VUCA 2.0: Not a ‘new normal’ but a ‘no normal’ world

The third edition of the ISA’s Global CEO Conference was held by the Indian Society of Advertisers (ISA) in Mumbai Around 200 Industry leaders gathered to deliberate over strategies that will empower them to triumph over the current complex business environment. The theme of this year’s conference was "VUCA 2.0: Transforming Organizations and Brands."

The event was based on an engaging format with a mix of keynote address, interesting presentations and panel discussions by distinguished thought leaders from the industry, in line with the theme. The keynote speakers included Nitin Paranjpe, Chief People and Transformation Officer, Unilever PLC and Chairman, Hindustan Unilever Limited who highlighted the role of technology and questioned whether organizations are ready for Web 3.0, “Industries and devices must be responsibly governed with technology which is designed to allow rapid innovation. Some of the technology developing the next iteration of the internet have larger challenges than just disruptions. Other than helping us understand what is happening in the world around us better, it will also help us prepare for and create a better future.” 

Raja Rajamannar, President, World Federation of Advertisers (WFA) and Chief Marketing & Communications Officer and President, Healthcare division, Mastercard said, “The whole field of content has become completely filtered and layered. The fact is that traditional marketers are assuming that people are aware. However, they need to develop a far better understanding of the subconscious processes that happen in the mind of their Consumers and thereby develop new insights.” 

Shailesh Jejurikar, Chief Operating Officer, Procter & Gamble Company, who focused on creating value in a VUCA 2.0 world, remarked “Innovation is being spurred on by digital technology and we combine innovation with human insight, so that our consumers are better off. Rapid change creates unique opportunities to drive market growth. All of these point to a positive future that can sustain people and the environment better, not only now but also for the generations to come.” 

The panel discussion on VUCA 2.0 and its implications for Indian businesses saw leaders such as Hina Nagarajan, Managing Director & CEO, Diageo India; Renuka Ramnath, Founder, MD & CEO, Multiples Alternate Asset Management Pvt. Ltd; Shantanu Khosla, Managing Director, Crompton Greaves Consumer Electricals Limited; Suresh Narayanan, Chairman & Managing Director, Nestle India Limited; who touched upon various aspects including strategies taken by companies during the pandemic, future-proofing brands and creating a work environment that leads to optimizing productivity. 

Speaking about the successful third edition of ISA Global CEO Conference, Sunil Kataria, Chairman, ISA and CEO – India & SAARC, Raymond Lifestyle, said, “Organizations and brands must adopt a radical and creative approach to navigate through this VUCA 2.0 world. As we have learnt during the course of this conference, the ultimate objective of transformation is to develop the capacity to swiftly changing circumstances and opportunities in the market and reinvent business models to stay ahead of time.” 

Dr. R. Ramakrishnan, Chairman (Events), ISA said “Each of the Keynote Speakers and Panelists brought a wealth of insights, practical experience and their case studies to add great value to the Conference. The 200 Industry leaders at the event, have taken back a wealth of knowledge and wisdom, to transform their Organizations, Brands and Processes.”

The third edition of ISA’s Global CEO Conference was powered by Presenting partner: Google Cloud, Co-powered by partner: Hindustan Unilever Limited, Exclusive Gold partner: Sony Pictures Network, Gold partner: Neutrogena, Co-gold partner: P&G, Associate partners: Prestige, ABP Network, Aditya Birla Group, Godrej Goodknight, and Centrum Wealth, Co-partners: Adani Wilmar, Crompton, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Raymond, V Guard, Bajaj Electricals Limited, and SugarFree Green, TV partner: Storyboard 18, Print partner: Hindustan Times, PR partner: Adfactors PR, and Social media partner: Schbang.