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The latest episode of HT Smartcast’s ‘Why Leadership Fails’ features Prof. Varun Nagaraj, Dean, SPJIMR, in conversation with host Bhavna Lalchandani to unravel the reasons why and how leadership often fails. From his extensive academic and industry experience, Prof. Nagaraj emphasises the critical need to foster trust, resilience, and purpose-driven leadership. He delves into common pitfalls that derail even the most capable leaders, such as poor communication, lack of adaptability, and challenges that are demanded in decision-making and team-building.

He reflects on the role of education in shaping the next generation of leaders, highlighting that true leadership extends beyond personal success. “If you’re going to do something, it’s better to do it for the environment and society,” he states, reinforcing how SPJIMR has enabled him to influence students positively and give back to society. Prof. Nagaraj also discusses the importance of critical thinking in India’s education system. He believes it is essential for enabling individuals to navigate complex problems and build meaningful careers. He stresses the value of viewing failures as opportunities to learn and improve—a mindset that fosters growth and innovation.

A key takeaway from the episode is the sequence of actions individuals can adopt to build a successful career while continuing to study and evolve for growth. This episode also highlights the leadership quality of taking responsibility, urging listeners to recognise that learning carries an inherent responsibility to contribute to the outside world.

A must-listen for aspiring and seasoned leaders, this episode offers actionable strategies for overcoming barriers and creating meaningful impact in an ever-evolving world. Don’t miss this compelling discussion on how leaders can transform challenges into stepping stones for success.

Listen to the full episode here: HT Smartcast | Amazon Music