In this episode of Paisa Vaisa, Anupam Gupta sits down with Akshat Seth, MD & CEO of BirlaNu. They deep dive into the 170-year legacy of the CKA Birla Group and how one of India's oldest conglomerates is transforming for the modern age. Akshat shares his personal journey from a decade in management consulting to leading major operating businesses in healthcare and manufacturing.

If you are interested in business strategy, how large groups manage synergies, or want career advice on making the leap to the C-suite, this conversation is for you. We also discuss the massive rebranding of HIL to Birla Nu and the future of sustainable construction in India.

Key takeaways

• The Quality Litmus Tests: Akshat uses the "Family Test" for healthcare (treat patients like family) and the "Home Test" for manufacturing (make products you'd use in your own home) to ensure excellence .

• From Consultant to CEO: The transition requires shifting from pure strategy to execution—specifically the ability to build businesses from scratch (0-100) and scale mature ones (100-1000) .

• Rebranding HIL to BirlaNu: The rename wasn't just cosmetic; it signals a strategic shift to connect with modern consumers who demand technology and sustainability .

• Conglomerate Strategy: The CKA Birla operates on professional management where individual CEOs run companies, bound together by shared values rather than micromanagement .

• Sustainability is Essential: Green manufacturing is no longer a differentiator but a "hygiene factor" necessary to compete in global markets like Europe and the US .

• Hiring Checklist: For leadership roles, Akshat prioritizes three traits: Hunger for growth, Ownership of the business, and Culture Match .