CII - CEO Connect series at JBIMS

The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), organized an exclusive session with MBA Students at Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies(JBIMS) in Mumbai on 16th October 2014. 'CII - CEO Connect series' which is a unique initiative of CII, aims at bringing together industry stalwarts and the student community on a common platform.

Speaking about his journey at Mastek, Ashank Desai said that the 3H's that CEO's look out for in prospective employees are "HEAD", which implies the ability to think big, broaden one's imagination and is what separates the best from the rest, second being "HEART", which is the ability to deal with people in a humane way emphasising the importance of soft skills. The last one being "HANDS", which implies that one must have the ability to be focussed & deliver results. He also discussed topics like entrepreneurship & risk-taking ability.

Sunil Mathur, MD & CEO, Siemens Limited emphasized the need for employees to stay committed to the organization and being in consonance with the value system of the organization. He stressed that there is no substitute for hardwork and that it is imperative to deliver results. He also said that team work is very essential as one cannot accomplish a lot being alone and that it is necessary to build a strong network, contacts and friends in an organization.

Mathur said that an employee who thinks out of the box, goes that extra mile in his/her work and delivers results consistently will always stand out. He encouraged students to demonstrate loyalty to an organization for a growth-oriented career. He urged the students to seek all-round development in organizations, which will broaden their outlook and help in linear growth. He gave the mantra of 'Think Global but Act Local'.

An alumnus of JBIMS, Mr Ashwini Malhotra urged students to go all out in doing something worthwhile for the company as future employees. He said that this would enable the company to achieve its main goal which is reaping profits and ultimately benefit the employee. Mr. Ninad Karpe addressing the session said that he strongly believed in the need for a series of dialogues with the academia, so that the young mindsets can become institutions by themselves and this would ensure a promising future of the Indian diaspora.

The CII-CEO Connect brought about an interesting exchange of ideas and views on multiple facets of the practical business environment and its dynamic nature. The discussion was followed by an interactive round, where the students questioned the CEOs. The session concluded with a rapid-fire round with the CEOs, where Karpe posed questions to the CEOs.

 

[Swaswati Borpuzari]

The CII - CEO Connect series at JBIMS, organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry, is a premier platform that brings together top corporate leaders and management students to foster a dialogue on the evolving business landscape. This series, held at the Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies (JBIMS) in Mumbai, provides a unique opportunity for aspiring managers to gain insights from seasoned CEOs and industry experts. The event typically features panel discussions, keynote speeches, and interactive sessions that delve into critical issues such as innovation, sustainability, and leadership in the digital age. By bridging the gap between academia and industry, the CII - CEO Connect series not only enriches the educational experience of students but also equips them with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in the dynamic and competitive world of business. This initiative underscores the commitment of both CII and JBIMS to nurturing the next generation of business leaders and contributing to the growth and development of the Indian economy.

 

[Dhruv Bindhani]

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The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)’s initiative, the CEO Connect Series, successfully brought together business leaders and students at JBIMS on 16th October 2014. The event served its purpose of bridging the gap between academia and the corporate world by offering students a rare opportunity to engage directly with seasoned CEOs.


Ashank Desai’s address was especially impactful. His “3 H’s” framework — Head, Heart, and Hands — offered a simple yet powerful way of understanding what leaders seek in employees. His emphasis on thinking big, emotional intelligence, and execution highlighted the well-rounded skills needed in today’s business environment.


Sunil Mathur of Siemens added a grounded and realistic perspective. His focus on hard work, loyalty, teamwork, and aligning with company values was a strong reminder that career growth is not just about ambition, but also about perseverance and culture fit. His advice to “Think Global but Act Local” was a practical takeaway for students preparing to enter the workforce.


JBIMS alumnus Ashwini Malhotra’s insights were rooted in a sense of ownership and contribution. His message that employees must work with intent to drive profitability tied personal success to organizational performance, an important perspective for future professionals. Ninad Karpe’s call for continued industry-academia dialogue emphasized the need to nurture young talent into long-term thought leaders.


The interactive and rapid-fire sessions brought a dynamic close to the event. Students got a chance to engage, ask questions, and challenge viewpoints — turning the session from a one-way lecture into a collaborative dialogue. It made the event not just informative, but also inspiring and thought-provoking.


Overall, the CII - CEO Connect Series at JBIMS was an enriching experience. It successfully combined thought leadership with practical guidance, leaving students with actionable insights and broader perspectives on leadership, career building, and industry expectations.