Despite years of digital transformation, most enterprises remain stuck in what might be termed a ‘digital slum’: a maze of dashboards, siloed systems and disconnected analytics. They are data-rich but insight-poor, paralysed by complexity and unclear on how to translate their massive data reservoirs into real business value. At a recent India CEO Forum session in Mumbai, Dr Shailesh Kumar, Chief Data Scientist at Reliance Jio, laid out a comprehensive blueprint for becoming an AI-first enterprise, one that goes far beyond use cases and shiny GenAI tools. Such a plan would call for a systemic reimagination of workflows, a deep integration of domain and digital knowledge and a cultural pivot from IT mindsets to AI-centric thinking. Dr Kumar argued that the core issue in AI adoption isn’t technology, but insecurity, rigidity and fragmented systems. True transformation begins with people and culture, and the end goal is clear: interoperability.

In an era of increasing organisational complexity and rapid market shifts, the partnership between CFOs and CHROs is more critical than ever. Strategic synergy between Finance and HR fosters resilience, driving sustainable growth and cost efficiency. A well-integrated Finance-HR collaboration enables companies to navigate economic uncertainties while strengthening workforce engagement. At a recent India CHRO Forum session in Bangalore, Abhishek Gupta, Myntra’s CFO, and Govinda Raj MK, its CHRO, shared insights on how their partnership enhances agility and innovation, ensuring businesses remain future-ready. This podcast summarises these discussions.

As AI reshapes the business landscape, CHROs are being called upon to cut through the noise and lead with clarity. This episode brings together two compelling conversations from IMA India’s recent HR sessions. In the first, Naveen Narayanan, Global Head of HR at Biocon Biologics, outlines the CHRO’s evolving role in embedding GenAI into workforce strategy—bridging capability gaps, reframing talent models and redefining value creation.

The second session delves into the growing shift from role-based to skills-based hiring. As organisations respond to automation, digital disruption and AI-led transformation, HR leaders are rethinking what constitutes core capability and how best to develop it—whether in cybersecurity, machine learning, industrial automation or beyond.

This podcast summarises these discussions.

Global investment in smart manufacturing is accelerating, with India emerging as one of the world’s most dynamic markets. As industrial ecosystems evolve, the focus for businesses is shifting from whether to adopt smart technologies to how to scale them effectively. At a recent IMA India CEO Forum session run in collaboration with the EDAG Group, Rainer Wittich, CEO, EDAG Production Solutions, Arnab Roy, CFO, Maruti Suzuki and Rajat Verma, Founder and CEO of LOHUM, explored the advancements driving the next era of industrial innovation and examined how smart solutions are reshaping production, competitiveness and sustainability across high-impact sectors. This podcast summarises these discussions.

The Supreme Court of India recently ordered the liquidation of Bhushan Power and Steel Limited (BPSL) under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), marking a significant development with wide-ranging implications for Corporate India. The case highlights critical issues around procedural rigour, finality in insolvency proceedings and the scope of judicial intervention. At a recent IMA India CFO Forum session, Tine Abraham, Partner, Disputes Practice and Mohammed Shameer, Partner, Disputes Practice at Trilegal, examined the judgment and discussed its potential impact on the corporate and investor community. This podcast summarises these discussions.

Compensation is a critical lever for attracting, retaining and motivating talent. In a shifting economic climate, getting it right has never been more important. At a recent IMA India CHRO Forum session in Mumbai, Amit Otwani, Associate Partner and Kavitha Venkatachalam, Director at Aon Human Capital Solutions (HCS), shared insights from Aon’s latest Salary Increase and Turnover Survey. Drawing on global and Indian macroeconomic trends, the discussion explored FY25 increments, pay-for-performance strategies and evolving talent and reward patterns. It also offered a sector-wise view of attrition dynamics and emerging business imperatives shaping workforce strategies. This podcast summarises these discussions.

Sustainability is now a critical imperative for businesses and societies alike, and understanding the prime forces driving this agenda is more important than ever before. From global trends and technological innovations to corporate leadership and evolving policy frameworks, the sustainability landscape is rapidly transforming. This podcast explains the tangible benefits of embedding sustainability into business practices and discussed how businesses can navigate the complex terrain and driving meaningful change for a sustainable future.

Eleanor Roosevelt once said, ‘Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people.’ In an era increasingly dominated by personalities and passing controversies, it is essential to refocus on enduring ideas and transformative events. This is especially true in the post-2020 world, where a series of global shocks has fundamentally reshaped geopolitics. In response, India’s foreign policy is being fundamentally recalibrated. From managing a volatile border with China to cultivating new alliances across the Global South, India is navigating a multipolar world with caution and intent.

Against this backdrop, Suhasini Haidar, Diplomatic Editor at The Hindu, led a timely discussion at a recent India CEO and CFO Forum session in Delhi NCR. Her insights offered business leaders a candid perspective on how India’s foreign policy may evolve in 2025 and beyond, balancing principles, pragmatism and power in a complex and shifting global order. This podcast summarises these discussions.