Beyond the Boardroom

Hobbies, far from being mere distractions, are proving to be powerful tools that shape better leaders By Mamta Sharma

- By Mamta Sharma

For Yashwant Mahadik, President, Global Human Resources at Lupin, a pharmaceutical company, photography is more than a hobby. It is a way of life. What began as a childhood fascination, nurtured by his father's love for cameras, has grown into a practice that influences his leadership in unexpected ways. "My father gifted me my first medium-format RolleiFlex camera, and that sparked something in me," Mahadik recalls. "The shift to digital photography in 2010 reignited my passion, making it a true counter-balance to my corporate career."

From capturing the unpredictable movements of wildlife to studying cityscapes at night, Mahadik's photographic pursuits have deepened his patience, adaptability and ability to see beauty in unexpected places. The patience required to capture the perfect shot has translated into a more thoughtful and measured decision-making approach. "Photography has given me a unique lens through which I view leadership. Where others see obstacles, I see opportunities," he reflects.