Ascent From Humble Origins to Corporate Leadership with Raj Gupta

Ascent From Humble Origins to Corporate Leadership with Raj Gupta

Author: Sanjay Puri November 9, 2023 Duration: 1:20:30

On this episode, I'm thrilled to welcome Raj Gupta, Former Chairman of APTIV PLC; Former Chairman and CEO of Rohm and Haas; Past Chairman of the American 


Chemistry Council and the Society of Chemical Industry America Section; and Former Chairman of Avantor Inc. 


Raj recounts his inspiring journey from a small Indian village to leading a global corporation. He discusses the profound impact of his upbringing, the challenges and milestones of his career, and the values that have shaped his leadership philosophy.


Key Takeaways:


(01:21) The influence of Raj's parents on his upbringing.

(05:11) The importance of well-rounded development in Raj’s early life.

(10:29) Raj reflects on the tragic murder of his mother and its impact.

(16:49) The career and resilience of Raj's brother in the Indian Navy.

(25:24) Raj's approach to overcoming personal and professional biases.

(31:19) The strategic collaboration between IIT Bombay and Cornell University.

(39:07) Job market challenges during Raj’s early career in the US.

(43:05) Raj's decision to pursue an MBA in finance at Drexel University.

(01:12:09) Raj's out-of-the-box thinking and approachable leadership style.

(01:19:13) The legacy Raj hopes to leave through family and mentorship.



Resources Mentioned:


Raj Gupta - https://www.linkedin.com/in/raj-gupta-10b99241/

"Eight Dollars and a Dream: My American Journey" by Raj Gupta - https://www.amazon.com/Eight-Dollars-Dream-American-Journey-ebook/dp/B093YX9D9H/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Eight+Dollars+and+a+Dream%3A+My+American+Journey&qid=1699458204&sr=8-12250720

Harvard Business Review article - https://hbr.org/2014/12/overcome-your-biases-and-build-a-great-team

Sanjay Puri - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sanjaykpuri/

Alliance for US India Business - https://www.linkedin.com/company/alliance-for-us-india-business/



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Hosted by Sanjay Puri, The Indianness Podcast creates a space for nuanced conversation with Indian and Indian-American leaders who are shaping industries. This isn't about generic success stories; it's a deep exploration of the specific journeys, cultural insights, and strategic decisions that define high achievement across business, entrepreneurship, and professional careers. Each episode features candid discussions with founders, executives, and innovators from diverse sectors like healthcare, education, and public service. You'll hear firsthand about the challenges of scaling a venture, the realities of navigating corporate leadership, and the personal philosophies that guide these individuals. The focus is on practical wisdom and authentic reflection, offering listeners more than inspiration-it provides a real-world look at the resilience and adaptability required to excel. By sharing these varied narratives, the podcast aims to illuminate the many paths to impact and leadership. Tune in for a series of thoughtful dialogues that connect cultural heritage with global ambition, all through the unfiltered voices of those who are building, creating, and leading today.
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