Tuesday, 12 August 2025

An Inspiring Conversation with ISRO Chairman Dr. V. Narayanan

 



There are moments in life that remind us why we do what we do.

Recently, I had the incredible honour of hosting Dr. V. Narayanan, Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) a leader whose work has been instrumental in taking India’s space program to remarkable heights.

Meeting Dr. Narayanan was more than just a formal engagement. It was an opportunity to exchange ideas on leadership, innovation, and purpose-driven work. As we spoke, I was struck by the clarity of his vision and his ability to connect scientific ambition with a deep sense of national service.

We discussed how dreams as vast as space are made possible by teams built on trust, discipline, and shared purpose. He shared insights on how innovation must always be guided by intent, ensuring that research and technology contribute meaningfully to society.

As a leader, I have always believed in the power of conversations to shape perspectives and inspire action. This meeting reaffirmed that belief. It reminded me that leadership is not just about achieving goals, but about inspiring others to see beyond limitations.

At HRD India, our mission has always been to create platforms for such meaningful exchanges where wisdom meets curiosity, and experience fuels growth. Hosting Dr. Narayanan was a privilege that I will carry forward in our work, as we continue to inspire and empower professionals across industries.

To me, this was more than a meeting. It was a reminder that vision and grit can truly change the course of the future whether we’re exploring the farthest reaches of space or unlocking the potential of people here on Earth.

Dr. Siddhartha Pandey
CEO, HRD India





Wednesday, 6 August 2025

Dr Siddhartha Pandey CEO -HRD India - Podcast Interview Taken by Army Institute of Management Student Body President


𝐌𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐂𝐄𝐎𝐬 𝐠𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐞𝐱𝐭𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐬.

𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐪𝐮𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐒𝐚𝐦 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐞𝐤𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐰.

Yesterday, I asked Siddhartha Pandey (CEO, HRD India) about making tough decisions.
Instead of corporate jargon, he brought up military legends.
That's when I realized I was in for something different.


Here are 5 lessons that surprised me:

𝐆𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐚𝐮𝐝𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐲
When I asked Siddhartha sir about tough decision-making, he didn't give a corporate answer. Instead, he talked about Sam Manekshaw and Subash Chandra Bose. "True leadership requires audacity," he said. The best leaders don't just make decisions, they make bold ones.

𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐬𝐞𝐭𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠
"What almost killed your company?" I asked. He leaned forward and shared the decision that nearly destroyed everything. Your biggest failures become your greatest teachers.

𝐈𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐫𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐤 𝐬𝐤𝐢𝐧
"How do you handle industry pushback?" "You don't change minds, you outlast doubters." Disruption isn't about being liked. It's about being right long enough.

𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐞𝐯𝐨𝐥𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐬𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐞
"Are you the same leader who started this company?" "God, I hope not." The leader who got you here won't get you there.

𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐲 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐬 𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐭𝐡
When I asked "Is HR just a support function?" the room went silent. Then came the most passionate 15 minutes of our conversation. The questions that make people squirm reveal what matters most.

Here's what I learned about interviewing CEOs:

→ They don't want softball questions → They want to be challenged, not praised
→ They prefer conversations over interviews → They respect curiosity over politeness

𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘦𝘥𝘶𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘶𝘯𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴.

The podcast drops soon. But the lessons? They're already changing everything. A big thanks to Koyal . for managing the shoot.

Koyal

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With Regards
HRD India