#CEOSeries_10
#Gentle_dehypnotization_from_autopilot

Human nature – chasing #extraordinary_moments while missing the quiet miracle of #ordinary_consciousness, the simple act of being present. Most days pass in a blur: tea or coffee on autopilot, rain-soaked air, familiar voices, screens and streets. We sense it all, yet rarely meet the experience itself. As you read this, I hope you feel a little of that gentle dehypnotization from autopilot. Experience -> heart.

In that space, I had the privilege of meeting Dr Bhaskar Ghosh, former Chief Strategy Officer of Accenture, board member (including HDFC Life), and a technologist with multiple patents. When I joined Accenture in July 2019, Bhaskar was our Technology CEO, and a few of us learned from him through the “#Technology_Sales_Integration_Program”. His leadership wasn’t “corporate lore”; it shaped how we thought about growth, reinvention, and execution at scale.

One line he shared then still guides me: “#Choose_your_boss_wisely_before_you_choose_the_work.” because the quality of your leadership environment often determines the quality of your life.

In a world that often equates distance with “seniority,” Bhaskar carried the opposite energy – making you feel seen, helping you think clearly, and quietly raising your standard without ever making you feel small.

I met him again before his retirement and asked about “#Managing_Strategic_Change” amid macro-economic uncertainty. What stayed with me wasn’t a title, but his presence: grounded, accessible, deeply human. He reminded me that strategy is human before it is technical and clarity, kindness and courage can coexist always. He spoke with equal parts candor and discipline, whether his PhD journey in Odisha or turning adversity into opportunity at Philips, and we all have seen, while he had built some industry leading practices and innovation hubs across the globe that don’t remain “ideas,” but became operating systems by itself. He also said good news should travel early – like a “front-view mirror”, to create belief and momentum before the future arrives.

#6_key_lessons that I am taking forward in your 6 years of guidance:

1. #First_principles
one true north, one non-negotiable outcome.

2. #Culture_is_practiced
trust, stretch, care – especially for quieter voices.

3. #Innovation_is_real_only_when_it_scales
repeatable delivery at speed.

4. #Leadership_is_influence_at_scale
clarity, mobilization, humility, client-value obsession.

5. #Personal_priorities_are_strategic
health first, then family, clients, teams.

6. #Transitions_matter
mentor successors, transfer context, build resilient teams.

Bhaskar’s journey reminds me that the most impactful leaders pair intellectual rigor with deep humility. Thank you, Bhaskar, for your continued leadership, mentorship, blessings and quiet grace and wishing you good health and peace in abundance.

#Leadership #Gratitude #Strategy #Technology #Culture #Reinvention #Mentorship #HuggingHumans #anirbasu