Hexagon, a global leader in digital reality solutions, combining sensor, software and autonomous technologies, is known for working together and exchanging knowledge that fosters an ecosystem in which prospective entrepreneurs can thrive, taking inspiration and guidance from industry experts at the forefront of technical progress. In an interview, Mr. Navaneet Mishra, Senior Vice President & Head of Hexagon’s R&D Center India, sheds light on how any start-up company if faced with a complex problem, the company should always break it up into smaller segments and solve them incrementally.
How has your background, including being an IIT Kanpur alumnus, influenced your leadership approach?
I have been in residential schools and colleges since my childhood, and have been fortunate to make it to the highly ranked ones including IIT Kanpur. It has taught me to be independent while also appreciating peers and friends who were from very different backgrounds and were talented in many different ways. My educational experience has taught me three big things that continue to shape my leadership values:
- Talent is spread across a big spectrum. More than focusing on the hierarchy of which kind of talent is more valuable, we need to build communities of diverse people who can together deliver a lot more.
- Success is a marathon, not a sprint. Long-term view always beats short-term thinking.
- You have to choose your battles. Sometimes to win and sometimes to survive.
When I lead, my focus is always on: 1/ Setting up diverse and inclusive teams and empowering them to manifest their ideas 2/ Identifying critical growth enablers or inhibitors and focusing disproportionately high on them 3/ Being patient to achieve long-term and sustained growth.
Being an industry leader and a mentor, what would you like to advise aspiring learners, entrepreneurs, and innovators?
Three very important things that usually get ignored in favor of more visible skills, but are incredibly important to grow as leaders, entrepreneurs and innovators:
- Develop deep listening skills – not only with end-customers but across the boardWhile thinking of solutions, do not be constrained by what current Tech allows. Use your imagination, think long-term – real innovation comes from that.
- When faced with a complex problem, always break it up into smaller segments and solve them incrementally.
What is your active role in enabling and empowering learners and entrepreneurs?
I mentor at least 2 female leaders every quarter at Hexagon. I regularly speak at engineering and management schools including IIT, IIM and ISB as well as regional colleges that are keen to explore new ideas and perspectives. I advise entrepreneurs who reach out to me to discuss their Go-to-Market and Product Development strategies.
In 2024, I am also going to invest more structured time in engaging with Startups, especially those who are working on niche technologies at the intersection of hardware and software.
