Sayeed Ahmed, CEO, Biesse, in a recent interaction with Janifha Evangeline, Editor, Higher Education Review, unveiled the compelling story behind his rise to leadership and the extraordinary journey that shaped his path to becoming CEO. His narrative is a captivating blend of ambition, strategy, and resilience, illustrating how he transformed challenges into opportunities and visionary ideas into reality. From navigating initial hurdles to spearheading innovative initiatives, his journey is a masterclass in executive leadership. Prepare to be inspired by a story of determination, strategic brilliance, and relentless pursuit of excellence.

Take us through your early educational journey and the prior industry experience that you bring to the table.

I began my academic journey at St. Joseph's College, where I completed my pre-university education, and then pursued a degree in Mechanical Engineering from UVCE, graduating in 1985. Following this, I earned an MBA, which equipped me with a well-rounded blend of technical and managerial expertise.

My professional career started at BHEL, where I joined as a Graduate Engineer Trainee at the Trichy unit. This experience was transformative, as BHEL’s exceptional training program quickly immersed me in the complexities of a vast shop-floor environment. It was truly a "baptism by fire"—not only was I navigating the technical challenges of the job, but I was also adapting to a new region, unfamiliar cultures, and languages while working with diverse teams.

After an enriching tenure at BHEL, I transitioned to HMT’s Machine Tool Division, where I worked on the test floor and then moved to on product design and development. The first decade of my career, spent in the public sector, provided me with broad exposure across various functions. It helped me develop a strong adaptability to uncertainty and the ability to thrive in ambiguous environments. Armed with this solid foundation, I later made the shift to the private sector, ready to continue my professional journey with a more dynamic and holistic perspective.

What key experiences in your early career had the most significant impact on your journey to becoming a CEO? Can you share a pivotal moment or decision in your career that you believe set the stage for your rise to the top?

A pivotal moment in my career occurred when I transitioned from the public sector to the private sector by joining Suretex, an NRI-based company, as a functional head in the project management team. Early on, I was entrusted with significant responsibilities, overseeing key projects. Before long, I moved into a new role within the engineering team, where I managed operations in the healthcare sector—an entirely unfamiliar business for me at the time.

Suretex was eventually acquired by Ansell, a global leader in safety gloves. Within a short span, I advanced from heading operations to leading Suretex , a SBU as its General Manager, in 2003-2004. This phase was particularly significant as we were manufacturing healthcare and FMCG products for export to high-standard markets such as the USA, Australia, and Europe. However, there was a widespread bias against "Made in India" products, especially in the healthcare sector, where stringent quality standards prevailed. Even our own subsidiaries hesitated to accept products manufactured in India due to concerns about meeting global benchmarks.

"Continuous learning is vital, but equally so is building your professional journey on a foundation of strong ethics and values. As you rise in leadership, never compromise on these moral principles"

Overcoming these barriers involved navigating rigorous quality audits from organizations such as the USFDA and WHO. This experience was transformative, proving that world-class manufacturing could indeed thrive in India. It reinforced my belief that with the right education, skills, and team building, Indian professionals could excel in any field, regardless of the technical challenges.

At Ansell, I gained invaluable exposure to world-class manufacturing practices. Mentored by top industry consultants, I earned a Six Sigma Black Belt, which was crucial in honing my approach to operational excellence. Additionally, I served on the boards of Ansell’s sister companies in India, broadening my strategic perspective.

After spending the first decade of my career in the public sector and the next in leadership roles at Ansell, I transitioned to Biesse in 2008, where I continue to serve as CEO. Each of these experiences has significantly shaped my leadership journey, equipping me with a diverse skill set and a truly global perspective.

Which specific skills did you focus on developing throughout your career, and how did you go about mastering them? How did you balance technical expertise with leadership and strategic thinking as you advanced in your career?

Early in my career, I adhered to two essential principles: always keep your eyes and ears open to continuously learn from your surroundings and think big, aiming beyond your current role. For me, thinking big meant working collaboratively and fostering a strong team environment.

These attributes proved invaluable as I advanced in my career. An avid reader, I was particularly drawn to autobiographies of successful business leaders. In my early years, I immersed myself in the stories of how CEOs built their companies, tackled challenges, and strategized. Even while in middle management or leading a function, the mindset of thinking like a CEO, founder, or company owner became ingrained. This perspective was instrumental in my upward trajectory.

In our line of business, a solid foundation of technical knowledge is crucial. Understanding technical aspects and staying updated on industry changes is essential as you progress into leadership roles. However, beyond technical expertise, having a strategic, long-term vision is equally important. Mastery of the fundamentals, combined with a forward-thinking approach, allows you to not only see the bigger picture but also chart a path to achieve it.

Building a strong team from the ground up is another critical aspect of leadership. It involves laying a solid foundation with capable individuals at the operational level. At Ansell, I learned that with the right training, skills, and trust, people in India can overcome any challenge. By assembling a winning team, you, as a leader, gain the confidence and clarity needed to focus on long-term goals while managing day-to-day operations. With a strong team in place, daily tasks are well-handled, allowing you to concentrate on broader, strategic objectives.

Balancing immediate operational needs with long-term strategies is the key to sustained success.

Who were the most influential mentors in your journey, and what critical advice did they offer that shaped your leadership style? How did you seek out mentorship or guidance, and what role did it play in your growth?

Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to be surrounded by exceptional individuals—superiors, peers, and mentors—each renowned for their technical expertise. From my early days at HMT, I had the privilege of working alongside some of the industry's foremost technical minds. Both BHEL and HMT were at the cutting edge of technology in India, with the public sector playing a crucial role in acquiring and advancing technological innovations. These formative experiences provided me with a robust technical foundation, and the mentorship I received during this period was instrumental in shaping my career.

At Ansell, I was honoured to work under Mr Rainer Wolf, the global head of manufacturing. His profound knowledge of manufacturing best practices, including Six Sigma and world-class manufacturing, was invaluable. Ansell’s global reach exposed me to a leadership team that imparted essential lessons on balancing operational excellence with strategic vision.

Transitioning to Biesse presented a new cultural dynamic. After nearly a decade with an American company, moving to Biesse—an Italian firm with a unique ethos—was a revelatory experience. Biesse, driven by its founder’s entrepreneurial spirit, placed a strong emphasis on technological innovation and product excellence. The company's European culture, with its unwavering commitment to quality and precision, offered a new perspective.

Throughout these diverse experiences, I have maintained a commitment to seeking advice and learning from others. Even when feedback is not readily given, I proactively seek it. I embrace differing opinions and constructive criticism as these provide invaluable opportunities for growth. This openness to learning from those around me has been a key factor in my professional development.

What were the most significant challenges you faced on your path to becoming a CEO,and how did you overcome them? How did you handle setbacks or failures, and what strategies did you use to turn them into learning opportunities?

When I assumed the role of head of the strategy unit at Ansell, I faced a significant challenge. Our marketing divisions worldwide submitted white papers indicating their reluctance to source products from India. This was a difficult situation, but I recognized that the key was to stay calm, trust the process, and persistently work toward our goals. I understood that change wouldn't happen overnight, but swift and decisive action was necessary. Obstacles and challenges are inevitable; they must be confronted directly.

A comparable challenge arose at Biesse, where we initially established the company to sell products domestically. However, we evolved into an Export-Oriented Unit (EOU) and began producing for global markets. Doubts existed about whether sophisticated products could be manufactured in India, but we proved otherwise. The journey was long, akin to running a marathon, but sometimes it requires the energy and agility of a 100-meter dash. Balancing rapid decision-making with long-term resilience is crucial in both business and life.

At Biesse, we encountered hurdles in achieving global acceptance for products made in India. Today, we export to 70 countries and are regarded within the company as a benchmark for quality, competitiveness, and innovation. We have become self-reliant in developing advanced products, thanks to Biesse’s commitment to continuous technological investment and knowledge transfer. I firmly believe that, with the right resources and belief, Indian professionals can achieve extraordinary success.

Investing in people is of paramount importance. Every individual plays a critical role, whether tending the garden or leading a large product development team. During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021, we faced immense challenges, from shutdowns to health concerns affecting employees and their families. Despite these obstacles amid a disrupted supply chain, our team was able to run the Operations at its peak capacity and achieved a record breaking growth of about 70% in Production and Sales. This experience reinforced my confidence in the strength and resilience of our people.

Ultimately, it is always the team that drives success. Believing in them and fostering a culture of continuous learning is essential. While celebrating past achievements is important, one cannot remain complacent. It is crucial to continually embrace new challenges, seek fresh learning, and ask, "What can we do differently now?" This forward-thinking mindset is what fuels growth and success.

What is the most important piece of advice you would give to someone aspiring to become a CEO? Looking back, is there anything you would have done differently in your career? What would you advise others to avoid?

Today, no matter your profession—whether you're in a technical or non-technical field, a lawyer, doctor, teacher, engineer, or even a journalist—the landscape is evolving rapidly. The way we teach, the way we practice law or medicine, or even how news is reported is undergoing significant change. Continuous learning has become more important than ever. The pace of these changes is accelerating, and while experience provides confidence and wisdom, it’s crucial not to solely rely on it. What you’ve accomplished today might not hold the same relevance a year or two from now. Your CV, while reflective of your past, won’t stay valid for long in a world that demands constant evolution. Instead of leaning on past achievements, focus on what lies ahead and what you can accomplish in the future.

It’s essential to believe in yourself, and to trust that you can achieve big things. However, ambition alone isn’t enough; it must be paired with careful planning, hard work, and a clear vision. While some element of luck may play a role in success, and divine blessings may contribute, you must always celebrate what you have accomplished, even if you don’t reach the position of CEO. Every achievement, big or small, deserves recognition.

As for what I could have done differently, there are always areas for improvement. In hindsight, we often see better ways to handle situations, but dwelling on the past is unnecessary. What’s done is done, and it serves as a valuable lesson. Instead of brooding over what could have been, take the learnings from the past and focus on how to approach the future with greater wisdom and insight.

What advice would you give to aspiring professionals on building a reputation thataligns with their career goals? What skills or experiences do you believe are essential for future leaders in the industry?

Today, the acquisition of knowledge is happening at an unprecedented pace. With the abundance of resources available through digital technology, information is literally at our fingertips. However, amidst this rapid digitization and online accessibility, we are losing out on one crucial aspect—social and personal networking. Emotional resilience, especially for future leaders, is indispensable and cannot be overlooked. It's essential to remain connected, to know how to build cohesive teams, and to evaluate people as they are, embracing their differences. Differences of opinion will arise, but the ability to navigate conflicts and resolve them, both professionally and socially, is becoming increasingly important.

"Continuous learning is vital, but equally so is building your professional journey on a foundation of strong ethics and values. As you rise in leadership, never compromise on these moral principles." Deep learning should be paired with integrity. Learn, write, and express yourself well—these are skills that will bring richness to your life. And, above all, remember to stay healthy—both mentally and physically.