Episode #33
Suresh Narayanan: The FMCG Playbook, Maggi Crisis & Leadership Under Pressure
This conversation features Suresh Narayanan , a seasoned business leader, discussing his philosophy on leadership, crisis management, and the FMCG industry. Drawing from his four decades of experience—including the Maggi crisis , the Arab Spring , and the COVID-19 pandemic—he shares insights from his book, Courage Under Fire . Crisis Management Philosophy (04:56 - 06:46): Narayanan emphasizes a people-centered approach . He argues that true leadership is about building trust, maintaining transparency, and providing hope to employees, especially during uncertain times. The Maggi Crisis (14:23 - 23:06): He recounts taking charge during the Maggi controversy, noting that he approached the situation with five critical questions, focusing primarily on the well-being of his team and stakeholders. The successful relaunch of the brand in 2015 was built on his conviction that the product was safe and on maintaining open, honest communication with consumers. Leadership Lessons (06:46 - 11:31): Reflecting on his early career, including shutting down a factory at age 22, he highlights the importance of conscientious leadership . He believes that leaders must handle difficult decisions with fairness and dignity to maintain organizational integrity. Innovation & Consumer Insights (36:55 - 43:06): Narayanan explains that while brands like KitKat might vary by region to suit local tastes and climates, the core promise of a product remains consistent. He views failure in innovation as an inherent part of growth and encourages smaller companies to focus on their unique strengths when scaling. Success vs. Happiness (47:20 - 48:26): In his view, success is relative, whereas happiness is absolute. He defines it as a feeling of contentment that comes from acting with one's conscience, values, and purpose intact.
