Lead Through Crisis_ Lessons
Let’s face it — crisis doesn’t send a calendar invite.
It hits you like a storm — sudden, chaotic, and unforgiving. Whether it’s a global recession, a public health emergency, or a disruptive tech shift, the question isn’t if you'll face a crisis… but when.
But here’s the secret I’ve learned in two decades of reporting on Indian business leaders:
The great ones don’t just survive a crisis — they lead through it.
From Ratan Tata’s steady hand during the 2008 crisis to Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw’s resilient leadership during COVID, India’s business legends have shown us what true leadership looks like when the heat is on.
So if you're a CEO, founder, or decision-maker wondering how to guide your team through turbulent times — you’re in the right place.
Let me show you how.
When the tide goes out, as Warren Buffett once said, you see who’s swimming naked.
In a crisis, your leadership DNA gets exposed — your values, your priorities, and your courage.
Think about it:
Will your team remember your calm — or your chaos?
Will your investors trust your plan — or your panic?
Will your customers stay loyal — or walk away?
Crisis separates the managers from the leaders.
And the ones who rise? They follow principles — not panic.
Let’s look at those principles in action through real-life stories of India’s greatest business minds.
Learned from: Ratan Tata, Chairman Emeritus, Tata Group
In 2008, as the global financial system collapsed, Tata Motors was under severe stress after acquiring Jaguar Land Rover (JLR). Employees were anxious. Shareholders were skeptical.
But here’s what Ratan Tata did — he showed up.
He held town halls. He answered tough questions. He didn’t sugarcoat reality.
“I don’t believe in taking right decisions. I take decisions and then make them right.”— Ratan Tata
His clear, calm, and consistent communication helped the group stay aligned. Years later, JLR became a profitable bet. Why? Because leadership showed up with transparency, not theatrics.
Speak early. Speak often.
Tell your team what you know, what you don’t, and what you’re doing about it.
Authenticity builds trust — even when the news is bad.
Learned from: Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Executive Chairperson, Biocon
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Biocon, India’s leading biotech firm, could’ve gone into preservation mode. Instead, Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw led India’s push for affordable biologics and diagnostics.
She partnered with global agencies, pushed regulatory boundaries, and mobilized her teams — not for profit, but for purpose.
“Purpose drives innovation. And innovation is the only response to a crisis.”— Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw
She not only kept her company afloat — she elevated it as a national asset.
In a crisis, ask: How can we serve better, not just survive better?
Purpose is magnetic — it attracts talent, customers, and goodwill.
Learned from: Nandan Nilekani, Co-founder, Infosys & Architect of Aadhaar
Post-Infosys, Nandan Nilekani could’ve taken a sabbatical. But during the 2008 crisis, India needed a new digital identity system. He stepped into government service and built Aadhaar — one of the world’s largest tech infrastructure projects.
He faced criticism, bureaucracy, and resistance — but his ability to think at scale, build coalitions, and execute fast set a benchmark in crisis-led innovation.
“It’s not about technology — it’s about solving problems at scale.”— Nandan Nilekani
Today, Aadhaar powers everything from UPI to vaccine delivery.
Every crisis is an invitation to rethink your business model.
Look at what’s essential and reimagine how you deliver it.
Learned from: Harsh Mariwala, Founder & Chairman, Marico
When supply chains broke during the pandemic, most FMCG companies slowed down. But Marico doubled down on trust. Harsh Mariwala empowered factory teams, decentralised decision-making, and trusted local managers.
“Speed and decentralised agility beat top-down control in a crisis.”— Harsh Mariwala
Result? Parachute and Saffola never ran out on shelves. And their market share grew.
Empower those closest to the customer and operations.
Cut bureaucracy. Build real-time feedback loops.
Learned from: Mukesh Ambani, Chairman, Reliance Industries
During the 2020 pandemic, while most companies conserved capital, Reliance raised over ₹1.5 lakh crore in investments from global giants — including Google, Facebook, and Silver Lake — into Jio Platforms.
Why? Because Ambani had been laying the digital foundation for years.
He used the crisis as a launchpad, not a lifeboat.
“Data is the new oil, and India can become the global leader in digital infrastructure.”— Mukesh Ambani
That foresight transformed Reliance from an oil & gas legacy into a tech-first future.
Prepare before the crisis hits — but act boldly during it.
Crisis is the best time to invest in the future if you’ve earned the right.
Ask yourself:
Do I communicate clearly, even when I don’t have all the answers?
Am I leading with a mission bigger than my margins?
Have I created space for reinvention and risk-taking?
Do I trust and empower my team to make frontline decisions?
Am I preparing for the next disruption — or reacting to the last one?
You don’t have to be a business icon (yet).
But the lessons are available — if you choose to learn.
I’ll leave you with this:
“Anyone can lead in good times. But legends are made in chaos.”
Crisis isn’t your enemy — it’s your proving ground.
The companies and leaders we admire today? They were once standing where you are, staring at uncertainty.
And they made one brave decision at a time.
So, are you ready to lead through crisis — or wait for it to pass?
Because your legacy is being written right now.
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