026: Unleashing Potential: Harish Manwani's Leadership Journey from Unilever to Private Equity

Sandy on Talent - Insights and Strategies for Leadership Excellence and Talent Optimization

Global business leader Harish Manwani shares his incredible journey from a management trainee to Unilever's Chief Operating Officer, revealing his passion for teamwork and strategic execution in the world of business. Harish's story is not just about climbing the corporate ladder but discovering the "joy of business" through leadership roles across diverse markets like India, Argentina, and North America. Listen as Harish delves into his leadership philosophy, which emphasizes the synergy of teams and the excitement of achieving tangible results together, a drive that continues to fuel his roles beyond Unilever.

The episode is packed with strategic insights as Harish recounts key leadership lessons from his career, such as the significance of aligning teams with a clear vision and the concept of "everyday great execution" to drive business success. He navigates through the complexities of cultural differences encountered in global leadership, underscoring the importance of adapting and inspiring across different regions while maintaining a focus on shared objectives. From the competitive challenges faced in Argentina to the relentless pursuit of growth in Asia, Harish's experiences offer a nuanced understanding of effective leadership in a global context.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Leadership lessons on aligning teams with vision and executing strategies
• Navigating cultural differences in global leadership and fostering team synergy
• Transition from Unilever to private equity with Blackstone, emphasizing mutual growth
• Insights on recruiting for cultural fit and the significance of role alignment
• Career transitions and the importance of curiosity and continuous learning
• Building energized teams and finding joy in transforming plans into successful outcomes

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Episode Credits

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