CK Prahalad: The Mind of the Futurist - Rare Insights on Life, Leadership & Strategy

by Benedict Paramanand

Many give us knowledge, some inspire us, but very few spur us to dream. This book relives late Professor C K Prahalad’s dream life – from a boy who studied in a Tamil-medium school among the poor in Coimbatore, and went on to do MBA at IIM Ahmedabad, a doctorate at the Harvard Business School and sat on the boards of several large global corporations.Yet, this is not a biography. It is a mélange of untold stories of the profound impact CK had on global and Indian business leaders, CEOs, executives, students and teachers and while doing so, looks at the timeless lessons he left behind for future generations.This book is for those who get excited and inspired by how path-breaking ideas and deep insights on leadership, strategy and behaviour change the way we run our lives and businesses. It’s for those who believe that the world’s most difficult problems like poverty can be addressed by asking simple questions and finding innovative solutions for solving them.Readers will find rare and riveting stories of how CK transformed the mindsets of frightened Indian business leaders after 1991 reforms into formidable global players Just as fascinating is to learn how he also greatly influenced the direction and growth of India’s information technology sectorTo those who have heard CK talk and have read his books, he seemed tough and distant. This book demystifies the man and makes him eminently approachable.While the book is essentially about the Big Impact of the Big Man on Indian business since 1991, it doubles up smartly as an incisive commentary on India’s tryst with rediscovering its self-belief, globalization, modernization and much more after 1991.

Genres: Management

178 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 8, 2014

Reviews

[Anil Swarup · Rating 4 out of 5]

There couldn't be a better tribute to a man who introduced concepts like "core competence" and "fortune lying at the bottom of the pyramid. C K Prahlad was indeed a genius with a practical vision. Those that came in touch with him vouch for his innovative approach to resolution of issues. The book concludes with a speech delivered by Prahlad in 2007 that outlines his dream about India wherein he comes up with seminal statements like "Inclusive growth is not about subsidies. It is about creating sustainable opportunities". How true. He was himself a leader par excellence. Hence his statement on leadership, "leadership is about future and it is .....about hope", carry a lot of conviction. He was clear that "you have to have humility to go down to the lowest level and not be condescending".
Prahlad was indeed "like Peter Drucker......the bridge between the academic world and the real world". He was a "creative contrarian with genuine humility".

[Rajiv Bhattacharya · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to read about the management thoughts of the iconic CK Prahalad so I picked up this book . He is mostly famous for his two concepts "Core Competence " and " Fortune at the Bottom of the Pyramid" . This book is a quick read and serves as a nice primer into his life and thoughts . I liked how he was so pro-India. Rather than reading whole books on each of his concept I would recommend reading this book to get a summary of his work.

[Vasanth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book to read if you want to get an overview of CK Prahalad's work in management.

[Dr.B.Balasubramanian · Rating 5 out of 5]

C K Prahalad, is a world renowned management guru, who exemplifies hard work and integrity.

A small anecdote here:
CK while admitted in the ICU ward, just a week before his death, requested for his cheque book. He paid back to all the organizers of various conferences who had invited him as guest speaker. He also wrote an apology letter for not able to attend as committed.

One of my inspiration – C K Prahalad

[Rahul Jalan · Rating 1 out of 5]

If you are really looking for insights, spend some time reading CK's articles and books instead of this. This reads like a long eulogy of a truly formidable thinker. Ironically, unlike CK's works, this one lacks coherency, direction and logic in the flow of ideas presented.

[ani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read!! Gives a lot of insights on the practical aspects of the MBA concepts which we learnt in B schools.

Thoroughly enjoyed going through the book, finished it in one sitting, have started admiring CK more and more after reading this one.

[Priyadarshi Ranjan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good detailing out.