CEOs Charles Mann and Anjali Ramakumaran share insights on leadership, resilience, and transformation during a recent panel at the “Leadership @ Inflection Points” conference in Vienna, Virginia.
At the recent “Leadership @ Inflection Points” conference hosted by American Bazaar, CEOs Anjali Ramakumaran and Charles Mann engaged in a candid discussion about the challenges and triumphs of leadership. Their conversation centered on themes of reinvention, resilience, and the mindset necessary to navigate chaos and change.
Initially, the panel appeared to follow a familiar format: a seasoned CEO, a former Super Bowl champion turned entrepreneur, and a moderator guiding a group of executives through a dialogue on transformation. However, it quickly became evident that the discussion would delve into more personal territory.
Moderated by Rohit Tripathi, the panel titled “The CEO: Mobilizing for Transformation” took place on November 14 in Vienna, Virginia. It featured Ramakumaran, founder and CEO of Ampcus Inc., and Mann, a celebrated NFL player and CEO of Charles Mann Enterprises. Their insights provided a rare glimpse into what it truly takes to lead an enterprise—and oneself—through uncertainty.
The conversation kicked off with humor as Tripathi posed a light-hearted question about the role of humor in leadership. Ramakumaran responded enthusiastically, emphasizing its importance in maintaining perspective during challenging times. “Oh my god, we need to bring that every single day,” she said, highlighting how humor can serve as a pressure valve in high-stakes environments.
Mann, while initially downplaying his comedic abilities, shared a humorous anecdote about his marriage that resonated with the audience. He recounted a realization during the pandemic that his wife had always been the true leader in their household. “I realized she really is the boss,” he said, humorously noting that this revelation came after 36 years of marriage. This decision to formally appoint her as CEO of their company opened new avenues for growth and opportunity.
Transitioning from humor to more serious topics, Tripathi prompted the panelists to share their origin stories. Ramakumaran, who immigrated to the United States over 25 years ago, recounted how she founded Ampcus from her home’s basement while caring for her young child. Today, the company has grown into a global enterprise with over 3,000 employees and numerous offices worldwide.
“We’ve been in business for over 21 years,” she stated proudly. “We continue to grow, thrive, and succeed in the marketplace.” Her commitment to social responsibility is evident in her involvement with various nonprofit boards and her recognition as a leader among women-owned businesses.
Mann’s journey to the C-suite began in a vastly different arena: professional football. He played 12 seasons in the NFL, winning three Super Bowls, but his most significant transformation occurred after the death of his father when Mann was just 20 years old. This loss prompted him to reevaluate his life and priorities.
“My father’s death bought me life,” Mann reflected. This pivotal moment led him to approach both football and life with renewed purpose, ultimately guiding him toward entrepreneurship.
After a brief stint in television, Mann co-founded Alliant Merchant Services with Hall of Fame receiver Art Monk in 2004. He later established Charles Mann Enterprises, a construction company that he still operates today. “I am finding those inflection points,” he said, emphasizing the importance of leveraging his name and celebrity in business.
Throughout the discussion, a recurring theme emerged: transformational leaders possess the ability to identify gaps in the market and take bold actions to address them. Ramakumaran expressed her excitement when she sees challenges, stating, “When people say it can’t be done, I’m like, yes, it can be done.”
She recognized a shift in corporate needs during the early 2000s, understanding that companies were seeking partners who could effectively solve business problems. This insight, combined with her experience in helping firms establish operations in India, positioned her to launch Ampcus successfully.
Both leaders emphasized the importance of building strong teams to achieve their visions. “People should be considered as the center of your universe, period,” Ramakumaran asserted. She explained that Ampcus focused on hiring industry experts and technology specialists to address specific business challenges.
Mann echoed this sentiment, recalling how he and Monk built their team around their respective strengths. “We were doing a great job of using our strengths to build a company,” he noted, highlighting the importance of collaboration and leveraging individual talents.
As the conversation drew to a close, Tripathi asked each panelist for a mantra that guides them through difficult times. Ramakumaran shared her father’s wisdom: “Remember, there’s a solution to every single problem. You just gotta take a deep dive and explore.” She emphasized the importance of persistence and the ongoing hunger to create positive impact.
Mann’s mantra was simple yet profound: “It’s not how you start, it’s how you finish.” He expressed his enthusiasm for the journey ahead, stating, “I am not finished. I am just starting.”
In a room filled with leaders facing their own inflection points, the messages from Mann and Ramakumaran resonated deeply. They underscored that while chaos may be inevitable, the right mindset, team, and willingness to act can transform uncertainty into clarity and momentum.
Source: Original article