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Time management is key to being a good CEO: Bhagat

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), Abu Dhabi Chapter and Dubai Chapter organised an inspiring session on the topic — CEO 2020 addressed by the globally celebrated author Chetan Bhagat — the biggest selling English language novelist in India.

The invites only workshop took place at Dubai Mens’ College Auditorium, Academic City, Dubai, on February 16. An entertaining opening filled the auditorium with laughter and good energy; burst of applause every now and again enjoying Bhagat’s self deprecating humour. His down to earth, selfless personality and inspirational speech captivated the whole audience.

While he talked about his struggle for two years to publish his first book, Chetan said, “failure shouldn’t have so much power that it can make you quit”. His belief made him a best seller, selling million copies of that first book.

Now, Chetan Bhagat is the author of six blockbuster novels and has been listed in “100 Most Influential People in the world” by Time Magazine. He has also been named as one of the world’s “100 most creative people in business” by Fast Company, USA. Chetan writes columns for leading English and Hindi newspapers, focusing on youth and national development issues. He is also a motivational speaker.

Talking about leadership, Chetan stressed on the ‘Game of Time’. He says, “Time management is the key to being a good CEO”. He also said that change is essential to rise. Innovation, people and technology are CEO’s benchmark for the bubble. He added, “Challenge yourself to be the CEO 2020 to leave your footprint behind”.

Chetan quit his international investment banking career in 2009 to devote his entire time to writing and bring about change in the country. He lives in Mumbai with his wife Anusha, an ex-classmate from IIMA and his twin boys Shyam and Ishaan. Transition from a banker to writer was a difficult journey; a house husband is a new post he took in his journey. He believes that at some point in your life you have to follow your heart.

He wrapped up by saying “You are the hero of your life — make a good script out of it”.

ICAI, Abu Dhabi and Dubai Chapters, set up for over 25 years are diligently working on bringing eminent personalities and speakers from all over the world to explore the important areas of management.

Says the chairman of Dubai Chapter, James Mathew, looking to touch 2000 members by the end of this year, “Our Chapter provides our professional colleagues a platform for networking, association and further professional development. My heart fills with pride when recognising the profound efforts, the passion, the enthusiasm and the perseverance of those members who are committed to the progress of the Chapter. We will continue with the determination to create ICAI, a global presence, make the Chapter a success and mark of professional triumph.”

Ramesh Krishan, chairman of Abu Dhabi Chapter, added, “There was a promise last year, when we did the first joint programme between Abu Dhabi and Dubai Chapter that we will have more celebrity speakers — and it is a reality today. Last year it was Robin Sharma and this time it is Chetan Bhagat. Since the past 27 years, the ICAI Abu Dhabi chapter has grown in stature moving along from strength to strength. From the casual professional banter to the global professional seminars, the gala musical events to the evening talks that the chapter carries out as part of its ‘building’ agenda — this on account and credited to all our past chairmen and their vibrant committee members under whose flagship the chapter has come a long way”.

business@khaleejtimes.com