In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, the ability to take calculated risks and drive transformation is more critical than ever. In our latest episode of The Future of Our People podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Mr. Kaleeswaran Arunachalam, Group CFO and Head of Strategy at Crompton Greaves Consumer Electricals. With over 17 years of experience, Kalishwaran has been at the forefront of significant business transformations, leading initiatives that have shaped the future of the organizations he’s been a part of. During our conversation, he shared valuable insights into leadership, culture, and his unique approach to driving sustainable business growth.
The Power of Purpose and Risk-Taking:
- Embrace a clear purpose to guide your actions and decisions. When leaders have a well-defined purpose, it not only inspires their teams but also drives them to take calculated risks that can lead to transformative growth. Purpose gives leaders the courage to move beyond comfort zones and challenge the status quo, which is essential for innovation and success.
The Importance of Understanding the Market:
- Spend time in the field to truly understand your customers, partners, and the competitive landscape. Real insights come from direct interactions, not just from data analysis. By understanding market trends and consumer behavior firsthand, leaders can make informed decisions that resonate with their audience, drive brand loyalty, and create sustainable growth strategies.
Aligning Short-term and Long-term Goals:
- Balance the immediate demands of the business with a vision for the future. Success lies in the ability to perform while transforming. Leaders must ensure that while they are meeting quarterly targets, they are also laying the foundation for long-term innovation and brand strength. This dual focus ensures resilience and adaptability in a rapidly changing market.
Personal Reflection:
Listening to Kaleeswaran speak about his journey, one point that resonated deeply with me is the importance of aligning our purpose with our day-to-day actions. At InfiniteRise, we often talk about the need to activate leadership and drive performance through culture. Kalishwaran’s insights reaffirmed that to truly transform, leaders must be willing to take calculated risks and be grounded in a purpose that goes beyond immediate results.
His emphasis on understanding the market directly aligns with our approach at InfiniteRise. We believe that knowing your customers and their needs is not just a task for the sales team—it’s a philosophy that should permeate the entire organization. By fostering a culture of curiosity and openness, we can create environments where innovation thrives.
Questions for Reflection:
- As a leader, do you have a larger purpose that drives your actions and decisions? How do you align your team with that purpose?
- How often do you step out of your office and into the field to understand your customers and market better? What insights could you gain from doing so?
- Are your short-term goals aligned with your long-term vision? How can you ensure that your organization is prepared for both today’s challenges and tomorrow’s opportunities?
Call to Action:
To learn more about Kalishwaran’s journey and insights, watch the full episode of our podcast. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=egvzU_cXhW0&t=1110s
You’ll find practical advice and thought-provoking ideas that can inspire you to take your leadership and organization to the next level.
Let’s continue this conversation—what steps are you taking to align purpose with performance in your organization? Share your thoughts in the comments below, or get in touch to discuss how InfiniteRise can help you activate leadership and transform your business culture.
