Legacy meets Modern Leadership

FLO Chennai recently hosted an engaging event with Roshni Nadar Malhotra, Chairperson of HCL Technologies, where she shared her insights on leadership, sustainability, education, and technology. She emphasised that rather than simply filling the shoes of those who came before, leaders should aim to stand on the shoulders of their predecessors, building upon their achievements to reach new heights.

Roshni highlighted the critical importance of financial literacy, explaining that financial independence is incomplete without the ability to understand and manage one’s finances effectively. Recounting her first role at HCL, where she managed the company’s treasury, she underscored how her experience helped her grasp the nuances of financial management.

Discussing her motivation behind VidyaGyan, a leadership academy for underprivileged children, she spoke passionately about how the raw materials available to privileged children are not the same for everyone. VidyaGyan aims to bridge this gap, offering opportunities to children from disadvantaged backgrounds. She also spoke about the history and success of the Shiv Nadar Group of Schools, particularly the Chennai branches, which have played a key role in advancing holistic education.

On the topic of sustainability, Roshni urged the audience to act collectively in maintaining a sustainable planet. She emphasized the need to reconnect with nature before it disappears, encouraging attendees to spend more time outdoors and focus on environmentally conscious practices.

Addressing work-life balance, Roshni shared that creating space for personal growth and learning from mistakes is crucial. She remarked that during challenging times, it’s essential to lean on family for support.

When discussing skills for children, she noted that she prefers a more traditional approach to parenting. Roshni shared that she limits her children’s use of
phones and encourages them to read books. This is because technology can often disrupt education and attention spans. She believes in patience and mentioned that she leads by example by staying off social media herself.

On the topic of technology, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI), she discussed how technological advancements often evoke fear of job loss or skill redundancy. She reassured the audience that AI would not replace knowledge but act as a tool to create new opportunities and jobs.

The event concluded with an interactive rapid-fire round and a Q&A session, where Roshni shared more about her leadership journey and personal experiences. The audience actively participated, making it a highly engaging and insightful evening.

Impacted: Over 200 attendees