Leadership is not so much about technique and methods as it is about opening the heart. Leadership is about inspiration-of oneself and of others. Great leadership is about human experiences, not processes. Leadership is not a formula or a program, it is a human activity that comes from the heart and considers the hearts of others. It is an attitude, not a routine.

More than anything else today, followers believe they are part of a system, a process that lacks heart. If there is one thing a leader can do to connect with followers at a human, or better still a spiritual level, it is to become engaged with them fully, to share experiences and emotions, and to set aside the processes of leadership we have learned by rote. "Lance Secretan."

New ventures, new POVs of new leader, Ashutosh, Business Head of Sahara Filmy in conversation with Correspondent Nidhi Jain.

--Lessons you learnt throughout
All of us bank on our gut feel. There's no copybook way of driving things. When you join as a Management Trainee you feel your Manager has the bigger picture of the business. When you become a Manager, you feel the VP has the bigger picture... and it goes on? I think the man who can collate good ideas from the people he meets, is the man who is called a visionary. There's nothing called original ideas anyways. Mutation leads to concept of originality.
Those jokers can be found at any level. Of course these jokers don't last. The more I spend time professionally, the more I realize that all of us only experiment; of course some are worse than others.I guess creating a system that lets you to explore and that exposes inefficient corners is the only way forward.

Professionally I have been very lucky to have good bosses, especially my first boss Mr. Vijay Jindal. However, learning nuances of broadcasting has come from so many. Meeting some has been a humbling experience, such as Mr Nandan Nilekani, Kanwal Rekhi, Subhash Chandra, and of course my Chairman Saharasri. Meeting people like these helps you grow in life, a part of which is your profession.

It is essential till it is issue based. Else it is a cabal, and typically harmful to the organization. One cannot be in sync with another guy on all topics, unless there is a superior subordinate relationship where one is supposed to merely listen and obey. There is no future in such a relationship.
Practically of course personal alliances are much stronger in a relatively loose organization.

" The first responsibility of a leader is to define reality. ---- Max DePree (The Art of Leadership)"

All things are subservient to results. Therefore, fun and irreverence is fine only if it's accompanied with results. And this is clear to everyone in my team. To me the best way to deliver results is never to experiment with people, and getting the best people on board. And give them the atmosphere to deliver by cutting paperwork, and excess regulations that dampen enthusiasm.

Luckily the TV industry is fun, extremely dynamic, and in parts chaotic. Thus, fun is inherent in our business. Acting serious so that people think you are serious, or because people would think you are the thinking guy is foolish. Even Shakespeare commented on this. Performance fortunately is relatively measurable, especially for the business leaders.
Filmy believes in looking light hearted, its people behave like that, dress like that, and create like that. Creating somberness for no reason is alien.

While I would not hazard copying the 'Maverick' model in Toto, I believe that each one should be accounted for his deliverables only. Thus, expecting the best creative from my Creative Head is essential. But I don't expect him to wear a formal dress, speak English, and follow the office routine merely because I do it as a Channel Head. I believe you have to think before you create. Thus I cannot create an MTV if I do not think MTV. Or in today's environment I cannot create a GE channel if I don't like soaps.

"However, deliveries are supremely important, and if that is not there, people have no place in my team".

Nivedith Alva, Supervising Producer (for Indian Idol-1&2/Fame Gurukul/Style on Star world/Milan Fashion Week on Star world/Ad world on BBC world) Director (MTV Hero Honda Roadies Season 1) at Miditech has been in companionship of books from the beginning but it nurtured during his college days at St.Stephens in Delhi where he was doing his BA Hons and onwards? in conversation with Correspondent Nidhi Jain.

--Who introduced you to reading?
My father. I remember him reading through loads and loads of books when I was a kid.

--Kind of book collection you have
Have all sorts of books, from big picture books to current favorites. Have a lot of books from my grandfather's collection. He used to invest a lot in books and was always up to date on his reading. I have a lot of books on history, as I did my BA (Hons) in history; wish we had some of them in college though!! I also have a little book in which I keep a record of the books I have read!!! :-)

--On favorite authors and well written books
"RK Narayan" is my all time favorite author, have read all his books.
Another well written book is "The World is flat" by Thomas L. Friedman.

--Do you find interesting things in every book, how do you choose books you read
Always look out for interesting stuff and underline it if I ever want to refer to it. Choose books by browsing in book shops, especially the Oxford Book Store in Mumbai and also airports. Also, read everything recommended by my elder brother, Niret.

--What do you think of self help books?
Not much. Somehow they all seem too complicated and take life too seriously and almost always convince you in the first chapter that "You're a loser, now read on".

--Money and time you spend on books
No problems on spending money on books, if they need to be read and are worth it. Always have the book I am reading in my bag, wherever I am.

--Your reading pace
Depends on how busy work gets. Sometimes I manage to finish very fast but sometimes a book drags on for a couple of months too!!

--Your first book
"The Children's Bible".

--Browsing and e-reading
Just news websites. An E-reading book somehow does not do it for me.

--Currently you are reading
"A New Earth" by Eckhart Tolle.

--Books that do not hold you
Usual American Fiction Stuff.

As William H McNeill puts it, "The rise of Islam offers perhaps the most impressive example in world history of the power of words to alter human behaviour in sudden, surprising ways." True to the quote, but there is much more when it comes to how individualistic perception is developed. Correspondent Nidhi Jain spoke to Khalid Sayeed, head of programming, IMG Media, about his beliefs and faith.

By Birth-
Born on 5th of September, this family man has been very religious and balanced; his then family consisted of five siblings i.e. Four sisters and one brother. In the process of learning, taking knowledge from saner voices and observing, he became a great believer in power but not to the level of going berserk.

Religion-
Is without a doubt Shahrukh Khan. And a good ambassador can be Azim Premji. Khalid thinks that it's very difficult to propagate religion. "How George bush can't teach Christianity. Since in our religion the villains keep changing, few bad elements always manage to retain themselves and ultimately it seems sad that we didn't end up becoming communist."

Values-
Khalid's greatest influence has been his grandmother Amina, who taught him that one can't be a good human being if one is not religious. "The strain of caring for one's parents in this most difficult time of their lives is considered an honor and a blessing and an opportunity for great spiritual growth. In Islam, it is not enough that we only pray for our parents, but we should act with limitless compassion, remembering that when we were helpless children, they preferred us to themselves."
He also has an enormous understanding of different religions since he was brought up among Christians and Hindus.

Belief-
If we have to talk about Khalid's belief, his extreme faith is in Supernatural power and fasting through which six senses are controlled, makes one calmer; one can't lie, to respect women and more importantly feeding the poor. He also believes in Guru Nanak, Mahavir, Gautam Buddha and Sufi Saints. Khalid also believes that as long as the world exists there will be presence of good and bad, but we should never lie low in front of FATE.

Khalid's beliefs do not extend to wife Aditi, however, who is an atheist, while son Sohail and daughter Raisa celebrate every existing festival with enthusiasm.

Rituals-
Khalid believes in praying for a minimum of 5 minutes a day, but not bowing down. Also, he specifically doesn't follow rituals.

Divine visit-
It's his wish to visit five pillars, termed as "Zakat", all practicing Muslims accept belief in the 'Six Articles of Faith' and are obliged to follow the 'Five Pillars.' They are:
Muslim profession of faith or shahada; Ritual Prayer or salah; Obligatory Charity or zakah; Fasting or sawm; Pilgrimage or hajj.

Spiritual guidance-
Khalid used to read "haddis", a collection of incidents in Prophet Mohammed's life, but he is very disheartened that today in madrasas kids read without understanding and today it seems irrelevant as his fellow members of his religion read scriptures without understanding.

Positive thinking-
Comes from real life. Also, his pillar of strength is mother Zubeida, who survived riots and a disabled father. As he recalls his grandmother, Amina and father Muniruddin were mocked during the 1992 communal riots that hit Mumbai. To make matters worse, their's were among those families that were targeted to be looted. As a result it made them rebellious and angry with the whole scenario but in those testing times they were taught not to behave like those butchers/killers. "Sometimes, when I am cornered, then I become superstitious," says Khalid.

Karmology-
His religion decrees it is compulsory to offer 2 per cent of income as charity to be donated to poor people. Since Khalid is not of scared of failure, negative thoughts don't affect him. To him, it's all about the learning curve and his own Karma. He quotes from the Quran, "You are the best of my creation, and I have given you the option to think. If you do wrong and repent I'll still forgive, if you turn a good person you change your Karma."

Relaxing spiritually-
Sleeping! A lot under any given circumstances, if in dire need he asks for divine help and feels it deeply. "It was wonderful to have time to reflect on my own spiritual life and those reflections have resulted in some changes in our family's life," says Khalid.

Are you Destiny's child?
"I am absolutely destiny's child. Very few people have influence on me, I don't take diplomacy as my fate and that makes my life simple," says Khalid.

No amount of space consumption or maintenance costs can dissuade one from collecting the rare things that one has always been fascinated by. Carlton D'Silva, creative director, hungama.com, gives Correspondent Nidhi Jain a peek into his precious collections.

Statues-
The statues I have collected so far are from my visits to the US. These statues are limited edition ones i.e. Just 8,000 to 10,000 pieces exist of each of them. Though such statues can be bought from Amazon or eBay, on these sites they tend to be a more expensive commodity. The most expensive statue I possess till date cost Rs15,000. Before buying I surf the detailing and history attached to it. One such important site is "Bowen designs". Maintenance is to be followed like a ritual, statues of these kinds needs a glass cabinet, and the usage of a particular kind of water. Above all, my statues have inspired people around me to make it a part of their personal collection as well.

Books---
During my stay in the Gulf while I was a kid, I collected rare comic books. Lesser an edition, the more expensive it becomes. I have been fascinated by characters like X-Men, Superman and Batman and the books created on them. I always make it a point to attend the comic convention in Santiago.

Movie---
Collecting movie memorabilia is a fairly new interest that I have developed since the last 4-5 years. Right now, the making of Sin City and the costumes of the film Narnia by 'Veta Workshop' has largely grabbed my attention. I am a very big fan of Matrix with 10-disc version with pre post section incorporated in it. Old movies converted into comic books, sci-fi, gift edition of Peter Jackson and King Kong have also caught my fancy.

"The best executive is the one who has sense enough to pick good men to do what he wants done, and self-restraint to keep from meddling with them while they do it"-- Theodore Roosevelt.

Carlton D'silva, creative director, Hungama.com tells correspondent Nidhi Jain, how during his ten years in internet business and seven years in Hungama, the rules were made and reinvented in the effort to become a true leader while simultaneously preparing future ones too.

Lessons you learnt---I spent almost eight years in boarding. Though I enjoyed every moment but it was strictly disciplined ,while creating a new family in any given circumstances and also without any strings attached.

People that influenced ---It is very difficult to head towards your vision without deterring but it all seemed easy for my MD and CEO Mr.Neeraj Roy, whom I always look 'upto'.

Method of pacifying madness---Well! With us there is a session of gaming to relieve tension. In any industry people don't stick for long but I have binded my team for five years now, the difficulty of recruiting people keeps away madness.

Strategic alliance-With new upcoming technology it creates specific team pertaining hard core skills, when it comes to coordination, the team becomes closer. We always like to hire young minds with new ideas, and also work on the philosophy" lost on time, lost on opportunity". My strategy is to keep 'my team'.

Ensuring that team delivers----There is always a difference on how one direct

The creative gang (well some of them anyways)

people ,I still do hardcore job of putting up a website, now and then; though I earn respect among peers, I still make an effort to get in touch with people who are difficult. The work is always split depending on the core expertise delievery, in our work a project takes three hours with right hoarding, animation, designing and banners. That means one needs to get a good blend of people.

Fun part of your business---Come and experience a day with the creative team in our office, you will realize that there is no seriousness to the job, we have music playing 24*7,photo sessions are always ongoing process. That's the kind of environment we have created.

Changing rules of work---In today's work scenario one should realize for growth and opportunity that 'you don't work for company, you work with it.
Earlier it was clear cut want, but now it's about survival.

In conversation with Shaju Ignatius. "My college days? I was involved in youth related events."

In the beginning? I wasn't exposed to the word 'ambition'.

My college days? I was involved in youth related events.
 

Play? An avid sports lover, like football a lot, and do get on the field often. (I used to play tennis & squash earlier, and need to get back to it soon).
 

Inspiration? The 'livewire' city we dwell in - Bombay.
 

Fascinated? Guitar as an instrument. (will learn to strum it some day).
 

Freak? On Gadgets.
 

Love? Gaming, dancing (very passionate).
 

Music? Retro, English and Hindi numbers, and Soft rock?truly rocks !
 

Follow? Cinema?..and its magic.
 

Award Man?At the Percept Annual Conference 2005, was awarded for Teamwork across the Group. Also got a citation from Percept D'Mark for innovation in creativity & work.
Settle Down? In New Zealand, which offers all the aspects of nature and climatic conditions, and your get to see the world's first sunrise everyday.
 

Foodie? Like continental, pastas and love eating out.
 

What next? ? would like to direct a movie someday soon. When I saw the film Phone Booth, I thought of making a movie with good friend John Abraham.

Until then continue to 'Have the insight to innovate and the foresight to anticipate'.