A leader is the one who looks for strategies, than knowledge, celebrated author of numerous management books like Corporate Chanakya and Chanakya Neeti Dr Radhakrishnan Pillai said here in Kuwait.
He was speaking at Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel during a function organised by the Institute of Chartered Accountants India (ICAI) - Kuwait Chapter. Dr Radhakrishnan Pillai, the author of the best-selling book Corporate Chanakya, which is widely used in business schools and corporate circles, is also the Director of the Chanakya International Institute of Leadership Studies (CIPL) at the University of Mumbai.
The leadership is all about finding strategies. A leader's vision is long term. He find opportunities for long term goal.
Stressing that the management ideas written in Chanakya's Artha shastra in the 4th century BC are still very much relevant in todays' corporate world, Radhakrishnan Pilai said "Even though it was 2,400 years old, the book covered about 180 topics on several subjects."
In Chanakya's ground-breaking Arthashastra, Chanakya lists the seven pillars of an organization, Mr Pillai said. Building on Chanakya's seven pillars- Swami, Amatya, Janpada, Durg, Kosha, Dand, and Mitra- that Pillai explained how leaders can be successful by effectively leveraging these pillars. Swami - The King is the leader, Amatya of the Ministers are the department heads in an organisation. Janpada or the country is the market, Durg or the fortified city is the corporate office where an organisation functions. Koshaor or the treasury is the funds, Dand - the Army is the team, and finally the Mitra or the Ally is the partners and vendors. Only when these 7 pillars are built, an organization can sustain and face all challenges. he said. As Chanakya says, a good 'ally' is the leader's best friend to take his business to the next level, he said.
“Chanakya is not just about the past; it is about applying ancient wisdom to the present and future,” Dr. Pillai stated. “His ideas are deeply rooted in good governance, and they remain a guiding force for today’s corporate leaders.”
Earlier, ICAI Kuwait Chapter Chairman CA Aditya Dhanuka in his presidential address stressed the need for professionals to develop the leadership skills for both personal and professional growth. CA Venkata Ramana welcomed the audience and CA Rohit Agarwal introduced the speaker to the audience.
The session provided attendees with valuable insights into the Chanakya model of leadership, reinforcing the relevance of strategic governance in the corporate world. the event concluded with an Iftar.
Dr. Pillai, a Ph.D. holder from the University of Mumbai, has authored 24 best-selling books on Chanakya’s principles, with Corporate Chanakya—first published in 2010—remaining one of the most influential books on leadership and management.