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    Testing times? Keep calm. Prasoon Joshi, Dabur boss, Nestle India MD share some wise words at ETGBS 2020

    Synopsis

    Industry leaders believe that life, and business, should be as usual, even in tough times.

    ​Don’t let bad news — like viruses and economy — get you down. (L-R: Prasoon Joshi​, Mohit Burman and ​Suresh Narayanan)
    Don’t let bad news — like viruses and economy — get you down. (L-R: Prasoon Joshi, Mohit Burman and Suresh Narayanan)
    When the going gets tough, the tough get going. Don’t let bad news — like viruses and economy — get you down. Focus instead on buckling up and pressing on. That’s the message from these top bosses at The Economic Times Global Business Summit.

    Andy Puddicombe
    Co-founder, Headspace

    Andy Puddicombe
    Andy Puddicombe doesn't think too much about trying times.

    “I don’t think too much about trying times. Difficult situations are what they are without adding layers of anxiety and thinking on top of it. We need to live moment to moment. This is life. If you do a lot of meditation, you get used to thoughts coming and going. Some are frightening and scary, like the headlines we’re seeing and the news we see on TV. Other thoughts are nice and pleasant. Over time, you tend not to take the thoughts so seriously. When the news is telling you to be frightened, eventually, you don’t buy into it — it’s just the news. When it comes to staying cheerful, my two boys bring me a lot of joy. We go hiking, kayaking, paddle boarding. But my favourite thing to do is still surfing. I just really like being in the water.”

    Suresh Narayanan
    CMD, Nestle India

    Suresh Narayanan
    Suresh Narayanan believes the circle of life goes around.

    “We are taking all the necessary precautions expected for public health and safety. As a company, we have announced globally that travel is restricted. I’m a believer in the Bhagwad Gita. The circle of life goes around. There are good times and there are bad times. As human beings, we must face not only our own happiness and unhappiness but also learn to share that of others and empathise with them. So long as I have not created it [the situation], I’m either a victim or a beneficiary. You can keep equanimity if you don’t allow thoughts to run ahead of you. How can I skirt the laws of nature? You can’t.”

    Dr Janpieter Koning
    Co-chairman, Pal-V

    Dr Janpieter Koning
    Dr Janpieter Koning feels the coronavirus crisis is exaggerated.

    “In my company, morale or travel is not down and everyone is working as is. I think the coronavirus crisis is very much exaggerated. In my opinion — it’s just the flu, and there are many types of flus. I think the governments should assure people that they should not panic. I have not let it affect my travel plans and I am not afraid — I don’t wear a mask. But I do take precautions like washing my hands more often.”

    Mohit Burman
    Vice-chairman, Dabur India
    ​Mohit Burman g​ets in a bit of exercise daily.​
    Mohit Burman gets in a bit of exercise daily.

    “I flew from London to Dubai two days ago and from Dubai, here for GBS. Even though one has to be careful, life continues. The idea is to travel less and spend more time on jobs at hand. I still try and make it to the gym every day. Get in a bit of exercise daily. That takes the stress out easily.”

    Prasoon Joshi
    CEO, McCann World Group India

    Prasoon Joshi
    Prasoon Joshi is noticing the resurgence of namaste.

    Of course, you have to take cognisance of the challenges and take the right measures. But for me the human race is unputdownable. Whenever we are tested, we come closer. I am a positive person, and at times like these, we need to keep our spirits up... I am suddenly noticing the resurgence of namaste [as a greeting rather than shaking hands].”


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