Purpose, Resilience & Future Readiness

Paul Dupuis, CEO, Take 5 global leader, management consultant and best selling author, opened with a warm smile, setting a light-hearted tone. "You don’t get Justin Bieber today; you get me, Paul Dupuis. Next best thing, huh?" With those words, the room filled with laughter, and the keynote began on a note of connection and relatability.  

Dupuis expressed his gratitude, noting, "It’s great to be back in incredible India. I’ve spent four years here, and it feels like a homecoming." He acknowledged familiar faces in the audience and emphasised the power of stories—stories wrapped around purpose and future readiness, two themes central to his leadership philosophy.  

Power Of Reflection & Learning  

"We all know the importance of pausing, honoring the past, and focusing on the future," Dupuis began. He shared a photo from his childhood in Canada—a snapshot of him skating on an ice rink built by his father in frigid -30°C weather. "This was my first real lesson in leadership," he explained. "My dad showed me what dedication and sacrifice look like."  

Dupuis highlighted how sports taught him essential leadership qualities—teamwork, resilience , and the ability to bounce back from failure. "Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, but what matters is getting back up. That’s resilience, a muscle we all need to develop for the future."  

Birth Of  Leadership Philosophy  

He shared another formative experience—delivering newspapers year-round, even in the harsh Canadian winters. "That job taught me discipline and the importance of delivering on a promise. That’s where the idea of Promise of Action (POA) was born. Every interaction should result in a promise, whether it’s with colleagues, customers, or yourself."  

Dupuis transitioned to his time working at Chrysler, where he first encountered the concept of Kaizen , a Japanese term meaning continuous improvement. "Kaizen taught me a simple but powerful truth: Be better than yesterday. It’s a leadership muscle that keeps us striving for growth, no matter where we are."  

Embracing Purpose & Global Experiences  

In 1990, Dupuis embarked on a life-changing journey to Japan with only $300, intending to stay six months to pursue karate. "I slept on a park bench my first night in Osaka," he recalled. "But that experience taught me adaptability and courage."  

His adventures led him to Cambodia in the early '90s, where he witnessed the impact of purpose-driven work. He became deeply involved in humanitarian projects with HOPE International, focusing on microcredit and water initiatives. "Purpose became my compass," he explained. "Leadership is not just about profit but about making a positive impact on the world."  

Leadership As Enabling Others  

When he joined Randstad Japan, Dupuis faced the challenge of transforming a domestic operation into a thriving global enterprise. His leadership epiphany came during this time: "Leadership is about enabling others to shine. Gather great people, create an environment where they can thrive, and the results will follow."  

He shared how this approach transformed struggling organizations into high-performing teams. "It’s not about you—it’s about empowering others. That’s the essence of leadership."  

Lessons For Future Readiness  

Dupuis concluded by tying his personal journey to future readiness. "In everything we do, from sports to work, the key is cultivating a mindset of continuous learning, resilience, and purpose." He emphasized the importance of aligning the mind, body, and emotions to achieve the "flow state," where work becomes effortless and joyful.  

"Analytics, discipline, and purpose are not just workplace principles—they’re life principles," he said. "In a world driven by data, remember to stay human. Lead with purpose, resilience, and a commitment to being better than yesterday."