Familial Leadership

- Priyanca Vaishnav

Leadership comes in a myriad of shades. Some rise in the ranks, some train to qualify for the top chair. There are some others who are born to lead. This story is about two leaders at Avaya who lend themselves naturally to the growth story of the global business communications leader. Here are excerpts of a chat over lemonade and chamomile tea with Nidal Abou-Ltaif, President, Europe, Middle East, Africa, and Asia-Pacific, and Vishal Agrawal, Managing Director, India and SAARC.

On his umpteenth trip to India in his 15 years at Avaya, Abou-Ltaif looks and feels at home in Mumbai. Agrawal gave him company as a colleague of over 12 years at Avaya. With Agrawal’s appointment to his current role in early 2016, and Abou-Ltaif’s promotion to manage global operations (sans the US) the previous year, the duo seems to be making new breakthroughs year-on-year, including partnering the biggest names among Indian telephony multinationals.

AT EASE, AT PEACE

The over-$3.7 billion Avaya was showcasing its offerings at a private event in Mumbai recently, the reason for Abou-Ltaif and Agrawal’s visit to the city. Never have two members of leadership appeared so intrinsically focused on the success of their organisation while remaining true to themselves. “You must respect the people you work with,” says Abou-Ltaif. “If you woke up in the morning and respected the person you see in the mirror, then you work from there onwards. I respect other people the same way I would like to be respected. I am honoured to lead my team, and I work hard to keep that honour. Titles, race, gender, nationality don’t matter,” he adds as he sips on his chamomile-honey tea.