“Excellence Is Achieved Through Collective Dedication”

VPS Rawat, AVP, Akums Drugs and Pharmaceuticals, shares his understanding of leadership, the lesson he has learnt in power of resilience and obstacles he has overcome.

What leadership qualities do you believe are most important for driving team success, especially in today's dynamic business environment?

In today's fast-paced business landscape, adaptability, vision, and effective communication are paramount for driving team success. Adaptability allows leaders to navigate change and uncertainty, ensuring that teams remain resilient and responsive to market shifts. A clear vision provides direction and purpose, motivating team members to work towards common goals with a sense of purpose. Effective communication fosters transparency, collaboration, and trust within the team, ensuring that everyone is aligned and informed. Additionally, empathy is crucial in understanding and addressing the needs and concerns of team members, while decisiveness ensures timely and confident decision-making. These qualities collectively empower teams to perform at their best, innovate, and achieve sustainable success.

Can you share a significant leadership lesson you've learned throughout your career journey?

One of the most significant leadership lessons I've learned is the power of resilience and turning challenges into opportunities for growth. Instead of viewing the situation as a setback, I saw it as a chance to innovate and improve processes. By fostering a collaborative environment and encouraging creative problem-solving, we not only brought the project back on track but also implemented new efficiencies that benefited future projects. This experience taught me that setbacks are often the breeding ground for innovation and improvement. Resilience, coupled with a proactive mindset, can transform challenges into milestones of success.

How do you balance empathy and accountability as a leader when guiding your team through challenges and opportunities?

Balancing empathy and accountability as a leader involves understanding team members' perspectives while maintaining clear expectations and standards. Empathy allows me to connect with my team on a personal level, recognising their challenges and providing support where needed. It fosters a positive work environment where team members feel valued and motivated. However, accountability is equally important to ensure that goals are met and responsibilities are upheld. I achieve this balance by setting clear, achievable targets and regularly communicating progress and feedback. By recognising and addressing individual strengths and areas for improvement, I create a culture where empathy and accountability coexist, driving both personal and team success.

Reflecting on your personal journey to this award, what obstacles did you overcome, and what advice would you give to aspiring leaders striving for excellence in their careers?

Reflecting on my journey, I have overcome numerous obstacles, including market fluctuations, regulatory changes, and the challenge of integrating automation in production processes. One significant hurdle was navigating local opposition to ensure the smooth operation of our plant, which required strategic decision-making and community engagement. These experiences have taught me the value of perseverance, adaptability, and strategic thinking. My advice to aspiring leaders is to embrace continuous learning and remain adaptable to change. Foster a customer-centric approach and prioritise innovation. Most importantly, build a culture of trust and collaboration within your team. Excellence is achieved not only through individual efforts but also through the collective dedication and hard work of a motivated and cohesive team.

Meha Mathur

BW Reporters The author works as Senior Associate Editor with BW Businessworld