Tata Motors leverages Shark Tank philosophy to build future-ready leadership amidst CV demerger

Tata Motors is accelerating its leadership development initiatives, as it prepares to split its commercial vehicle unit. The automaker is casting a wide net to identify and groom top talent for the new structure.

The company has tapped a global consultancy to conduct a comprehensive leadership mapping and development programme. Additionally, it’s forging partnerships with institutions like IIM Ahmedabad to enhance leadership capabilities. To foster a culture of innovation, the company is exposing executives to startup ecosystems through programmes akin to Shark Tank, where they pitch business ideas to a panel of CEOs. The company is also collaborating with a government-backed entity to embrace Industry 4.0 technologies, a move seen as crucial for future competitiveness.

Girish Wagh, Executive Director, at Tata Motors, told Autocar Professional that the management consulting firm conducted thorough assessments of the company's leadership echelons, including L1, L2, and selected L3 leaders. This process involved comprehensive 360-degree feedback, psychometric evaluations, group discussions, and benchmarking against industry standards. The insights gained were used to develop tailored leadership development plans, supplemented by coaching and specialised training programmes. "Also, comparing them with the industry will make them appreciate what kind of development plan they should have," Wagh remarked.

As mentioned above, Tata Motors has collaborated with IIM Ahmedabad for its L2 executives, numbering around 30–40 people, chosen particularly from the commercial and product lines. The idea was to instill "entrepreneurial skills within a large corporate framework." Over nine months, participants engaged in sessions ranging from startup immersions to pitching business ideas to a Shark Tank-style panel of startup CEOs. "They visited startups as an immersive experience, coming up with business ideas, and presenting to the Shark Tank pool," said Wagh.

Concurrently, with an emphasis on digital transformation through training in digital technologies, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning (ML), Tata Motors has also has also partnered with the Centre for Industry 4.0 (C4i4), a government-promoted body, to groom digital leaders within their operations. The year-long certification programme involves live projects, ensuring participants apply their learning practically. Additionally, collaborations with digitally savvy startups for journey mapping and UI/UX design provide their teams with cutting-edge industry insights, Wagh explained.

The development seems significant, considering that Tata Motors' demerged CV company will have eight key business units under it: heavy commercial vehicles; intermediate, light, and medium commercial vehicles; commercial vehicle passengers; international business; TML Smart City Mobility Solutions; and digital and non-vehicular (spares, fluids, and aggregates). These units will operate as independent profit centres, and will have dedicated teams for each segment, with the aim of achieving a sharper focus on value creation, the top company official noted.