Transforming Business Leaders: Prof Narayandas' Mission to Shape the Future of Business Education
Professor Narayandas, the Edsel Bryant Ford Professor of Business Administration at Harvard Business School, is redefining the concept of leadership in business. With an illustrious academic career spanning three decades and a wealth of experience in B2B marketing, customer relationship management, and executive education, he has become a pillar of thought leadership in Harvard Business School.
Speaking with our publication, Professor Narayandas shares his passion for teaching and helping individuals achieve more, which drives his work. "I get great satisfaction when I can help people do better in what they do," he says. After completing his business education at IIM Bangalore, he worked in B2B sales, shaping his focus on B2B sales and marketing during his PhD.
The Harvard Business School's case-based learning approach is a defining element of its pedagogy, which Professor Narayandas champions in his teaching. "In every class, we use the case method, which means participants must come prepared to discuss a real business scenario," he explains. The goal is not to arrive at one correct answer but to help students develop a framework for thinking about problems and making decisions under uncertainty.
The case method encourages dynamic exchanges of ideas where multiple perspectives are considered, fostering constructive debates. Professor Narayandas believes, "We don't teach answers - we teach how to think about problems." The objective is to create a toolkit for processing information, evaluating risks, and making the best possible decisions in complex business environments.
For seasoned executives and entrepreneurs, the case method provides an opportunity to reflect on their own business experiences, bringing a practical layer to academic discussion. Professor Narayandas expertly facilitates discussions that allow experienced professionals to share insights while learning from diverse perspectives.
A crucial piece of wisdom shared by Professor Narayandas is the importance of understanding customers in B2B markets. "There are people who buy, people who influence decisions, and people who use," he emphasizes. This comprehensive understanding is the foundation of effective customer relationship management.
When discussing AI in today's business world, Professor Narayandas offers a nuanced perspective. "AI enhances human capabilities rather than replaces them," he maintains, drawing parallels between augmented intelligence and what humans bring to decision-making. He highlights AI's strengths in descriptive analytics, prescriptive analytics, and predictive analytics.
Throughout his career, Professor Narayandas has prioritized business leadership with a focus on personal success at the expense of societal good. His approach emphasizes making thoughtful, ethical decisions that impact the broader community, urging future leaders to "do well by the world, and then you'll have the chance to do well."
As our conversation comes to an end, it is clear that Prof Narayandas' dedication to guiding business leaders in creating a positive impact on society will continue to shape Harvard Business School's teachings.