We Need To Find A Higher Purpose In Our Life: Richard Rekhy, Former CEO, KPMG

At the BW People CEO conclave in New Delhi, there was a panel discussion on Evolving Personally and Professionally with Richard Rekhy, Former CEO, KPMG serving as the moderator.

“Never in history have I seen the change as I am seeing today. Life is changing, stress levels are going up. How do leaders remain relevant in these times? How do they keep themselves updated? People are now talking about reverse mentoring, where youngsters are mentoring seniors. There are 2 things in life, which is reality and perception. I have tried my level best to understand what work-life balance, but I call it work-life harmony. We each need to find a higher purpose in our life, as to why we are doing something, then you can find your true calling," said Rekhy.

Manasije Mishra, MD, Indian Health Organisation & Aetna India, said, “It’s not about how much you know, but do you know about how to learn? It’s important to remain humble when you’re a senior. Try and be in rooms where you’re not the smartest. There is a requirement to remain honest and brave. I was taught to stay stop and actually get an explanation. Take the effort to ask questions."

“You have to hire young people who are knowledgeable in technology”, said Neeraj Sharma, Country Head, Spreadtrum India.

Anshu Bagai, MD, Jeunesse Global India Pvt Ltd, said, “Whenever people are workaholics, work-life balance enter their dictionary. Surround yourself with good people. Once you put in your priorities properly, you handle relationships and all better. You need to create space for all this.”

“If your car is not serviced properly, how can you maintain it? Same goes for the body," said Vikas Jain, MD, Anytime Fitness.

S Viswanathan, Chief People Officer, NIIT Technologies, said, “We make sure that in the organization, people are rotated. We encourage more and more cross-sectional teams. You build your network and create knowledge.”

“I have to have faith in my decision. If you have to maintain the car, can you maintain your body? Your health, family’s well-being is important. We have to minimize ego and not have attachments. You should not hate people. Only 5% of Indians invest in equity“, said Arun Thukral, MD and CEO, Axis Securities.

Shantanu Das, CHRO, Amway, said, “Work life balance is the greatest myth. When the quality of life is the same as the quality of work you do, then it’s all good. If I can get a social access, spiritual access and so on, then your quality of life is fine."