The Leadership Equation Podcast

Anupal Banerjee
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  • BUSINESS

In today’s fast-evolving business landscape, one constant remains: people and capability building. These dynamic forces drive organizational success. While strategies, markets, and technologies shift, transforming people and capabilities remains the cornerstone of sustained impact. In a world fixated on quick fixes, The Leadership Equation dives deep into institutional transformation with leaders who have shaped global organizations. Join us to uncover timeless principles that bridge vision and execution and unlock lasting success.

Episodes

  1. 6D AGO

    Tracing the GCC Timeline

    It started with a name, “Captives.” It’s now a $60B+ force reshaping global enterprises. But what really is a GCC? And why is everyone rushing to build one in India?  In this no-holds-barred conversation, we dive deep into the misunderstood world of Global Capability Centers (GCCs) with a guest who has not only built them, but rebuilt them, across decades, continents, and industries.  What's in this episode?  What is a GCC, really?  The evolution: From “Captives” to “Capability”  GCC vs Outsourcing: A Steelmanned Debate  The hidden tax, regulatory, and operational rules you didn’t know about  Why intent matters more than scale  Cost arbitrage vs. Capability creation  How India became a capability superpower  How organizations outgrow their own GCCs, and what to do about it  The career promise of a well-run GCC  From year zero to year 25, without skipping steps  Watch, reflect, and reframe your approach.  People Equation YouTube

    33 min

  2. AUG 27

    The Journey of a CA to a CEO

    What do you learn when you’ve led three billion-dollar buildouts, across banking, insurance, and global capability centers?  In this episode, we sit down with Dinesh Deo, a quiet giant of India’s GCC sector, for a no-holds-barred conversation on what it really takes to build, scale, and lead in high-stakes environments. From GE’s legendary talent playbook to the emotional rollercoaster of acquisition, this is a conversation packed with insight, honesty, and the hard-earned truths of leadership.  We unpack the stories behind the headlines, what it took, what changed, and what never should.  In this episode:  The 3 big leadership lessons from GE, BNY Mellon, and Marsh McLennan  What it means to invest in yourself  The emotional decision to leave a company when values don’t align with ownership shifts  How to reinvent yourself from individual contributor to CEO (and 25 to 7000 employees)  Learning to lead through uncertainty and M&A shock  What most leaders get wrong about friendship, performance, and fairness  The unspoken cost of why rating systems break culture  Why “I don’t know” can be a powerful answer  Plus:  What it takes to lead with authenticity during crisis  The fine line between being liked and being trusted  And how to find purpose in people and stay resilient for 25 years  Listen now and reflect on the kind of leadership that doesn’t just chase performance but shapes it.  YouTube

    33 min

  3. AUG 11

    Anchors for the Aware: What Wise Leaders Build Around Themselves

    What does it take to lead through loss, self-doubt, and legacy and still find your own voice? In this powerful episode 9 of The Leadership Equation, Anu Aga and Meher Pudumjee open up about what leadership truly demands, not just skill, but wisdom, self-awareness, and the courage to be vulnerable. From navigating grief and imposter syndrome to embracing intuition, authenticity, and family as a source of strength, this conversation goes far beyond business. It explores the very essence of what it means to lead as a whole human being. Whether you're stepping into leadership for the first time or guiding an organization through change, this dialogue is a masterclass in self-reflection, emotional intelligence, and resilience. What can you expect from this episode? Wisdom is not taught; it’s cultivated through lived experience, reflection, and presence.Leadership is lonely; but it doesn’t have to be if you build intentional support systems.Vulnerability and authenticity are not weaknesses; they’re leadership strengths.Self-doubt doesn’t disqualify you from leadership; it deepens your awareness.Family forums and thought partners can be as vital as boardrooms and strategy decks. This episode is a must-watch for leaders looking to reimagine leadership beyond skillsets and strategy What has helped you navigate self-doubt in your leadership journey?

    22 min

  4. AUG 4

    Heart of the Matter: People, Purpose & the Business Within

    What truly sustains a business; profits, or the people who power it? In this heartful episode, Anu Aga and Meher Pudumjee, along with our host Anupal Banerjee, reflect on how transformation rooted in people and purpose leads to more than just growth; it creates impact. From reskilling to responsible leadership, this conversation gets to the core of what makes businesses worth building. What can you expect from this episode? Are we preparing our people for change or just preparing to replace them?Is growth always progress, or can it sometimes be cancerous?Technology is powerful, but who’s teaching people how to adapt and thrive with it?Why letting go of control doesn’t mean losing sight of legacyIf you focus on the “game,” will the scoreboard take care of itself? This episode is a must-watch for leaders looking to drive capability transformation, not just cost reduction Watch now and subscribe for more insightful leadership conversations. Episode 7 dived into what does it take to build institutions that outlast individuals? and Episode 9 unpacks The Inner Work of Leadership: Wisdom, Self-Doubt & the Power of Real Connection What did this conversation shift in your thinking about growth, leadership, or people? Watch the full episode on -   People Equation YouTube

    12 min

  5. JUL 28

    Building an Institution: Scaling with Governance

    What does it take to transform a family business into a purpose-driven institution that outlives its founders? Join Anu Aga and Meher Pudumjee, the dynamic mother daughter duo as they pull back the curtain on Thermax’s reinvention, from Anu’s unexpected rise to CEO in 1996 to the bold decisions that reshaped their legacy. Discover the principles, people-first strategies, and governance models that propelled a family enterprise into an enduring institution. What can you expect from this episode? What happens when purpose, not profit, is the North Star?How separating ownership and management enhances strategic objectivity.How do you lead with values in a world driven by valuation?A healthy tension between a risk-averse family mindset and an ambitious management team ensures prudent yet forward-looking investments. This episode is a must-watch for leaders looking to navigate succession and governance in family-run businesses Listen now and subscribe for more insightful leadership conversations. Episode 8 dives into how to build sustainable, values-led institutions and Episode 9 unpacks The Inner Work of Leadership: Wisdom, Self-Doubt & the Power of Real Connection Which takeaway challenged your thinking the most and how will you put it into action? Watch the episode on YouTube

    36 min

  6. MAY 20

    Leadership, Design and Leading a GCC

    What does it take to lead a Global Capability Center that’s not just efficient — but strategic, future-focused, and globally integrated? In this episode of The Leadership Equation, Anupal Banerjee is joined by Astrid Mozes, former Regional President at Danfoss, to unpack the leadership principles, organizational design choices, and culture shifts that enable GCCs to thrive. Key themes include: Leadership development within Global Capability Centers (GCCs) Designing GCCs for agility, trust, and cross-border impact The evolving role of the GCC site leader Aligning global strategy with local execution If you’re leading a GCC, building global teams, or shaping the next generation of talent in India, this episode is a playbook for transformation.

    29 min

  7. MAY 13

    Cracking the GCC Code for Nordics and Core Industrial Businesses

    In this premiere episode of The Leadership Equation, Anupal Banerjee sits down with Astrid Mozes, a seasoned global leader, to explore how GCCs can move beyond cost efficiency to become true growth drivers. Key insights: The leadership mindset required to scale GCCs Aligning talent strategy with business goals Challenges and best practices from real-world experience Why integration and purpose matter more than ever A must-listen for anyone building global teams or leading transformation. Subscribe to The Leadership Equation for conversations at the intersection of people, leadership, and performance. #Leadership #GCC #TalentStrategy #AnupalBanerjee #AstridMozes #LeadershipEquation #CapabilityCenters #FutureOfWork #GlobalLeadership

    19 min

  8. MAY 5

    The Paradox Advantage: Why Great Leaders Think in Opposites

    In a world where certainty is rare and complexity is constant, the best leaders embrace paradox — balancing bold vision with adaptability, ambition with empathy, and structure with agility. In this episode of The Leadership Equation, Anupal Banerjee sits down with Astrid Mozes, former President of Regions at Danfoss and a seasoned global business leader, to explore the power of paradoxical leadership. Tune in to learn:✅ What paradoxical leadership really means — and why it’s essential in today’s world✅ How to build enduring organizations through mindset, not just metrics✅ Why Global Capability Centers (GCCs) are shifting from cost centers to value creators and innovation hubs Whether you're scaling a team, leading global operations, or building your leadership edge, this conversation will shift the way you think about growth and resilience. Guest: Astrid Mozes – Former President of Regions, DanfossHost: Anupal Banerjee

    16 min

  9. MAR 29

    The Future of Capability, Leadership, and AI with R Gopalakrishnan

    The Leadership Equation Podcast | Episode 3: The Future of Capability Building, Leadership, and AI  How can leaders future-proof their organizations in the era of AI?  In this episode of The Leadership Equation Podcast, Anupal Banerjee continues his insightful conversation with R. Gopalakrishnan, former Executive Director at Tata Sons, exploring how leaders can navigate the challenges of an AI-driven world and build sustainable organizational capabilities for the future.  From rethinking learnability and the principle of uncertainty to the evolving role of Global Capability Centres (GCCs), R. Gopalakrishnan shares valuable insights into how leaders can prepare for the unknown and ensure their businesses remain adaptable and resilient in times of rapid technological change.  What’s inside this conversation:  The future of work in the age of AI: Is your job at risk?  Reimagining learnability and building the skills needed for tomorrow  The critical role of decentralized skilling and GCCs in future-proofing businesses  How leaders can navigate uncertainty and use their compass rather than just a map  Leadership lessons from Ratan Tata and the power of listening, patience, and courage  How to navigate change and culture shifts as seen in the British American Tobacco story  This episode is a must-listen for any leader looking to thrive in the rapidly changing world of AI, uncertainty, and transformation.  Listen now and subscribe to The Leadership Equation Podcast for more engaging, thought-provoking conversations on leadership, innovation, and future-ready organizations.

    51 min

  10. MAR 29

    Building Institutions That Last with R Gopalakrishnan

    The Leadership Equation Podcast | Episode 2: Building Institutions That Last  Why do some companies endure for generations while others fade away?  In this episode of The Leadership Equation Podcast, Anupal Banerjee continues his conversation with R. Gopalakrishnan, former Executive Director at Tata Sons, to explore the secrets of corporate longevity.  Drawing from decades of leadership experience and insights from history, business, and philosophy, R. Gopalakrishnan unpacks why most companies don’t survive beyond 50 years and what it takes to build an organization that stands the test of time.  What’s inside this conversation:  The difference between valuation and true value  Why adaptability is the key to corporate survival  The role of boards in shaping enduring institutions  Lessons from Tata, Unilever, and global businesses that have lasted  This is a conversation about leadership, legacy, and the principles that make businesses last for generations.  Listen now and subscribe to The Leadership Equation Podcast for more deep, honest conversations on what it really takes to lead.  This conversation with R. Gopalakrishnan doesn’t end here. Episode 3 unpacks how leaders can prepare for the future—don’t miss it!  If this episode resonated with you, leave a review—it helps more people discover The Leadership Equation Podcast.

    37 min

  11. MAR 29

    Decision Dilemma with R Gopalakrishnan

    The Leadership Equation Podcast | Episode 1: Decision Dilemma  When you’re making a big decision, how much should you trust the data, and when is it time to go with your gut?  In this first episode of The Leadership Equation Podcast, Anupal Banerjee sits down with R. Gopalakrishnan, former Executive Director at Tata Sons and a seasoned business leader, to explore the delicate balance between analysis and intuition.  Through real-life leadership moments—including a tough call at Tata that tested his instincts—R. Gopalakrishnan shares what happens when you wait too long, the emotional side of decision-making, and how leaders can develop intuition as a skill.  What’s inside this conversation:  Why data and gut instinct aren’t opposites—they work together  The ‘edge of the cliff’ moment every leader faces  The fear of getting it wrong and how to move past it  What to do when intuition fails—and why failing fast isn’t always the answer  This is a conversation about leadership, uncertainty, and the choices that define careers and companies.  Listen now and subscribe to The Leadership Equation Podcast for more deep, honest conversations on what it really takes to lead. This conversation with R. Gopalakrishnan doesn’t end here Episode 2 explores why some companies stand the test of time while others fade, and Episode 3 unpacks how leaders can prepare for what’s next. Stay tuned for both!  If this episode resonated with you, leave a review - it helps more people discover The Leadership Equation Podcast.

    18 min

  12. TRAILER

    Introduction to The Leadership Equation Podcast

    In this introductory episode, our host, Anupal Banerjee, Founder & CEO of People Equation, introduces The Leadership Equation Podcast. With 25 years of experience in HR transformation, Anupal kicks off a series of candid, unscripted conversations with global leaders on people, culture, and capability transformation. Tune in as we explore the core principles of building resilient organizations.

    1 min

Trailer

About

In today’s fast-evolving business landscape, one constant remains: people and capability building. These dynamic forces drive organizational success. While strategies, markets, and technologies shift, transforming people and capabilities remains the cornerstone of sustained impact. In a world fixated on quick fixes, The Leadership Equation dives deep into institutional transformation with leaders who have shaped global organizations. Join us to uncover timeless principles that bridge vision and execution and unlock lasting success.

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