IMPRESSING WITH PANACHE, SANS THE LUXURY OF A WARNING OR THE SLIGHTEST BIT OF PREPARATION, IS A TRUE CHALLENGE. FIVE SUCH SCENARIOS WHEREIN LEADERS ARE REQUIRED TO CARVE A STRONG IMPRESSION IN A MATTER OF JUST A FEW SECONDS, LITERALLY…

1. Excerpts from Times Of India, Delhi, Ascent , 22-May-2013
You have 60 SECONDS to make an impression!
IMPRESSING WITH PANACHE, SANS THE LUXURY OF A WARNING OR THE SLIGHTEST BIT OF
PREPARATION, IS A TRUE CHALLENGE. ANKITA SHREERAM PUTS INDUSTRY EXPERTS IN FIVE
SUCH SCENARIOS WHEREIN THEY ARE REQUIRED TO CARVE A STRONG IMPRESSION IN A
MATTER OF JUST A FEW SECONDS, LITERALLY…
SCENARIO 1:
WHAT IF YOU WERE STUCK IN AN ELEVATOR WITH THE CEO
OF YOUR COMPANY?
Chetan Naik, director and regional executive - west, IBM
India/South Asia responds:
Assuming that this encounter happens in the initial stages of
my career, I would begin by introducing myself as I’m not
sure if the CEO knows me. Then, I would mention what I do
in the organisation and the clients I work with. I would talk
about something I did that made a difference to that client, because every CEO
wants to see his/her employees making a difference to the client. The most
important thing is that after that meeting, the CEO should be able to recall you. So, I
would word my statements carefully. I would not be overawed by the fact that I’m
with someone who is the last word in my organisation. After my initial pitch, I would
take a pause to gauge the CEO’s reaction. There is a possibility that there would be a
counter question. I wouldn’t worry about talking about my performance and how
well I did in the last month or so.
mail: info@vivocorp.in

2. SCENARIO 2:
WHAT IF YOU BUMPED INTO THE CEO OF YOUR DREAM COMPANY AT A BAR?
Bodhisatwa Dasgupta, associate creative director, Grey Worldwide responds:
In a dream situation, without the nervousness and the clamping up, I’d first
introduce myself. Then, I’d lay a little wager with him. I’d ask him to give me a brief.
If by the time the bar shut, I cracked a nice idea, he’d have to hire me. If on the other
hand I couldn’t, I’d have to buy him lunch. Either way, it
would be a win-win for me! I would give him space and
start and end the conversation with a smile. I’d also throw
in a joke for good measure.
SCENARIO 3: WHAT IF YOU HAD TO PITCH FOR AN
‘EXITING’ EMPLOYEE’S ROLE, ESPECIALLY IF IT ENTAILED
HIGHER RESPONSIBILITY?
Shiv Gupta, MD, RBS Private Banking responds:
I would demonstrate credibility; and stir the
interviewer’s interest to set the stage for a longer
conversation. I would try to be concise, attention
capturing and focus (positively) on areas where the
organisation can improve. My pitch might go along the
lines of: “Good morning Sir, I’m Shiv from corporate
communications. Our
latest customer survey has given us some good ideas on
ways to improve satisfaction levels. However, it would
mean that we would have to make some changes to the way we manage the
communications unit. I would love to share my ideas in more detail if given the
opportunity.”
mail: info@vivocorp.in

3. SCENARIO 4:
WHAT IF THE CEO CALLED FOR AN IMPROMPTU BUSINESS MEETING AND ASKED
YOU TO MAKE A PRESENTATION?
Rajat Jain, MD, Xerox India responds:
Finding myself in such a scenario means that my CEO has the
confidence that I can deliver. So, that would give me the much-
needed encouragement and mental boost. Assuming that this
happens at the earlier stages of my career, I would first figure
out how to engage the audience, which would entail careful
thought about what I say and how I say it. If it’s an impromptu
situation, I may not be in possession of all details. But I would
outline a main strategy, challenges and talk about how my
business unit overcame these challenges and delivered results.
I would talk about the credibility and capability of my team. I would try to gain
support from the CEO and my audience for the suggestions I make. The basic
structure of my pitch would consist of the current situation, my goals, and plans to
achieve those goals and further support and resources I would require.
SCENARIO 5:
WHAT IF YOU BUMPED INTO A POTENTIAL CLIENT ON A LONG-HAUL FLIGHT?
Sushil Matey, chief operating officer, H&R Johnson (India) responds:
If I had to make a pitch, I would ensure that it adds value. I
would introduce myself while sharing my opinion that it’s
always very easy to carry a legacy/brand/institution that is built
and harvested by one’s ancestors, but it is definitely more
difficult when one has to start from ground zero. I would share
that I always have more respect for such self-made people. I
would end with a call-to-action – perhaps an appointment or a
visit to my website.
mail: info@vivocorp.in