The use of consultants, towards the formation of business strategy, has had mixed results. Some companies claim they were a game changer, whilst others strongly disagree. It’s hard to conclude authoritatively with numerical evidence, either way. But what is clear is that they charge a lot. What is not clear though is whether what they do cannot be done internally.  Companies have begun to internalise the strategy process, through the formation of a dedicated team, as this paper explains. For many, it has worked beautifully ..read more

A retirement age of between 58 and 62 years, leaves a decade for active engagement. Some prefer to use this freedom, from regimented employment, to pursue personal interests and leisure. Still others seek to remain professionally involved by lending their skills and knowledge, acquired over decades, for the benefit of others. It is a win-win, where the individual monetises her experience and an organisation, gains from it in a cost effective manner.  Lending time to boards of other companies is enriching both professionally and financially. CEOs and function heads could actively pursue th ..read more

Gen Z are different to their bosses. Their job is only a small part of their identity and they make that abundantly clear in the work place. They value empathy at work and frequently consider it a precondition. Their bosses, on the other hand, do not place as high a value on this attribute.  They want to feel respected rather than solely measured for productivity, which is what most companies prefer to focus on. Contrary to popular perception, studies have shown that Gen Z do want job stability and financial security. Many are active investors in financial markets as the primary platform ..read more

Forward premiums, play a critical role in foreign exchange markets. They are the difference between the spot rate and the forward exchange rate. They represent either a premium or a discount at which a foreign currency is valued in the forward markets, when compared to its current value. Premiums, consequently, provide insights into the market’s outlook, investor sentiments and the likely direction of exchange rate movements.  Forward premiums are, in addition, influenced by market expectations and risk perceptions. When interest rate differentials between the United States and India narr ..read more

At our recent Q4FY24 India CHRO Forum Dialogue in Mumbai, Jaspreet Bindra delved into the influence of AI and Gen AI on business operations and societal dynamics. Following this insightful discussion, Rajesh Mani elaborated on the crucial role played by CHROs in shaping the organisational culture. This podcast summarises these discussions in greater detail.  ..read more

Driven by regulators, customers and investors, ESG represents a unique opportunity for businesses to transform themselves. Getting the ‘green transformation’ right involves building a comprehensive strategy that integrates sustainability into operations; and carefully evaluating the firm’s environmental impact, community engagement and governance beyond numerical targets.  At a recent India CFO Forum session in Delhi, Abhishek Tripathi, Partner – ESG at Grant Thornton, shared insights on how ESG is becoming an imperative mandate for businesses and the Finance’s role in this transition. Th ..read more

The odds of a second Trump presidency are a little better than the outcome of a toss of a coin. It all boils down to 7 swing states, which have over recent history been pivotal. The real issues to grapple with are the likely policy shifts that may take place under a second Trump administration. This could be across the entire spectrum from geopolitics, energy, security, trade and investment, immigration amongst others. These will impact global supply chains (both manufacturing and services) , and consequently, business enterprise, even those operating in India. This podcast presents a perspect ..read more

What does it take to start and grow a business in a sector as challenging as civil aviation, with all its regulatory complexities, infrastructural constraints and price-sensitive consumers? What lessons can other industries draw from the experience of IndiGo, India’s largest and most profitable airline, which, through relentless innovation, managed to carve out a niche for itself? How is the entry of Akasa Air, the ‘new kid on the block,’ reshaping an already turbulent sector?  Aditya Ghosh, a seasoned business leader with over 22 years of experience and Co-Founder of Akasa Air, who previ ..read more

After decades of being burdened with leftist Peronists, Argentina finally elected Javier Milei a self-described libertarian. Mr Milei had campaigned on a promise of small government and a passionate commitment to fixing Argentina’s crumbling economy.   An economic paradox of sorts, in the first few decades of the 21st century, Argentina was one of the world’s richest countries. It is now an economic disaster. Burdened with unsustainable debt and very high inflation, Argentina has consistently defaulted on its commitment to international creditors. Mr Milei brings a fresh promise to fix it ..read more

Simon Kuznets, a Nobel Prize-winning economist, once remarked that there are four types of countries – advanced economies, emerging markets, Argentina and Japan. Japan, which has over the years and despite a series of policy efforts, remained plagued with price deflation and feeble growth.  But a new worry that it is now struggling with is the massive debt burden of its government. With rising interest rates, this may become unsustainable. Also burdened with a declining workforce and possibly a shrinking economy, Japan will tragically lose its influence in Asia. That cannot be construed a ..read more