Category: People

Meet Shailesh Jejurikar: The IIM Grad Set to Make History as P&G’s New CEO

by educatekaroin Blog, PeopleLeave a Comment on Meet Shailesh Jejurikar: The IIM Grad Set to Make History as P&G’s New CEO

Shailesh Jejurikar’s story is one that really inspires me. Coming from India and rising all the way to become the CEO of Procter & Gamble (P&G), a hugely respected global company, is no small feat. It shows how determination, education, and a willingness to learn from every experience can truly pay off.

The Early Days: Humble Beginnings and Ambitious Dreams

Shailesh Jejurikar grew up in Mumbai, a bustling city known for its opportunities and challenges. Like many talented youngsters in India, he had big dreams but knew that hard work and education would be his stepping stones. After completing his schooling with strong academic results, Jejurikar earned a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Mumbai University.

He then took a crucial step for his career — entering the Indian Institute of Management Lucknow (IIM Lucknow). Back then, IIM Lucknow was already gaining a reputation for nurturing some of the sharpest minds in management. For Shailesh, it was a transformative experience, honing his business acumen and leadership potential. This foundation would prove invaluable in the years ahead.

Joining P&G: A Journey of Steady Growth

After graduating from IIM Lucknow in 1989, Jejurikar joined P&G’s India operations as an Assistant Brand Manager. At the time, P&G was expanding rapidly in emerging markets like India, and Shailesh was right in the thick of building iconic brands that families would trust for decades.

What sets Shailesh apart is not just his business skills but his willingness to embrace new challenges and cultures. Over the next decades, he took on diverse roles across continents — from East Africa and Southeast Asia to Australia, South Korea, and the United States. Each move brought fresh lessons, adapting to different markets and customer needs.

Leading with People and Purpose

As Jejurikar climbed the ranks, culminating in leadership roles for P&G’s Fabric and Home Care division (which includes household names like Tide and Ariel), he never lost sight of the people behind the brands — the consumers.

His leadership style is often described by colleagues as empathetic, grounded, and focused on nurturing talent. He believes success comes from balancing strong operational discipline with innovation and sustainability.

Thanks to his leadership, P&G’s Fabric & Home Care division continued to grow steadily, holding strong even in highly competitive global markets. He championed efforts to make products more environmentally friendly, reflecting his understanding that a company’s impact goes beyond profits alone.

Making History as P&G’s CEO

In January 2026, Shailesh Jejurikar is set to become P&G’s President and CEO — a historic moment as he will be the first CEO from India and only the second non-US-born leader at the company’s helm in more than 180 years.

His appointment marks more than an individual milestone — it reflects the growing influence of Indian professionals and the global recognition of India’s top-tier management education. As CEO, Jejurikar will be steering P&G through a rapidly changing consumer and digital landscape, armed with decades of cross-cultural experience and deep business insight.

What We Can Learn from Shailesh Jejurikar’s Journey

  • Education Is Just the Beginning: His time at IIM Lucknow gave him vital skills, but continuous learning and adaptability made all the difference.
  • Global Exposure Matters: Moving beyond comfort zones and learning from diverse markets broadened his vision.
  • People-First Leadership: Success isn’t just numbers; it’s about inspiring teams and making a positive impact on customers.
  • Sustainability is Key: Modern business leadership means caring for the planet, not just profits.

Final Thoughts

Shailesh Jejurikar’s story is a powerful reminder that with the right combination of education, perseverance, and openness to new experiences, it’s possible to rise to the highest levels of global business — regardless of where you start.

His journey from IIM Lucknow classrooms to leading a Fortune 500 giant stands as motivation for young professionals everywhere who aspire to make their mark on the world stage.

Read more: Wikipedia, Mint

Kunal Shah’s Simple Secrets to Winning

by educatekaroin Blog, People, TechLeave a Comment on Kunal Shah’s Simple Secrets to Winning

I recently caught a podcast with Kunal Shah, the guy who started CRED, and wow, he dropped some serious wisdom! He wasn’t just talking business; he was giving us a super clear peek into how things really work. From selling stuff to building an amazing team, he just made so much sense. If you’ve ever wondered about making it big, you’ll want to hear this.

Selling: A Skill Everyone Needs

In his early days, he sold small items like mehndi cones. He learned fast that persuasion—being able to convince people—is key. Seriously, he thinks it’s vital for everything in life. He even mentioned that many of us in India aren’t naturally good at it, maybe because we haven’t often had to persuade others just to get by.

His advice is spot on: Watch people who are great at it. And don’t be scared to ask for help! He said selling isn’t about tricking; it’s about finding a win for everyone involved. I think that’s a pretty smart way to look at it.

Drop the Shame, Grow Faster

Here’s something deep: Kunal said that being afraid to ask for help or even to push your own ideas often comes from feeling insecure or “ashamed.” He figures that people who aren’t afraid to go after what they want, even if it feels a little “shameless,” actually grow way faster. And get this: he also noted that folks who get easily offended might not be honest with themselves, which really stops them from growing.

Building a Killer Team

If you’re in charge, or even just part of a team, Kunal’s advice on company culture is gold. To get everyone comfortable speaking up, he suggests some easy but powerful moves:

  • Always let new folks ask questions—their fresh eyes are a gift!
  • Treat feedback like a present.
  • He even sits down with new hires at CRED early on to hear their thoughts.
  • And here’s a big one: Have meetings just for listening to feedback; no arguing allowed. Smart, right?

CRED’s Core Rules

Kunal laid out CRED’s main values, and you can see why they work:

  • Earn Trust: Always be someone people can rely on.
  • Good Judgment: Make smart calls, even when things are fuzzy. Like launching that big ad campaign during COVID.
  • High Agency: Be the person who makes things happen, not just waits around.
  • Keep Learning: Always grow and change.
  • Find the Truth: Always look for what’s real, no matter who says what.

How CRED Picks Its People

CRED looks for folks who fit their values. They actually like hiring “expounders“—people whose own startups didn’t quite make it. Why? Because these folks often know their weak spots, are open to advice, and are super driven. Kunal stressed that you want people who want to do well, not those who need constant pushing.

Investing: The Real Reason

Finally, Kunal gave a clear take on getting money from investors. He said investor cash just helps you grow faster, but you do give up some ownership. His advice: Only seek funds if your business has a huge market and solves a unique problem. Investors want big wins because, let’s be honest, lots of new businesses don’t make it.

My honest thoughts? This podcast is packed with super clear, no-nonsense advice. Kunal Shah isn’t just for business gurus; his ideas are useful for anyone trying to get ahead and build something cool.

Definitely check out this podcast! If you want to hear it straight from Kunal Shah, I really suggest you give it a listen. You’ll walk away with some great ideas you can use right away.

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