Hyderabad, India – January 25th 2024 – ISB Executive Education recently hosted the inaugural edition of the CXO Summit, under the theme "Innovate to Accelerate". Held at the Indian School of Business’s Hyderabad campus, the event was a confluence of a diverse group of top executives, industry leaders, and thought leaders facilitating meaningful discussions on various business and leadership topics. Experts brought to the fore strategies to innovate and adapt, to accelerate the growth trajectory of organisations.

The summit featured keynote sessions from industry experts, panel discussions on innovation and leadership, and opportunities for networking. These sessions provided attendees with insights into contemporary strategies and approaches relevant to the modern business environment.

The event was flagged off by Professor Deepa Mani, Deputy Dean, ISB Executive Education and Digital Learning, and Professor of Information Systems at ISB, who emphasised the importance of adaptable leadership in response to economic, geopolitical, and technological changes, saying, “In this dynamic business environment, when people experience you as a leader, they will experience you as someone with superior judgement. This judgement calls upon leaders to think analytically, critically, and incorporate diverse perspectives. With the CXO Summit, our goal is to equip you with the insights, knowledge, and strategies necessary to drive business growth and transformation in this era of rapid change and disruption."

In his keynote address, Shri Anantha V Nageswaran, Chief Economic Advisor to the Government of India, conveyed a vision of India's burgeoning potential. He highlighted the country's youthful aspirations, innovation, and resilience in the face of global challenges. Emphasising the importance of adapting to technological advancements and ethical business practices, he highlighted the role of Indian businesses in fostering sustainable and inclusive economic growth. His optimistic outlook reflected confidence in India's ability to navigate and capitalise on current global trends, backed by the nation's promising demographic dividend.

Sujatha Kumaraswamy, Executive Director, Executive Education and Digital Learning, ISB, emphasised, “The CXO Summit – Innovate to Accelerate focuses on three tracks in the Indian growth story: India’s Emergence on the Global Stage, the Technology Innovation Ecosystem, and Nurturing and Leveraging Talent. Conversations and experiences such as this reinforce the need for a platform where senior leaders engage and learn and look at ways to innovate and accelerate their growth stories.”

The summit hosted six knowledge sessions over three tracks, India’s Emergence on the Global Stage, the Technology Innovation Ecosystem, and Nurturing & Leveraging Talent. The first track set the context for the India story, through the Keynote and Analyst Talk sessions, discussing the impact of geopolitical volatility on organisational strategy and planning this year. From building resilient supply chains and manufacturing hubs to tapping into Indian consumers’ spending power, the speakers explored strategies to mitigate business risks and enhance investments in the ever-shifting global landscape.

The second track, focusing on Nurturing & Leveraging Talent, revealed insights from a fireside chat on inclusive leadership and a masterclass on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). It was concluded that nurturing a diverse workforce and practicing inclusive, empathetic leadership are crucial not just for fostering innovation and empowerment, but also for driving organisational success.

The third track delved into technology and innovation ecosystems. Participants in the spotlight session discovered how global capability centres (GCCs) are revolutionising businesses by streamlining workflows and promoting cross-functional collaboration with agile methodologies. The fintech panel further explored the significant role of blockchain, AI, and digital identity solutions in spurring economic growth and enhancing financial inclusion nationwide.

The inaugural CXO Summit saw the participation of more than 250 senior leaders as delegates and highlighted ISB Executive Education’s commitment to fostering future leaders of tomorrow.  

About ISB Executive Education:

ISB Executive Education offers a range of executive education programs designed to enhance leadership capabilities and strategic thinking. With a focus on high-quality, industry-relevant education, ISB Executive Education prepares professionals to address complex business challenges effectively.