Wisdom from Ancient Scriptures: Solving Modern Leadership Challenges | KK Bhagchandani | TEDxMRU
KK Bhagchandani presents an insightful session on how ancient wisdom can provide solutions to modern leadership challenges. Every leader, whether in business, technology, or personal life, encounters struggles related to people, resources, finances, and technology. He highlights that logic is abundant in technology but often lacking in human relationships, while emotions are strongest in humans and almost nonexistent in technology. While financial and resource-related issues can be resolved through knowledge and networks, human-related challenges require wisdom and leadership.
Wisdom plays a crucial role in making the right choices, developing oneself, and leading a fulfilling life. According to Bhagchandani, it can be found in global case studies, ancient scriptures, and the guidance of elders and mentors. To illustrate this, he shares stories from different sources, covering perspectives on social, professional, and personal life.
For social life, he narrates the story of The Monkey and Two Cats, emphasizing that when two equals fight, the one creating the conflict benefits, teaching the importance of unity and fairness. He also draws a lesson from The Mahabharata, where the Pandavas fought for justice despite unfair odds, reinforcing the idea that one must always stand for righteousness. Additionally, he shares the case of Google vs. China (2006-2010), where Google refused to comply with censorship despite business risks, proving that principles should guide decisions.
In the professional sphere, Bhagchandani highlights key lessons through three stories. The first, The Mouse and the Cat, demonstrates that great ideas are meaningless without proper execution. He then references The Ramayana, emphasizing the need for strategy, patience, and perseverance in leadership. Lastly, he discusses Coca-Cola’s failure in 1985, where a poor decision led to backlash, yet the CEO took full responsibility, exemplifying true leadership.
For personal life, he stresses the idea that nothing in this world is truly free—everything comes at a cost, whether visible or hidden. He shares the story of Yudhishthira and Yama, which underscores the importance of truth and righteousness. Another example is Johnson & Johnson’s 1982 product crisis, where a mistake resulted in the loss of five lives. Instead of denying responsibility, the company took full accountability, setting an ethical standard for businesses.
Bhagchandani concludes by reiterating that ancient wisdom remains relevant today. Whether dealing with corporate failures, ethical dilemmas, or leadership struggles, solutions can be found in historical scriptures and past experiences. He encourages leaders to seek knowledge, act with integrity, and learn from history to navigate modern challenges effectively.
Business consultant with 30+ years of tech industry expertise. Renowned for transforming leaders into impactful visionaries, he specializes in pharma and life sciences innovation, AI, and cloud transformation. A captivating speaker, has inspired audiences on 1000+ stages, including TEDx, and speaks six languages. Founder of KKB.works and Empyrian Lifesciences Inc, he is also Chief Business Officer at Axcess.io. With accolades like Bharat Udyog Ratan and Glory of India, KKB empowers businesses and leaders to achieve extraordinary success. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
More from TED
- 11:23Don't Follow Your Passion | Kanishk Gupta | TEDxSatyawatiCollege"Don’t follow your passion" suggests that success comes from developing skills and creating value, not just chasing what you love. Passion often follows hard work and mastery, rather than leading it. Kanishk Gupta is a travel filmmaker, photographer, and YouTuber renowned for his captivating travel documentaries that showcase the diverse places and cultures of India. Based in Delhi, India, Kanishk's passion for storytelling and visual narration drives him to craft thought-provoking content that conveys inspiring stories, personal experiences, and valuable lessons. With a YouTube family of 1 million subscribers, his purpose is to create meaningful content that evokes emotions and leaves a lasting impression. Kanishk Gupta is driven to craft travel films that showcase inspiring stories of people, places, and cultures. He believes that these stories have the profound power to spark curiosity, inspire, and shift our perspectives on the world. Through his films, Kanishk aims to share this sense of wonder and awe, inviting viewers to see the world in a new light. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 11:38How anyone can be a philanthropist | Clay Jeon | TEDxBinghamtonUniversityListen to this speaker as they discuss the moral imperative of philanthropy, inspired by philosopher Peter Singer’s drowning child analogy. Through compelling statistics and real-world examples, the talk challenges the notion that giving is only for the wealthy, emphasizing that small actions—like donating $5 or volunteering time—can save lives and transform communities. The speaker addresses psychological barriers to giving, such as the identifiable victim effect, and highlights the power of collective philanthropy to create meaningful change. By redefining philanthropy as an inclusive, everyday act, the talk inspires everyone to recognize their capacity to make a difference, regardless of their resources. Clay Jeon is a Philosophy, Politics, and Law student at Binghamton University. On campus, he has actively engaged in diverse leadership, research, and advocacy roles, serving as a student researcher, board member, judicial officer, financial officer, project developer, publication co-director, social chair, teaching assistant, and speaker for various organizations. He’s a part of the Student Association, Dickinson Town Council, Binghamton Policy Project, Binghamton Policy Project, New York Public Interest Research Group, Binghamton Pre-Law Education Organization, Consult Your Community, and the Harpur College Undergraduate Student Advisory Council. Through his talk, he aims to inspire others to see that giving back is not only feasible but essential to leading a fulfilling life and building stronger, more connected communities. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 12:23Rethinking resilience from an engineering perspective | Guru Madhavan | TEDxBinghamtonUniversityListen to Guru Madhavan, a senior scholar and systems engineering expert, as he reframes the concept of resilience through the lens of complex societal challenges. Drawing from his work at the National Academy of Engineering and his book Wicked Problems: How to Engineer a Better World, Madhavan explores how systems thinking can address interconnected crises in health, technology, and democracy. His insights reveal how engineering principles—traditionally applied to technical systems—can help design adaptable, human-centered solutions for an unpredictable world. Guru Madhavan is one of the top voices for systems engineering. He recently published a book titled "Wicked Problems: How to Engineer a Better World". He is also the Senior Director of Programs and Scholar for the National Academy of Engineering. Previously, he worked as a Senior Program Officer and Director of Studies at the Academy of Sciences. His talk redefines resilience and intends for the audience to see life through a different lens. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 10:01You Were Never Meant to Be Just One Thing | Faye McCray | TEDxBinghamtonUniversityIn You Were Never Meant to Be Just One Thing, Faye McCray reflects on how the world often decides who we are before we get the chance. Drawing from her life as a 6'1 woman, a mother, a federal lawyer, and a writer, she explores what it means to live beyond assumptions and embrace the complexity of identity. This talk invites us to question why we limit ourselves and others to a single definition when we’ve always been more than one thing. Faye McCray is a speaker, consultant, and former attorney whose work spans law, media, and wellness. With over a decade of legal experience in high-pressure environments, she understands the challenges professionals face when balancing ambition with personal well-being. She has led content and communications for brands like Healthline, Well+Good, Livestrong, and Psych Central, centering mental health, wellness, and healthy workplace culture. As a strategic adviser to leaders and organizations like The Washington Post and Goldman Sachs, Faye helps shape authentic stories that build trust and connection. A frequent speaker on professional identity, leadership, and wellness, she has been honored as an Aspen Ideas Fellow and featured on NBC News Now, Good Day NY, and at events like SXSW and Ad Week. Faye holds a B.A. in English from Binghamton University, an M.A. in Writing from Johns Hopkins University, and a J.D. from Howard University School of Law. In her talk, she reflects on how the world often decides who we are before we get the chance. Drawing from her life as a 6'1 woman, a mother, a federal lawyer, and a writer, she explores what it means to live beyond assumptions and embrace the complexity of identity. This talk invites us to question why we limit ourselves and others to a single definition when we’ve always been more than one thing. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 19:09Tus latidos también comunican. Escúchalos | Nathaly Marcus | TEDxMoreliaWomenTu sistema nervioso te habla, ¿lo estás escuchando? En esta charla, Nathaly Marcus habla de esto y más relacionándolo con la salud cardiovascular, con la salud de la microbiota y comparte un poco de su historia de vida; esa historia que la llevó a detenerse, a escuchar a su corazón, a cambiar, a entender la importancia de cómo cuidar el sistema nervioso y lograr mayor adaptabilidad al estrés para vivir en equilibrio. Pionera en bienestar integrativo en México, es Licenciada en Nutrición y Ciencia de los Alimentos por la Universidad Iberoamericana, con certificaciones internacionales y un Fellowship en Medicina Antiedad.Se especializa en neurociencia, medicina antiedad y psicología transpersonal, estudiada en Palo Alto, California. Actualmente, cursa el diplomado "Camino Medicina" con Paola Ambrosi.Es fundadora de Bienesta y del Instituto de Salud Funcional Mente-Cuerpo (ISFMC), la primera institución de habla hispana certificada en Salud Funcional y avalada por la SEP.Creadora de las líneas de suplementos Fort Core y HealthAddiction, también fundó la Asociación Mexicana de Salud Funcional (AMESAF), enfocada en promover el bienestar mente-cuerpo.Como autora, ha publicado Secretos para mantenerte sano y delgado, El método de las 3R y el recetario Health Addiction. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 13:52The power of ferocious, feverish curiosity | Richard Dolan | TEDxKiwanis Park YouthWhat truly sets apart the rich and famous from the rest of us? Is it luck, talent, or something deeper? In this compelling talk, Richard Dolan shares his insights on how ferocity is the defining difference. Discover how embracing relentless determination can be the key to breaking through barriers and achieving extraordinary success. Richard Dolan is a 30-year veteran within the human betterment realm, with an established history in wealth management. He is the CEO of The House of Legacy, a group of companies dedicated to reimagining legacies for Icons, Legends and Gods of commerce and culture. Based in Toronto with offices in New York, Los Angeles and London; The House of Legacy is an advisory-oriented business providing strategy, marketing and venture catalyzation. His boutique bank is responsible for advising over $2.5B in AUM. Richard is described by Forbes magazine as “a business advisor to titans of industry futurizing their power, presence and purpose. Richard has earned three NBA Championship rings with the Miami Heat and Los Angeles Lakers, primarily given his work and contribution to Lebron James. He is the author of 14 publications on subject matter including wealth management, real estate investing, performance psychology and leadership. With a background in happiness economics, behavioral finance and investor resilience; Richard is a visiting professor at Schulich School of Business (Executive Development division) co-authoring the Certificate in Wealth Management Program and Certificate in Marketing and Selling Wealth Management Services. Today, Richard advises on the subject of business for what’s new, now, and next with the likes of the most epic actors, musicians, athletes, thought leaders, CEO’s and members of The Royal Family. Richard is the proud father of Mateo and resides in Toronto. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx