Name: Derrick Richard

Title: Programme Representative of VIT and Datascience Lead of IEEERAS

Organisation: Vellore Institute of Technology

I'm Derrick Richard, serving as the Data Science Lead at IEEERAS and Programme Representative at VIT, while pursuing a dual degree in B.Tech Computer Science and Engineering and a B.Sc in Data Science. Alongside my studies, I excel as the vice captain of the tennis team, blending analytical prowess with leadership skills. Outside of my academic and professional commitments, I find joy in expressing myself through music as a drummer.

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

I hope Derrick'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 most challenging aspects I've encountered is balancing the diverse needs and personalities within a team or group. Each member brings their own strengths, weaknesses, and perspectives to the table, and effectively harnessing this diversity to achieve common goals can be quite challenging.

Additionally, navigating conflicts and disagreements that inevitably arise within any group dynamic requires patience, empathy, and strong communication skills. Ensuring that everyone feels heard and valued while also maintaining focus on the overarching objectives demands a delicate balance.

Furthermore, motivating and inspiring team members to consistently perform at their best, especially during times of uncertainty or adversity, can be another significant challenge. It requires fostering a positive and inclusive environment, providing support and encouragement, and leading by example.

Overall, while leadership can be immensely rewarding, it also presents numerous challenges that require continuous growth, adaptation, and resilience to overcome effectively.

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

From a young age, I naturally gravitated towards leadership roles, demonstrating an innate ability to inspire and organize others. This inclination became evident during my school years, where I consistently found myself in positions of leadership. As the head volunteer boy, I spearheaded various initiatives, rallying my peers to contribute to community service projects and embodying the values of compassion and service.

Moreover, I was frequently elected as the class representative, serving as the liaison between my classmates and teachers, advocating for their needs, and fostering a supportive learning environment. Through these experiences, I honed my communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills, laying the foundation for my future leadership endeavors.

My propensity for leadership continued to flourish as I transitioned into higher education, where I pursued opportunities to lead both academically and extracurricularly. Whether it was leading discussions in group projects or taking on roles such as the Data Science Lead at IEEERAS and Programme Representative at VIT, I embraced each opportunity to guide and empower others towards shared goals.

Overall, my journey as a leader has been characterized by a natural inclination towards taking initiative, a genuine desire to serve others, and a relentless drive to make a positive impact in every aspect of my life.

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

My days are a whirlwind of activity, but I thrive on the challenge of managing a packed schedule. The moment my alarm clock buzzes, I hit the ground running, eager to make the most of every moment. Mornings typically begin with a brisk workout session or a quick jog to invigorate my body and mind, setting a positive tone for the day ahead.

Once I've fueled up with a nutritious breakfast, I dive headfirst into my academic pursuits, balancing coursework from both my B.Tech in Computer Science and Engineering and my B.Sc in Data Science. Juggling these dual degrees requires meticulous planning and time management, but I relish the opportunity to immerse myself in the complexities of technology and data analytics.

Amidst lectures, labs, and study sessions, I carve out time for my responsibilities as the tennis team vice captain. Whether it's coordinating practice sessions, strategizing with teammates, or competing in matches, I approach each aspect of my role with dedication and enthusiasm.

As the day progresses, I transition seamlessly into my leadership positions as the Data Science Lead at IEEERAS and Programme Representative at VIT. From organizing events and meetings to liaising with stakeholders and driving data science initiatives, I thrive on the opportunity to make a meaningful impact within my academic community.

Despite the demands of my academic and leadership roles, I always find time to pursue my passion for music. Whether it's a quick drumming session during a study break or a jam session with friends in the evening, music serves as a welcome reprieve from the rigors of my day-to-day responsibilities.

As the day winds down, I reflect on the challenges and triumphs of the past hours, grateful for the opportunity to pursue my passions and make a difference in the world. With a sense of fulfillment and accomplishment, I finally settle in for a well-deserved rest, knowing that tomorrow will bring another day filled with exciting opportunities and new adventures.

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

A recent leadership lesson that I've been reminded of is the importance of active listening and empathy in effective leadership. While it's easy to get caught up in the demands of guiding a team or organization towards its goals, taking the time to truly listen to the concerns, ideas, and perspectives of team members is invaluable.

Recently, I encountered a situation where a team member expressed hesitancy about a proposed project direction. Instead of dismissing their concerns or rushing to defend my own viewpoint, I made a conscious effort to listen attentively and empathize with their perspective. Through open dialogue and genuine empathy, we were able to uncover underlying issues, address concerns, and ultimately find a mutually beneficial solution.

This experience served as a powerful reminder that effective leadership isn't just about making decisions or giving orders—it's about fostering a collaborative environment where every voice is heard and valued. By actively listening and demonstrating empathy towards others, leaders can build trust, strengthen relationships, and ultimately drive greater success for their teams and organizations.

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 profound impact on my leadership is "Leaders Eat Last" by Simon Sinek. This book fundamentally shifted my perspective on what it means to be a leader and emphasized the importance of putting the well-being of others first.

The story of how this book impacted my leadership begins with a period of reflection on my leadership style and values. As I delved into Sinek's exploration of leadership principles, particularly the concept of servant leadership and the idea that leaders should prioritize the needs of their team members above their own, I experienced a paradigm shift.

The book underscored the significance of creating a culture of trust, collaboration, and empathy within teams—an approach that resonated deeply with my own beliefs about effective leadership. It reminded me that true leadership isn't about wielding power or authority, but rather about serving others, empowering them to succeed, and fostering an environment where everyone feels valued and supported.

Armed with these insights, I began to implement changes in my leadership approach, placing a greater emphasis on building meaningful connections with team members, actively listening to their concerns, and providing support and mentorship whenever needed. The result was a more cohesive and motivated team, where individuals felt empowered to contribute their best work and collaborate towards common goals.

Overall, "Leaders Eat Last" served as a catalyst for personal growth and transformation in my leadership journey, challenging me to reevaluate my priorities and adopt a more compassionate and servant-oriented approach to leadership. It continues to inspire me to strive for excellence in leadership, not just for the sake of achieving success, but for the betterment of those I have the privilege to lead.

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

If I could only give one piece of advice to a young leader, it would be this: prioritize the growth and well-being of your team above all else.

As a leader, your success is intrinsically tied to the success of your team. Invest in their development, provide support and mentorship, and create an environment where they feel valued, empowered, and inspired to reach their full potential. By prioritizing the growth and well-being of your team members, you not only cultivate a culture of trust and collaboration but also lay the foundation for long-term success and fulfillment for both yourself and your team.

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

One meaningful story that comes to mind from my time as a leader involves a project where our team faced significant challenges and setbacks. Despite our best efforts, we encountered unexpected obstacles that threatened to derail our progress and undermine our morale.

In the face of adversity, I witnessed the true strength and resilience of our team. Instead of succumbing to frustration or despair, we came together with a renewed sense of determination and solidarity. We brainstormed creative solutions, supported each other through setbacks, and maintained a positive attitude even in the face of adversity.

One particular moment stands out vividly in my memory: during a critical juncture in the project, when it seemed like all hope was lost, a team member stepped forward with a brilliant idea that ultimately saved the day. Their ingenuity and quick thinking not only resolved the immediate issue but also reignited our team's sense of optimism and momentum.

Looking back on this experience, I am reminded of the power of teamwork, perseverance, and resilience in overcoming challenges. It taught me that true leadership isn't just about navigating smooth waters—it's about guiding your team through stormy seas with courage, conviction, and unwavering faith in their abilities. This story serves as a poignant reminder of the incredible things we can achieve when we come together and support each other as a unified team.