Students of Indian School of Business (ISB), Hyderabad got to spend a working day with CEOs of India Inc under the `Shadow a CEO` programme. Karunamoorthy P was among the lucky 13 who won an online bid to follow his favorite corporate head honcho.
I have always been passionate about the education sector and the difference it can make in people`s lives. As a result I was eager to make the maximum use of the opportunity to shadow Anurag Beher, CEO, Azim Premji Foundation and see what drives him to succeed.
I prepared for the day by going through the foundation’s website and my anticipation grew stronger.My agenda was to be a silent spectator and witness how the life of a CEO. Thanks to my excitement I reached the venue much earlier than the scheduled time and was given the schedule for the day. Before we began, Beher briefed me about the meetings I would be accompanying him to. On the way, I was given a campus tour of the Wipro Corporate Office and also the Azim Premji Foundation office, which is located at the edge of a forest, its aura augmented by the surrounding natural beauty. In the first meeting, Beher gave a crisp introductory speech to the global delegates assembled for a workshop. What intrigued me was the clarity and sense of purpose in all his actions. He quickly grasped the crux of the meeting and steered it towards clear decision-making. I could clearly see how swift he was at handling the meeting and taking it in the right direction. I understood how much his viewpoint is valued and why senior management team wants his presence in the crucial meetings. It was a wonderful day filled with unforgettable experiences, and the end of the day couldn’t have been much better either. He offered me a ride on our way back home. Throughout the ride, he seemed really interested in understanding my background and who I am as a person. This last leg of the day gave me insights into the business world. It was an eventful and unforgettable day, this memory I shall cherish for a long time to come.