The Graduate School of Business hosted a thought-provoking Executive Leadership Panel on the topic Navigating Global Disruption with Pacific Wisdom last week.
The discussion centered on how Pacific leaders were uniquely addressing global challenges, with a focus on resilience, innovation and the importance of building trust in international business settings.
Panelists included Bhavana Samel, the Managing Director at TotalEnergies Marketing (Fiji) Ltd, Kamal Chetty, the Chief Executive Officer for Investment Fiji and Randhir Charan, the General Manger Human Resources at Energy Fiji Limited (EFL).
The trio shared insights on the difficulties Pacific leaders face when scaling local businesses globally, particularly issues like brain drain and financial constraints.
They emphasised the need for innovation and fostering a culture that encouraged challenging the status quo, even in organisations with limited resources.
The panel also highlighted the significance of cultural adaptation and relationship-building as essential components of establishing trust with international partners.
A key takeaway from the discussion was the importance of employee engagement and sustainability.
Energy Fiji Limited shared their approach to listening to employees through regular roadshows and feedback sessions, underscoring the role of shared values like teamwork, courage, and honesty in building trust.
Additionally, the company’s focus on integrating AI to enhance productivity, as well as prioritising green energy investments for future sustainability, were key points of conversation.
The panelists stressed the importance of addressing employee concerns, providing training to help employees stay relevant amid AI advancements and empowering them to take ownership of their roles.
The conversation concluded with a focus on sustainability, including a roadmap for transitioning to renewable energy by 2029, which included the establishment of solar farms.
The panel highlighted the connection between classroom theory and real-world leadership experiences, offering valuable lessons on navigating global disruptions with a Pacific-centered approach.
