What does it really take to develop leaders — not just train them? In this episode, Anu Arora sits down with Nandini Chawla, CEO of TV Rao Learning Systems, a leadership and talent development organization celebrating its 30th anniversary.
Nandini has been part of the company for 25 of those years, growing from a young facilitator once too afraid to be taken seriously to a PCC-certified coach and CEO who has shaped leaders across some of India's and the world's largest organizations.
Their conversation weaves together Nandini's personal journey — from engineering to sales to marketing to discovering her calling in leadership development — with remarkably practical wisdom that leaders at every stage can apply today.
Here's what you'll hear in this episode:
The 360° feedback myth: Why this powerful tool is most often misunderstood, misused, or feared — and what a truly holistic 360 looks like, including why Nandini's firm invites family members into the process.
The workshop moment that changed everything: How Nandini learned the most important lesson in facilitation — and in leadership — by throwing away her agenda and simply listening.
Insecurity as preparation fuel: How Nandini channeled her early self-doubt about youth and experience into deep, relentless preparation that became her greatest professional strength.
Humanity in the age of AI: Why the rise of artificial intelligence makes being genuinely human the most strategic leadership skill you can build right now.
Gratitude as a system, not a practice: How TV Rao Learning Systems is embedding gratitude directly into 360 instruments — and why building it into process is more powerful than leaving it to intention.
The two habits every aspiring leader needs: Reflection and continuous learning — and how to access both even when you believe you have no time.
Nandini closes with a beautiful invitation: everything can be a source of learning, from the dinner table conversation about Friends characters to observing how a senior leader handles a difficult moment. Leadership development doesn't have to be formal. It has to be intentional.
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Learn more about Nandini Chawla, CEO TVRLS: An ICF Accredited PCC coach, Nandini has 29 years of rich cross-cultural work experience in the areas of Leadership Development and Organisation Development. She is the CEO and Co-Founder of T V Rao Learning Systems and Perfect Professional.
An Electrical Engineer and a Post Graduate Diploma in Business Administration from NMIMS Mumbai, she started her career with Titan Industries Limited in the areas of Sales and Marketing.
Nandini brings to the table a live business exposure as a successful line manager, having interacted, managed & dealt with sales professionals, subordinates, peers, senior management and above all Customers.
She is a life member at the NHRD network and was a member of the Executive Committee for the NHRD Network Bangalore chapter for two consecutive terms. In addition to presenting papers in conferences, she has authored many Articles and co-edited the book on 360-Degree Feedback and Performance Management Systems Volume 2, 360 Degree Feedback and Assessment Development Centers Volume 3, Life after 360 and ADCs Volume 4.
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