Learn from Leaders Series on “High Stake Leadership: Strategies for Success”
Date: 18 July 2025
The Department of Social Work, Kristu Jayanti Deemed to be University, organized an insightful session on “High Stake Leadership: Strategies for Success” as part of its Learn from Leaders series for the second-year MSW students. The session was conducted by the resource person Dr. Baba Ganakumar, Professor and Director of Centre for Research and Consultancy, School of Management, Kristu Jayanti Deemed to be University.
The objective of the session was to equip potential social work professionals with practical leadership strategies to navigate high-pressure situations and excel in their future roles as managers, leaders, and change agents.
Dr. Baba Ganakumar, with his vast experience in research, administration, and consultancy, shared valuable perspectives on the critical qualities of high-stake leaders, such as decision-making under pressure, ethical governance, effective communication, and adaptability to change. He emphasized that true leadership is tested in challenging circumstances where stakes are high and outcomes have wide-reaching impacts.
The session covered key strategies such as risk assessment and mitigation, stakeholder management, building resilient teams, and maintaining personal integrity and organizational transparency. Real-life examples from corporate, government, and social sectors were shared to help students relate theoretical principles to practical scenarios.
An interactive discussion enabled students to ask questions about leadership dilemmas they might face in community settings, NGOs, or administrative roles. Dr. Ganakumar encouraged students to develop critical thinking skills, emotional intelligence, and a proactive mindset to tackle complex social issues with confidence and competence.
The session concluded with a note of appreciation by the student coordinator, who thanked Dr. Baba Ganakumar for his valuable insights and motivating words. The students expressed that the session inspired them to adopt a strategic approach to leadership and reinforced their commitment to responsible and impactful social work practice.