Sandip Ghose, Managing Director & CEO, MP Birla Cement, speaks to the India Employer Forum about organisational resilience, leadership in volatile markets, the evolving human–machine partnership, workforce morale amid uncertainty, and the future of work in an AI-driven economy.
Moderated by: Balasubramanian A, Senior Vice President & Business Head, TeamLease Services Ltd.
When asked how organizations can ensure organisational resilience and strategic clarity while navigating global shocks, regulatory changes, and evolving talent expectations, Sandip Ghose responded, “Resilience comes from clarity of purpose. In times of uncertainty, you cannot control the external environment, what you can control is your response. Organisations that are agile, that empower people to take quick decisions without waiting for hierarchies, are the ones that adapt best. Strategy today is not a five-year plan; it’s a living document that must evolve with changing circumstances. Leaders must focus on keeping their teams informed, engaged, and confident that even if the path changes, the destination remains the same.”
He went on to describe his famous “One man, one machine, one dog” metaphor on automation, explaining: “Automation doesn’t mean the end of human relevance. The idea behind ‘one man, one machine, one dog’ is to illustrate how the future workplace will look. The man’s job is to feed the dog, and the dog’s job is to ensure the man doesn’t touch the machine. It’s humorous, but it reflects reality. Human intervention will shift from doing repetitive tasks to managing and designing systems. The challenge is to upskill people so that they don’t see machines as threats, but as partners. Humans will still be needed for judgement, creativity, and empathy, the very qualities machines can’t replicate.”
On the question of how to sustain morale, productivity, and trust when economic uncertainty restricts hiring and expansion, Sandip said, “The worst mistake leaders can make during downturns is going silent. People don’t leave because times are tough. They leave when communication dries up. Even when you can’t offer promotions or bonuses, you can still offer transparency, learning, and empathy. Employees understand that business cycles fluctuate. But if they feel respected and included in decision-making, they’ll stay engaged. Culture is built not during good times, but in moments of stress.”
When asked about the next wave of disruption and the skills organizations should prioritize to remain adaptive, Sandip shared, “The next disruption will not resemble the last one, that’s the only certainty. AI is not the future; it’s the present. The winners will be those who can combine digital intelligence with human wisdom. Skills like adaptability, learning agility, and data literacy will define tomorrow’s leaders. We also need flexible workforce models, project-based work, gig engagements, & hybrid teams, because permanence has lost its meaning. The organisation of the future will be boundaryless, idea-driven, and purpose-led.”
Watch the Full Samvaad: In Conversation with Sandip Ghose, Managing Director & CEO, MP Birla Cement
About Sandip Ghose
Sandip Ghose is the Managing Director & CEO of MP Birla Cement and a seasoned business leader with over four decades of experience spanning the FMCG, media, and manufacturing sectors. He has worked with Unilever, Kimberly-Clark, ABP Group, and LafargeHolcim, bringing deep expertise in strategy, leadership, and organizational transformation.
An influential voice in Indian business and public discourse, Sandip is known for his sharp insights on leadership, market trends, and policy. His commentary blends practical wisdom with a deep understanding of human behaviour in organizations. You can connect with Sandip here.
Disclaimer: The opinions and views expressed in this article, including any accompanying data, are the sole responsibility of the author and should not be construed as reflecting the official policy or position of India Employer Forum.
