In an exclusive interview series on ET Edge Insights, Sandeep Dua, Founder and Global CEO of Gut & Gusto, provided his insights on strategic planning, mergers, the emergence of the Indian market and leadership
Partnerships
When asked about the challenges in developing strategic partnerships for global corporations, Sandeep emphasised the subtle nature of such endeavours, which are adapted to each company’s situation, whether in India or globally.
“Our job,” Sandeep explained, “is ultimately to assist and advise, guaranteeing the outcomes desired by our clients. We strive to understand their objectives thoroughly and then fill in the necessary details to achieve them.”
Mergers
Transitioning to the topic of mergers, Sandeep highlighted the importance of considering factors like regulatory compliance, financial implications, and strategic alignment. He emphasised the need to assess each deal individually, highlighting the significance of strategic parameters and collaboration with senior management and CFOs.
Sandeep identified two critical indicators for judging strategies: recurrent revenue and barrier to entry. He emphasised the necessity of a consistent revenue stream and considerable entry barriers, indicating the potential for sustainable growth and competitive advantage.
Reflecting on the Indian market’s emergence, Sandeep highlighted the substantial presence of Indian leadership in global organisations, illustrating the different yet influential character of Indian leadership styles across sectors.
Leadership
Transitioning to a discussion on leadership, Sandeep stressed the importance of accountability and execution. He highlighted the necessity for leaders to foster a culture of accountability and empower their teams to achieve measurable results, irrespective of geographical boundaries.
When managing global teams, Sandeep emphasized the importance of setting clear objectives and key performance indicators (KPIs) while avoiding micromanagement. He underscored the significance of data-driven decision-making and fostering a culture of continuous improvement among team members.
Sandeep concluded the discussion by emphasising the importance of surrounding oneself with smart individuals and empowering them to excel, noting that effective leadership ultimately drives success across all levels of an organisation.