Written By: Karnil Pancholi, PGDM Student, AMA

Greetings, fellow business enthusiasts and leaders. We, at Ahmedabad Management Association (AMA), recently embarked on a captivating journey of Legacy and Leadership, with a unique and nuanced approach. Let us delve deep into what these seminars were about and our key takeaways from them.

In the first instalment of our Family Business clinic program, we had the privilege to host two exceptional pairs of leaders who have steered their ventures from modest beginnings to the exceptional stages of corporate success. Mr. Ashish Soparkar and his son, Mr. Kaushal Soparkar (Managing Directors, Meghmani Organics and Finechem Ltd.), alongside Mr. Saurin Parikh (Founder, Pashupati Group and MD, Uniza Group of Companies) and his son, Mr. Milind Parikh (Business Manager, Pashupati Cotspin Ltd.; Uniza Pharma Ltd.), graced us with their stories that bridged the past with the present. They took us on an enthralling ride, sharing how their family businesses transitioned from the world of MSMEs to becoming recognized names in the corporate arena. The conversation was moderated by our Governing Council member, Mr. Sunil Parekh.

As we listened two generations of these enterprises talk about their individual and collective journeys, it became evident that their leadership prowess, coupled with their deep-rooted respect for the legacy they have created and inherited, played a vital role in this transformation. The friendly banter between generations painted a picture of seamless collaboration, where innovation met tradition, and lessons from the past paved a way for the future. Their stories were like an exquisite tapestry interweaving legacy and leadership, reminding us that innovation doesn’t always entail abandoning one’s roots but can beautifully amplify them.

In our second seminar, we saw the amalgamation of youthful energy and age-old legacy. Our stage was graced by the dynamic duo – Mr. Dishit Nathani, Director of Gulab Oils, and Ms. Aakanksha Gandhi, Director of Vadilal Group. These young entrepreneurs enthralled us with their accounts of steering their family legacies into uncharted waters with a zestful and innovative approach.

Their stories turned out to be an eye-opener for our audience as they navigated through their unconventional methods of introducing fresh ideas into traditional businesses. With a twinkle in their eyes, they demonstrated that innovation is not just an exclusive playground for start-ups but a dynamic playground where fresh leaders and already established industry stalwarts can coexist together in harmony. Their journey showcased the fusion of legacy and leadership, painted with vibrant strokes of innovation and a dash of fearless determination.

As we reflect on both workshops, a recurring theme emerges: legacy and leadership are not diametrically opposed beings, but rather kindred spirits who thrive on reciprocal nutrition. Our welcoming meeting demonstrated that innovation does not have to be extreme; it may be a delicate yet powerful current that flows through the river of tradition, reinforcing its strengths.

At AMA, our passion for exploring the nuances of business leadership is unwavering. These seminars have shown us that innovation is not just about technology or gadgets; it’s about embracing change and infusing it into the very fabric of tradition. The stories of these remarkable leaders are a testament to the fact that every journey is unique, and every legacy can be a springboard for innovation.

So, here’s to a future where legacy and leadership converges, where innovation is not a mere word but a way of life. Until the next inspiring seminar, keep leading, keep innovating, and keep building legacies that stand the test of time!