The Lessons Learned Through 20 Years of Experience and Teamwork!
Success is often defined by personal achievements, career milestones, accolades, or financial growth. True success, however, lies beyond what we do for ourselves. It’s about what we do for others and how we inspire them to reach their best.
The more we lift up others, guide them, and share our knowledge and experiences with them, the more this brings about a ripple effect, which is far beyond one’s own life. Thus, empowering others makes it easier for them to gain an understanding of their own potential and strengths, overcome obstacles, and pursue their dreams, and it eventually becomes a reflection of ours.
Anil Sawhney’s journey exhibits this belief, where every step he took not only advanced his career but also uplifted those around him. As the Business Head, South Asia & Indo-China Region for DuPont™ Shelter, he has managed both triumphs and trials throughout his 20-year journey in the corporate domain. Having held key positions at renowned global organizations such as Lixil, Panasonic, Philips, and Saint-Gobain, his diverse experiences have shaped him into a resilient leader who values teamwork and adaptability.
Under Anil’s leadership, DuPont™ Shelter has not only focused on offering innovative solutions but also on fostering a collaborative environment where every team member feels empowered. “My career has always been about the people I work with,” he shares. “Recognitions I’ve received are an example of their hard work and dedication.” This humility and focus on collective achievement indicate his desire to develop talent within his teams, ensuring that everyone grows alongside him.
Anil’s journey is not just about professional milestones; it’s a continuous learning curve. He attributes much of his success to the challenges he has faced, and the lessons learned along the way. “Each challenge has been an opportunity for growth,” he affirms, emphasizing the importance of resilience in today’s fast-paced business world.
As he looks to the future, Anil remains dedicated to driving innovation and fostering a culture of collaboration at DuPont™ Shelter. His story is an alarm that true leadership is about guiding others to success, proving that the path to achievement is not just measured by personal accolades but by the impact one leaves on their community and colleagues.
Let us learn more about his journey:
Reflections on Being a “Man Icon”
Anil believes that being called a “man icon” is not only humbling but also deeply meaningful. It’s not just about personal achievements or awards, he says, but about living a life that inspires and uplifts others. To him, a true “man icon” is one who leads by example, contributes meaningfully to society, and stays the course even in the face of adversity.
Anil finds his idea of a role model by being strong from the inside when he is vulnerable, having the resilience to face hardships with grit, and leading with the heart.
When Anil recalls an ideal role model for himself, his thoughts move to Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, the scientist and former President of India. He holds his regard not only for great contributions in science but more because of his humility, simple living, and dedication toward educational and societal progress.
The leadership style of Dr. Kalam, based on service and a desire to inspire others, especially the youth, has always been an inspiration for Anil. He especially values how Dr. Kalam remained grounded to his roots even when achieving global recognition, which Anil aspires to do in his own journey.
Qualities of an Iconic Leader
Anil believes that the leader who wants to inspire generations should have a few qualities in mind:
- Integrity: A leader’s actions must always speak louder than his words. Integrity builds trust, which is the base of effective leadership. It reassures people that they can depend on their leader, not only during good times but especially when things are tough.
- Empathy: The foundation of leadership lies in understanding and relating to people. Empathy is about seeing things from another person’s point of view and understanding their needs and challenges. Leaders who listen and empathize create an inclusive, supportive environment, which contributes to stronger engagement and better performance.
- Vision: An iconic leader does not only face the present challenges but prepares for the future. Visionary leadership is the foresight of changes in the industries, technology, and society, and then clearly setting a path for others to follow.
- Resilience: Life is full of hardships and failures, but it is the resilience to go beyond these hardships that distinguishes good leaders from the mediocre ones. Resilient leaders inspire their teams to be strong and motivated even at the hardest times.
- Authenticity: The secret in leadership is being authentic and truthful to oneself. Authenticity allows a leader to achieve a closer connection with people since the leader is accessible and easy to relate to.
- Inclusiveness: The future leaders need to be more inclusive and embracing diversity in their organizations. The more integrated the world becomes; the greater the leaders are who tend to unite diverse people based on their uniqueness and exploit this strength.
This, according to Anil, makes a leader not only able to win today but also leaves an influential legacy for many generations after him.
A Defining Moment During the Pandemic
There were several challenging moments in Anil’s career, but nothing could have prepared him for the COVID-19 pandemic. The uncertainty was almost overwhelming, and the pressure to sustain business growth while keeping the team motivated felt relentless. It was during this period that traditional ideas of masculinity, being strong, assertive, and always in control, were put to the ultimate test.
As a leader, Anil always felt he had to appear tough, unmoving in every way, especially when times get tough. The crisis, however, exposed this strategy to be inadequate. What the situation called for was a strength born of vulnerability, openness, and collaboration. Rather than bear the weight alone, he opted for transparency. He talked it through with his team, asked for their thoughts, invited open discussion, and openly stated that though he might have a strategic vision in place, he was still at times without answers.
He learned something critical from this experience. Masculinity does not include putting on the veneer of invincibility, as well as always knowing all the solutions. Strength comes in acknowledging it and accepting value from the collective wisdom of others.
Another significant shift in Anil’s life was the finding of a balance between his personal and professional life. Being a son, husband, and father, he came to realize that being a traditional “provider” was not enough. Emotional availability, being present for his family, and giving their needs precedence over his career were just as important. These realizations reshaped his understanding of modern masculinity, emphasizing emotional intelligence, vulnerability, and personal growth.
These experiences transformed Anil drastically, both as a man and as a leader. They reinforced his idea of masculinity not being this straitjacket set of traits but rather a spectrum that integrates strength, empathy, resilience, and vulnerability in such a way that they work towards an even more complete and authentic self.
Challenges in Becoming a Role Model
Anil often wonders if he really fits the role of a role model, but his journey has certainly been filled with challenges that shaped him into one. One of the biggest hurdles he faced was his age. As he climbed the professional ladder, he often found himself leading teams that included his former peers, many of whom were older and more experienced. Naturally, this dynamic brought its own set of complexities.
The real challenge for Anil was getting the respect of people who might have initially believed themselves to be better suited for leading because of their seniority. He found that respect isn’t demanded; it is earned. He made the conscious decision to let actions speak louder than words. He strived to listen to the issues of his team members and build rapport, thereby ensuring that communication was kept open and honest. By establishing a sense of hearing and value among his team members, he set a mutual respect base.
From that point forward, Anil emphasized leading by example. He would lead the team, even the seniors, through shared goals by using his knowledge and problem-solving abilities. Over time, he slowly gained their trust, and some confessed to having considered him a role model.
This journey taught him that it is possible to lead with empathy, transparency, and a genuine investment in the growth of your team. And these are the things that would make people respect you when they see these traits over time. And you will never know that you are a role model until you become one.
Key Influencers in Anil’s Life
Many people have left their mark on Anil’s life in various ways to create his career and personal development.
From the very beginning, his father taught him that nothing can replace hard work. The hard work of his father inspired him to keep going no matter what the situation was. His brother, a police officer, taught him the value of serving with integrity. The respect his brother earned through his commitment to duty taught Anil to be true to himself in the face of adversity.
Several teachers also impacted him. They were not limited to academics but instilled curiosity, discipline, and humility in him, which have shaped him throughout his life.
In the course of his professional journey, Anil has been fortunate enough to work under various leaders and mentors. From some of them, he has learned the complexities of strategic management, which has allowed him to face tough business challenges. Others taught him the importance of empathy, as true leadership cannot be devoid of concern over the team’s well-being and motivation, while results are definitely not the only measure of success. A few mentors did show resilience—and thus inspired him to remain strong during even the most trying times in life, to keep pressing on. Each of these lessons helped shape him to become what he is.
Amazingly, one of the deepest influences on Anil is his son, who is hardly five years old. Through his child, he has rediscovered joy in simple things, the ease of finding happiness, and the boundless creativity that exists without formal knowledge or learned skills. His son’s curiosity and his ability to be present remind him every day of the beauty of discovery and of acknowledging life with wonder.
Every person, in their own little way, has played a role in making Anil the person he is today.
Misconceptions About Men
Anil feels that one of the biggest myths about men is that they have to be tough, strong, and not emotional to be masculine. Society often forces men to suppress their emotions, not to show vulnerability, and just to provide or achieve. It’s as if expressing feelings or asking for help somehow diminishes their strength.
But Anil believes that could not be any farther from the truth. True strength, he feels, lies in emotional openness and the courage to be vulnerable. Men do not have to hide their emotions in order to prove themselves. The opposite is true. A willingness to be honest about what one is facing or has been afraid of, personally or professionally, brings deeper connections, increases trust, and builds relationships with greater meaning.
Through his career and personal experiences, he has realized that embracing vulnerability doesn’t make a man weak; it makes him human. By being emotionally present with his team or family, he’s learned to lead with empathy and create spaces where others feel understood and supported.
Anil genuinely feels that this outdated stereotype breaking would greatly benefit men’s mental health, improve relationships, and build a more inclusive society where men and women would be free to be who they are without fear of being judged. For him, the real man is not stiff control or unyielding strength but embracing the human range of emotions and authentic leadership.
Supporting Gender Equality
Anil believes that the empowerment of women does not necessarily require men. Women are capable and strong enough to achieve anything they set their minds on and make decisions regarding their lives. On the other hand, he understands the fact that human history and society have created this world in which men are way more predominant than women, including in the workplace and leadership structures. It brings out the important role that men can take in the achievement of a more leveled environment.
One of the key ways in which men can contribute is by becoming aware of their own biases, whether conscious or unconscious, and making an effort to address them. This involves being cognizant of the structural inequalities that continue to exist and understanding the challenges women face in both their careers and personal lives. Being more mindful will challenge stereotypes and actively foster a culture of fairness and inclusivity.
Maintaining Mental Health
The ability to take care of mental health and well-being in today’s world is imperative. To that extent, Anil holds his happiness to great value, conscious efforts towards checking in with himself are made regularly as he will determine whether he is truly happy or if stress is mounting up. If something is not okay, he will spend some time introspecting and finding the underlying reason. He feels that understanding what may be weighing him down or working on practical solutions, which will help him return to his good state, is essential for him. He finds self-happiness to be very effective in maintaining good mental health.
Equally important to Anil is his physical health. He makes sure to hit the gym 4-6 days a week. It’s not just about staying fit; he knows that exercise reduces stress, and he’s found that it plays a key role in keeping his mind and body aligned.
Another aspect Anil focuses on is maintaining strong social connections. He never misses an opportunity to meet up with friends or family. As a people person, he thrives when surrounded by loved ones. Whether it’s hosting or attending gatherings, these moments of connection help him recharge and stay grounded. Spending quality time with those who matter most is a big part of how he maintains his emotional well-being.
At work, Anil follows the principle of the “Circle of Control and Concern.” When faced with challenges, he focuses on what he can control and lets go of what he can’t. There will always be concerns beyond his influence, but by concentrating on the aspects he can control, he gradually expands his influence over the situation. This approach brings him calm and clarity during stressful times.
Finally, from what he has read and from his experiences, he strongly believes that happiness leads to success, not the other way around. If he focuses on having a positive mindset, then everything else falls into place automatically. For him, this means nurturing happiness is the key to sustaining good mental health.
Words of Wisdom
Anil advises young men trying to make a difference in their communities: work with empathy, be real in your efforts, and always focus on growth, both yours and the people around you. It’s not about making some big, flashy moves but the little, everyday actions that help lift others up.
Remember that it is not about power or control but about serving others. Anil has learned from his own journey that putting people first creates lasting change. Whether at work or in your personal life, take time to listen, understand, and show up for others.
Second, do not forget that resilience is key. The path to making a difference will not always be smooth. You are going to have your share of challenges. Resilience will make you keep going. Learn to adapt, be patient, and keep pushing forward even when things do not go according to plan.
Another key point is to be real and genuine in everything you do. People can see right through fake acts, so don’t pretend to be someone you are not. Bring your true self, your values, integrity, and passion into every situation. Anil believes that this earns respect and trust.
Happiness plays a huge role, too. Anil always said that happiness drives success. Working towards making a difference doesn’t mean you forget what makes you happy. When you are fulfilled and balanced, you bring more energy and positivity to those around you. Take care of your mental and emotional well-being because you can only help others when you are at peace with yourself.
In short, Anil’s advice is to lead with purpose, be resilient in tough times, and focus on bringing value to others. Keep learning, keep growing, and remember that small, consistent efforts make the biggest difference in the long run.
Credit: insightssuccess.com
