Intelligence Squared Business Weekly: No Bullsh*t Leadership with Reckitt CEO Laxman Narasimhan
Sep 6, 2021
Laxman Narasimhan, CEO of Reckitt and former senior leader at PepsiCo and McKinsey, shares his insights on connecting with employees in a vast global organization. He emphasizes the need for continuous learning and adapting leadership styles to various environments. Narasimhan discusses overcoming early challenges in his career, the importance of mentorship, and the transformative lessons gained during his time at PepsiCo, especially amid the pandemic. He also reflects on how failures can lead to personal growth and the evolving dynamics of corporate leadership.
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Early Business Exposure
- Laxman Narasimhan's father, a CEO, started a business for him to take over.
- Narasimhan had to learn business quickly after his father fell ill, even handling union negotiations at a young age.
Business School Journey
- Narasimhan studied for his GMAT while working in India and applied to US business schools.
- His mother accidentally didn't mail his Harvard application, but he got into Wharton.
Transformative Business School Experience
- Business school provided Narasimhan with the belief that he could compete with those from privileged backgrounds.
- It gave him confidence and a sense of belonging, despite his humble beginnings.