Top Transformational Leaders to Follow 2024

Page 1

GENERATIVE AI WILL TRANSFORM HEALTHCARE IN 6 WAYS ENTERPRISE HEALTH TECH

THE FUTURE OF AI IS NOW AND IT’S WORTH INVESTING IN TECH & TRENDS

Top Transformational Leaders to follow 2024

Mr. Kumaresan Rajendran A Mission-Driven Visionary Leader, Expanding Business In Various Industries

March 2024 ww
Along with
publish articles, List & Lead, Reports, and other pertinent industry
at Global
look
to
Unveiling Inspiring Stories Biz's Masthead Managing Editor Drop us a line on : info@globalbizoutlook.com Subscription : www.globalbizoutlook.com Sugandha Sharma Senior Editor Zoey Taylor Senior Business Development Analyst Sonia Saroaj & Julie Evans Designer Alex Costa Distributor Daryl Rodriguez © 2023 Global Biz Outlook, All Rights Reserved. Without the prior consent of Global Biz Outlook, the content, information, and images used in this publication may not be duplicated or transmitted in any way, whether electronically, mechanically, photocopying, recording, or otherwise. The exclusive owner of the reprinting rights is Global Biz Outlook. Connect us on
our print magazine, we also
news on our website. Remember to follow the same since we
Biz Outlook
forward
getting to know our readers. So, Let's connect on the web!

Change Is The Only Way To Improve: To Be Perfect Is To Change Frequently Editor’s Note B

eing perfect requires constant change: change is the only way to improve and play a crucial role in making Transformational Leaders. Life will inevitably include change, and organizational change is unavoidable. The majority of organizational change starts at the top and is motivated by a goal that is reckoned important to achieve. When introducing any form of change, truly influential leaders take the initiative to notify the organization of it frequently and early on. Organizational resilience is crucial, as evidenced by the rising prevalence of problems like stress, burnout, and poorer well-being despite the enormous opportunities that change brings. Resilient leaders can adapt to change and bounce back from setbacks, which is essential for their survival and growth.

Here at Global Biz Outlook, we recognize the efforts of these leaders who are successfully enacting change inside their companies and making a difference in the business world in unique ways. We honor them with the dedication of this issue, “Top Transformational Leaders to Follow in 2024.” Featuring the Cover Story, we have captured the successful journey of Mr. Kumaresan Rajendran, who holds the positions of

Chairman and Managing Director of SNF India Pvt. Ltd.

nam, is renowned for his visionary leadership, goal-oriented strategy, and people-focused outlook. Learn more about his journey in this exclusive article.

This edition also includes the triumphant voyages of Dr.K.V.N.Rajesh an award-winning Azure Cloud Security Expert in ‘The Senior Subject Matter Expert Department’ of CloudThat; Dr. Shuchin Bajaj, Found er and Director of Ujala Cygnus Healthcare Services; Manu Saigal, Director of Adecco India Pvt. Ltd.; and Dr. Upendra Nagaich, Founder and CEO of SPER Market Research.

We sincerely hope that the Interviews, articles, and stories covered in this edition inspire all our readers, instilling them with a passion for achieving exceeding success. Do flip every single page to unveil the secret of the success of these transformational leaders, creating success marks with their passion.

Come on, let’s get inspired!

A Mission-Driven Visionary Leader, Expanding Business In Various Industries

08 Cover Story
Mr. Kumaresan Rajendran
Dr. K.V.N. Rajesh A Passionate Knowledge-Driven Tech Enthusiast, Making a Real Difference In People’s Lives Dr. Shuchin Bajaj A Healthcare Pioneer Leading Healthcare with High Quality and Safety across the Nation Dr. Upendra Nagaich 16 24 Tim Menard Reimagining How Cities Can Leverage Holistic Platforms For Urban Mobility Solutions 40 46 32 Pharma Research & Market Intelligence Pioneer Advancing Healthcare Globally ARTICLES Enterprise Health Tech AI & Leadership Generative AI Will Transform Healthcare in 6 Ways The AI Era The Future of Leadership & Work 36 20 Tech & Trends The Future Of AI Is Now And It’s Worth Investing In 28
08 GlobalBiz Outlook | March 2024
Cover Story
Mr. Kumaresan Rajendran A Mission-Driven Visionary Leader, Expanding Business In Various Industries

Mr. Kumaresan Rajendran, who holds the positions of Chairman and Managing Director of SNF India Pvt. Ltd., with its headquarters located in Visakhapatnam, is renowned for his visionary leadership, goal-oriented strategy, and people-focused outlook.

Mr. Kumaresan Rajendran, a seasoned business manager, has amassed over 30 years of experience, establishing himself as a successful leader in driving business growth in many industries.

March 2024 | GlobalBiz Outlook 09
Leadership

Sparks Business Idea and Mission

The idea for SNF India Pvt. Ltd. emerged from recognizing the unmet need for innovative solutions in water science for the country. The mission is to provide high-quality and competitive products and solutions that contribute to the industry’s growth while adhering to ethical and sustainable practices. Mr. Kumaresan’s vast experience, exposure, and business competence laid the foundation for his professional journey.

Starting Phase: Hurdles and Influences

The starting phase of his SNF tenure presented unheard hurdles from the COVID situation and ever-growing competition, regulatory challenges, and

establishing credibility in the company and the markets. Overcoming these obstacles required resilience, strategic planning, and a commitment to quality. Mr. Kumaresan’s most significant influence has been a combination of mentors, industry peers, and a commitment to continuous learning.

SNF India Pvt. Ltd.: A Water Science Company

SNF is the world’s largest producer of water-soluble polymers based on acrylamide monomer, which is the major component of many polyacrylamide-based flocculants. Having been a mainstay in the Indian market since 1989, SNF India, a part of the SNF Group, purchased a greenfield site near Visakhapatnam in 2007. Since 2010, this production

Cover Story
10 GlobalBiz Outlook | March 2024

facility has been in operation, creating products based on polyacrylamide for use in the processing and manufacturing of ceramic tiles, textiles, paper, and wastewater treatment.

SNF is a specialty chemicals group whose products contribute to treating, recycling, preserving water, saving energy, and reducing carbon footprints. Currently, the company has ventured into several new market niches, including paints, detergents, textile processing, mining, ceramics, sugar, personal and home care, and civil engineering applications. Even more specialized uses for their polymers can be found in the treatment of drinking water and municipal wastewater, industrial water and wastewater, agriculture (superabsorbents), and a host of other industries.

Imminent services and solutions

SNF is dedicated to providing customized solutions and products to various industries’ water needs. The company’s offerings are aligned with the dynamic needs of the industry and aid the country’s development at large.

SNF offers water treatment and water-saving solutions to all industries and, at the same time, helps the country’s vision of urbanization with municipal water treatment solutions and urban mobility infrastructure growth. SNF products have uses in all industrial processes, wherever water is needed.

Products meeting customer needs

Products manufactured by SNF play a crucial role in protecting the environment, saving energy, and ensuring access to essential raw materials. SNF is the

only leading manufacturer, with an extensive product line that includes:

▪ Acrylamide, DADMAC, ADAM, and MADAM monomers

▪ Solution, linear emulsion, textile thickener, powder polymers

▪ Dispersants

▪ Organic coagulants such as polyDADMAC, polyAMINE, and dicyandiamide resins.

Upcoming products

The upcoming product services would focus on advanced technologies, sustainable practices, and expanding the product line to meet evolving mineral processing and metal mining industries, all contributing to SNF’s vision of sustainable water solutions.

Focusing on the company’s goals, team development, and work culture transformation

As the Chairman and Managing Director, Mr. Kumaresan Rajendran shoulders the responsibility of steering the company towards its ambitious growth and expansion goals and, at the same time, ensuring the safety of 400+ people in their manufacturing operation and meeting SNF’s ESG goals inside the plant and in nearby communities.

“Our goal is to develop and maintain long-term, mutually beneficial relationships with our customers and formulators. SNF is committed to earning that right by ensuring customers always receive the best quality and cost-competitive products and services,” says Mr. Kumaresan.

Self-management is a way to achieve balance in work and life

for him. Mr. Kumaresan is highly involved in empowering his leadership team, establishing robust processes and systems for smooth and safe operations, and maintaining a supportive and performing work culture.

Global scale to meet customer needs

As the pioneer firm in India to begin producing acrylamide

Cover Story 12 GlobalBiz Outlook | March 2024

monomers in 2016 using an environmentally safe process, SNF India guarantees competitiveness and international quality standards for the polymers they supply from India. Within the SNF Group, SNF India has grown to be one of the major production locations through constant expansion.

A pioneer in soft chemistry, SNF has long been present on all continents, employing 7,500 people, including nearly 300 in Visakhapatnam, India. Customer-centric values, product- and application-level innovation, and thriving for competitiveness and sustainability in operations are great accelerators of SNF’s growth in India.

With a turnover of nearly $4.9 billion in 2023, SNF is the world’s leading manufacturer of poly acrylamide polymers and associated monomers. SNF has major production sites in India (Visakhapatnam, AP, and Gandhidham, Gujarat), North America (US), Europe (France, UK), Asia (China, Korea), and many smaller plants located throughout the world strategically located near end-user industries.

“My goal is to continue steering SNF India towards greater heights, fostering growth, innovation, and sustainability. As a leader, I strive to empower individuals, develop talents, and contribute to the company’s success on a global scale,” asserts Mr. Kumaresan Rajendran.

Guiding aspiring leaders: Kumaresan’s effective leadership characteristics to pursue According to Mr. Kumaresan, leaders must have the ability to develop, direct, and coordinate with professional integrity. Transparency in decision-making and agility in market dynamics are the most crucial characteristics of a successful business leader. The ever-changing business landscape and consumer preferences demand leaders navigate or

leverage these uncertainties into business opportunities.

Leading through obstacles: leadership advice

“The pressing challenges for leaders today might include global economic shifts and developments, technological disruptions, and the need for sustainable practices. But obstacles always help us become stronger and more resilient,” says Mr. Kumaresan.

Kumaresan’s Ideas and Commitment to the Future of SNF India

SNF India envisions embracing excellent product advancements, expanding market reach, and reinforcing its commitment to sustainability. SNF aims to achieve carbon neutrality (scopes 1 and 2) by 2050, reduce carbon intensity by 30%, and reduce water intensity by 20% by 2030.

Mr. Kumaresan sees himself playing a pivotal role in driving these growths and changes through strategic decision-making, fostering innovation, and maintaining a collaborative corporate culture.

“The company’s vision to be the world’s preeminent provider of sustainable water chemistry will guide these future developments, consolidating SNF’s position as an industry leader,” asserts Mr. Kumaresan.

March 2024 | GlobalBiz Outlook 13

Dr. K.V.N. Rajesh

A Passionate Knowledge-Driven Tech Enthusiast, Making a Real Difference In People’s Lives

16 GlobalBiz Outlook | March 2024

Dr. K.V.N. Rajesh is an award-winning Azure Cloud Security Expert in ‘The Senior Subject Matter Expert Department’ of CloudThat, known for being the knowledge-driven leader and the top cloud security voice speaker as he delved into the depths of knowledge. He is a Microsoft Certified Trainer. In Industry, he acts as a catalyst, striving to ignite change, spark innovation, and drive progress in the technology world and beyond.

“I am fueled by the passion to inspire, guide, and empower others to reach their full potential. It’s not just about the destination but the journey itself – a journey paved with curiosity, fueled by passion, and illuminated by the light of knowledge,” says K.V.N. Rajesh.

How did Dr. K.V.N. Rajesh’s current career path, leadership, and business ideas spark?

“Once upon a time, nestled in the vibrant world of technology, I embarked on a journey fueled by curiosity and a relentless hunger for knowledge. It all began with my Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, where I delved into the intricate algorithms and systems that power our digital age. With each line of code, I found myself captivated by the endless possibilities that technology offered,” says Dr. K.V.N. Rajesh.

“But it wasn’t enough. I thirsted for more. So, I pursued my Master’s degree in Computer Science Technology, diving deeper into the realm of innovation and cutting-edge advancements. It was during this time that I discovered my passion for understanding the inner workings of complex systems and pushing the boundaries of what was thought possible.

Yet, even then, I hungered for greater challenges. And so, I embarked on the arduous journey of obtaining a Ph.D. in Computer Science, specializing in the enigmatic field of Deep Learning. Immersed in the depths of neural networks and data analysis, I found myself at the forefront of groundbreaking research, unraveling the mysteries of artificial intelligence one discovery at a time,” he continues. “In the tapestry of my life, there lies a thread woven with the fabric of passion and a relentless thirst for knowledge. It was this burning desire that ignited my journey toward becoming a beacon of expertise in the ever-evolving realm of technology,” assures Dr. K.V.N. Rajesh.

Ignite journey to become a knowledge leader

Dr. K.V.N. Rajesh realized that knowledge was meant to be shared, and he, armed with his expertise and fueled by a

deep-seated passion for education, ventured into the realm of Subject Matter Expertise. Here, Dr. K.V.N. Rajesh found his calling – to bridge the gap between complexity and understanding, to guide and inspire the next generation of tech enthusiasts.

In this role, he had the privilege of connecting with individuals from every corner of the globe, each with their own unique stories and aspirations. Whether it’s guiding a budding developer through the intricacies of Microsoft technologies or collaborating with seasoned professionals on cutting-edge projects, Dr. K.V.N. Rajesh found fulfillment in helping others unlock their full potential.

The pivotal moment

“The pivotal moment, the spark that ignited the flame, came to me like a bolt of lightning on a stormy night. It was a moment of clarity, a realization that my path lay in the pursuit of becoming a knowledge leader, a guide to those traversing the intricate landscape of modern technology,” says Dr. K.V.N. Rajesh.

Fuelled by this epiphany, Dr. K.V.N. Rajesh embarked on a quest to arm himself with the tools necessary to navigate this ever-changing terrain. He immersed himself in a myriad of courses, from Artificial Intelligence to Cyber Security, from Machine Learning to Image Processing.

He, armed with 14 Microsoft Cloud Certifications and numerous others in various fields, is ready to impart expertise to a global audience. Each certification became a stepping stone, each course a beacon guiding him toward his ultimate goal.

The crucial moment in his life wasn’t just about learning the latest technologies; it was about recognizing the power of sharing that knowledge, of becoming a catalyst for innovation and growth in the world of technology.

Encouraging people to accomplish their rehab, performance, and recovery goals anytime, anywhere “My goal is clear – to continue growing as a knowledge leader, to pave the way for innovation and discovery, and to create opportunities for all who seek to expand their horizons in the ever-evolving landscape of technology. With each step forward, I strive to empower others to reach new heights, knowing that together, we can shape a future fueled by boundless imagination and endless possibilities,” asserts Dr. K.V.N. Rajesh.

CloudThat: An AWS partner bringing the most promising cloud consulting and training experiences

CloudThat, founded in 2012 in Bangalore, is at the forefront

March 2024 | GlobalBiz Outlook 17

of the ever-evolving landscape of cloud computing. As the world’s leading training and consulting services provider, the company offers a comprehensive range of courses covering Cloud, DevOps, Security, AI&ML, IoT, and Big Data, tailored to meet the needs of midsize and enterprise clients globally.

Suites of Services

CloudThat’s services are designed to provide accelerated deployment, automation, enhanced security, and scalability, ensuring their clients are equipped with the tools and expertise needed to thrive in today’s digital age. From Cloud Consulting and Migration Services to robust disaster recovery solutions and cost-effective multi-cloud strategies, CloudThat empowers its clients to optimize performance and achieve their business objectives with confidence.

In summary, CloudThat is committed to delivering services and solutions that are at par with the current industry standards, while also continuously innovating and evolving to meet the needs of their clients in an ever-changing landscape. “With expertise, experience, and dedication to excellence, we are confident in our ability to empower organizations to unlock the full potential of cloud computing and drive success in the digital era,” says Dr. K.V.N. Rajesh.

Responsibilities as an influential leader

“As an influential leader in the realm of technology, my responsibilities extend far beyond the confines of a traditional role. I see myself not just as a guide but as a catalyst for change, a beacon of expertise guiding others through the intricate labyrinth of modern innovation,” says Dr. K.V.N. Rajesh.

“My commitments encompass a myriad of tasks, from staying abreast of the latest advancements in technology to sharing that knowledge with a global audience. As a knowledge leader, I am tasked with inspiring and empowering others to reach their full potential, whether through mentorship, collaboration, or educational initiatives,” he added.

Delved into the depths of knowledge is their Success Mantra

“I delved into the depths of knowledge, devouring every piece of information like a parched traveler stumbling upon an oasis in the desert. I spent countless hours honing my skills, mastering the intricacies of the latest technologies, and pushing the boundaries of my understanding.

But it wasn’t just about personal growth; it was about sharing that knowledge with the world. With each

certification earned, with each skill acquired, I felt a sense of fulfillment knowing that I was not just expanding my horizons but also lighting the way for others,” says K.V.N. Rajesh.

Staying motivated to maintain a work-life balance

Achieving work-life balance in a fast-paced, ever-evolving industry like technology is no easy feat. However, he has found that by prioritizing self-care, setting boundaries, and cultivating a supportive network, Dr. K.V.N. Rajesh can maintain a sense of equilibrium amidst the chaos.

Dr. K.V.N. Rajesh makes a concerted effort to carve out time for himself, whether it’s through engaging in hobbies, spending quality time with loved ones, or simply taking moments of quiet reflection. By nurturing his well-being, he is better equipped to tackle the challenges and responsibilities that come along with being an influential leader and entrepreneur.

Ultimately, achieving work-life balance is an ongoing journey, one that requires intentionality, mindfulness, and a willingness to adapt. By embracing these principles and staying true to a passion for learning and growth, Dr. K.V.N. Rajesh can navigate the complexities of both work and life with grace and resilience.

Message to aspiring business leaders

In the tapestry of leadership, there exists a single thread that binds the fabric together - integrity. It is the cornerstone upon which trust is built, the compass that guides every decision, and the bedrock of effective leadership.

In the annals of history, great leaders have risen and fallen, their legacies etched into the sands of time. Yet, amidst the ebb and flow of power and influence, one truth remains constant - integrity reigns supreme.

For it is integrity that compels a leader to do what is right, even in the face of adversity. It is integrity that fosters transparency and accountability, forging strong bonds of trust with those they lead. And it is integrity that serves as the bedrock of ethical leadership, guiding every action and decision with unwavering moral clarity.

18 GlobalBiz Outlook | March 2024

Generative AI

Will Transform Healthcare in 6 Ways

Anew era of healthcare is being ushered in by generative AI, which has profound effects on patient care, diagnostics, and other areas. Will technology contribute to democratizing access to healthcare for all and helping to solve some of the most pressing issues plaguing our overburdened healthcare systems? Based on these examples, it is clear that generative AI can significantly improve the healthcare industry.

These are the top six ways that generative AI can enhance the provision of healthcare:

Tailored On-Demand Medical Advice

A new generation of virtual health aids has resulted from the combination of human medical competence and sophisticated generative AI models, such as GPT-4. Ada is an AI-powered software created by doctors that can evaluate symptoms and provide users with medical advice in a variety of languages, including English, German, French,

Spanish, Portuguese, and Swahili. Thirteen million people have downloaded the app to date, and over thirty million symptom assessments have been done. It asks you questions about your symptoms (you can make individual symptom profiles for family members as well), and it then directs you to resources for medical advice and potential diseases. Your symptoms are also tracked by the app as they worsen.

We may anticipate generative AI to take up some of the slack, as millions of people worldwide lack access to healthcare due to a variety of factors, including geography, finances, or overstretched local systems.

Expert Medical Care From Busy Physicians

Generative AI systems, which operate in the background, listen, take notes, and generate possible questions for the doctor to ask based on the patient’s history and symptoms, are something I think we’ll see more and more of during doctor-patient consultations. It would resemble a hybrid of a diagnostic tool and a medical chatbot, intended for one-on-one patient consultations.

20 GlobalBiz Outlook | March 2024
Enterprise Health Tech

A wonderful example is provided by RythmX AI, which has developed a precision care platform to assist physicians in providing hyper-individualized treatment. Essentially, the system provides recommendations and actions tailored to the individual patient through the application of generative and predictive AI algorithms. Physicians can further explore the suggestions through the natural language interface, making it akin to an AI assistant for medical professionals. Doctors may be able to maximize patient appointments with the aid of this kind of AI-augmented method (which can be as quick as 10 minutes).

Customised Treatment and Health Plans

By evaluating large patient datasets to suggest individualized treatment regimens, optimize medicine dosages, and anticipate possible bad effects, generative AI may also assist physicians in improving patient care. Additionally, it can help with the development of customized therapy and rehabilitation routines.

Furthermore, preventative medicine may benefit from the application of generative AI. Regenerative AI, for instance, might be used by clinics and hospitals to develop individualized treatment programs based on each patient’s particular genetic composition, medical history, and lifestyle.

Image Analysis and Early Disease Detection

While AI has long been present in diagnostics, the analysis of medical images will be much improved by generative AI. As a result, generative AI technologies will be utilized more frequently to assist radiologists in quickly and accurately diagnosing diseases using X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans.

In one study, the use of AI to produce radiograph reports and analyze chest radiographs in the emergency room was investigated. Images are frequently evaluated by a remote radiologist (referred to as “teleradiology”) or even by emergency room physicians because many emergency departments lack 24/7 access to specialized radiology services. According to the study, the AI tool produced quick interpretations of radiographs and reports that were as accurate and high-quality as those written by radiologists, if not higher. In one instance, the AI outperformed a human radiologist in identifying a problem that the radiologist neglected to report. This demonstrates that AI can assist doctors in various departments in interpreting medical pictures and expediting patient processing, in addition to helping radiologists complete their work more rapidly and efficiently.

Boosting Drug Development

Generative AI is already making an influence on the development of novel pharmaceuticals to treat ailments. How? In other words, technology can make it easier for researchers to comprehend disease signals and identify the best chemical combinations—or even completely construct new ones—to develop novel pharmaceutical treatments. Therefore, through the creation of new chemical structures, quick compound screening, prediction of drug interactions, repurposing of current medications for new uses, optimization of clinical trials, and improvement of drug formulations, generative AI will hasten the process of drug discovery and development.

Because medications might potentially be customized based on unique patient data, this could potentially improve individualized treatment in the future.

Improvements Made Behind The Scenes in Healthcare Environments

Generative AI can lessen the administrative load in healthcare settings, especially by automating routine queries, note-taking, medical coding, and invoicing. This may not sound as exciting as finding new treatments or enabling tailored care. When you take into account the jobs that generative AI can perform—writing, listening, translating spoken language, and text comprehension—it all makes a lot of sense.

The Ambient Assist note-taking tool from NextGen Healthcare, which listens to patient-provider talks and then generates summary notes, is a nice example. After the patient contact, the notes are ready for the physician to examine in only 30 seconds, and the tool accurately records appointments with over 90%. Thus, NextGen and similar products assist clinicians in reducing administrative workloads without sacrificing clinical documentation. Anything that might reduce the administrative burden on physicians could have a huge positive impact on our healthcare systems since it is one of the main causes of clinician burnout.

Having excellent care from medical experts who are people who cannot be replaced. However, generative AI provides options that can aid in bridging the gap between the seemingly diminishing healthcare resources and the expanding need for healthcare. Combining human and machine expertise will probably be the most effective way to identify patients and administer the right treatment as healthcare systems grow increasingly overburdened.

March 2024 | GlobalBiz Outlook 21

The curves of life lead a person on a quest to uncover their actual selves and give them a purpose. This objective could be anything that requires a significant time commitment from the person to be accomplished. The correct combination of hard work and other necessary components can transform an aspirant into a visionary leader.

Dr. Shuchin Bajaj, the Founder and Director of Ujala Cygnus Healthcare Services, is one such pioneer in the healthcare sector who is revolutionizing the sector with his insightful ideas, persistent networking, and problem-solving prowess. He believes that every patient has a right to good health and wants to help those who are in need, for that Dr. Shuchin transformed healthcare in rural areas. By doing this, he is taking advantage of medical technology’s advantages while being adaptable to the industry’s latest developments.

The following are the main takeaways from a comprehensive interview conducted by Global Biz Outlook with Dr. Shuchin Bajaj, who is enhancing medical treatment’s affordability and accessibility, especially for tertiary care and serious conditions across the nation. Let’s take a look at some of the highlights from the interview below to learn more about his remarkable and ambitious journey thus far!

Tell us about Ujala Cygnus Healthcare Services in Brief. What kind of solutions are offered by Ujala Cygnus Healthcare Services that are at par with the current healthcare standards?

A Healthcare Pioneer Leading Healthcare with High Quality and Safety across the Nation

Ujala Cygnus Healthcare Services currently operates 21 hospitals in five states of North India namely Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Haryana, Delhi, and Jammu & Kashmir., supported by a network of outreach clinics and digital health services providing free tele consultations, to ensure everyone in the world has access to high-quality health care services regardless of their financial, geographical or social status.

Ujala Cygnus hospitals are transforming healthcare in rural areas by improving both accessibility and affordability of medical care, particularly in tertiary care and critical illnesses. The geographies that they serve did not have adequate high-end medical infrastructure and hence patients from villages and rural areas had to travel hundreds of kilometres before being able to access Hospitals.

These cities also do not have critical care services and hence the mortality due to diseases like heart attack and Trauma is very high. With the help of technology infusion and expanded infrastructure, Ujala Cygnus believes that creating multiple access points and touch points across tier 2 and 3 towns and rural India is the ultimate goal for any healthcare provider who wishes to make healthcare more

24 GlobalBiz Outlook | March 2024

inclusive and impactful to the society, community, and environment for the long-term sustainability.

Please give us a brief overview of your background and how you decided to pursue the career you are working in today.

Dr. Bajaj’s parents came from Pakistan as refugees to India. His father started by making kites for a living while staying on the roof of a horse stable. He understood that education was the only way out of his poverty and so taught himself as well as his children. Due to his efforts, Dr. Bajaj completed his medical education at government medical colleges, gave up a secure job in one of the biggest private hospitals in India, and started from a small 10x10 clinic, with a monthly budget of about Rs 500 to Rs 1000, and is now the founder of Ujala Cygnus Healthcare Services that is situated across 19+ locations with 21 hospitals, impacting the lives of millions. He was and is more focused on saving as many lives as he can. He aimed at providing high-quality low-cost health care to communities that don’t have access. A believer in socio-economic justice and general economic equilibrium, Dr. Shuchin Bajaj believes in strengthening rural India by reaching out to them. He says his mission in life is to dissociate high-quality healthcare access from financial & social status.

What are your views on today’s healthcare industry, and according to you, how are you contributing to making it better for clients, patients, and doctors?

Dr. Bajaj says that even after 77 years of independence, as a country, we are unfortunate that we have been unable to provide quality tertiary healthcare services, especially emergency tertiary care like services for heart attacks, or patients suffering from trauma or neurosurgical problems in tier-II and tier-III cities. Residents in this part of the nation must travel even from district places to tier-1 cities for treatment of trauma or heart attacks. We studied this evolution of healthcare very closely and realized the huge need for emergency medical facilities, especially during the ‘golden

hour’ which is the time when the patient’s chances of survival are greatest if they receive care within a short period after a severe injury. To complement this effort further, we institutionalized centers for excellence in intensive care, neurology, cardiology, and trauma, to unlock the golden door of quality and speedy medical service.

During your journey towards growth, list the challenges you faced and the lessons you have learned from them.

Over the last two years, Dr. Bajaj has been fighting the war on the pandemic as a frontline warrior doing clinical work including COVID ICU duties, managing his nineteen hospitals offering COVID care to thousands of patients daily, and setting up free COVID-19 care hospitals. He had set up a one thousand oxygen-COVID bed free Covid hospital in Delhi and a 100-bed free hospital in Prayagraj at the height of the pandemic. The Delhi centre was the largest field ICU in the country with 308 fully equipped ICU beds. The incredible achievement of this center was zero mortality in this hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic. He despite running critical care and emergency focussed hospitals, understands that the cost of the disease is unmanageably high in a hospital more than six crore Indians slip below the poverty line every year in India due to healthcare costs. This is why, in addition to the fact that it is a fireable offense in Ujala Cygnus to turn away a patient due to financial reasons, they also run a large number of outreach clinics and do almost 25 Sehat Chaupals (free medical camps) every day across locations, seeing more than 2000 patients close to their houses, within their villages, so that their disease is diagnosed early and they do not face complications and worsened outcomes.

What benefits are your patients/clients getting from Ujala Cygnus Healthcare Services?

Dr. Bajaj says that India has 797 districts, out of which, less than 300 districts have access to high-quality healthcare facilities, most of which are out of reach of the financially

challenged community members. This leaves a vast swathe of our population amounting to almost 600 million people who are left at the mercy of either poorly equipped government medical facilities or extremely expensive and unaccountable private players. Out of this huge population, about 260 million Indians, who are surviving with the burden of disease, estimated at around $ 30 billion constituting 5% of GDP, are our direct potential beneficiaries. There are 22 districts in Haryana, 75 districts in Uttar Pradesh, 20 districts in Jammu & Kashmir, and 13 districts in Uttarakhand with a total population of about 30 crores out of which 110 districts do not have access to tertiary care particularly related to neuro trauma, cardiac care, and medical intensive care till our intervention.

“We have been able to provide lifesaving care in said specialties in 7 of the 18 districts in Haryana, 2 districts in J&K, 5 districts in Uttar Pradesh, and 3 districts in Uttarakhand through Ujala Cygnus Super Specialty Hospitals,” assures Dr. Bajaj.

Similarly, in 2 rural districts of Delhi, they have been able to provide these services. A total of 5 crore population has benefitted from this access. People used to travel distances varying from 50 to 500 km to achieve this access previously and would lose their lives in the process of transferring such patients, particularly with head injuries and heart attacks.

There is a tremendous difference in benchmarked quality (measured by third-party NABH) and perceptible quality (measured by their in-house quality team through feedback) in their hospitals as compared to previously existing small nursing homes.

Which strategies do you follow to stay competent? How are you shaping yourself to become unique? Dr. Bajaj is a highly qualified medical scholar. After completing his MBBS from PGIMS, Rohtak, he did his Doctorate in Internal Medicines (MD) from Dr. S. N. Medical College, Jodhpur in 2004. Apart from the foregoing, he also did a Certified

March 2024 | GlobalBiz Outlook 25

Professional course on Diabetes Management and Total Control from the American Academy of Continuing Medical Education, USA in 2008, an Advanced Program in Strategic Management from I.I.M. Calcutta in 2013, and an Advanced Program in Cardiac Emergencies from Boston University in 2014.

He has also received the prestigious Chevening Gurukul Fellowship for Leadership Excellence from the United Kingdom Foreign and Commonwealth Office (UKFCO).

Dr. Bajaj is also the recipient of the Aspire Circle Fellowship for Social Leadership and the Innovating Health for Tomorrow (IHT) Fellowship at INSEAD, France.

He makes sure to go to the grassroots and the community and educate them about how to prevent chronic diseases and how to inculcate a healthy lifestyle. Dr. Bajaj put a lot of emphasis on their preventive camps and outreach activities around the rural regions of each of their hospitals.

Dr. Shuchin Bajaj has been able to change the lives of more than 7 lakh people through medical camps. Additionally, he has been a part of 4000+ continuous medical education programs each year that have worked strenuously to create sustainable healthcare solutions and spread awareness towards imminent medical problems. Collectively, since the last few years these primary and preventive engagements have led to saving and impacting more than 10 million lives in the community.

what would you attribute your success to?

“I would attribute my success to a combination of key qualities and principles that have played a pivotal role in my journey. Those were perseverance, diligence, and staying true to my purpose,” asserts Dr. Bajaj.

“Staying true to my purpose- it involved aligning my actions and decisions with my core values and long-term goals. Throughout my journey, I remained focused on my overarching mission, avoiding distractions that could have veered me off course. This sense of purpose provided you with a guiding light, shaping my choices and priorities. It’s about understanding what truly matters to me and channeling my energy toward pursuits that resonate with my deeper aspirations. By staying true to my purpose, I not only found motivation during challenging times like covid era but also established a sense of authenticity that has likely earned me respect and credibility in my endeavors,” he continues.

“I had to maintain perseverance i.e. my unwavering determination to overcome challenges and obstacles. In my journey to success, I knew I must maintain perseverance, and have a tenacious spirit by persisting through difficult times. Whether faced with setbacks, failures, or unforeseen difficulties, I was committed to my goals. I believed in diligence i.e. consistent and earnest effort put into my endeavours. My success is not merely the result of luck or

chance; it’s a product of my hard work and conscientious approach,” he added.

What is the best part of your Ujala Cygnus Healthcare Services, and how will you utilize it in the future?

Dr. Bajaj and their team’s contribution to the inclusive healthcare development agenda and commitment to the ‘universal healthcare for all’ mission, has been an integral part of their service delivery within the entire healthcare ecosystem, by ensuring free medicines and discounts on pharmacy, consultancies, and surgeries to the economically weaker population of the society worth Crores of rupees in the last few years. They have also mobilized the larger community on various facets of health awareness through health/medical camps for rural outreach on issues such as diabetes, joint replacements, emergency medical first-aids, maternity, cardiology, preventive care, etc. leading to socio-economic justice and poverty alleviation.

They have been pioneers and champions of the Ayushman Bharat PMJAY initiative. When most corporate hospitals were shying away from the scheme due to the low rates of procedures and treatments offered by the government, they were the first ones to embrace the initiative wholeheartedly as it fed into the larger mission of eliminating poverty due to healthcare costs. They were the first ones to do a Cardiac Angioplasty as well as a Mitral valve procedure in India under the Ayushman PMJAY scheme.

Furthermore, their hospitals were also the first ones to be awarded the Gold certificate by the Government of India for excellence in providing healthcare to Ayushman Bharat beneficiaries. In fact, amongst the first ten hospitals in India that were awarded the Gold Certificate, four were Ujala Cygnus Hospitals.

How do you see the future vision for Ujala Cygnus Healthcare Services in creating that change?

“We have the mission to expand to the farthest corners of North India and institutionalize at least 30 units of medical excellence till 2025. We are currently present in 5 states in North India, including Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Haryana. We plan to expand to Odisha, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, and Rajasthan in the near future,” asserts Dr. Bajaj.

“We have introduced specialty domains like Pediatrics and Oncology in our services recently and would replicate the same to all our existing and upcoming centers. We are en route to installing best-in-class Operation Theater suites at our hospitals to scale up Cardiac surgery and oncosurgery services at all our 21 locations, up from the current three hospitals we are offering them at. We have partnered with one of the best oncology care providers to collaborate, scale up, and upscale medical and Radiation oncology services in Ujala Cygnus healthcare,” he added.

26 GlobalBiz Outlook | March 2024

THE FUTURE OF AI Is Now And It’s Worth Investing In

A

rtificial Intelligence (AI)

is being incorporated into more and more industries as a result of the unparalleled speed at which technology is developing. AI is completely changing how businesses function and opening up new opportunities for productivity and profit. AI-driven solutions are optimizing decision-making, streamlining processes, and revealing new insights from massive amounts of data across various industries, including manufacturing, retail, healthcare, and finance.

Investment in artificial intelligence (AI) offers a compelling chance to gain access to a revolutionary force that will shape the future economy, given the ongoing developments in

machine learning, natural language processing, and robotics. But, to find the best possibilities and successfully manage risks, as with any investment, careful study and analysis of market dynamics are necessary.

Furthermore, given all of the recent news around AI, it may appear like a no-brainer choice for future investments.

But is it really the case?

That’s precisely the subject of this article. In 2024, would it still be worthwhile to invest in AI? Let’s examine everything that is happening in the field of artificial intelligence.

What Kinds Of AI Trends Are There Now And In the Future?

Based on current estimates, the worldwide AI market is valued at USD 200–250 billion, and it is anticipated to increase approximately

10 times over the next 5–6 years. The most prominent developments in AI at the moment include edge computing, multimodal AI, generative AI, and the democratization of AI. Anticipate the following trends: Quantum AI, or artificial intelligence that makes use of quantum computing; ethical considerations in AI, with more laws and regulations around AI; and more effective and versatile bio-inspired AI.

In the AI race, who are the major players?

▪ OpenAI + Microsoft DALL-E and GPT from OpenAI are well-known. They were largely responsible for the 2023 mainstreaming of AI from a niche. Microsoft’s substantial investment in OpenAI’s generative AI technology is a primary factor in the company’s ongoing commitment to the AI race. Microsoft announced the

28 GlobalBiz Outlook | March 2024
Tech & Trends

release of Copilot in September 2023, incorporating OpenAI tools’ AI capabilities into a variety of Microsoft products, such as Office, Github, Windows 11, and VS Code.

▪ Nvidia: Nvidia leads the way in generative AI by offering the processing capacity required to execute sophisticated AI applications. Although Nvidia was already leading the GPU industry, the need for GPUs for AI applications significantly increased its market share in the previous year, making it the best-performing stock in the US for 2023. To promote AI internationally, Nvidia also teamed up with numerous major Indian corporations in 2023, such as Tata and Jio.

▪ Google/Alphabet: Google has long been involved in the AI competition. Early in 2023, it introduced Bard (now called Gemini), a rival to OpenAI’s ChatGPT, and since then, it has incorporated it into its collection of tools, which includes YouTube. Presently, practically every product in Google’s lineup—including Android—integrates AI.

▪ Meta: Meta has long used artificial intelligence to power its recommendation systems. One of the largest brands in social media, Meta, depends on AI to identify harmful and undesired content on its platforms, provide recommendations, and display tailored ads. Meta is also investigating AI systems that are purportedly able to compete with OpenAI’s offerings.

These are a few of the major participants in the field, but organizations like Amazon, Adobe, and TSM are also making great progress in AI by using their resources and knowledge to spur innovation and influence the direction of the field.

Why Is AI Investing Worth It?

Businesses in all sectors are finding that investing in AI is a strategic need. AI investment has the potential to increase competitiveness and innovation while also opening up new investment opportunities for investors. The following are some justifications for why AI investment is worthwhile:

▪ Exponential growth: Over the next five to six years, it is anticipated that the AI market will expand more than ten times. This expansion isn’t just marketing speak; it’s fueled by actual developments and practical uses. The benefits are being felt by early adopters, and there is still time to seize the opportunity.

▪ Increasing innovation and competitiveness: Advances in AI have the potential to increase innovation and provide businesses a competitive edge over their rivals. AI is accelerating innovation at a dizzying rate, from machine learning applications to

automation based on AI.

▪ Focusing on global issues: Artificial Intelligence possesses the capability to tackle a number of the world’s most critical issues, ranging from poverty and education to healthcare and climate change. You may improve the world in addition to earning financial benefits by making investments in AI solutions for these fields.

▪ Bringing up new revenue streams: Artificial Intelligence helps companies find new ways to make money. Through the analysis of data and consumer behavior, businesses can find undiscovered markets, create new products, and improve their pricing tactics.

AI In 2024: What To Expect?

For the most part, 2023 was the year of generative AI. Here are some predictions about AI in 2024 given its current state of development and breadth:

▪ Emergence of XAI (explainable AI) - The attractiveness of black box algorithms is waning. Anticipate a boom in XAI solutions in 2024, which will improve the transparency and comprehensibility of AI models. This will promote innovation and adoption while also reducing bias and fostering trust.

▪ Democratization: Although OpenAI appears to be leading the way in generative AI, there is a growing number of open-source tools and platforms available, such as StabilityAI with Stable Diffusion. Open-source AI platforms and technologies will enable people and small enterprises to harness AI’s potential for their purposes, promoting innovation and creativity.

▪ Artificial Intelligence-driven Hardware - The boundaries between the digital and physical worlds will become more hazy as AI and robotics develop. Anticipate robots to do intricate jobs in manufacturing, healthcare, and even customer service.

▪ Creating new roles: Artificial intelligence will not only automate duties but also generate new ones. Anticipate an increase in AI-related employment, such as ethicists, trainers, and curators, as well as a change in many industries toward human-AI collaboration.

Conclusions

All things considered, investment in AI offers a strong chance for those who want to profit from the revolutionary potential of this technology. But it’s imperative to approach investing in AI with a deep comprehension of the market, the technology, and the associated dangers. Those who approach AI investment with a strategic and informed perspective will probably enjoy the dividends in the years to come as AI continues to drive innovation and alter sectors.

March 2024 | GlobalBiz Outlook 29

Apreeminent figure in the realm of pharmaceutical research and education, Founder and CEO of SPER Market Research, Dr. Upendra Nagaich epitomizes the essence of visionary leadership and entrepreneurial acumen. He stands as a paragon of excellence, with a legacy defined by groundbreaking discoveries, steadfast mentorship, and unwavering commitment to advancing global healthcare.

Dr. Upendra’s indomitable spirit and unwavering dedication to excellence have propelled SPER to unprecedented heights of success. His innate ability to nurture businesses from their grassroots, coupled with keen strategic foresight, has enabled SPER to achieve remarkable profitability goals and drive exponential revenue growth.

Dr. Upendra’s Scholar Achievements and Publications

Dr. Upendra is a renowned healthcare innovator, who has made significant contributions to drug development and research over the past two decades and left an indelible mark on the pharmaceutical landscape through his innovative endeavors and steadfast commitment to advancing medical science.

Dr. Upendra Nagaich

Pharma Research & Market Intelligence Pioneer Advancing Healthcare Globally

He is a renowned scholar with a doctorate from Govt. G. R. Medical College, Gwalior, has published over 160 papers on novel drug delivery systems and has been invited to speak at prestigious conferences. His scholarly work spans 160 publications in international and national journals, and his expertise is sought after globally, with him frequently speaking at prestigious conferences and seminars, where he has disseminated his wealth of knowledge and insights.

He is known for his scholarly achievements and entrepreneurial spirit, has 13 Indian patents, and is the editor of the renowned “Handbook of Research on Advanced Pharmaceutics,” published by CRC Press, A Taylor & Francis imprint based in the United Kingdom.

With over 160 influential publications gracing the pages of esteemed scientific journals, his scholarly footprint resonates far and wide, illuminating the path toward novel drug formulation and delivery technologies. His pioneering research, underscored by 13 patents, stands as a testament to his unparalleled insights and ingenuity, earning him recognition and acclaim from peers and establishing him as a beacon of innovation in the pharmaceutical community.

How did he Ignite the Idea to Start SPER Market Research?

A strong academic background in pharmaceutical sciences

32 GlobalBiz Outlook | March 2024

and a doctorate in novel drug delivery systems helped him gain a deep understanding of healthcare and played a pivotal role in shaping his entrepreneur’s journey. Through this expertise, Dr. Upendra gained valuable insights into market dynamics as a researcher, author, and inventor, technological advances, and industry trends, which laid the foundation for SPER’s strategic foresight.

SPER Market Research is driven by a singular mission to empower organizations with the knowledge and insights they need to thrive in an increasingly competitive global marketplace.

“The idea for the business crystallized through a synthesis of my diverse experiences and observations within the healthcare and technology industries. Recognizing the burgeoning demand for comprehensive market research solutions that marry quantitative rigor with strategic insight, I envisioned SPER as a catalyst for empowering businesses with actionable intelligence to navigate the complexities of an ever-evolving global marketplace,” says Dr. Upendra.

With a profound background in healthcare and technology, Dr. Nagaich has orchestrated the meteoric rise of SPER from its nascent stages to its current status as a global powerhouse in market research and business intelligence. Under Dr. Upendra’s stewardship, SPER Market Research has evolved into a comprehensive solution provider, offering a spectrum of services ranging from quantitative data collection to strategic consulting.

Early Lessons of Entrepreneurship: Embracing Challenges with a Developing Mindset

In the nascent stages of SPER Market Research, the journey was not without its share of hurdles and challenges. Building a business from the ground up requires navigating a labyrinth of obstacles, from securing funding and establishing credibility to building a talented team and cultivating a client base.

“The support and encouragement of family, friends, and colleagues have been crucial in sustaining me through the challenges and highs of entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurship presents challenges but also opportunities for growth and transformation. Courage, perseverance, and belief in purpose help overcome obstacles and chart success, guided by influential forces that shape our journey and define our destiny,” says Dr. Upendra

SPER Market Research: Global Leader in Competitive & Market intelligence solutions

As the sun ascends on the horizon of innovation and enterprise, SPER Market Research® stands as a beacon of unwavering commitment to excellence in global market intelligence and competitive intelligence solutions. With a cadre of seasoned professionals at the helm, the company’s mission reverberates with the resonance of insight, aimed at empowering astute decision-making across diverse landscapes.

Embodying the pinnacle of quality standards, SPER proudly bears the insignias of ISO 20252:2019, ISO 9001:2015, and ISO/IEC 27001:2013 accreditation—a testament to unyielding dedication to precision, efficacy, and information security. With these certifications adorning its

portfolio, clients can rest assured of a partnership forged on the anvil of trust and reliability.

Standing tall among the pantheon of market research titans, SPER’s illustrious journey spans over two decades, traversing the terrains of over 20 industries with finesse and acumen.

“Our domain expertise shines brightest in sectors such as Pharmaceutical/Healthcare, B2B research, Nutraceuticals, Food & Beverages, cosmetics, Dermatology, Dental, Herbal, Chemical, Consumer, and Information Technology, among others,” says Dr. Upendra.

Mission Outset

SPER Market Research’s mission is to become a leading global market research and consulting company, providing clients with valuable insights and fostering informed decision-making, enabling clients to seize opportunities, mitigate risks, and drive sustainable growth.

Transforming Teams with support “Effective communication fosters transparency, trust, and alignment within our team. By clearly communicating our vision, goals, and expectations, I ensure that all team members understand their role in contributing to our collective success. Further, I listen to my team members’ concerns, ideas, and needs, enabling everyone to feel valued and empowered,” assures Dr. Upendra.

“My leadership philosophy emphasizes empathy and compassion, fostering a supportive, inclusive workplace culture where everyone feels valued and appreciated, prioritizing their well-being and work-life balance,” he added.

March 2024 | GlobalBiz Outlook 33

SPER Market Research: Marking Footprints Globally

Headquartered in the vibrant city of Noida, SPER boasts a global presence, with offices strategically located worldwide to cater to the diverse needs of its clientele. Dr. Upendra anticipates significant growth in his global footprint, with the establishment of new offices and strategic partnerships in key markets worldwide. By expanding geographical reach, he will be better positioned to serve the diverse needs of their clients across different regions and industries, while also tapping into emerging opportunities for growth and collaboration on a global scale.

In a world where the currency of information reigns supreme, SPER Market Research® emerges not just as a service provider, but as a custodian of enlightenment—a torchbearer illuminating the path to prosperity and progress.

Responsibilities as an influential leader and Entrepreneur

“Effective decision-making and communication are at the heart of my leadership approach. I understand that every decision has ripple effects, impacting not only the bottom line but also the lives and livelihoods of those within our organization and beyond. Therefore, I approach decision-making with careful consideration, drawing upon data-driven insights, strategic foresight, and a deep understanding of the broader implications,” assures Dr. Upendra.

Sustaining work-life balance

“As a leader and an entrepreneur, I strive to achieve work-life balance through effective time management, delegation, and clear boundaries. I lead by example, empowering my team to prioritize professional success and personal fulfillment. I always demonstrate the significance of self-care and balance, inspiring the team to adopt similar practices, and fostering a culture that values well-being alongside productivity,” says Dr. Upendra.

“I prioritize humility, integrity, and purpose in my responsibilities, aiming to create a positive legacy beyond business success, fostering empathy, communication, and work-life balance,” he added.

Success Mantra

A distinguished healthcare figure who embodies the “Give your best and be ready for the worst” success mantra, inspiring and leading by example in pharmaceutical research and market intelligence with his unparalleled vision and passion.

Nurturing the next generation of healthcare professionals

“My passion for nurturing the next generation of healthcare professionals extends beyond academia, as a mentor and advisor, instilling excellence and integrity in students and researchers,” says Dr. Upendra.

Leading to the development of life-changing medications, and enriching the lives of millions worldwide

He actively collaborates with industry experts and regulatory bodies to ensure pharmaceutical advancements meet safety and efficacy standards, leading to the development of life-changing medications, and enriching the lives of millions worldwide.

Shaping the Future of Pharmaceutical Research and Education

“SPER Market Research is poised for dynamic growth and transformation over the next two years, fueled by innovation, strategic expansion, and a commitment to delivering unparalleled value to our clients,” asserts Dr. Upendra.

“I foresee our service offerings and capabilities will continue to evolve as market research trends and technological advances shift. To unlock deeper insights and drive more informed decision-making, we may need to invest more in advanced data analytics, machine learning algorithms, and predictive modeling techniques,” he added.

“Through thought-provoking research, whitepapers, and industry insights, we hope to be at the forefront of driving meaningful conversations and defining the future. “This may involve increased participation in industry conferences, seminars, and roundtables, as well as publishing thought leadership articles in prominent trade journals and publications,” he continues.

34 GlobalBiz Outlook | March 2024

THE AI ERA

The Future of Leadership & Work

36 GlobalBiz Outlook | March 2024 AI & Leadership

The advent of the digital age has been characterized by several technological turning points. Every stage of the internet’s development, from the early days of mobile devices and the internet to big data and cloud computing, has changed how we work and live.

Nevertheless, among these game-changers, Artificial Intelligence (AI) stands out as a particularly transformational force. Inspired by the workings of the human brain, its neural networks and algorithms enable robots to learn, adapt, and make judgments in ways that were previously thought to be unique to humans.

The ramifications are wide-ranging and significant as we enter the “AI era,” which is currently upon us. It’s about a change in the fundamental structure of our societies, not merely about technology or economic strategies. The question “What roles will humans play when machines can think” then arises. “What will it mean to work and contribute value when AI-driven processes are standard?” and “What’s the Future of Work and Leadership May Hold and How to Get Ready for It?”

The artificial intelligence era presents both opportunities and difficulties for leadership. AI’s integration into the professional environment is a catalyst for leadership evolution rather than merely a technical advancement.

Human-Centered Leadership

According to David De Cremer’s observation artificial intelligence will never be able to fully replace the uniquely human aspects of leadership.

It serves as a reminder that the fundamental qualities of a leader are inspiration, inventiveness, and an appreciation of different points of view. These human-centric abilities become our differentiator in an era of automation, as the world is becoming more and more automated.

Prudent Leadership During AI Integration

The need for leaders who can negotiate the contradictions and paradoxes AI creates is highlighted by Amrop’s appeal for prudent leadership. Value is what drives the integration of AI in business, not just efficiency. Those who can guarantee that AI is a tool for improvement rather than a force for detriment are wise leaders. They will be able to use AI’s capabilities while upholding moral and societal norms, resolving the paradoxes it presents.

Redefining the Process of Making Decisions

Decision-making processes must change for leaders to keep up with the rapid advancement of AI. It’s important to be adaptable, encourage creativity, and use AI as a helpful tool rather than the only motivator. It’s not simply about relying on what has previously worked.

Good leadership is being comfortable in the face of uncertainty and creating a space that is conducive to the growth of fresh ideas. Intelligent AI should help shape decisions, but human judgment and strategic vision should ultimately lead the way. Decisions should be thoughtful and responsive.

Education Modifications for the AI Workforce

The influence of AI in the workplace on education is a topic of discussion at the World Economic Forum. We need a corresponding transformation

March 2024 | GlobalBiz Outlook 37

in educational perspectives as AI transforms the industry. Future professions need to be prepared with both soft talents that AI cannot replace and technical AI knowledge. Beyond the classroom, this education aims to promote adaptation, continual skill development, and lifetime learning within business cultures.

Cultural Aspects to Take Into Account While Leading AI

It is important to recognize the profound cultural effects of AI on leadership. Due to AI’s capacity to transcend cultural borders, leaders must possess both technological acumen and cultural sensitivity. The different cultural expectations and ethical norms of a global workforce must be navigated and reconciled with the universality of AI applications.

Promote Awareness of AI

According to reports, some of the tech companies’ employees were recently introduced to a project with the express purpose of monitoring and directing the incorporation of AI into an existing workflow. There was an immediate feeling of unease among the team members regarding the new technology. They expressed apprehensions about redundancy and a general lack of faith in the effectiveness of artificial intelligence.

The team’s changing mindset was made clear during feedback sessions. “I’m now tackling problems I never got around to before,” one team member said. One person highlighted their renewed sense of fulfillment in their work, saying, “I can engage more with the creative side of things, which is a welcome change from the daily grind.”

It became evident how important it was to promote awareness of AI’s function. We created a report that emphasized augmentation over replacement and counseled the leadership on the need for open communication. In our viewpoint, the phrase “AI is here to enhance your work, not to take it over.”

Employing this procedure, we enabled a change in perspective. The group started to see AI as a comrade. By taking on boring jobs, this technology could free up time for more important activities, encouraging the development of human creativity and strategic thinking.

GlobalBiz’s Reflections

In the AI age, effective leadership is about empowering and connecting people rather than dictating and dominating. It’s about steering our teams through the AI revolution while keeping a tight grip on the ethical rudder and adhering to the principles that make us who we are as professionals and as people. It’s a voyage of never-ending learning and accepting the new while retaining the best parts of the past.

Next Actions

At the nexus between tradition and innovation, leaders find themselves. The core of our everyday work and our company strategies will be shaped by the decisions we make today. As leaders, we have to approach these revolutionary times with an open mind and common sense. As a result, it’s critical that we continuously develop and improve our viewpoints so that, even as we strive to fully utilize AI’s potential, we are cognizant of its ramifications and give human values and contributions priority.

AI & Leadership 38 GlobalBiz Outlook | March 2024

Leaders are the ones who inspire and motivate people; You can do that by “walking the talk” and setting an example for your team; Being self-disciplined and honest is a virtue,” says Manu Saigal, Director of Adecco India Pvt. Ltd.

Manu is a realistic optimist having strengths in dealing with people, building relationships, and maintaining authenticity with teams, organizations, and clients.

For her, Authentic leadership emphasizes transparent and ethical behavior. It allows people to share feedback or input, while still relying on experience, expertise, and data analytics, and it encourages 360-degree information flow and makes it feel safe. You should always hear from the team members & get their buy-in. Transparency has always been important for Manu and her organization, team, and customers.

The background needed to pursue the current career

Manu comes from a military background, and her father is a retired Army Colonel. Manu’s upbringing as a military child represents her experiencing frequent

Manu Saigal

A Realistic Optimist On A Mission To Get The World Of Work Covered And Reach Their Full Potential

relocations and learning early lessons in adaptability and change. “I value qualities like discipline, integrity, and commitment, which I attribute to my upbringing,” says Manu.

She completed her Bachelor of Engineering in Electronics and Communication and was a campus recruit in Wipro Infotech.

Manu’s early days in Wipro created a strong foundation for planning and execution. Over the years, she was able to strengthen her skills through various learning platforms and guidance from her mentors. She started her career in the delivery team - and got early lessons on customer centricity, stakeholder, and people management. Throughout the years, Manu handled multiple roles, some of them have been very challenging turnarounds while others were greenfield projects. Each role has added value to her experience and learning.

The crucial moments for Manu to launch Adecco Manu faced pivotal moments twice in her life. First, as she neared the end of her college journey, Manu had to choose between a career in the defense services or the corporate world. Manu has bounced back and forth

40 GlobalBiz Outlook | March 2024

between the possibilities of a military career and a corporate career, having demonstrated adaptability and a willingness to explore different opportunities. She Opted for the corporate path and joined Wipro Infotech.

Subsequently, after gaining diverse experience across various business roles at Wipro, Manu transitioned to leading staffing for a key business unit. While she found fulfillment in the people-centric aspects of staffing, Manu yearned to be more involved in business operations, including customer management and PnL responsibilities.

Second, she faced another crossroads, Manu had to decide between returning to a business role within Wipro or exploring opportunities in an organization where staffing was the primary focus. Ultimately, Manu embraced the latter path, which led her to Adecco.

Business idea and concept

The idea or concept for a business often arises from identifying a problem or a need in the market and devising a solution to address it. Business leaders draw inspiration from their own experiences, observations, or industry trends to conceptualize a new venture or product.

The mission of a business at the outset is usually centered around its purpose and the value it aims to deliver to its customers or stakeholders. This mission statement often encapsulates the

company’s core values, goals, and objectives. It serves as a guiding principle that shapes the organization’s strategic decisions, operations, and culture.

“I believe in investing time in yourself to stay relevant. Learning should never end and this could be through the job role, mentors, team members, colleagues, family, or even a formal education. I recently completed PGPMax for Senior Executives from the Indian School of Business (ISB, Hyderabad) with the intent to further enhance my skills in general management, strategic thinking, and cross-functional knowledge, and build a network of senior executives. I believe that ISB helps prepare senior executives for the next career goal in a much more structured framework,” says Manu.

Adecco India Pvt. Ltd.: Got the world of work covered Adecco India Pvt. Ltd, established in 1996 with a vision to ensure that people across the globe are inspired, motivated, trained, and developed to embrace the future of work. To be in environments where they are empowered to thrive, stimulated to succeed, and given every chance to make their futures better and brighter than ever before. Embedding integrity and compliance consistently into how and why Adecco conducts its business enables it to deliver on its mission to be a driver of positive change and make the future work for everyone.

Adecco is a multinational human resources consulting and staffing

company globally headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, and India headquartered in Bangalore. Adecco operates in over 60 countries and territories, connecting millions of people to job opportunities every year. The company serves a wide range of industries and sectors, including finance, IT, engineering, healthcare, and more. Adecco plays a significant role in matching qualified candidates with job openings across the globe, contributing to workforce development and employment opportunities worldwide.

Adecco’s suite of services

Adecco offers a range of services and solutions that are in line with current industry standards in the field of human resources and staffing. Some of its key services include Temporary Staffing, Permanent Placement, Talent Development, Career Transition, and Talent Management Solutions. Adecco provides comprehensive talent management solutions to help organizations optimize their workforce, improve employee engagement, and achieve business objectives.

“Adecco continually evolves its offerings to meet the changing needs of the market and its clients. At Adecco, we focus on innovations in technology, talent management practices, and workforce solutions to stay competitive in the industry. This involves advancements in digital recruitment platforms, the integration of artificial intelligence in candidate screening processes,

March 2024 | GlobalBiz Outlook 41

and the development of customized workforce solutions tailored to specific industries or sectors,” assserts Manu.

Leadership Advice

When you face challenging situations and overcome them, you learn new perspectives and gain experience. Challenging experiences shape you as a leader. One becomes more solution-oriented, committed, and resilient. On the one hand, challenges help you stay humble; overcoming the challenges also gives you a sense of achievement.

In leadership, you need to respond to situations in a calm and well-thought-out manner. Taking a deep breath and assessing the situation with a clear mind is the best way to tackle the problem. Break it down into smaller parts & prioritize them. A true leader can envisage the problem early on.

Success Mantra

Manu’s three main success mantras are:

Be curious: Being curious means constantly posing queries, questioning established wisdom, and looking for solutions. It also supports your quest for lifelong learning and relevance.

Keep learning: Your learnings or your interest to stay relevant could be from anywhere.

Stay relevant: need not always be formal, from your seniors or industry leaders; it could also be from your team member or a fresher who has just joined your organization.

But above all is to remain humble!

Work-life Balance Funda, ‘being available where you are needed the most’ Manu’s ability to navigate different roles and her strength in interpersonal relationships highlight her versatility in both her personal and professional life.

Manu strongly believes that there is nothing like work-life balance, she acknowledged that being available where you are needed the most - like treating your work as your baby, and when the baby is not well, spend hours together by their side till they are feeling better. Celebrating the wins/good work is just like how we celebrate birthdays and anniversaries. At

the same time, if there is attention required at home, let’s say someone is not well or your child’s exams, then that’s where your time is spent more.

“I can keep pace with it through my daughters. I have 2 daughters – 19 and 13 years old & it’s so interesting to engage in a conversation with them. Every time we discuss a controversial or sensitive topic; it amazes me on the way they think and being a different perspective on the table to think through. The more you engage with the young talent the more you can relate and appreciate their mindset,” says Manu.

“Weekends are for family and friends – Ankur and I both love entertaining and socializing; as well, I believe that a short break every 3-4 months is more effective than a long break every year. Spending time with Ankur and my girls, Khushi & Mehhar helps me regain my energy, reduce stress, and boost my productivity levels,” she continues.

“In my career, I have worked long hours, traveled a lot, and even studied management on weekends. Similarly, my mother is a cancer survivor and I was there for days, weeks, and even months when I was at the hospital. I am grateful to have a wonderful team to assist me,” she added.

Road to Future

“Every day the world of work is being reshaped by megatrends, and companies are rethinking how they build and optimize their workforces. In parallel, employees want to work in ways that align with their skills, interests, and personal goals. We are helping businesses and individuals embrace change and face the future with confidence. To support the same, we have a Future@work strategy. We also have a few other initiatives that focus on Diversity & Inclusion and veteran hiring,” assures Manu.

42 GlobalBiz Outlook | March 2024

Reimagining How Cities Can Leverage Holistic

Platforms For Urban Mobility Solutions

When it comes to designing transit and transportation solutions that reduce traffic congestion and improve on-time arrival rates, we seem to have a problem. It seems we are focused on all the wrong things. It’s not all about building a better vehicle, or the technology that is used inside the vehicle. And it’s definitely not about building bigger or more roads and bridges.

It’s about re-engineering the way in which cities move people around. This is important because personal vehicles, mass transit

(buses, rail, etc.), ridesharing vehicles, commercial vehicles, emergency first responders, and pedestrians are all trying to get from point A to point B in the most efficient manner.

Traffic solutions go beyond bigger roads

Better in-vehicle technology, faster cars, autonomous cars, and more roads will not solve our problem individually. The solution is bigger than each of these, and it must have the ability to singularly connect, monitor, and orchestrate everyone’s movements in a holistic, technology agnostic manner.

The journey begins with the traveler’s intent to get from point A to point B using the mode(s) that satisfy their needs for cost and convenience. An app from the service provider or a Mobility as a Service (MaaS) app for a multi-modal trip could be used to make the booking. A mobility service provider, such as a bus system, ride-hailing service, robotaxi, or other public or private providers, provides the journey.

When a journey is booked, the mobility service provider needs to decide which vehicle to send, when to send it, and what route it should take. To do so, the mobility

46 GlobalBiz Outlook | March 2024

service provider uses a cloud-based platform that assigns missions to vehicles’ self-driving technology or drivers’ vehicle receptors. These vehicles can be personal cars and trucks, ridesharing, emergency, buses, etc. This platform considers a variety of factors, and sends missions that minimize passenger wait times and deadheading for service providers while also meeting their requirements for vehicle utilization and passenger convenience.

Taking a control tower approach

It may be beneficial to think of this approach as a car-specific version of an air traffic control tower. Even though many different brands, sizes, and shapes of vehicles are used for air travel, air traffic control is still necessary to direct them safely from gate to gate both on the ground and in the air. Both scheduled and on-demand services are offered by commercial airlines and private aircraft, respectively. Air traffic controllers receive service requests from service providers with directions for the vehicles and pilots, including where to go, when they can go there, and which route to take. Service providers submit their reservations or flights with scheduled departure and arrival times.

On the ground, a similar cloud-based “control tower” technology platform can be used to systematically view each mobility provider (car, bus, rail, etc.) and assign signals to each so that they all move in constant harmony and rhythm with each other.

Key to this platform is the integration of traffic signals and intersections with the flow of traffic, which of course changes based on events, work hour vehicle demand, weather patterns (evacuations, etc.), and the prioritization of emergency response vehicles that need to move freely through certain corridors to get to an injured person or fire, for example. Much of this is already in use in several cities across the U.S., all driven by AI (artificial intelligence).

How AI improves the flow of traffic for everyone

AI promises to streamline traffic flow and reduce congestion for many of today’s busiest roadways and thoroughfares. Smart traffic light systems and the cloud technology platforms they operate on are now

designed to manage and predict traffic more efficiently, which can save a lot of money and create more efficiencies not only for the cities themselves, but for individuals also. AI and machine learning today can process highly complex data and traffic trends and suggest optimum routing for drivers in real-time based on specific traffic conditions. By integrating everyone’s real-time routing information, cloud-based traffic management systems can now optimize traffic light timing to the true needs of traffic.

Today’s recognition algorithms offer enhanced insight on the mix of density, traffic, and overall rate of flow. Furthermore, these optimized algorithms can leverage data points by region resulting in a streamline pattern to reduce traffic problems while redistributing flow more optimally. Municipal traffic management systems can then make better decision-making power, and the control system has a much higher degree of failure tolerance as was previously demonstrated in legacy hub-and-spoke systems.

The combination of AI, machine learning, and cloud-based technology all have great potential to not only improve the throughput of signalized intersections but reimagine it all together. This advanced technology is already in use with transit agencies and emergency first responders where it is demonstrating a connected coordinated future between GPS, navigational apps, connected autos, and even taxi and ride-sharing services to efficiently combine mobility data into a traffic control system based on real-time data.

About The Author

Timothy Menard is the Founder and CEO of LYT, provider of cloud-based open-architecture smart traffic solutions. LYT makes traffic lights smart by enabling them to see and respond to traffic. By doing so LYT can prioritize first responders and public transportation vehicles so they can get to their destinations faster and safer. The additional benefit is that it streamlines overall traffic flow helping to reduce congestion and emissions in high traffic areas. Learn more here.

March 2024 | GlobalBiz Outlook 47
Subscribe Now & Stay in the Known Take advantage of every single edition, and get GlobalBiz Outlook Magazine in Print and digital at www.globalbizoutlook.com Subscribe to GlobalBiz Outlook Magazine, and Read It Now. Global Subscription Subscription Form 1 Month (1 Issues): $ 253 Months (3 Issues): $ 70 6 Months (6 Issues): $ 1501 Year (12 Issues): $ 250
fill out the form below and email/courier it in favor of GlobalBiz Outlook Magazine. Fill out this form, and we will call you. Name: Address: Company: Contact Number: Email: City: State: Zip: Country: Unveiling Inspiring Stories GlobalBiz Outlook Magazine 1330 Valley Lake Dr Apt 305 Schaumburg 60195 Illinois, United States info@globalbizoutlook.com +1-847-852-4574 For more information, click on www.globalbizoutlook.com
Kindly

Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.