How do you build a team that supports your growth journey? How do you get the organisation speak the same language of values and culture? The book Harsh Realities takes you through an entrepreneur journey of an exceptional leader who broke away from the family business (Bombay Oil Industries) and founded Marico in 1987. Currently, among the leading brands in the portfolio are Saffola, Parachute, Nihar, Livon, Medikar and many more.
Management guru, Ram Charan who has co-authored the book brings in his charisma and insights. Since day one, Charan has been Mariwala’s go-to person, his coach and mentor. The authors recount series of anecdotes and instances that illustrates difficult decisions and milestones they both had to grapple with.
What does the book cover?
In this book, Harsh tells the story of how despite numerous obstacles, he was able to turn around a family-owned business into a professionally run organisation. How he navigated family issues, trade unions, and ventured into unknown territory with a passion and problem-solving approach. The book delves into the point of how leaders need to listen to the consumers, industry experts to gain knowledge/, innovate by stepping out of the boardroom and have a never give up attitude. The book has interesting tales such pop corn break at 4 pm which was a huge hit, oil bottles were kept in a cage with rats for two days to test the packaging, fun and engaging initiatives for plant employees and their families in Kerala etc.
Creating a global brand: three takeaways from Harsh’s professional life experience (From his Eight Maxims)
- Leveraging strengths: Your chances of success is higher and goals achievable when you mould your future based on your learnings and strength. We all have shortcomings and end up focusing on the weakness instead of concentrating on our strengths. Strength converts into passion and then you enjoy what you do. Says Mariwala, “I believe that 75 percent of one’s effort should go into reinforcing our strengths, and 25 percent into overcoming weaknesses
- Be focused: Master of a trade is only possible when you have a focused approach. Do a few things. But do them well. “Focus leads to depth. And depth leads to excellence” states Mariwala.
- Take risks: “Sometimes you win. But you never lose. You always learn” well-articulated by Mariwala, while explaining the relevance and importance of taking risks. He believes that it is important to take risks and not be driven by the fear of failure. Not every experiment will be successful, but you must try. Out of failure comes learning. Case in point, Saffola Baked Snacks failure example which eventually after implementing the learnings turned into a huge success as Saffola Oats.
What’s in it for me?
In previous roles (in my former agencies), I had the pleasure of working on PR mandates for some of their prestigious brands, such as Parachute and Nihar, and was exposed to their culture, which I admire. I find the entire ethos of the organisation very inspiring and compelling. Hence, I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and reminisce those days.
My recommendation
A business book which will teach you all about building a brand with grit and determination. The book gives a detailed account of how the organisation was founded and how it has grown. Must read if you are interested in entrepreneurial journey of a great business leaders. Read it if you are young professional interested in FMCG industry.
The views and opinions published here belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the publisher.
Sarika has previously had stints with with Weber Shandwick as Vice President - Client Experience, Adfactors PR, Text100 (now Archetype) and Perfect Relations. With keen observation and analytical skills, Sarika has successfully led PR campaigns for key brands across multiple sectors by leveraging her strength and expertise in the communications arena.
She is a post graduate in communications from Xavier Institute of Communications. She is based in Mumbai and in her free time loves to spend time with her daughters, play with her dogs, read and travel.
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