LEADERSHIP
In
A LEAGUE of
HIS OWN
A transformational leader par excellence, Mr. Shailesh Haribhakti (SH) needs no introduction. An ExTech (Exponential Technologies), ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) & IR (Integrated Reporting) evangelist, Mr. Haribhakti is a Chartered Accountant, with over four decades of experience in developing and leading one of India’s most respected and diversified Chartered Accounting firms – Haribhakti & Co. He is a Board Chairman, Audit Committee Chair, and Independent Director at some of the country's leading organizations. During the recently held Fireside Chat hosted by Celerity, Mr. Sanjay Desai (SD), Co-founder & Regional Director, Humana International (S) Pte Ltd, brought forth the many facets of Mr. Haribhakti as he offered his inspirational insights on topics ranging from governance, sustainability, technology, and the bright future that India is yet to witness. Excerpts…
SD- You have a lot of firsts to your credit. You are the first ESG certified Board of Director in India. You are the first certified internal auditor in the country, and you have also been one of the youngest professors at IIMA at the age of 25 years. Is it a family DNA? How hard do you work at it? SH- The one lesson that I have always kept very much on my mind is that ‘Hard work never killed anyone’. I work extremely hard even today. It is not unusual for me to keep 16 hours workday. It was my Maths teacher in the early years who had once remarked to my mother that he may not be the most brilliant student in my class, but he works so hard that he makes up for what he lacks in terms of dazzling brilliance. I have always kept that warning in mind and therefore coming first is not something that I plan to do. It just happens. There have been many occasions when I am not first as well. For example, I did not get the first position in the CA examination, which will be a lifelong disappointment for me.
6 CELERITY September - October 2021
