Udit Vani Jamshedpur : In a compelling session under XLRI Jamshedpur’s esteemed CXO Series, M Suresh Narayanan, Chairman and Managing Director of Nestlé India, delivered a masterclass titled “Leadership in Times of Crisis”, leaving students inspired with powerful insights drawn from one of India’s most defining corporate challenges—the 2015 Maggi crisis.
Speaking to a packed auditorium of future business leaders on Tuesday Narayanan shared candid reflections on steering Nestlé India through a period of intense public and regulatory scrutiny.
The session went beyond corporate strategy to become a deeply human exploration of leadership under pressure.
“Crisis doesn’t build character—it reveals it,” Narayanan said, anchoring his talk around a values-based approach to leadership. Drawing from his real-world experience, he presented a six-point crisis management framework emphasizing clarity, data-driven decisions, and emotional intelligence.
His key pillars included:
* Clarity before action
* Rigorous situation assessment
* Structured strategic planning
* Reliance on verified facts
* Clear accountability
* Logic over emotion in decision-making
The session resonated strongly with students, not only as a management lesson but as a call to embody authenticity and integrity.
“Be visible, be vocal, be human,” Narayanan urged, underscoring the importance of empathy and presence during difficult times.
A symbolic and memorable moment came during the traditional lamp-lighting ceremony when Narayanan respectfully removed his footwear before stepping forward—a gesture that deeply moved the XLRI community.
For many in the audience, Maggi was more than just a product—it was part of their childhood. Hearing the inside story of its revival directly from the leader who led its resurgence was both intellectually enriching and emotionally powerful.
XLRI extended heartfelt gratitude to Narayanan for his time, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to values-based leadership.
His words left an indelible mark on the institute’s aspiring leaders, reaffirming XLRI’s mission to nurture business professionals who lead with integrity, empathy, and purpose.
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