“If you talk to a man in a language he understands, it reaches his head. But if you speak in his language, it touches his heart.”
This quote perfectly sums up Anand Mahindra, Chairman of the Mahindra Group, a leader who has mastered both communication and people management. Whether it’s his humorous posts on Twitter or his insightful thoughts on LinkedIn, Mahindra’s unique blend of humour and wisdom shines through. Known for his sharp takes on current affairs, social media trends, and global issues, he’s also famous for his Monday motivation posts that help his followers shake off those Monday Blues. To inspire our readers, we’ve gathered some of the most impactful leadership lessons from Anand Mahindra—lessons that have made him a millennial favourite. Through our interviews with top HR leaders across Asia, it became clear that his approach to leadership can serve as a powerful guide for those aiming to become stronger, more empathetic leaders.
1 – Humor is a Leader’s Secret Weapon
Imagine a business tycoon who can charm millions not just with his boardroom strategies but with his Twitter quips. Anand Mahindra does exactly that! Whether it’s turning an everyday meme into a lesson on leadership or responding to fans with clever, heartwarming replies, Mahindra has mastered the art of digital leadership. He once turned a photo of a quirky Indian “Jugaad” (an innovative hack) into a viral moment, showing the world that humour, when used right, can be a powerful communication tool.
Lesson: Connect through humour. A leader who can make people laugh builds rapport and loyalty, making the team feel connected and valued.
2 – Failure is a Pit Stop, Not the Finish Line
Not every venture Mahindra Group touches turns to gold. Some investments have faltered, but Anand Mahindra doesn’t shy away from admitting it. Take the time when one of Mahindra’s ambitious projects didn’t deliver as expected. Instead of brushing it under the carpet, he openly discussed the failure, reflecting on it as a critical learning experience. He even encouraged others to embrace their failures, making it clear that the path to success isn’t always a straight line.
Lesson: Turn failure into fuel for growth. Leaders who aren’t afraid to fail, create environments where innovation thrives, showing teams that it’s okay to take risks and learn from setbacks.
3 – Lead with Purpose, Not Just Profit
While some CEOs focus solely on profit margins, Anand Mahindra has made social responsibility a core part of his mission. From promoting the education of underprivileged girls through the Nanhi Kali initiative to championing green technology, Mahindra’s focus on giving back is as strong as his focus on growth. His efforts to balance business with purpose have not only enhanced his company’s image but also attracted employees who believe in working for a cause bigger than themselves.
Lesson: Align business with a larger purpose. A purpose-driven company inspires not only employees but also customers and investors, creating long-term loyalty and impact.
4 – In Crisis, Stay Calm and Pivot
When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, most businesses were scrambling for survival. Anand Mahindra, however, saw it as an opportunity to serve. He immediately offered his company’s resources to manufacture ventilators and essential medical supplies, helping combat the crisis head-on. His calm, quick response didn’t just support the nation in a time of need; it showed his team and the world that real leaders don’t fold under pressure—they rise to the occasion.
Lesson: Adapt and lead in adversity. A great leader can pivot quickly, turning challenges into opportunities and showing resilience during the most uncertain times.
5 – Innovation is Bold But Necessary
While most business leaders hesitated to dive into electric vehicles (EVs) a decade ago, Anand Mahindra was charging ahead. Long before EVs became trendy, Mahindra took bold steps in the sector, believing in a future where sustainability and technology would drive the automobile industry. Today, Mahindra Electric is a key player in India’s EV market, proving that those early bold moves paid off in a big way.
Lesson: Embrace bold ideas. Visionary leaders don’t wait for trends to happen—they create them. Being bold today ensures you’re leading the way tomorrow.
In a world where leadership is often defined by power and profit, Anand Mahindra sets a different standard—one of empathy, innovation, and purpose. His ability to connect through humour, turn failure into growth, and lead with a mission beyond just profits makes him a role model for today’s millennial leaders. Mahindra proves that true leadership is not about titles or boardroom success but about inspiring change, embracing bold ideas, and rising to the occasion in times of crisis. Through his journey, we learn that impactful leadership is about actions, not words.
