Grasp of macros essential: Harsh Mariwala, Marico

Number of candidates: 8

How he picked them
Mariwala was looking for a combination of understanding of the macro environment, disruption and its impact on the sector as well as their leadership style. “It is important to understand how they chart out their personal road map to growth and how they plan to achieve that,” he said. For Mariwala, the three crucial qualities of a future leader are clarity of thinking, purpose and communication.

CEO Take
It was refreshing to see that all the candidates seemed to be aware of what was happening politically and the macro issues in India. They were smart in communication and articulation and displayed a questioning mind.

Candidate Take
“I am humbled by the experience of meeting such a successful personality. Despite his position and stature, he is so humble and down to earth. This is something that I really remember after the interaction. His feedback on what I want to achieve in life was reinforcing for me,” says Nikhil Agarwal, JP Morgan.

“An experience worth cherishing. It was a power-packed interaction and not a mere interview. We discussed about the FMCG industry, current affairs and leadership style and values. He is extremely positive, a visionary and humble. Overwhelmed with this interaction. I came out inspired and motivated,” says Rahul Khandelwal, Britannia.