On June 26th, 2024, the city of Coimbatore hosted an event that brought together visionaries, entrepreneurs, and technology leaders under one roof—Xcelerate 2024. Jointly organized by CyberMedia Research (CMR) and Schneider Electric, this forum aimed to discuss the next phase of digital acceleration for small and medium businesses (SMBs). The event was marked by an inspiring keynote address delivered by Padmashri Dr. G. Bakthavathsalam, a renowned medical professional and the Chairman of KG Hospital.
As the keynote speaker, Dr. G. Bakthavathsalam shared his personal and professional journey, offering a unique blend of wisdom on leadership, technology, and the evolving business landscape. His keynote wasn’t just about healthcare but about the mindset required to thrive in a fast-changing world, particularly as digital technologies transform industries.
A Journey from Surgery to Innovation
Dr. Bakthavathsalam began by reflecting on his 60-year career in medicine, emphasizing the value of continuous learning and adaptability. He recalled his early days at Mount Sinai Hospital in Chicago, where he honed his skills, and his return to India, which laid the foundation for KG Hospital in Coimbatore. His story resonated deeply with the audience, especially when he connected the importance of evolving with the times, even in a field as traditional as healthcare.
He spoke about his own hospital’s adoption of advanced technologies like robotic surgery, which reduces patient recovery time and enhances operational efficiency. His statement—“If you want your company to run well, you have to run”—struck a chord with many SMB leaders in attendance, emphasizing that constant innovation is essential to staying relevant.
Digital Transformation and the Future of Business
One of the core themes of Dr. Bakthavathsalam’s address was the role of digital technologies in the future of business. He humorously noted how his biography was written more effectively by ChatGPT than by himself or his wife, illustrating how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing not only business operations but also personal experiences. He acknowledged the power of AI and technology in helping organizations, including his hospital, to manage resources more efficiently.
He urged the SMBs in attendance to embrace digital tools, whether it be for marketing, customer engagement, or operational management, stating, “Artificial intelligence and digital transformation are not just for large corporations; they’re for everyone.”
Leadership Lessons for the Digital Age
Dr. Bakthavathsalam’s leadership philosophy revolves around several key principles that are just as relevant for business leaders as they are for medical professionals:
Lifelong Learning: He highlighted the importance of continuous learning and adapting, no matter the stage of your career. He shared how his hospital invests in cutting-edge medical equipment and adopts the latest surgical techniques, always staying ahead of the curve.
Health is Wealth: For business leaders, staying physically and mentally fit is critical. Dr. Bakthavathsalam advised the audience to prioritize their well-being as the foundation for business success, noting, “If you want to be at your best, you need to feel your best.”
Empathy and Service: Despite his accomplishments, Dr. Bakthavathsalam’s focus remains on serving the community. He shared touching stories of how KG Hospital continues to provide free medical care to those in need. For him, a true leader is one who gives back to society while balancing business interests.
Embrace Change: With humor and humility, Dr. Bakthavathsalam encouraged the audience to embrace digital change rather than resist it. He pointed out that SMBs must accelerate their digital transformation journey to remain competitive, especially in a world where technology is rapidly advancing.
A Call to Action for SMB Leaders
As the keynote concluded, Dr. Bakthavathsalam left the audience with a powerful message: “For you to succeed in life, you need the company of good people. Don’t get associated with the wrong people. You must select wisely.” This advice, though simple, carries profound implications for today’s business leaders. In an age of rapid technological change, the company we keep and the partnerships we forge can make all the difference.
His insights into the future of business, technology, and leadership are not only applicable to the healthcare sector but to SMBs across all industries. As Xcelerate 2024 continued, the SMB leaders in attendance were left with a renewed sense of purpose, ready to embrace digital transformation and carry forward the lessons learned from Dr. G. Bakthavathsalam.
Conclusion: The Power of Transformation
Padmashri Dr. G. Bakthavathsalam’s keynote at Xcelerate 2024 was a reminder that no matter your field—whether medicine or business—embracing change, leading with empathy, and staying adaptable are key to long-term success. His lifetime of achievements stands as a testament to the power of lifelong learning, and his words continue to inspire the next generation of leaders to rise to the challenges of the digital age.
As SMBs in Coimbatore and beyond navigate this era of digital acceleration, the insights shared by Padmashri Dr. Bakthavathsalam will undoubtedly serve as guiding principles for achieving sustainable growth and success.
Watch the full session Here: https://youtu.be/hcNGK_XbxRw
