3.0 Mr. Anil Gupta (Chairman & Managing Director – KEI Industries Ltd)
I first had the privilege of meeting Anil ji in 1999 when I worked with him through Holtec Consulting, assisting in defining KEI’s Vision, Mission, Strategy, and more. At that time, KEI was a company with an INR 42 crore turnover. I suggested to Anilji that with a few strategic moves, they could easily reach a Rs 60 crore turnover. He modestly disagreed, stating that things didn’t work that way in his industry. Nevertheless, we proceeded with a two-day visioning exercise with 12 of his managers. Together, the team set an ambitious target of Rs 65 crore for the fiscal year. To my surprise, KEI surpassed Rs 71 crore by the end of that year, if my memory serves me right.
After working with The Oberoi Hotel in New Delhi, I officially joined KEI as a Consultant in 2001, marking the inception of Inner Space Consultants. A few years later, the HR department was split into two divisions: I took charge of the HR function, while the Personnel & Administration wing was managed by the late Mr. Pawan Aggarwal. Over the next 16 years, I had the privilege of working with exceptional talent, and KEI grew into a Rs 3500 crore company during this period.
Anilji stands out as one of the most dynamic leaders I’ve had the pleasure of working with in my career. From operating two modest plants in Delhi and Bhiwadi, the company expanded significantly with new facilities in Bhiwadi, Chopanki, and Silvassa. KEI also broadened its product range, including HT Cables, Housewires, EHV Cables, and Solar Cables. Despite this tremendous growth, Anilji remained as humble as ever.
Here are some of the key lessons I learned from Anilji that have shaped my leadership style:
• Fostering a Blend of New and Old Employees: While retaining the loyalty of long-standing employees, Anilji also brought in new, dynamic talent. He always found a way to make both groups feel comfortable and integrated, ensuring they worked together harmoniously.
• Decisiveness with Speed: Anilji was never one to procrastinate on decisions. He was known for making quick, yet calculated decisions, and acting on them with speed.
• Embracing Risk: He was never afraid to take risks, understanding that growth required it. Whether expanding into new plants or diversifying into new products, Aniljialways pushed the company forward, taking measured but bold risks.
• Employee Retention Beyond Monetary Incentives: Anilji firmly believed that money alone could not retain good people, yet he never lost a person due to monetary reasons. If he trusted someone, he would go above and beyond to keep them, knowing that a loyal and committed team would always yield great results.
• Team Building: One of Anilji’s remarkable strengths was his ability to build strong teams. He trusted his management team and involved them in all major decisions. If differences arose, he would bring people together, fostering resolution and cooperation.
• Humility Above All: Despite his immense success and the power that came with it, Anilji remained deeply humble. He always addressed people with respect, using “ji” after their names and addressing them with “Aap,” never “Tum” or “Tu.”
KEI holds a special place in my heart as it was my first client, and Anilji has remained a close associate ever since. Over the years, I have formed numerous invaluable associations at KEI, and I fondly remember each one. A few of the key people who shaped my experience include:
• Late Mr. A. R. Ghose: The first Vice-President of KEI, Mr. Ghose was a treasure trove of knowledge. His meticulous planning and exceptional #people_management_skills were unmatched. Despite never carrying a diary, he had the rare ability to remember and recall hundreds of details with clarity that rivaled any computer.
• Mr. Rajeev Gupta: A fierce leader who stood unwaveringly by his people, Rajeev ji was thorough in his work and fiercely loyal to KEI. His #leadership_style was not only respected but also appreciated on both professional and personal levels.
• Mr. Manoj Kakkar: The charismatic Sales Head who propelled KEI to new heights, Manoj’s infectious energy and sense of humor made him the center of attention wherever he went. His rise within KEI is a testament to his abilities and #leadership-qualities.
• Mr. Lalit Sharma: From Purchase Manager to being the COO, Lalit displayed remarkable acumen in various domains including Operations, Finance, and Sales. His versatility made him an #indispensable-leader, and his contributions continue to make KEI proud today.
• Late Mr. Pawan Aggarwal: As head of Personnel and Administration, Pawan ji was fiercely loyal to KEI and Anil ji. While his methods may have been a subject of debate, no one could question his unwavering commitment to the company.
The 16 years I spent working with Anil ji and his team at KEI were among the most formative of my career. The lessons I learned continue to resonate with me today. I often refer to KEI in discussions with prospective and existing clients. When asked about KEI’s success, I always attribute it to a combination of factors, but above all, it was the team that Anil ji built. It was a diverse team, united by a shared passion and vision, that truly propelled the company to where it is today. As I write these words, I am filled with immense pride and emotion.
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