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India Today
a day ago
- India Today
What makes modern executive education vital for India's growth?
In today's fast-paced global economy, India has shifted from watching events unfold to driving much of the debate and innovation, earning a spot as a loud and enthusiastic emerging powerhouse. Its youthful workforce, inventive start-ups, and clear-eyed policy-makers are fuelling this momentum, and forecasts for solid growth only underline how much industry optimism and strategic vision have begun to this upward momentum poses its own set of challenging questions, necessitating a re-evaluation, identification, grooming, and support of the individuals who will guide our organisations. Yesterday's tried-and-tested leadership programmes, once relied upon for decades, are simply not tough enough for the architects of India cements its place on the global stage, the call for innovative, future-ready leaders is louder than ever. John Kallelil, Founder and CEO of XED, says executive education must evolve to shape visionaries who can drive lasting impact and sustain India's growth OF NEW-AGE INDIAN LEADER The modern Indian leader is a departure from the conventional archetype. They are digitally native and globally minded, navigating the intricacies of a VUCA (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, and Ambiguous) world with agility that is both innate and leaders do more than allocate budgets and schedule meetings. They spot trends, challenge outdated practices, and connect with everyone — from entry-level interns to senior executives. For them, leadership is not a title; it is a continuous process of learning, adapting, and leaving a lasting impact on their IMPERATIVE FOR A NEW LEADERSHIP BLUEPRINTLeadership itself is changing, and that shift is pushing executive education to evolve as well. Outdated programmes that offer standardised lessons drawn from ivory-tower theory and treat each discipline in isolation simply don't cut it anymore.A more agile, real-world curriculum has become a basic requirement. The World Economic Forum's latest Future of Jobs report highlights that much of India's workforce especially senior leaders will soon need reskilling to stay ahead of technological and economic shifts. At the top, the stakes are highest, as only leaders who can guide transformation will ensure their organisations THE FUTURE OF EXECUTIVE EDUCATIONPersonalised and adaptive learningA reimagined executive education moves from rigid, one-size-fits-all formats to bespoke learning journeys. These are tailored to individual needs and organisational goals, blending core modules, deep-dive electives, and personalised coaching to tackle real leadership hands-on experiencesTrue leadership lessons are forged in practice, not just theory. Business simulations, live challenges, and global study trips expose leaders to unfamiliar markets and cultures, strengthening resilience and real-world decision-making technical and emotional intelligenceModern executives must excel in both technical knowledge and human insight. While expertise in areas like AI or analytics is vital, emotional intelligence remains crucial for retaining talent and driving productivity. Successful programmes balance strategy with empathy, creating leaders who can think critically and connect LeadershipToday's leaders are expected to go beyond profit-making. They must create sustainable value for all stakeholders. Executive education should instil this sense of purpose, preparing leaders to build organisations that are profitable, responsible, and OF REIMAGINED LEADERSHIP EDUCATIONThis innovative approach promises high returns. For individuals, it accelerates career growth. For organisations, it unlocks fresh ideas and a sustainable competitive edge. No wonder the India Executive Education market is projected to grow from INR 1,480 crores in 2024 to INR 2,090 crores by investment is not only in individuals but in the very future of Indian enterprise.----As India advances towards becoming a global economic leader, the quality of its leadership will determine its success. Now is the time to embrace a fresh, purpose-driven approach to executive learning — one that is personal, hands-on, and we cultivate leaders who are prepared for tomorrow's challenges and determined to shape them, we ensure India's growth story continues towards lasting excellence and shared prosperity.- EndsMust Watch
Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
ET Soonicorns Summit 2025: From Madhusudan Kela to Rashmika Mandanna—why deepfakes are forcing founders to rethink ethics in the AI age
Academy Empower your mind, elevate your skills Did you know that, according to a survey, one in four Indians viewed or encountered political deepfake content online? A 2024 survey by cybersecurity firm McAfee reported encountering some form of deepfake content in the past year. Additionally, 38% said they had been targeted by a deepfake scam during this Indian startup ecosystem is buzzing with the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI). For a nation brimming with innovators, AI is the next frontier, promising to solve complex problems and create unprecedented value. Yet, as generative (Gen) AI tools become more accessible and powerful, a dark cloud looms on the horizon. The very technology that fuels innovation is also enabling a new wave of digital manipulation, misinformation, and deepfake incidents involving actress Rashmika Mandanna and veteran investor Madhusudan Kela are not isolated events; they are early tremors of a seismic shift, a warning of the ethical tightrope that founders, innovators, and society as a whole must now viral, manipulated video , where a viral deepfake video showed a woman with Mandanna's face entering a lift in a fitted outfit, sparked a national outcry, bringing the issue of non-consensual synthetic media into sharp focus. Similarly, a deepfake video of Madhusudan Kela promoting a fraudulent investment scheme highlighted the technology's potential to cause significant financial harm and erode trust in the market. These high-profile examples underscore a burgeoning cybercrime cases in India have reportedly surged by a staggering 550% since 2019, according to a 2024 report by Pi-Labs. The threat is no longer theoretical. Projections estimate that deepfake fraud could cost the Indian economy up to Rs 70,000 crore in the urgency of this conversation, the ET Soonicorns Summit 2025, returning to Bengaluru for its fourth edition on August 22, will host a pivotal session titled, 'AI's Ethical Crossroads—Innovation in a Deepfake Era' This session will bring together leading thinkers from technology, policy, and civil society to dissect the challenges and chart a course for responsible AI-generated content blurs the lines between fact and fabrication, societies face rising threats from misinformation and disinformation. The World Economic Forum (WEF) has identified misinformation and disinformation as the biggest short-term risks . It is widely reported that misinformation and disinformation are potentially capable of skewing public perception, influencing elections, and fuelling social digital deception epidemic is creating a trust deficit that impacts not just individuals but also this high-stakes environment, the onus is on the creators of technology to navigate the complex ethical landscape. Startups, celebrated for their agility and 'growth-at-all-costs' mindset, are now at a critical juncture. The race to innovate cannot come at the cost of societal well-being. Balancing the immense opportunities of AI with the profound responsibility to prevent its misuse is the defining challenge for the next generation of panel for this crucial discussion features five experts who bring diverse and critical perspectives on the intersection of technology, ethics, and society.A social entrepreneur with deep roots in rural India, Santosh Phad's work is a powerful reminder of technology's potential for positive impact. He founded the Pune-based ThinkSharp Foundation in 2011 to bridge the urban-rural education divide by providing digital infrastructure to schools. Having experienced the resource gap firsthand during his own education, Phad's mission is to empower children in underserved communities with modern learning tools. His on-the-ground experience with the 'StudyMall' project, which has impacted over 200 rural schools, provides a unique lens on how AI can be a tool for empowerment and the importance of ensuring the digital revolution is inclusive.A globally recognised voice on digital justice, Anita Gurumurthy leads IT for Change, a Bengaluru-based NGO focused on the political economy of the digital age. Her work critically examines data and AI governance, advocating for feminist frameworks and a rights-based approach to technology. Gurumurthy has consistently highlighted the potential for AI to perpetuate and amplify existing biases and has been a strong proponent of holding technology companies accountable. She has served as an advisor to numerous bodies, including the United Nations Secretary-General's 10-Member Group in support of the Technology Facilitation Mechanism, bringing a wealth of international policy experience to the the worlds of academia and entrepreneurship, Amit Prakash offers a multifaceted perspective on technological innovation. As a Professor at the International Institute of Information Technology Bangalore (IIITB), his research focuses on the intersection of Information Systems and Public Policy, with a keen eye on equity and inclusion. He is the Co-founder of Vembi Technologies, a startup dedicated to assistive technology, and Vision Empower, a non-profit working on accessible education for the visually impaired. Having worked on advisory assignments for organisations such as Deloitte and PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) before his academic career, Prakash brings a deep understanding of both the policy landscape and the practical challenges of building technology for good.A seasoned public policy professional, Aparajita Bharti specialises in navigating the complex regulatory environment surrounding technology. As a Founding Partner at The Quantum Hub (TQH), a policy and communications firm, she works at the nexus of law, technology, and society. Her experience includes working as a Legislative Assistant to a Member of Parliament and being a Tony Blair Faith Foundation Fellow. Bharti's expertise in tech policy will be vital to the discussion on how to create regulatory frameworks that foster responsible innovation without stifling the agility of startups. Her work makes her a key voice in shaping India's digital future.A leading researcher and policy strategist, Urvashi Aneja focuses on the societal impact of technology in the Global South. As the Founder and Director of Digital Futures Lab, she leads a think tank dedicated to building equitable and sustainable digital futures. Recognised as an 'Influential Woman in AI,' Aneja's work examines the ethics and governance of AI, with a focus on its impact on labour, gender, and climate change. She advises governments and international organisations, including serving on the UN's committee on Safe Digital Public Infrastructure and the Government of Telangana's committee on Responsible AI, bringing a forward-looking and globally-informed perspective to the challenges of the deepfake 'AI's Ethical Crossroads' session at the ET Soonicorns Summit 2025 is more than just a panel discussion; it is a crucial forum for the Indian startup ecosystem to confront one of its most pressing challenges. For the founders, investors, and policymakers building India's techade, the insights from these diverse voices will be indispensable. As the lines between innovation and manipulation continue to blur, the ability to build ethically sound, trustworthy technology will be the ultimate differentiator for the next generation of unicorns.360 One is the presenting partner of the ET Soonicorns Summit 2025
Time of India
3 days ago
- Time of India
The 5% rule: What can you do that AI still can't?
By Abhik Choudhury This anxiety around AI taking our jobs isn't novel, it's just wearing shinier shoes this time. We've been here before when steam engines replaced horse carts, when ATMs replaced bank tellers, when Excel wiped out half of accounting. This time, though, it's not the blue collars trying to make ends meet but the white collar elite looking nervously over their ergonomic chairs. Shopify CEO Tobi Lütke recently said that the company has paused hiring for roles where AI can already outperform humans, adding, "You must prove that what you do cannot be done better by AI." The industrial revolution replaced muscle. The AI revolution is replacing method, and maybe even meaning. Machines haven't made humans irrelevant, they've forced us to evolve. And that's what's happening again. According to the World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs Report 2025, on one hand skills like creative thinking are one of the fastest growing while roles like graphic designers are one of the fastest declining. So to reiterate a much needed distinction, no, human intelligence isn't becoming irrelevant, it's just being upgraded. THE 5% RULE: EVOLVE OR BE EXCEPTIONAL Here's the uncomfortable truth: If you're not evolving, you need to be in the top 5% to survive. Everyone else? Relearn. Rethink. Rewire. Everything. AI doesn't care about your job title. And there is now enough research to confirm neither does your customer. They want output, fast . They want value, consistent . You may love craft, but the customer loves convenience. Be honest: Would you buy a smartphone just because one ad was made by Gemini and the other by Gitanjali? Back in 2019 itself, JP Morgan Chase tested AI written copy via Persado and saw a 450% spike in click-through rates. The tool analyzed millions of phrases to pick what would resonate emotionally with readers. Good three years ago WPP partnered with NVIDIA to build a generative AI-Enabled content engine trained in layout, typography and brand personality for their advertising briefs exclusively for art directors. These examples are from years ago. Today, the tools are leaner, faster, and trained on every brand brief since Mad Men aired. Recently a global agency head told me how pre pandemic they usually needed an average of 12 people before a campaign went live, now the number is already at 4. Just ask around, in the last two years how many full time, mid to senior level hires have happened in the industry and how many senior creative directors of the biggest names are working as freelance consultants now. And this is not to say creative legends are obsolete. If you're Stephen King, Gulzar, or Nolan, you'll always be in demand. But if your name isn't also your brand? You're not fighting AI. You're fighting other humans using AI better than you. So don't go to a gun fight with a sword. Especially when we are just figuring out the expanse of AI agents while almost fully liberated, self deciding Agentic AI's are on standby waiting to go live any day now. In the end, revenue never lies, and it's never sentimental. Really unfortunate but we've built a capitalist system that is supposed to reward results, not romance. So what are the next steps: Identify the 10% of your role that relies on deep human insight, nuanced emotion, or cultural fluency. Double your last 3 projects. What part was remarkable and not replicable?Study your audience more than your on your personal brand moat, become so synonymous with a niche that you are good enough to train the software with your experience. STOP BEING ROMANTIC. START BEING REFLECTIVE. Let's take journalism. If you're not using AI to scan earnings calls, summarize government reports, or verify PR spin in real time you're not post AI ready. According to UKG's 2023 Survey across 10 countries, 78% of CSuite expect automation in workflows by 2028. Earlier this year, Australia's CADA found itself at the center of backlash when it was revealed that their popular 11am–3pm radio show, 'Workdays with Thy,' was hosted entirely by AI, a synthetic face and Eleven Labs powered voice that went unnoticed for six months. It's still on air. And it's not just reporting. At McKinsey, an AI assistant named Lilli released in 2023 is trained on 100 years of internal consulting work. It scans over 100,000 documents and as per their own statement is used by more than 70% of its 45,000 consultants who use it weekly to surface insights and accelerate analysis. What did junior analysts once do in weeks, Lilli does in minutes. Now the partner can just ask Lilli: 'Why did Pepsi Co lose 10K dealers in March 2013?' And they will instantly get references, charts, and insights to draft it into a presentation or proposal. No digging through dead PDFs, old mail trails & 20 TB hard drives over a month. And here's the kicker: prompt performance is now quietly being used to evaluate junior consultants. Not just in consulting, but across industries. The $20 vs $2000 productivity debate is already playing out in every CFO's head. Now let's take a look at a completely different department: HR. IBM's AI models now claim 95% accuracy in flagging which employees are likely to quit using patterns in tenure, overtime, and promotion history. They saved $300 million by retaining talent before attrition struck. Tools like Humanyze now scan real-time sentiment on Slack, Teams, and some even deep dive into internal email analysis. They don't just predict disengagement, they offer action plans. 'This person is likely to quit in the next 60 days. Please take the following steps to retain.' That's not science fiction. That's Tuesday. The future HR won't just sense attrition, it'll trigger work flows. 'Change the project, schedule a 1:1, lower the workload.' So if the algorithm can sense burnout and enable preemptive retention steps before your boss can, maybe it's time to stop pretending it's still 2018. So what are the next steps: Learn prompt engineering. It's today's a macro course in understanding the basics of building & working with AI your own AI stack for daily work. Think of it as your second a weekly ritual: 'How did AI save me 7 hours this week and how can I use that time more effectively now?' THE EPILOGUE: SURPRISE THE ALGORITHM AI can now write poetry, generate illustrations, mimic brand voices, and compose video scripts in seconds. What it can't do is be weird. Or uncomfortable. Or irrational. Or beautiful in a way that makes no statistical sense. AI is trained on what is expected to be good. But it cannot carry the weight of a lullaby or the chaos of a forgotten love. In a world engineered for sameness, your rebellion is your art. Break the expected patterns till you glow as the glitch. And ask yourself before your next project, pitch, or personal brand tweak: 'Is this surprising the algorithm?' Want to thrive? Be the one AI can't clone (yet) because your voice, your vision, or your thinking still surprises the algorithm. And that's the t-shirt I would have gifted to my students entering the creative field: Surprise the algorithm. Because that, kind reader, is your 5%. The age of purely human output is gone. What we're in now is the hybrid era where the best of us will look increasingly like Iron Man, not Superman. Tech augmented, emotionally intelligent, and dangerously efficient. In ten years, this article might not just be translated, it could be psychographically rewritten for each reader. Same ideas, but delivered in the tone, lingo, and rhythm your brain likes best. Written by me? Maybe. Written by an AI trained on my brain? Almost certainly. (The author is chief strategist and founder of Salt and Paper Consulting. Views expressed are personal.)
