Name: Bernard D'sa

Title: Founder & CEO

Organisation: Raindrops

Bernard D'sa is an author, poet, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. He is known for his bestselling book, "Symphonies of Love," and holds the esteemed position of Global Goodwill Ambassador (India). Additionally, he is the founder and CEO of Raindrops, a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit. With a strong belief in the power of both poetry and entrepreneurship, Bernard D'sa envisions them as the catalysts for positive change in the future. His passion extends to the exploration of cutting-edge technologies, including blockchain, artificial intelligence, quantum physics, and spirituality. His books have garnered widespread readership and have been utilized in various institutions.

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

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

Cheers,

Jonno White

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

As a leader, one of the toughest parts has been managing and balancing team members' different needs and expectations. Each person has their strengths, weaknesses, and motivations, and it can be challenging to make sure that everyone feels appreciated and backed while also working towards shared objectives. Good communication, understanding, and flexibility have been crucial in addressing these challenges.

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

I developed my leadership skills through a combination of hard work, dedication, and taking advantage of growth opportunities. Throughout my career, I consistently exhibited strong leadership qualities, including being proactive, collaborating well with others, and having a problem-solving mindset. I actively pursued chances to lead projects and teams, and my effective communication, motivation, and ability to inspire others enabled me to succeed in those roles. As time went on, I earned the trust and respect of my colleagues and superiors, which resulted in additional, more substantial leadership responsibilities.

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

I begin my day by waking up early and engaging in some form of exercise or meditation to start the day on a positive note. After that, I prioritize my tasks and set clear goals for what I want to achieve. Throughout the day, I schedule dedicated blocks of time for focused work, as well as breaks for rest and rejuvenation. I also ensure that I allocate time for meetings, collaborating with team members, and strategic planning. As the day comes to an end, I reflect on my achievements, take note of any unfinished tasks, and mentally prepare for the next day.

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

A valuable leadership lesson I've learned recently is the significance of active listening. It can be tempting to believe that being a leader means having all the solutions and dominating conversations. However, truly effective leaders recognize that listening to their team members is equally, if not more, important. By actively listening and striving to comprehend their viewpoints, ideas, and worries, leaders can cultivate an environment of trust, collaboration, and creativity.

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?

One book that has had a significant influence on my leadership is "Leaders Eat Last" by Simon Sinek. This book delves into the idea of servant leadership and highlights the significance of prioritizing the well-being and success of team members. It served as a reminder that as a leader, I must establish a secure and encouraging environment where individuals feel empowered to bring their best contributions. By prioritizing the needs of my team and cultivating a culture of trust and collaboration, I have witnessed a favorable effect on team morale, productivity, and overall achievements. Another book I would recommend is my book "Like The Raindrops." It delves into the challenges of entrepreneurship and highlights how being the founder/leader can inspire and guide your team toward success in building a brand.

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

If I were to offer a single piece of advice to a young leader, it would be to keep learning and evolving. Leadership is a process of ongoing enhancement, and the more you invest in your personal growth, the more prepared you will become to guide others. Actively pursue learning opportunities, whether it's through reading books, participating in workshops, or seeking mentorship. Embrace feedback and remain receptive to fresh perspectives. Keep in mind that leadership isn't about having all the solutions, but rather about empowering and motivating others to achieve their utmost capabilities.

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

One impactful story that comes to mind from my experience as a leader is when I had the opportunity to mentor a junior team member who was facing challenges with their self-confidence and workload. I took the time to actively listen to their concerns and understand their strengths and areas for improvement. I provided guidance, support, and encouragement, and collaborated with them to create a plan for better task management. Over time, I observed this team member gain confidence, embrace new opportunities, and excel in their role. It was extremely fulfilling to witness their personal growth and to know that I had contributed to their professional development.