A graphic artist depicted the proceedings of the discussions in the form of a painting, a unique format that broke away from the usual speeches and panel discussions, and ‘world café’ sessions were some of the highlights of the First International Conference on ‘Igniting the Genius Within’ hosted at the Indian School of Business (ISB).

The Conference, which was held from October 23-26, 2008 at the ISB, was organised by the Centre for Leadership, Innovation, and Change (CLIC), one of the Centres of Excellence at the ISB.

This special Conference aimed to create a community of leaders who will follow an integral approach that is based on the convergence of leadership, innovation, and change.
These three areas were examined through the lens of wisdom perspectives, scientific principles and management practices. Contemporary approaches for developing global leadership, sparking innovation, and nurturing change in organisations, were some themes deliberated upon during the three day Conference.

Prasad Kaipa, Executive Director of CLIC and event convenor said that to be able to change and innovate, companies have to break away from traditional hierarchical models. He added that there was a need to develop an Indian management model, citing the existence of Chinese and Japanese management models.
Prakash Apte, CEO, Syngenta India, O P Bhatt, Chairman & Managing Director, State Bank of India, Dr Lee Hartwell, 2001 Nobel Laureate in Medicine, Dr Gary Jusela, Former CLO of Home Depot, Professor V Krishnamurthy, Former Deputy Director, BITS Pilani, Srinath Pendyala, Vice President and GM, Hewlett Packard and S Sandilya, Chairman, Eicher Group were some speakers to reckon with at the event.

Before the Conference Kaipa had mentioned that the format of the Conference was designed to build a community. “There is a saying that 'it takes a village to raise a child’. I would like to say that it takes a community to ignite the genius within participants of that community,” he said. The Conference did manage to ignite the genius in all those who participated, and further strengthened their resolve and intent to lead, innovate and change the world around them.