Name: Amuda Chelladurai Khanna

Title: CEO Training & Strategy

Organisation: Axxeluss Mavens

Amuda Chelladurai Khanna, a standout in IT hardware, networking, and the automotive industry, holds technical certifications in both domains, earning accolades like the DELL Best Training Manager Award.

Recognized for outstanding performance at Wipro, she seamlessly blends her corporate success with impactful philanthropy. From teaching computer skills to children in Basai village to spearheading entrepreneurship programs in Delhi government schools, Amuda's commitment extends nationally, contributing significantly to Skill India initiatives.

Her multifaceted impact includes being honored as a technology partner by the Information Technology and Digital Services Department in Tamil Nadu. A trailblazer in every sense, Amuda exemplifies excellence and societal contribution.

Thank you to the 2,000 leaders who’ve generously done the 7 Questions on Leadership!

I hope Amuda's answers will encourage you in your leadership journey. Enjoy!

Cheers,

Jonno White

1. What have you found most challenging as a leader?

People Believe in you as a Woman leader. Especially navigating the male-dominated landscape of industries, I've found one of the most challenging aspects of leadership to be breaking through gender stereotypes and biases.

The uphill battle to establish credibility and influence in sectors like automotive and IT, traditionally dominated by men, has required resilience, determination, and constant efforts to showcase competence. Despite these challenges, my leadership journey is marked by overcoming stereotypes and achieving recognition. The pursuit of excellence in this male-dominated realm continues to be both a personal and professional triumph.

2. How did you become a leader? Can you please briefly tell the story?

Knowledge has been pivotal in demonstrating my capabilities and upholding my commitment to integrity. My parents played a pivotal role in fostering my education with a holistic approach. From Bharatnatyam dancing to excelling in singing, quiz competitions, and public speaking, and achieving a gold medal in athletics, I embraced a diverse range of activities. Additional computer classes further enriched my skill set.

Helped excel in organizations like Wipro and Dell. My Dad's emphasis on learning to change wheels before driving sparked my love for cars, influencing my career choice where I excelled. This diverse experience, marked by dedication and a profound commitment to societal impact, has defined my trajectory as a transformative leader. My leadership journey is a blend of passion, perseverance, and an enduring dedication to continuous learning.

3. How do you structure your work days from waking up to going to sleep?

My day commences with a focused planning ritual in my diary, carefully outlining tasks and prioritizing them. Executing smaller, simpler tasks and marking them off with a green pen brings immense satisfaction and energizes me for the day ahead. Following my diary, I delve into creative pursuits by writing an article and designing its cover, nurturing my creative spirit and providing a sense of fulfillment.

Thereafter, I align my activities with the pre-planned schedule, dedicating the first half to strategic initiatives and new training plans, and the second half to various other responsibilities. This structured approach not only optimizes my productivity but also ensures a harmonious balance between strategic endeavors and the diverse tasks that make up my day.

4. What's a recent leadership lesson you've learned for the first time or been reminded of?

A recent leadership lesson that resonated with me is the importance of balancing trust and vigilance in professional relationships. While empathy is crucial, the realization that trusting individuals, even students or team members, requires a careful balance with a degree of oversight was a valuable reminder. Sometimes, embracing a level of micro-management can be necessary to ensure accountability and project success.

Additionally, reflecting on my journey, I recognized the shift from a more courageous, risk-taking approach to a slightly more calculated one after establishing my company. This served as a reminder not to underestimate my capabilities and to maintain a healthy balance between calculated risks and the bold, fearless mindset that initially propelled me toward success. This lesson reinforces the need to continually challenge and believe in oneself throughout the leadership journey.

5. What's one book that has had a profound impact on your leadership so far? Can you please briefly tell the story of how that book impacted your leadership?

The books "You Can Win" by Shiv Khera, a thoughtful gift from my father, and the compilation of quotes by Swami Vivekananda, a present from my brother, have been inspirational touchstones. These works encapsulate lessons on success, resilience, and philosophical insights that resonate deeply in both personal and professional aspects of my life.

In the realm of fiction, Danielle Steel's "Malice" has offered a captivating escape, providing moments of reflection and entertainment. The diversity in genres reflects my appreciation for literature that spans motivational, philosophical, and fictional realms. Books authored by our esteemed advisor, Bob Seshadri, have been essential reads, providing strategic insights and guidance in navigating the complexities of leadership within our specific industry. Each book has contributed significantly to my growth, fostering a holistic understanding of leadership, strategy, and decision-making.

In school, the tale of Shakespeare unfolded through texts and the story of a Damsel where a woman faced the agonizing choice between preserving the life of her lover or seeking retribution for his betrayal. This narrative served as a poignant exploration of complex human emotions and moral dilemmas, leaving a lasting impact on my understanding of literature and the human experience. Together, these books form a rich tapestry of knowledge, values, and entertainment, shaping my worldview and influencing my approach to leadership and life.

6. If you could only give one piece of advice to a young leader, what would you say to them?

I would advise a young leader to embrace continuous learning and resilience. In the dynamic landscape of leadership, staying curious, adapting to change, and learning from both successes and setbacks are key. Approach challenges with an open mind, view them as opportunities for growth and remain resilient in the face of adversity.

This mindset will not only foster personal development but also contribute to building strong leadership skills over time. Never Stop Learning and Don't give you, you have miles to go before you sleep. Don't go to the grave with the Music still playing on take that charge and do it.

7. What is one meaningful story that comes to mind from your time as a leader, so far?

Remember Names: In 2004, I encountered the challenge of mentoring a young woman on the brink of termination. Rather than letting her go, I was entrusted with guiding her development. As I navigated her learning curve, she transformed into a star performer. On her departure day, she hugged me with tears of gratitude. In a spontaneous exchange of numbers, she shared her heartfelt thanks in the girls' washroom, and I, eager to remember her name, asked for it. This memory remains vivid, serving as a constant reminder of the profound impact of second chances and mentorship in fostering personal and professional growth.