The PGDM-International Business Department of Jagan Institute of Management Studies (JIMS), Rohini hosted an engaging international guest session on 26th November 2025 for the students of batch 2025-27. The session was conducted by Dr. Stephen Sim, Learning Facilitator at Torrens University, Australia. The online session highlighted the critical role of human-centric leadership and change management in driving successful business transformation in India.
Dr. Sim emphasized the understanding of change management in today's dynamic business environment. He began by introducing the concept that change is inevitable, painful, and difficult, while highlighting that execution remains the biggest challenge in India---more than policy design. He stressed that the implementation gap exists because expectations are high but execution remains weak, requiring a leadership shift from top-down mandates to skilled, people-centric change leaders.
He further discussed the human-centric approach to change management, emphasizing that change succeeds when people feel involved and empowered. Dr. Sim explained how emotional drivers such as confidence, belief, and identity play a major role, and that culture and mindset determine success more than frameworks alone. He highlighted that empathy is the foundation of effective change leadership.
The session covered key theories and models including Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs (1943), Hofstede's cultural dimensions (2001), Lewin's Change Model (1947), and John Kotter's change management framework (1995). Dr. Sim illustrated India's transformation imperative through examples like the digital leapfrog with UPI and Aadhaar, youthful demographics, and policy visions such as "Make in India."
He shared India's remarkable success stories including the UPI revolution becoming a global benchmark, Chandrayaan-3 demonstrating scientific excellence, and Mangalyaan being the world's most cost-effective Mars mission. Dr. Sim also addressed barriers to change in India such as cultural inertia, bureaucratic silos, risk aversion, political dynamics, and weak feedback mechanisms. He provided practical boosters to achieve change including building urgent coalitions, encouraging accountability, sincerely involving people, and shifting leadership from rigid command to collaborative problem-solving.
Key Takeaways:
- Change management requires a shift from top-down mandates to people-centric leadership.
- Emotional drivers and empathy are foundational to successful transformation.
- India's digital infrastructure like UPI and Aadhaar demonstrates transformative potential.
- Execution gap remains India's biggest challenge---more critical than policy design.
- Human-centric approach and collaborative problem-solving are essential for sustainable transformation.
The session concluded with a heartfelt thanks to Dr. Stephen Sim for sharing his time, insights, and guidance. Students left the lecture with practical knowledge of change management strategies and a deeper clarity on their application in driving business transformation in the Indian context.