Amity Business School (ABS), the flagship institute of Amity University, Noida organized its annual research conference, 5th Global Leadership Research Conference (GLRC-2020) on “Digital Transformation and Disruptive Innovation: Drivers for Future Business Growth” from February 25h – 27, 2020. The conference comprised forums and tracks in Finance, Human Resource, Marketing and Operations. 

Prof. (Dr.) Sanjeev Bansal, Director, ABS and Chairperson GLRC-2020 in his welcome address deliberated upon how it has become relevant and crucial for organizations to begin and progress their transition through digital transformation. “To achieve these targets, companies are required to make radical changes in the way they conduct business, restructure business strategies and business models. Digital transformation also needs to be seen from a human prism,” said Dr. Bansal. He further reiterated that education must attempt to nurture the holistic development of human beings which includes intellectual, emotional, physical, social, aesthetic and spiritual development.

In order to highlight the impact of spirituality and meditation on Management, a parallel Global Spiritual Leadership Research Conference was also organized with sessions on “Spiritual Transcendence through Meditation – Insights from Indian Wisdom” in collaboration with Heartfulness Institute, USA. “Pratyahara – Department of Spirituality, Meditation and Vedic Research” was also launched in Amity by ABS which is also celebrating its 25^th year of existence.

Gen. (Retd.) V. K. Singh, Hon’ble Union Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways, Govt. of India, chief guest on the occasion shared how technology has always been an ingredient that has accounted for success and failure. “As a leader be awake and observant towards technological changes to save your business and your workforce,” shared Gen. Singh with the students. He also averred how digitization achieved today will create a base for businesses in the coming times bringing in speed and transparency. “Both IQ and EQ are needed for growth of ideas. As business leaders of the future, work hard, academically prepare, keep your eyes and ears open and let them be glued to the ground. Understand what’s happening and use technology to leverage the advantage and not become its slave,” advised Gen. Singh to the students.

Swami Smarananandaji Giri, Vice President, Yogoda Satsanga Society of Indiashared how anxiety has become a part of life and how regular practice of yoga and meditation can help conquer it. “Strength and peace are achieved through meditation that rejuvenates the mind and soul. Each one of us is looking for inner security perpetual joy and it’s possible to achieve that,” shared Swami Giri.

Manjiri Gokhale Joshi, CEO, Global Talent Track talked about the importance of choosing between Intelligent Quotient (IQ) and Emotional Quotient (EQ) in today’s age. She also spoke at length about the journey from Artificial Intelligence (AI) to EQ and the business of managing emotions at the workplace. “As a leader we have the responsibility of being happy to make our team and co-workers to be happy. Leaders have the important task of managing their own emotions as a leader,” said Joshi. She also mentioned 5 A’s framework that helps to head towards peace at the workplace including Acknowledge (the issue); Analyze (what’s happening); Accept (your emotions); Administer (decide to take action) and Act (follow your plan).

During the day concurrent sessions were also organized on topics including ‘Redefining the workforce in disruptive digitalized era: Changing role of HR’ along with paper presentations. Dr. Elizabeth Denley, Director, Global Heartfulness Programs & Editor – Heartfulness Magazine conducted an experiential session on ‘Leading from the Heart’ as part of the Global Spiritual Leadership Research Conference. Another session on ‘The Science of Meditation’ was also conducted by Dr. Vivek Kumar Sharma, Dean & Professor & Head, Department of Physiology, Government Institute of Medical Sciences, King George Medical University Greater Noida.