What Indian Army, Mukesh Ambani,Adani and Mahindra can teach you about leadership? Capt Raghu Raman
Executive Summary
Think School's Indian Business Podcast episode in which host Raj Shamani speaks with Captain Raghu Raman, who served 11 years in the Indian Army, 13 years in the corporate sector, and later led India's NATGRID unit. The episode is sponsored by Odoo. Raghu says most organization charts are outdated and only 70 to 80 percent filled, that India faces a weak leadership pipeline because everyone hires from the same few institutes, and that schools can offer an environment but cannot teach great leadership. He argues that organizations age when leaders chase the next quarter, describes army rituals that let people speak frankly across ranks, and says leaders should put their teams in front. PARTIAL COVERAGE: the captions cover most of a roughly 2.5 hour conversation, but this summary highlights only the leadership pipeline, organization aging and army rituals, so other segments are not summarized. All views and figures are the speakers' own and are not independently verified. Nothing here is financial, legal or career advice.
Key Takeaways
Outdated org charts
Raghu says most org charts are dated and only about 70 to 80 percent populated.
A weak leadership pipeline
He says India's hiring from a few top institutes creates a homogeneous pool and a supply problem of leaders.
Schools as exercise
He compares school subjects to push-ups, saying a school provides an environment but cannot teach great leaders.
Organizations age
He says companies age when leaders focus on the next quarter instead of organization building.
Frank rituals
He describes army-style rituals where people can speak frankly, with the boss taking the final call.
Know your people
He tells a story about a battalion where knowing your men's family situations mattered more than rules.
Put your team forward
He says insecure leaders who keep subordinates out are shooting themselves in the foot.
The Conversation Breakdown
Outdated org charts
⏱ Untimed topicRaghu says most org charts are dated and only about 70 to 80 percent populated.
A weak leadership pipeline
⏱ Untimed topicHe says India's hiring from a few top institutes creates a homogeneous pool and a supply problem of leaders.
Schools as exercise
⏱ Untimed topicHe compares school subjects to push-ups, saying a school provides an environment but cannot teach great leaders.
Organizations age
⏱ Untimed topicHe says companies age when leaders focus on the next quarter instead of organization building.
Frank rituals
⏱ Untimed topicHe describes army-style rituals where people can speak frankly, with the boss taking the final call.
Know your people
⏱ Untimed topicHe tells a story about a battalion where knowing your men's family situations mattered more than rules.
Put your team forward
⏱ Untimed topicHe says insecure leaders who keep subordinates out are shooting themselves in the foot.
Core Frameworks & Ideas
Org chart health check - Raghu's test
Look for dated charts, double-hatting leaders and hiring complaints.
Frank-talk ritual - Raghu's approach
Make a safe space to disagree, then let the leader decide.
Team in front - Raghu's leadership habit
Have the person who did the work present it.
Actionable Next Steps
- ✓Compare your org chart with who actually does each job.
- ✓Create one regular space where people can disagree with you openly.
- ✓Let the person who did the work present it next time.
- ✓Treat Raghu's views as his own experience, not career or financial advice.
Notable Quotes
“I don't think any school can teach people to become great leaders”
“you can't have a second largest slum sitting in the most valuable real estate of the country forever”
“since the buck stops at me I take the call but the drink is on me”
The One Thing to Remember
Captain Raghu Raman says India faces a leadership pipeline problem and that good leaders build frank rituals and put their teams in front.