The Talk
The world today can be best described by one word: turbulence. As change swirls all around, how can we cope with it, and even take advantage of unexpected circumstances? Challenging traditional notions of strategy, Baba Prasad draws on his research at some of the world’s best business schools to show how intelligence can help individuals navigate this maelstrom and become leaders in everyday life. In resource-strapped and resource-rich environments alike, Prasad’s model is potentially game-changing for leadership, innovation and entrepreneurship.
The basic thesis of the talk is based on Prasad’s recently published book, Nimble, which Narayana Murthy says is “a must-read” and Don Tapscott calls “a mindset-changing book.” In today’s fast moving, uncertain environments, being fast is not enough; one needs to be fast and wise. Prasad posits that in turbulent contexts, intelligence offers an excellent framework to create lithe and resilient leaders.
The intelligences framework goes beyond the commonly understood concept of ‘agility.’ It presents an immensely practical approach to identify and develop five kinds of intelligence and apply them in different settings for individual and collective benefit in both the short- and the long-term. Our five intelligences, when energized and employed contextually, make us indomitable and enterprising, and at the same time, reflective and unselfish leaders. The same intelligences framework allows us to design and build institutions that are dynamic, enduring, and visionary under rapidly changing circumstances.