Guest Lecture By Mr. Harish Manwani, Unilever

Conquering The VUCA World[/b]

On 28th July, 2014, Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies (JBIMS) had the honour and privilege of hosting Mr. Harish Manwani, Global Chief Operating Officer, Unilever and Non-executive Chairman, Hindustan Unilever (HUL). An alumnus of the batch of 1976, Mr. Manwani has carved a name for himself in the world of FMCG with his exceptional leadership skills and his simple yet strong ethical base. Hence, it was an incredible opportunity for the newly inducted batch of 2016 at JBIMS to interact and gain from Mr. Manwani's lore of experience and wisdom. Also, the fresh autonomy granted to JBIMS was a reason to celebrate for such a committed and distinguished alumnus as Mr. Manwani.

The session commenced with Mr. Manwani giving a glimpse into how he began his journey in the corporate world. Starting out as a management trainee at Hindustan Unilever just across the road from JBIMS at the time, he took rapid strides up the corporate ladder, working at many positions across various geographies. He stressed that the most fundamental thing in business is change and this he called a VUCA world, marked by volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity. He opined that the three most important trends of the modern world which businesses must recognize are digitization, sustainability and the emergence of the emerging world.

Elucidating how digitization had impacted the operations of HUL, Mr. Manwani said that it alone had helped HUL nearly treble its rural distribution reach in a year and thus, improve efficiency as well as productivity. He also shared the example of the unique radio station called 'Kan Khajoora Tesan' which HUL had introduced in the media dark regions of UP and Bihar that enabled locals to listen to it using their mobile phones. Not only did this service become extremely popular but it also enabled HUL to generate awareness about its products in regions largely untouched by traditional media. Mr. Manwani said that he always added 'Grow sustainably' as the 4th G to the existing 3G model of 'Grow consistently, grow competitively and grow profitably' as it is absolutely essential to be concerned about our environment while doing business. Further, he added that in the near future, 100% of the world's economic growth would come from the developing world. Hence, it is necessary to focus on these emerging markets as much as the developed ones as the future profits are going to accrue from there itself.

Expressing some concern, Mr. Manwani said that in order for the environment to sustain, we must make concerted efforts towards it. Unilever is doing its part towards this with its Unilever Sustainability Living Plan (USLP) which aims at reducing the environmental impact of Unilever operations. His mantra of 'Doing well by doing good' further emphasized his commitment towards a more holistic and sustainable growth of any organization.

The floor was then opened for questions which got an enthused response from the students. Questions pertained to Mr. Manwani's experiences around the world, his view on the global growth strategies to be adopted in the future and values one needs to follow in one's career. Mr. Manwani was his erudite self and answered each query comprehensively. The session concluded with thunderous applause from the thoroughly enriched audience who could not have asked for a better start to their journey in one of the best B-schools in the country. With the onset of the autonomy and the advent of the 50th year of JBIMS, Mr. Manwani's dictums would definitely go a long way in keeping up the energy levels throughout the year.

~: END :~

 

[Swaswati Borpuzari]

On a sunny afternoon, the auditorium of the business school was abuzz with excitement as students and faculty gathered for a highly anticipated guest lecture by Mr. Harish Manwani, the former Chief Operating Officer of Unilever. Mr. Manwani, known for his extensive experience in the consumer goods industry and his leadership in driving sustainable business practices, shared invaluable insights into the world of global business and corporate responsibility.

Mr. Manwani began his lecture by reflecting on the transformative journey of Unilever, a company that has not only achieved significant commercial success but has also been at the forefront of sustainable business practices. He emphasized the importance of aligning business strategies with societal needs, highlighting how Unilever has integrated sustainability into its core business model. This approach, he explained, not only helps in building a resilient business but also in creating a positive impact on the environment and communities.

During the lecture, Mr. Manwani delved into the challenges and opportunities that come with operating in a global market. He discussed the importance of cultural sensitivity and adaptability, drawing from his experiences in managing diverse teams across different regions. He also touched upon the role of innovation in driving growth, stressing that companies must continuously innovate to stay relevant in a rapidly changing world.

One of the key takeaways from the lecture was Mr. Manwani's emphasis on the power of purpose. He shared how Unilever's commitment to its purpose—making sustainable living commonplace—has not only guided its business decisions but has also inspired its employees and customers. This purpose-driven approach, he argued, is crucial for businesses looking to build long-term value and trust in an increasingly skeptical world.

The session concluded with a Q&A, where students had the opportunity to engage with Mr. Manwani on a range of topics, from career advice to the future of the consumer goods industry. His responses, marked by a blend of practical wisdom and visionary thinking, left a lasting impression on the audience. The lecture not only provided a wealth of knowledge but also inspired the next generation of business leaders to think beyond profit and to strive for a more sustainable and inclusive world.

 

[Dhruv Bindhani]

Review: Conquering the VUCA World – A Session with Mr. Harish Manwani


A Powerful Start to the JBIMS Academic Year


The guest lecture by Mr. Harish Manwani at JBIMS on 28th July 2014 proved to be a thought-provoking and energizing experience for the incoming batch of 2016. As an accomplished global leader and alumnus of the institute, Mr. Manwani’s return carried both sentimental and strategic significance. With the added celebration of JBIMS gaining autonomy, the timing of his lecture could not have been more appropriate.


Understanding the VUCA World


Mr. Manwani effectively contextualized the modern business environment by introducing the concept of a VUCA world—Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, and Ambiguous. His framing of change as the only constant in business resonated strongly with the students. Through his lens, digitization, sustainability, and the rise of emerging markets emerged as three critical trends shaping the future. His articulation of these forces gave students a clear roadmap to approaching their careers in a fast-evolving global marketplace.


Innovative Thinking and Practical Insight


The highlight of the lecture was the way Mr. Manwani bridged high-level strategy with real-world application. His example of HUL’s rural expansion through digitization—particularly the innovative ‘Kan Khajoora Tesan’—offered a unique case study on reaching media-dark regions with meaningful content and brand messaging. Such stories not only demonstrated the power of innovation but also how it can be harnessed to drive both social impact and business growth.


Sustainable Growth and Ethical Leadership


What stood out most was Mr. Manwani’s clear moral compass and commitment to sustainable growth. By introducing ‘Grow sustainably’ as a vital addition to the traditional 3G model, he made a compelling case for ethical and environmentally-conscious leadership. His endorsement of Unilever’s Sustainability Living Plan showed that corporate responsibility is not just a buzzword, but a measurable, ongoing commitment.


An Inspiring Close


The interactive Q&A session underscored his authenticity and wisdom. The candidness with which Mr. Manwani shared his personal and professional experiences left a lasting impression. Students not only gained clarity on business dynamics but were also inspired to imbibe values of purpose-driven leadership. His mantra, “Doing well by doing good,” offered a fitting closure to a lecture that was as enriching as it was visionary.


This session was a memorable kickoff to the academic year—insightful, motivating, and deeply aligned with the evolving ethos of JBIMS.