Friday, 15 August 2025

Howard Gardening Story #10 – Ranjan and the music of Leadership

 


When Ranjan joined us as Head of a Business Unit, my first impression was:
No-nonsense. No small talk. All business.
He radiated that electric energy we often associate with high-performance leaders.

But as we got to know each other, I discovered the symphony behind the suit —
🎼 A passion for music
🍳 A flair for cooking
🌾 A fascination for Masanobu Fukuoka’s farming philosophy
💖 And a deep compassion for the underprivileged

One day, I asked him if he would oversee our music community.
He said yes instantly — and ran the club meetings like boardroom strategy sessions!

That was Ranjan — precise, passionate, and full of life.

He passed away some time ago, far too early, at just 50.
I still miss him deeply. But the joy he created through work, music, and friendship… still lingers.

Dear HR/CSR Leaders,

What if some of your senior leaders actively owned employee communities — not as a side hobby, but as part of their KPIs?

Could it boost your employer brand?
Could it help them de-stress, reconnect, rehumanise?

Maybe… the music they bring could transform your workplace.
What do you think?

🙏🏽 If there's someone from your work life who still lives in your heart — for who they really were — do share their story. 

No comments:

About Me

My photo
Bangalore, Karnataka, India
My purpose is to manufacture success and happiness