Buyers are more informed than ever, yet many sales organizations still rely on “yesterday’s logic.” In Episode 29 of The Learning Curve, Manu Nanda (President – India and Middle East, KNOLSKAPE) speaks with Uwe Goethert, Founder & CEO of Quandox, on what it really takes to future-proof B2B sales.Uwe breaks down why selling has shifted from a linear process to an agile, fast-changing reality—and why sustainability (not one-off training) is the biggest gap in sales transformation. He shares the five pillars of Sales IQ—Strategy, Operations, Alignment, Capabilities, and Analytics—and explains how leaders can turn diagnostics into execution across complex global teams. The conversation also tackles AI in sales: separating hype from reality, building trust through transparency, and developing leaders who can think critically, stay flexible, and keep the “human touch” in a data-driven world.

In this enlightening conversation, ⁠Rajiv Jayaraman⁠ (Founder-CEO, KNOLSKAPE) speaks with ⁠Pawan Kumar Marella⁠ (Vice President – Strategic Growth Initiatives, Marketing Capabilities, Innovation Excellence at Unilever) a seasoned leader, about the essence of building a lasting business. They explore the importance of clarity, culture, and compounding in leadership, the significance of embracing a rookie mindset, and the power of vulnerability in fostering trust within teams. Pawan shares his personal journey, lessons learned from failures, and insights from his new book, Dear Rookie, Don't Panic, aimed at guiding young professionals through the unspoken rules of the workplace. The discussion emphasizes the value of relationships, emotional maturity, and the collective experience, drawing on Pawan's experiences in Africa and his belief in the Ubuntu philosophy.

In this engaging conversation, Manu Nanda (President – India, META, and Global Partnerships) speaks with Karim Mansour (Chief Human Resource Officer, JBS MENA) about the evolving landscape of leadership, the importance of emotional intelligence, and the need for organizations to invest in youth development. Karim shares insights from his unique journey from law to HR, emphasizing the significance of purpose over performance, the balance between business outcomes and employee well-being, and the role of empathy in leadership. The discussion also touches on the impact of AI on the workforce and the future of learning, highlighting the necessity for adaptability in a rapidly changing environment.

In this conversation, Dr. Ritwik Mishra (Chief Client Officer, KNOLSKAPE) and Professor Richard Roi (IMD Business School) explore the evolving landscape of leadership in today's uncertain environment. They discuss the concept of leadership ambidexterity, emphasizing the need for leaders to perform while also transforming their organizations. The dialogue covers essential skills for future-ready leaders, the importance of empowering teams, and the challenges faced by CFOs transitioning to CEO roles. Additionally, they address overcoming imposter syndrome, creating nonlinear career paths, and the integration of succession planning with leadership development.

In this conversation, Dr. Ritwik Mishra (Chief Client Officer, KNOLSKAPE) and Professor Knut Haanaes (IMD Business School) explore the critical themes of sustainability, durability, and the role of AI in shaping the future of business. They discuss how organizations can embed sustainability into their core strategies, the importance of leadership in driving systemic change, and the need for a long-term perspective in business practices. The dialogue emphasizes the balance between efficiency and innovation, the significance of genuine purpose, and the potential of AI as a catalyst for sustainable transformation.

In this conversation, Dr. Ritwik Mishra, Chief Client Officer, KNOLSKAPE engages with R. Gopalakrishnan, Ex-Vice Chairman, Unilever and Former Director, Tata Sons, exploring the nuances of organizational culture, leadership, and the importance of rituals in fostering a healthy work environment. Gopalakrishnan shares insights from his extensive experience in corporate leadership, emphasizing the need for leaders to transition from operational roles to strategic thinking. He discusses the significance of mindfulness, self-awareness, and the ability to embrace change and innovation in today's fast-paced world. The conversation also highlights the importance of personalizing leadership and career growth while maintaining organizational efficiency.

In this episode of The Learning Curve, Dr. Ritwik Mishra, Chief Client Officer, KNOLSKAPE and Professor Amit Joshi, IMD Business School delve into the complexities of AI integration within organizations. They discuss the challenges companies face in aligning AI with their strategic goals, the importance of data as a critical asset, and the need for a clear understanding of AI's capabilities. Amit shares insights from his journey in academia and industry, emphasizing the necessity of demystifying AI for employees and developing a strategic approach to scaling AI initiatives. The conversation also touches on the evolving landscape of generative AI, the importance of establishing new metrics for measuring ROI, and the need for leaders to build trust and address employee anxieties regarding AI.

In this episode of The Learning Curve, Rajiv Jayaraman engages with Ravi Kant, former Managing Director – Vice Chairman of TATA Motors, discussing transformative leadership in the face of industrial disruption. Ravi shares insights on his bold decisions, the importance of trust, and the need for empathy in leadership. He emphasizes the concept of 'leading from the back' to create powerful teams and navigate the complexities of modern organizations. The conversation also touches on the balance between performance and empathy, the role of trust in leadership, and the need for a cultural shift in organizations to foster resilience and adaptability.