Leadership Reimagined: Thriving in a Disruptive Landscape

In a recent podcast episode, host Josh engaged in a thought-provoking conversation with Kumar Parakala, a serial entrepreneur and author of the bestselling book "Lead to Disrupt: Seven Keys to Success in the Changing World." The discussion centered around the theme of disruption in the business landscape, especially in light of recent global changes such as technological advancements, geopolitical tensions, and evolving work dynamics. This blog post distills the key insights from the episode, offering actionable advice to help leaders navigate the complexities of today's business environment.

Kumar Parakala shared his extensive background, highlighting over 20 years of experience working with large companies and startups. As the founder of GHD Digital, he played a pivotal role in growing the company to $100 million in revenue within five years, focusing on driving digital transformation and innovation within traditional business models. Kumar recounted the journey of GHD, a nearly 100-year-old company, and his role in leading its digital transformation after GHD acquired his startup in 2017. By 2022, GHD had achieved significant milestones, including a presence in nine countries and recognition as a top player in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry.

As the conversation shifted to the broader theme of disruption, Kumar reflected on the rapid changes occurring in the world today, emphasizing the need for leaders to adopt a disruptive mindset. He explained that traditional leadership models are becoming inadequate in the face of evolving challenges, and his book "Lead to Disrupt" provides new leadership paradigms that resonate with contemporary needs. Kumar stressed the importance of adopting a disruptive mindset, influence over authority, adaptability, collaboration, self-reflection, empathy, and continuous learning. He concluded by encouraging leaders to embrace these insights to navigate the complexities of today's business environment and drive meaningful change within their organizations.

About Kumar Parakala:

Kumar Parakala is an acclaimed CEO, President, Founder and Board Director with 20+ years of experience building, scaling, and leading technology and professional services firms with a global footprint. As an entrepreneur and senior executive, Kumar has a proven record of accelerating business growth, steering international expansion, and building award-winning businesses that are widely renowned as marketplace leaders. 

Starting in the early 2000s, Kumar was one of the pioneers and champions of the digital transformation paradigm shift. In over two decades since, he has advised Fortune 500 companies, governments, and institutions across 30 countries on technology innovation, growth strategies, risk, and governance to deliver sustained value, bolster change resilience, and capitalize on whitespace opportunities via leading-edge digital solutions. Kumar has also published two books on leadership, earning widespread acclaim as a USA Today and Amazon best-selling author.

Kumar is currently the President of GHD Digital, a global business of GHD that he founded after the acquisition of his startup, Technova, in 2017. Under his leadership, GHD Digital has grown to 700 professionals across nine countries with a 5- year CAGR of 45%. With a focus on digital transformation and AI-powered innovation, GHD Digital has won 250+ awards for its trailblazing solutions, shaping the future of the $200B AEC industry. 

Kumar is a co-author of the USA Today bestseller, 'Luminary Leadership', and a regular contributor to the Forbes Business Council. His thought leadership has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, AFR, Financial Times, ABC, CNBC, and Sky News. Kumar's achievements have been recognized with the 2021 CQU Alumnus of the Year, 2016 Digital Disruptor's International Professional of the Year Award, ACS Hall of Fame induction, and the Queensland Government Excellence Award. When not working, Kumar indulges his passion for jazz music, further demonstrating his creative flair and unique approach to both life and leadership.

About GHD:

GHD is a global network of multi-disciplinary professionals providing clients with integrated solutions through engineering, environmental, design and construction expertise. Our future-focused, innovative approaches connect and support communities around the world, resiliency and sustainability for generations to come.

Established in 1928, we remain wholly owned by our people. We are 10,000+ diverse and skilled individuals connected by over 200 offices, across five continents – Asia, Australia, Europe, North and South America, and the Pacific region.

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Links Mentioned in this Episode:

Want to learn more? Check out GHD website at

https://www.ghd.com/

Check out GHD on LinkedIn at

https://www.linkedin.com/company/ghd

Check out Kumar Parakala on LinkedIn at

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kumarparakala

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