Ever wondered what makes the world’s top CEOs stand out?

It’s not just about running big companies, it’s about following powerful life principles that go far beyond business.

As PGDM students, you’re at the perfect stage to absorb these lessons and shape your own leadership journey. So, let’s dive into the strategies of some of the most successful CEOs and discover how you can apply them to build a strong and impactful career.

Lead with vision, not position – A Lesson from Sundar Pichai

Sundar Pichai, born in Chennai, India, is the CEO of Alphabet Inc. and Google. He completed his engineering from IIT Kharagpur, followed by higher studies at Stanford University and an MBA from Wharton. Pichai joined Google in 2004, where he led key products like Chrome and Android, eventually becoming CEO in 2015. His journey is a remarkable example of vision, leadership, and global impact.

True leadership is not about having a title or authority, it’s about having a clear vision and inspiring others to follow it. Even if you are a student without an official role, you can still lead by sharing ideas, motivating your peers, and showing the path forward. A position may give you power, but a vision gives you purpose and that’s what makes people believe in you and walk with you.

Rise Strong — The Indra Nooyi Way

Indra Nooyi, former CEO of PepsiCo, faced numerous challenges in reshaping the company’s strategy. But her resilience and ability to stay calm under pressure made her one of the most respected leaders in the world.

Students can learn that setbacks, whether a poor exam score, an internship rejection, or early career struggles are not the end. The ability to bounce back is a leadership trait that sets future CEOs apart.

Business schools often emphasize case studies and simulations that challenge your resilience and use these opportunities to strengthen your problem-solving mindset and build the perseverance needed for real-world leadership.

Keep Pushing Boundaries Like Elon Musk!

Elon Musk is a visionary entrepreneur and innovator, born in Pretoria, South Africa, in 1971. He moved to the U.S. after studying in Canada, later attending the University of Pennsylvania. Musk co-founded Zip2 and X.com (which became PayPal) before leading groundbreaking ventures like Tesla, SpaceX, Neuralink, and The Boring Company. His bold ideas and relentless drive have made him one of the most influential figures in technology and space exploration. From Tesla to SpaceX, his companies thrive because of a fearless approach to experimentation and disruption.

For students, this translates into thinking differently. Don’t just follow what’s taught in the classroom, question it, experiment with it, and find new ways to solve problems. Many Business Schools encourage students to participate in hackathons, startup incubators, and innovation labs. These platforms are perfect for developing the CEO mindset of continuous innovation.

The Power of Empathy — Satya Nadella’s Leadership Secret

When Satya Nadella became CEO of Microsoft, he didn’t just focus on technology he focused on people. His leadership style emphasized empathy, collaboration, and a growth mindset, which turned Microsoft into a more agile and human-centered company.

Students can learn that emotional intelligence (EQ) is just as important as IQ. Building strong relationships, understanding team dynamics, and leading with empathy are critical traits. As a student in a Business School, taking part in group projects, cultural events, and leadership roles in clubs will polish your EQ as much as your academic skills.

Do It Right, Do It with Ratan Tata’s Spirit

Ratan Tata has always embodied humility, ethics, and accountability. His decisions, even during tough times, were guided by integrity and responsibility.

For students, accountability starts small. Meeting deadlines, being responsible for your group assignments, and keeping promises build the foundation of trust. Employers, professors, and even peers respect individuals who take ownership, a trait that can fast-track your leadership journey.

Final Thoughts: Becoming a Leader of Tomorrow

The CEOs we admire today didn’t become leaders overnight. Their journey was shaped by vision, resilience, innovation, emotional intelligence, and accountability. As a student, you don’t have to wait until you’re in the boardroom to start practicing these traits.

Whether you’re pursuing your MBA at a Business School or exploring online programs, leadership is about the choices you make every day. At EMPI Business School, students are encouraged to practice leadership beyond classrooms by leading team projects, taking responsibility in student clubs, and developing empathy in daily interactions. This holistic approach prepares EMPI graduates to become future-ready leaders

Remember, the leadership journey begins not when you get the title of “CEO,” but when you decide to take ownership of your own growth.