Do business leaders in the automobile sector require any specific qualities or attributes?
In a way, yes, because decisions have long-term implications. If you make a wrong decision the repercussions can be severe, given that investments are high and gestation periods long. You need to make sure you have all the facts right, you need a tremendous understanding of business situations, the ability to get a collective opinion, perhaps some vision and, finally, the courage to take tough and tricky decisions. Do you need an analytical mind? Sure, but you don’t want analysis to become paralysis. All the analytical factors have to be considered and then, at some point, you take the plunge. If you don’t take decisions quickly, you risk losing opportunities; at the same time, you have to be careful not to be foolhardy and jeopardise the future of thousands of people. If you believe a wrong decision has been taken, you have to have the humility to accept it, and the agility to change course. Have you had any mentors? We always learn, all the time and in every walk of life. I have alwa
