On Teachers’ Day, industry leaders pay tribute to their teachers for the lessons learned and the wisdom received.
Mayank Kumar, Co-founder and MD, upGrad
Building upGrad over the last decade has definitely imparted some invaluable lessons that have profoundly shaped my approach to both business and life. An important one has been that everything adds up in the end.
We often overestimate what can be achieved in the short term while underestimating the impact of consistent, focused effort over time. This realisation has taught me to shift my focus from immediate results to building patience and persistence. Embracing the idea that one should never underestimate what can be achieved in the long run.
Equally important for an entrepreneur/ founder is to understand that saying ‘No’ is strategy and saying ‘Yes’ is execution. As a leader, I’ve learned that real progress comes not from saying ‘Yes’ to every opportunity, but knowing when to say ‘No’.
These lessons have not only shaped my journey but also define my leadership philosophy. I believe that by focusing on what truly matters and trusting in the long-term process, we can achieve success in anything we set our mind on.
Aditya Krishna, Director of Sales and Marketing at McCain Retail
One of the most imperative lessons I’ve learned throughout my journey is the power of preparation. As Chris Hadfield puts it in his book, ‘An Astronaut’s Guide to Life on Earth,’ being ready for anything is a philosophy I wholeheartedly embrace. You never know when opportunity will strike, so it’s essential to be equipped to seize it.
Preparation has been a pivotal factor in all my achievements. It has shaped my approach to life, as I realize that external circumstances may be beyond our control, but our preparation and effort are entirely within our grasp. By asking ourselves ‘What could I do better?’ we can approach any situation with greater confidence and resilience. This is the advice I offer to anyone seeking personal and professional development.
Mohan Gopinath, Head – Bollywood Business, Shemaroo Entertainment
I go by the theory “In the darkness of the theatre, I found my light”. While academics have been and continue to be an important part of shaping an individual, the allure of the silver screen and the various facets it brings to life has always reigned supreme for me. This passion has greatly influenced my outlook.
Success often comes with obstacles and as a Bollywood buff, I have learned that each failure or setback is like a scene in a dramatic film—an opportunity to adapt and come back stronger. Embracing challenges and learning from them has become central to my professional ethos, guiding me through strategic decisions.
Very early on, I realized that making a film appealing to a cross-section of the audience is not the work of just one person. It is a collective effort of multiple creative minds who shape and continue to stoke the imagination. These individuals, masters in their chosen fields, have taught me the finer aspects and nuances of content, a reference I still go back to in times of need.
The lesson I want to impart is to face every challenge like a Bollywood hero, with resilience and grit. Embrace the twists and turns of your journey, as they are the steppingstones to your greatest successes.
Anonyaa Bosu, Senior Manager, PR and Corporate Communication at VLCC
A pivotal lesson that has shaped who I am today is the belief that “whatever happens, happens for good.” This mindset has been my guiding force through both personal and professional challenges. When I feel uncertain or stuck, I pause and reflect on my journey, comparing where I was five years ago to where I am now. This exercise reveals how much I’ve grown, both as an individual and as a professional.
This belief has empowered me to make more thoughtful decisions, always prioritizing my mental health and well-being. I’ve learned to set necessary boundaries, ensuring that I can give my best to everything I do. Embracing this philosophy has instilled resilience in me and a deeper understanding that every challenge is an opportunity for growth.
What I hope to pass on to others is the importance of trusting the process and recognizing their progress. By focusing on how far you’ve come, you can build confidence in your journey and approach the future with optimism. This mindset encourages us to honor our well-being, embrace our evolution, and make decisions that support our long-term growth and fulfillment.
Nirvaan Birla, Managing Director, Birla Open Minds Education
One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned throughout my personal and professional journey is the importance of working for a cause rather than seeking applause. Pursuing a meaningful objective or vision transcends personal achievements and creates a legacy that endures beyond one’s lifetime.
I frequently remind myself to focus on this higher purpose, rather than seeking instant gratification or external validation. When we expect immediate rewards for our efforts, we limit our potential for growth and evolution. True success comes from the ability to work diligently and consistently without expecting immediate recognition.
This wisdom was imparted to me by one of my earliest mentors, Gaur Gopal Prabhu, during our knowledge sessions at my home and the ISKCON temple. These lessons have profoundly shaped my approach to life and work.
Yash Chandiramani, Founder and Chief Strategist, Admatazz
What is a pivotal lesson from your personal and professional journey that has shaped who you are today? How did you come to learn this lesson, how has it influenced you, and what do you hope to pass on to others?
Because I started business and entrepreneurship very early in life. I’ve been humbled everytime I’ve felt that I’m smart or I know everything in my line of work. Deals have failed, my previous ventures have not succeeded.
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that I’m anything but smart. I’m curious of course, but it’s that no matter how fast I grow, there is still a lot more to learn than I know.
It’s kept me grounded, made me a great listener and a curious person in general. As funny as it may sound, I would love to pass this lesson down to younger peers who are starting out in the industry. Don’t think you’re smart, half the problems will be solved when you start getting curious.
Nisha Khatri, Head of Marketing, Libas
‘Say yes first and figure later’. I am a millennial, so I struggle to please people but honestly, I think it has mostly served me. This advice allowed me to challenge myself and experience exponential growth. It also allowed me to establish deeper bonds with both my superiors and colleagues.
More work more means more opportunity and vice versa, that’s one lesson everyone beginning their career should always remember.
Overtime i have come to appreciate the value-add Empathy brings as a skillset. As Bill Gates said ‘Empathy is the biggest skill we are all yet to acquire’ but with women leaders the conversation becomes much easier. It could be the benefit of biology maybe, but workplaces become less redundant with women leaders leading the way. They are more mindful of both personal and professional growth of their team members.
Yamini Jaipuria, Managing Trustee, Cosmo Foundation
I have always believed that everyone deserves a happy life and no one should be left behind in this pursuit. Some sections of the society are unable to grow due certain institutional challenges and injustices.
We as individuals have a responsibility to join hands to make a difference in the lives of the underprivileged and make positive difference in their lives. We all should be working together to ensure that everyone despite of their circumstances is able to live a happy and meaningful life.
Since my early professional life, I have been engaged to work with and for the people. While transitioning to this role and spearheading Cosmo Foundation’s initiatives, I became more connected with the communities at grass root levels. This helped me come out of my comfort zone, develop new skills and expand my knowledge base.
These experiences have been instrumental in my success as a social leader. And, I continuously pass on my learning and values to the youth and team involved with Cosmo Foundation to do their part in creating a more inclusive, equitable, and prosperous society for all.
Janvi Mankani, Co-Founder at Mint + Milk Communications
A pivotal lesson I’ve learned through my journey as a publicist turned entrepreneur is the power of adaptability and resilience. Transitioning from brand communications to running a business required an entirely new skill set. It wasn’t just about creativity and strategy anymore—it became about building a strong team, fostering talent, and creating a scalable structure.
One of the most profound realizations was the importance of retaining top talent and investing in their growth, which I believe is as crucial as securing clients. The strength of an agency lies in its people, and building solid internal departments like HR and tech early on was key to staying ahead. This approach shaped Mint + Milk Communications, fostering continuous learning and innovation.
Investing in my growth as a leader has been equally important. Business and leadership coaching helped me navigate the evolving communications landscape and manage a younger team effectively. Setting boundaries between work and life has also been essential. While my passion drives me, balance is crucial for long-term creativity and energy. Whether through pickleball or quality time with family, personal growth remains just as vital as professional success.
Komal Rukhana, Co-Founder at Mint + Milk Communications
A key lesson from my journey has been the importance of adaptability, especially during and after the pandemic when everything slowed down and caution became the norm. The industry saw a significant shift in how it operated. Adjusting to these changes and trends was essential.
We’ve had to adapt to new working conditions, work with new generations, and find different ways of interacting with clients. This need for adaptability has influenced both my personal and professional growth.
Initially, we believed our established approach was the best. However, we quickly realized that without adapting, progress would halt, and we wouldn’t be able to stay ahead of the curve. Adaptability has enabled us not only to survive but to thrive, and it’s a lesson I hope to pass on—to remain open to change, as it is the key to sustained success.
Devyani Jaipuria, Pro- Vice Chairperson – DPS International Gurugram, DPS 45 Gurugram and DPS Jaipur
Through my extensive journey in education, I have come to understand that true leadership is defined by the profound impact we have on the lives of students and the broader educational community.
This realization has been shaped by numerous challenges and opportunities encountered throughout my career in leading schools and school transformation. I’ve seen firsthand that effective leadership in education goes beyond administrative duties and policy changes; it involves a deep commitment to nurturing and empowering students.
Educational reform is not merely about implementing new strategies but about fostering an environment where innovation and compassion work hand in hand. It’s about creating learning spaces where every student feels valued and supported, and where educators are encouraged to think creatively and empathetically.
The most significant achievements in education are those that not only advance academic excellence but also contribute to the holistic development of students, preparing them to be thoughtful and capable individuals.
My hope is to inspire fellow school leaders and thought leaders to approach their roles with a sense of purpose and resilience. By embracing change and dedicating ourselves to equitable and compassionate practices, we can create a more inclusive and transformative educational experience for all students.
Arshleen Kaur Kalra, Head of Academics at KLAY Preschools
Throughout my journey across corporate environments, rural entrepreneurship, skills development, and education, I’ve had the privilege of working with individuals from diverse cultural and educational backgrounds. These rich experiences have taught me a crucial lesson: the power of following one’s heart and connecting with empathy.
Navigating various sectors, I’ve encountered numerous challenges, both professional and personal. During these tough times, I discovered the transformative impact of empathy. By striving to understand others’ perspectives and responding with compassion, I built deeper connections and managed complexities with greater ease.
As I transitioned from corporate roles to educational leadership, this lesson became central to my approach. It has guided how I design learning experiences, lead teams, and engage with young learners and their families. Empathetic leadership has not only made me a better person but also helped me forge stronger connections, enhance collaboration, and create more responsive educational strategies.
On this Teacher’s Day, I hope to inspire others to embrace empathy in their own journeys. By fostering understanding and compassion, we can create nurturing environments where every child feels valued and supported, empowering them to reach their full potential.
Dr. Aparna Santhanam, Dermatologist and Holistic Wellness Coach
The one lesson that I was taught very early in life which assumes newer meaning at various stages of my like came from my school Principal Mother Colombiere at St. Anne’s Mumbai was this: “You are limited only by your own thinking!”
This often spurred me in life to to do seemingly disconnected and varied things in my career. People often ask me how are you a doctor, a writer, a life coach, a podcaster and a corporate professional amongst other things , all at once? And my answer is , everything that I love, I try to make a part of my life personally & professionally.
This helps me think without limits and to do varied things without slotting myself into labels or boxes. The other thing I was taught by my postgraduate medical school teachers was this: Empathy must be consistent, universal and inclusive.
This is something I carry forward in all the areas I work in, to put people ahead of tasks, to place respect above all else and to bring out the best in self and others with love and support. These two attributes of limitless thinking and empathy I try to bring to everything I do and everyone I work with and in my personal life, to try live a kinder, freer life based on love, trust and leaps of faith.
