Name: Major Sumit Sharma

Title: General Manager Operations

Organisation: BHIVE Workspace

An experienced Army officer with a stint in the corporate world, having handled a wide range of Operations, and HR functions with transformation disciplines and a perspicacious mindset.

Over the years, I have been driving projects, recommending HRM solutions, implementing operations strategies and identifying areas of risk. The key role has always been to resolve operational, security, intelligence, process advancement and surveillance systems issues. The initiatives had always been aligned towards HRM and the integration of operational policies with business strategy and effective project management.

I also have managed various projects related to infra development, equipment commissioning, tests & trials, etc as per demands of the time and the organisation keeping the project scopes & deliverables as a top priority. The efforts for cost-effectiveness with change management plans to ensure deliverables within agreed quality parameters had been a key factor while planning a logistics process or a project.

Streamlined sourcing, procurement and logistics & stakeholder engagement at varied locations including the remote locations in forward areas ensuring in-time & meeting the quality requirements delivery of services.

I’ve worked as a Technical officer for various electronics & electrical equipment being inducted on a time-to-time basis along with conducting their tests & trials. I ensured the management of departmental operations on a daily basis and the upkeep of various KPIs set within the organisation.

Have performed as a trusted advisor to the HsOD for delivering operational excellence and Human Resources Capitalisation through proven contributions in various fields be it Supply & Logistics Operations, Operations, Assets & Facility Management, Strategic Maintenance, Problem Solving & Critical thinking, Analytical Decision Making, Team Building Capability, Stakeholder Collaboration, Service Orientation, Emotional Intelligence & Adaptability, Warehouse Operations, Evaluation and Assessment and Planning & Construction of Infrastructure.

Worked as Back-end System Engineer & on/off-site optimisation lead heading major areas of Punjab cluster resulting in high KPIs and as a Network Pre/Post Process Optimiser & Analyst with specialisation in Nemo Outdoor, MapInfo Professional Tool, Actix Analyzer, MCOM, M5000, CCNA.

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

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

Cheers,

Jonno White

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

"Some common challenges include:

1. Balancing People and Performance: Striking the right balance between supporting team members’ well-being and achieving organizational goals can be tough.

2. Effective Communication: Ensuring that all team members understand goals, expectations, and changes while fostering open dialogue.

3. Decision-Making Under Uncertainty: Leaders often face situations where they must make critical decisions without having all the information they need.

4. Building Trust: Earning the trust of the team and maintaining it over time can take significant effort and consistency.

5. Handling Conflict: Navigating conflicts within a team in a way that resolves issues constructively and maintains harmony.

6. Adaptability to Change: Guiding a team through changes in technology, strategy, or market conditions while keeping morale high.

7. Time Management: Balancing strategic priorities with day-to-day responsibilities without burnout."

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

Becoming a leader as an army officer is a journey that starts with a strong sense of duty, discipline, and the will to serve. For me, it began the day I decided to join the armed forces, driven by the desire to protect my country and uphold values greater than myself.

It wasn’t an overnight transformation; leadership in the military is built on a foundation of rigorous training, mentorship, and experience. My initial days at the academy taught me the importance of discipline, perseverance, and teamwork. These lessons were further reinforced during field exercises, where I learned how to make decisions under pressure and take responsibility for my actions and the well-being of others.

My first real test of leadership came when I was entrusted with a platoon of soldiers. Leading men and women who place their trust in you is both humbling and challenging. I learned to lead by example—showing the same courage, dedication, and commitment I expected from my team. Over time, I understood that leadership isn’t just about giving orders; it’s about earning respect, inspiring confidence, and ensuring that every member feels valued and motivated.

Through various missions and deployments, I faced situations that tested my resilience and decision-making skills. Each experience taught me something new about myself, my team, and the essence of leadership. I became a leader not just by rank but by building trust, making sacrifices, and never losing sight of the responsibility I carry for those under my command.

Leadership in the army is a continuous journey of growth, learning, and leading with integrity. It’s about putting the mission first, but never forgetting the human element—the people who make the mission possible.

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

"As an army officer, my day is structured with discipline and a focus on readiness, leadership, and personal growth. Here’s how I typically organised my day while being in Army.

Morning Routine-

• Wake-Up (0500 hrs): I start my day early, as discipline begins with the first action of the day. After making my bed, I prepare mentally and physically for the challenges ahead. • Physical Training (PT): Physical fitness is non-negotiable in the army. Whether it’s a run, strength training, or a group exercise with the unit, this sets the tone for the day.

• Personal Hygiene & Breakfast: After PT, I freshen up and have a balanced meal to fuel the day. Morning Work Hours

• Morning Briefings: I attend or lead briefings where we review the day’s objectives, assignments, and any updates from higher command.

• Planning & Administration: This time is often spent on strategic planning, reviewing reports, or addressing logistical and operational needs for my unit.

Midday Activities-

• Training & Development: The bulk of the day is focused on training. This could range from field exercises, weapons practice, or tactical drills to leadership workshops and mentoring sessions.

• Troop Engagement: I make it a priority to interact with my soldiers, addressing their concerns, guiding them, and maintaining team morale.

Afternoon Hours-

• Operational Oversight: If there’s an ongoing mission or project, I ensure everything is on track. This involves coordination with other units, assessing progress, and making decisions as needed.

• Personal Professional Development: Whether it’s studying military tactics, attending a course, or preparing for an upcoming operation, continuous learning is a key part of my day.

Evening Routine-

• Debriefing & Reflection: The unit often regroups to review the day’s activities. We analyze what went well, and what can be improved, and set goals for the next day.

• Physical Activity (Optional): On some days, I’ll squeeze in another workout or engage in recreational sports with the team.

• Dinner & Unwinding: I take this time to share a meal with comrades or spend time reading, journaling, or catching up with family if possible.

Night Routine-

• Preparation for Tomorrow: I review my tasks and plans for the next day, ensuring I’m ready to hit the ground running.

• Lights Out (2200 hrs): Sleep is crucial for maintaining focus and energy. I prioritize getting sufficient rest to perform at my best the following day.

This structure provides a balance between physical fitness, professional duties, personal development, and leadership responsibilities, ensuring I stay prepared to meet the demands of my role as an army officer."

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

As an army officer, one lesson I’ve been reminded of all the time is the importance of staying adaptable and leading with empathy during uncertainty. During one of the exercises, which was scheduled in harsh weather conditions, unforeseen challenges disrupted our initial plans, creating stress and frustration within the unit. As a leader, my instinct was to maintain composure and focus on finding a solution, but I quickly realized that my team needed more than just a plan—they needed reassurance.

By taking the time to listen to their concerns and acknowledging the difficulty of the situation, I was able to build trust and strengthen morale. Once the team felt heard, they were more willing to adapt and work together toward a solution. It reminded me that leadership isn’t just about solving problems—it’s about being present for your team, leading with compassion, and showing resilience in the face of adversity.

This experience reinforced the value of flexibility, communication, and understanding, especially in environments where uncertainty is inevitable. These qualities not only keep operations on track but also inspire loyalty and confidence within the team.

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?

Wings of Fire.

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

Be yourself.

7. What is one meaningful story that comes to mind from your time as a leader, so far? "One story that stands out from my time as a leader is when I witnessed the true power of trust and teamwork during a high-stakes mission.

Our unit was tasked with a challenging operation in rough terrain, requiring precision, endurance, and coordination. Midway through the mission, unexpected weather conditions and equipment issues threw everything into disarray. The situation tested our training, decision-making, and resilience.

I remember a specific moment when one of my soldiers, a junior member of the team, stepped up in a way that surprised us all. With calm confidence, they proposed an alternative route that wasn’t in our original plan but could save us time and resources. It was a bold suggestion, and while it carried risk, the logic was sound.

As a leader, I had a choice: stick with the original plan or trust the instincts of my team members. I chose to trust them. We adjusted our strategy and successfully completed the mission, exceeding our objectives and reinforcing the importance of adaptability.

That moment taught me two key lessons:

1. Leadership is about empowering others to rise to the occasion. My soldier’s initiative and courage were a testament to the trust and confidence we had cultivated as a team. 2. True leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about recognizing the strengths in others and making decisions that bring out the best in the team.

This story stays with me because it reminds me of the importance of trust, humility, and the incredible things a unified team can achieve when everyone’s voice is valued."