FROM STRATEGY TO EXECUTION: LEADERSHIP INSIGHTS AND A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A MANUFACTURING VISIONARY

What fuels the minds behind India's industrial progress? In a rare leadership panel, three visionary manufacturers share their personal routines, leadership philosophies, and strategic decisions that define their everyday lives and shape the nation's manufacturing future.

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What does a day in the life of a manufacturing visionary truly look like? At the intersection of precision, people, and purpose lies the daily rhythm of leaders who power India's industrial growth story. At this high-powered leadership panel, Dr. Sudhir Mishra, Distinguished Scientist & Former Director General (BrahMos), DRDO, Ministry of Defence, Former CEO & MD, BrahMos Aerospace; Jayanthi Bhagatha, Founder & CEO, JBI Aerospace, and TK Ramesh, Managing Director, Ace Designers Ltd, offered a rare glimpse into their daily rituals, decisions, dilemmas, and the philosophies that shape their leadership.

The session kicked off with a deeply human question from moderator Nisha Shukla, Senior Assistant Editor, ET NOW Machinist & ET Now Polymers: How do you start your day? “I'm an early riser,” admitted TK Ramesh.

“That gives me a head start. I take the first hour just for myself. It isn't a fixed ritual, but that time is mine. Sometimes I walk, sometimes I do yoga. But really, if you can't lead yourself, how can you lead anyone else?”

Jayanthi Bhagatha echoed this need for solitude and calm: “My day starts with a small prayer, followed by a moment of reflection on what lies ahead. A cup of tea, my diary, and time with my pets help me plan with clarity. That 20-30 minutes of quiet is critical; it helps me hit the ground running.”

For Dr. Sudhir Mishra, mornings are sacred. “The first thing I do is thank God for another day. I am also a cat lover; my dozen cats are often the ones waking me up for breakfast!” he laughed. “I believe empathy starts at home. Then, I take a long walk with friends. We joke; we pull each other's leg. It keeps the spirit alive.”