Leadership at Global Scale - Rtn. Muruganandam M (MMM)
A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to meet Rotary International Director (RID) and incoming Rotary International (RI) Vice President Rtn. AKS Muruganandam M (MMM). It is a matter of pride that a leader from Tamil Nadu is stepping onto the global stage. He is the fourth Indian and the first person from Tamil Nadu to become the Vice President of Rotary International. Leadership journeys like these do not happen by accident. They are built over decades.
I have known him for the past few years, much before he became RI Director. During our interaction, I also shared my experience as an Assistant Governor in Rotary District 3233. What stood out in our conversation was not about positions, but perspectives. At that level of responsibility, clarity of thought, prioritisation, and disciplined execution are not optional, they are essential.
Three lessons I have learnt from him
1. Focus
He has been a go-getter from a very young age. Despite hurdles and setbacks, he has maintained an unwavering clarity of thought that translates into decisive action. This clarity enables him to execute his plans with precision and intent.
2. Art of Delegation
He is the Managing Director of Excel Group of Companies, a diversified group with interests ranging from logistics to infrastructure. Alongside that, he carries significant Rotary commitments. Managing scale requires systems. It requires building capable teams. It requires trusting people while maintaining accountability. Seamless execution across multiple domains does not happen through control alone. It happens through structure.
3. Humbleness
Despite the scale of growth and increasing responsibilities, he remains grounded and accessible. The higher leaders grow, the more important this quality becomes. Humility allows learning. Learning sustains growth.
Leadership journeys like these remind us that scale is not an accident. It is the outcome of years of disciplined thinking, consistent execution and the ability to adapt without losing clarity of purpose. Titles may change and responsibilities may expand, but the underlying principles remain the same.
For MSME founders and business leaders, the lesson is simple -
- Growth demands structure
- Scale demands delegation
- Longevity demands humility
The fundamentals of leadership do not differ between global institutions and growing enterprises. The context may change, but the discipline required does not. Observing leaders at that level reinforces one belief strongly, sustainable growth is always built on clarity, systems and character
