Bharath Sesha MD, Philips Indian Subcontinent – Leaders In Tech & Auto

1. What’s your leadership mantra in the fast-evolving tech landscape?

‘Be with the Team’ – I believe in learning with them, leading alongside them, and being a constant anchor, especially when things are evolving rapidly. At Philips, this has always helped us remain agile and aligned in a dynamic environment. Staying connected and grounded together is the key to transformation. 

2. How do you inspire and motivate your team during challenging times?

I encourage them to focus on the things they can influence and pursue them with passion. Keeping our purpose in mind gives us the energy to deal with challenges. At Philips, we always remind ourselves that we are here to provide “Better Care for More People” and every life we touch is a moment of pride and purpose for us.

3. In an era of AI and automation, how do you see the role of human leadership evolving?

Human leadership is irreplaceable. AI is an enabler, a complementary tool and never a replacement for what a human can do holistically. Answers with emotion are always more impactful than just answers on a screen! At Philips, we leverage AI to drive better outcomes, but it’s human-centred leadership that truly creates meaningful and lasting impact.

4. Tell us about a major screw-up in your career — what went wrong and what did you learn?

One of my early lessons was spending time on things that didn’t move the company’s purpose forward. I learnt to constantly remind myself that if I am not focusing on what I need to do, then no one else will – and in that case, the company, the team, and I, all lose in the process.

5. What’s a mistake you see many young tech entrepreneurs making?

Building a business is about guts before glory – but often, people chase glory first and assume that’s all the guts it takes. That’s not the case because building a business is a process in perpetuity. It’s a long journey where resilience often needs to come before recognition.

6. How do you handle failure, and how do you encourage a failure-friendly culture?

I tend to process failure quickly and move to the next step with the mindset “What Next?” At Philips, innovation is deeply embedded in our DNA and as a company which has been thriving for more than 130 years, we have learnt the art of failing fast, learning faster, and improving sustainably. 

7. What’s the next big disruption you foresee in the tech industry?

Humanizing AI – using artificial intelligence to create a real, tangible impact, particularly on areas like healthcare. At Philips we are the forefront of this disruption, and we are pioneers in many AI based innovations that deliver better clinical outcomes whilst ensuring the care givers and clinicians also benefit from the use of these innovative technologies.

8. How do you unplug from the tech world? Or do you? Any non-negotiable habits?

When I am not travelling, I maintain an “official” device blackout time every evening from 7 PM till 9.30 PM. I believe this digital downtime has enabled me to be more meaningfully present for my family and pursue my hobbies of reading and watching shows, movies, and documentaries.

9. What books have changed your perspective on leadership & technology?

The biography of Abraham Lincoln changed my perspective totally. It showed the power of belief in the human spirit to do the right thing in the face of unsurmountable odds. 

10. Any podcasts or quotes you’d recommend for our readers?

I lean more towards reading than podcasts, but one quote that has always stayed with me is by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry:

“If you want to build a ship, don’t drum up people to collect wood and don’t assign them tasks and work, but rather teach them to long for the endless immensity of the sea.” 

It’s a powerful reminder that leadership starts with purpose, not instructions.