All leaders tend by nature to a specific

41. Take the example of a startup founder and rely on team members to take care 2. Be sensitive to the organizational who inspires a small group of people of their job. This style succeeds when culture: A company that is an to work day and night towards teams are well-trained, self-driven, and innovation-driven organization is creating a product that has the able to perform without close enhanced by democratic or potential to revolutionize an industry. observation. transformational leadership. An organization concerned with 4. Transactional Leadership Style Technology firms tend to employ this compliance and safety can require style, particularly in creative functions more autocratic control. The transactional style of leadership where workers enjoy independence. is based on structure, rules, and The main risk is poor coordination. If a 3. Align the style with the challenge: rewards. Leaders establish clear boss fails to draw boundaries, the staff Crisis situations typically call for expectations and gauge success via will find it difficult to be answerable decisive autocratic intervention. performance. Employees who and forget about group objectives. Conversely, long-term initiatives perform at or above expectations are requiring commitment from a lot of rewarded, whereas those who do not 7. Coaching Leadership Style stakeholders are enhanced by deliver have consequences. democratic or coaching leadership. The style of coaching leadership is on This style is effective in environments personal growth and development. The 4. Understand yourself as a leader: where quantifiable outcomes are leaders serve as coaches who facilitate Self-knowledge is vital. Leaders who needed, like sales forces or customer discovery of strengths, weaknesses to know their strengths and weaknesses care units. A sales manager who be improved, and capabilities to realize can select styles that play to their meets monthly quotas and provides full potential. strengths while filling in their holes. bonuses for accomplishing them is using transactional leadership, for For instance, a manager who conducts 5. Remain flexible: The best leaders example. regular one-on-one meetings to talk never stay in one style for long. They adapt depending on the situation, about career aspirations, skill 5. Servant Leadership Style mixing servant traits when establishing development, and personal development exercises coaching trust and transformational traits when The servant leadership approach leadership. This is a strong style seeking innovation. upends the conventional pyramid. because it builds up people and, at the Leaders prioritize the welfare of their same time, drives organizational Conclusion people, seeking to support, empathize, objectives. and develop. Rather than exercising Leadership is more a matter of leading command power, servant leaders are How to Choose the Right Leadership others to mutual success than of guides who invest in the good of their Style possessing authority. The seven people. leadership styles, autocratic, Having an understanding of the various democratic, transformational, This approach tends to excel in leadership styles is only half the transactional, servant, laissez-faire, and organizations where trust and long- solution. More critical is deciding coaching, each have strengths and term relationships are highly valued. which style to use. Leaders tend to use weaknesses. A good example is a nonprofit aspects of several approaches based on executive taking time to listen to circumstances. The following are some When leaders take time to understand volunteers, hearing their concerns, issues to take into account: their teams, evaluate their and making sure they feel environments, and reflect on their own appreciated. 1. Be aware of the needs of your team: tendencies, they create a balance that A group of skilled professionals might serves both people and performance. 6. Laissez-Faire Leadership Style do well with laissez-faire leadership, True leadership is a practice of whereas an intake of fresh recruits awareness and adaptability, and the The laissez-faire approach offers could do with a more organized leaders who master this practice often autonomy and independence. Leaders transactional style. leave lasting impact. assign tasks, provide little direction,

44. very defining vision begins with a spark. For Shivinder E Sharma, that spark lit up during his time at Nike India. SHIVINDER Tasked with leading a digital transformation project, he built a distributor profitability model that did more than measure performance. It gave leaders a SHARMA window into the future. With data- driven insights, the company was able to take bold steps, including closing underperforming stores without financial setbacks. This experience shifted his view of finance from a passive record- keeper to an active driver of strategy. Leading change by blending operational agility with investor The Strategic Face of Finance confidence!

45. At Nike, he also turned around the CSD business by outcomes, but a compass that translates complexity into negotiating price increases and margin improvements. This direction. was a different kind of lesson. It showed him that finance is not only about models and forecasts, it is also about What drives his decisions, even when the path ahead is balance, understanding stakeholders, responding quickly to unclear, is the belief that finance can illuminate the signal constraints, and creating value even in pressured amid the noise. It can help organizations look ahead, environments. anticipate risks, and prepare for opportunities. This belief gives him the confidence to act with conviction when others That balance of foresight and agility became even more hesitate, enabling businesses to build resilience and create visible during his leadership at Bira. There, he spearheaded enduring value through uncertainty. a full ERP implementation in just 90 days. At the same time, he led a $50 million Series B fundraising effort. The Balancing Visibility and Responsibility overlap of these two milestones revealed how finance leadership extends far beyond managing accounts. It is Visibility carries with it a profound responsibility, one that about building investor confidence, driving transformation, demands a balance between ambition and accountability. and strengthening the operational backbone of a growing Ambition fuels the drive to push boundaries, scale company. The ability to deliver on both fronts underlined businesses, embrace technology, and unlock opportunities. that resilience and adaptability are central to effective Accountability ensures that every bold move is anchored in leadership. governance, transparency, and trust. When ambition advances without accountability, it risks becoming From Nike to Bira, Shivinder's journey underscores a larger unsustainable. When accountability stands without truth. Finance is no longer limited to being a control ambition, it risks becoming static. True leadership emerges function. With the right application of technology and data, when both are harmonized. it can become a catalyst for growth. It can prepare companies for uncertainty, guide them to seize Throughout his journey, Shivinder has often been in opportunities, and help them build long-term value. environments where the path forward was ambitious. Preparing organizations for IPO readiness, embedding technology-led transformation, restructuring for efficiency, For Shivinder, this is the vision that persists to form his work: finance as a forward-looking enabler, capable of or scaling capacity rapidly to meet market demand, each turning complexity into clarity, and challenges into demanded courage, foresight, and speed. Yet ambition alone possibilities. did not suffice. It required the strength of accountability, which meant building compliance frameworks, ensuring tax Purpose That Guides Decisions and governance discipline, engaging proactively with investors, and most importantly, developing people The conviction has always been that finance is far more capability by identifying and upskilling future leaders. than controllership, compliance, or reporting. With its vast repository of data sharpened by business insights, finance Having worked with entrepreneurial founders, multinational carries the unique ability to cut through ambiguity and leadership across cultures, and large diverse teams, bring clarity to decision-making. It is one of the few Shivinder has observed that trust remains the common functions that can move with ease across business verticals currency. Visibility makes one the custodian of this trust. such as strategy, operations, and execution, because every For him, the responsibility is clear: ambition must inspire critical choice ultimately rests on facts, analysis, and progress while accountability must protect trust. In his role intelligent projections. as CFO, he ensures these two forces remain aligned, so that every bold step forward persists to be grounded in This belief has consistently anchored Shivinder through governance, transparency, and long-term value creation. periods of uncertainty. In multinational corporations, he has challenged legacy ways of working with digital-first Nurturing Impossible Ideas models. In entrepreneurial ventures, where speed, agility, and resource constraints demanded bold calls with Every vision begins as a seed of imagination, and Shivinder incomplete information, he relied on finance as a guiding believes that the true test of leadership lies in how one force. For him, finance has never been a passive recorder of nurtures that seed when the world around insists it cannot

46. grow. Very early in his career, he was confronted with • The first is the ability to re-root himself in facts and challenges that appeared impossible. These included projections. disrupting telecom by making all incoming calls free, • The second is building conviction through evidence integrating the accounting and controllership of four and outcomes. independent entities into a unified shared service platform, • The third, and perhaps the most significant, is aligning and driving fiscal discipline in industries where it seemed people by listening to their feedback, demonstrating unachievable due to the inherent nature of the business. quick wins, and ensuring they feel a sense of ownership in the journey. Through these experiences, he discovered that impossibility is rarely about the idea itself. It is about the mindset with These principles have enabled him to lead teams toward which it is approached. He emphasizes the importance of bold and transformative decisions. dimming the noise and focusing on the outcome. According to him, this requires resilience to withstand resistance, As a CFO with experience across entrepreneurial ventures imagination to see past immediate constraints, and as well as large conglomerates, he has discovered that doubt discipline to ground every decision in both historical data never truly disappears. However, when approached with and forward-looking business insights. When these clarity, discipline, and collaboration, it transforms into a elements align, what once seemed unthinkable gradually powerful force that drives progress and lasting change. transforms into new standards and best practices. Legacy Beyond Outcomes For Shivinder, nurturing the impossible does not mean chasing bold visions recklessly. It means cultivating a With over 23 years of experience across diverse industries conviction that imagination, paired with preparation and and cultures, Shivinder believes leadership is measured not clarity of purpose, can move organizations forward. The only by outcomes delivered but also by the impact it leaves noise, he says, will always exist, but when ideas are behind. For a CFO, this impact extends beyond financial anchored in facts, formed with foresight, and carried performance; it rests in bringing clarity during uncertainty, forward with people, the impossible not only becomes driving transformation with conviction, mobilizing diverse possible, it often evolves into the next normal. teams, and ensuring the organization grows stronger and future-ready. Staying Clear Amid Doubt The four pillars that have shaped his journey are: Doubt and resistance often surface whenever boundaries are being pushed, and this has been a recurring theme in • Clarity of Purpose – It is less about beginning with all Shivinder's professional journey across diverse areas of the answers and more about creating direction where finance. Shivinder's career began in commercial finance, little exists. Transforming ambiguity into near-term followed by controllership, then business finance and priorities and long-term conviction has been central to FP&A, and today he works in broader stakeholder-facing building resilient growth. CFO roles. Each transition brought its share of scepticism, • Boldness in Action – While technology can handle the moments of self-questioning about adaptability and routine, true transformation requires courage. It calls performance, and the challenge of stretching past a so- for challenging norms, making tough decisions, and called traditional scope. turning resistance into meaningful results. • Collaboration that Scales – Lasting change emerges He has led complex initiatives such as merging four only when people move together. His focus has been on independent finance teams into shared services and creating ownership and alignment rather than imposing introducing technology in place of conventional methods of direction. interpreting data. These changes accelerated and • Stewardship of Legacy – Lasting impact comes from strengthened decision-making processes while also balancing growth with governance. For Shivinder, it demanding more than individual conviction. They required means embedding cultures of discipline, adaptability, him to inspire and commit his teams while addressing and trust that endure longer than any system or leader. stakeholder hesitations with clarity. In the end, it is never just quarterly results that matter most, His belief in such transitions rests on 3 core pillars. but the trust, resilience, and adaptability left behind.

47. Shivinder aspires to be remembered as Rituals That Ground a Leader The second turning point was a CFO who turned complexity into professional. It involved a conscious clarity, ambition into sustainable The habits that keep him grounded choice to value learning new skills growth, and diverse teams into an today were ingrained during his early over relying only on his established enterprise prepared to thrive in a formative years. Long hours spent with expertise in financial controllership. dynamic future. data taught discipline and attention to This required stepping into business- detail. Time with ground teams facing transformation roles, beginning Courage in Unconventional Choices nurtured resilience and offered a real almost from the ground up, and understanding of execution challenges. learning how to harness user The belief that financial excellence, Observing senior leaders instilled requirements through technology and when combined with deep business perspective and the strength to remain digital adoption. The shift was knowledge, enables a CFO to steady even in the most demanding demanding, yet it reinforced a vital transcend industry boundaries and environments. lesson: true leadership lies not in create meaningful value in any sector holding tightly to what is already has guided Shivinder's journey. Driven Over time, Shivinder also discovered known, but in relearning, adapting, and by this conviction, his most the value of drawing inspiration from enabling scale and resilience through unconventional decision was to step family, mentors, and friends. Their fresh capabilities. away from traditional finance and diverse perspectives often helped him move into business transformation. He view challenges differently and The third crossroad was again embraced the role of a change agent, brought balance to his decision- personal. It came with the move from integrating advanced technology and making. Finally, he believes that the comfort of a joint family into a embedding processes designed to build pursuing a constructive hobby with nuclear setup. This decision was never both resilience and scale. passion is essential. It allows one to about creating distance from his roots. disconnect, recharge, and return with Instead, it was about building stability clarity. At that time, the choice carried for his immediate family while significant risk. It meant leaving the balancing the growing demands of familiar territory of financial control Sacrifices Behind Success professional life. It strengthened his for the uncharted space of technology- sense of responsibility and revealed led transformation. However, as the Over the years, Shivinder has come to that leadership, much like family, is past 11 years have shown, that decision understand that the true turning points about nurturing trust and providing has only strengthened his conviction in a career often arrive in the form of stability through periods of change. that CFOs are uniquely positioned to sacrifices. They are never setbacks, but drive change. They are more than carefully earned enablers of growth. Each of these choices carried a cost, guardians of capital. They can lead the They demand movement away from but together they became the unseen adoption of disruptive technologies, comfort, the building of resilience, and foundation of his leadership journey. reshape processes, and create the gaining of perspective required to They shaped resilience in moments of organizations that achieve both lead in complex and uncertain uncertainty, adaptability during times scalability and resilience. environments. of change, and clarity of purpose when decisions held long-term Through his close work with private The first turning point was deeply consequences. If success is what the equity investors and financial personal. It came with the decision to world observes on the surface, then institutions, Shivinder has witnessed leave the familiarity of his hometown these sacrifices remain the bedrock the value placed on a CFO who and move to a metro city. This was beneath, moulding both his character balances governance with growth and more than a change in geography. It and his ability to lead with conviction, discipline with innovation. These was a transformation of culture, pace, foresight, and balance. experiences have shaped his firm belief and relationships. The transition that the modern CFO must be more brought discomfort, but it compelled than a steward of numbers. A true CFO him to adapt quickly, broaden his is a catalyst, ensuring that the worldview, and develop the strength to enterprise is prepared for the future. thrive in environments far removed from his comfort zone.

48. THE PRIMETODAY EXCELLENCE IN EVERY EDITION