Jaipuria Institute of Management, Ghaziabad was privileged to host Mr. Kamal Bali, President & Managing Director of Volvo Group India, as the Chief Guest at the MBA Orientation Program 2025 on 23rd August 2025. With an illustrious career spanning over four decades, Mr. Bali has spearheaded reputed Indian and multinational organizations as CEO and Managing Director, and since 2014 has been leading Volvo Group India. His values-based leadership has been globally recognized with prestigious awards, including the Royal Order of the Polar Star Commander by the King and Queen of Sweden and the Economic Times Inspiring CEO Award.
The Global Shifts Shaping Future Leaders
In his keynote, Mr. Bali inspired the new batch of MBA students by contextualizing the rapidly evolving world of business and commerce. He highlighted four major global shifts that will define the careers and responsibilities of future leaders:
- Return of Big Power Conflicts – The resurgence of geopolitical tensions across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia that directly influence global trade and business environments.
- Crisis in Economic Globalization – Moving from multilateralism under WTO to a new era of bilateral trade agreements, making leadership navigation more complex.
- Emergence of AI and New Technologies – A paradigm shift where every company, regardless of industry, will become a technology company at its core.
- Sustainability and Energy Transition – A new lens of leadership where economic viability must coexist with social inclusion, environmental friendliness, and ethical governance.
India’s Unique Advantages: Mr. Bali expressed confidence in India’s future, emphasizing the “Seven Ds” that define India’s growth story:
- Demography: With an average age of 29, India is the world’s youngest large nation.
- Diversity: Languages, cultures, and perspectives fuel innovation.
- Determination: A nation determined to grow with resilience.
- Democracy: Strong governance and institutional strength.
- Decarbonization: India’s commitment to net-zero targets by 2070.
- Digital Savvy Youth: A new generation shaping the digital economy.
- Demand: A rapidly expanding consumer market fueling economic momentum.
He underlined that these advantages place India at the center of global attention, offering students immense opportunities—provided they embrace discipline, resilience, and innovation.
Redefining Leadership: Mr. Bali shared his personal leadership philosophy built on values and lifelong learning. He urged students to see leadership not as creating followers, but as creating more leaders. His framework included:
- SPA: Shared Purpose and Ambition – aligning passion with organizational purpose.
- HOP: Hope, Optimism, Positivity – leading with energy and inspiration.
- CA: Credible and Authentic – walking the talk with integrity.
- TTC: Transparency, Trust, Collaboration – the foundation for partnerships in the new world.
- RED: Rigor, Ethics, Discipline – no substitute for consistent effort and values.
- Care & Respect: Genuine care for colleagues and mutual respect as cornerstones of leadership.
- Self-Awareness & Empathy: Understanding and valuing people’s experiences before reacting.
He emphasized that mindset, character, and values will be the most critical differentiators in the careers of future leaders.
A Call to the Future Leaders
In closing, Mr. Bali reminded the students that 23rd August 2025 would remain etched in their memory—not just as the beginning of an MBA program, but as the start of a transformative journey. He encouraged them to balance academics with self-discovery, embrace innovation, and remember that the ultimate objective of leadership is to serve society and the nation.
“Leaders are not the ones who create followers. True leaders are those who create more leaders.” – Mr. Kamal Bali
