Leaders must shift from command to coaching in Gen Z era: HMA chief
EDP is reshaping mindsets making students as job creators, says Devender
image for illustrative purpose
Hyderabad: The Centre for Organization Development (COD), in association with the Hyderabad Management Association (HMA), hosted the annual B.L. Maheshwari Memorial Lecture at the COD campus, paying tribute to the pioneering contributions of Dr. B.L. Maheshwari, the visionary founder of COD.
Welcoming the gathering, Dr. Srinivas Kandula, Director of COD, reflected on the institute’s rich legacy and remembered the enduring influence of Dr. Maheshwari, whose ideas on management and organizational development continue to inspire leaders across generations.
Delivering a keynote address on the theme “From Command to Coaching: The New Era of Corporate Leadership,” Alwala Devender Reddy, President of HMA, emphasized the need for leaders to transition from traditional command-and-control approaches to a culture of coaching and collaboration. With Millennials and Gen Z forming a major part of today’s workforce, he underlined the importance of empathetic leadership that fosters growth, shared decision-making, and innovation.
He further highlighted HMA’s initiatives such as the Industry Readiness Program (IRP), which prepares students for smooth entry into the corporate world, and the Community Readiness Program, designed to nurture holistic growth. The Entrepreneurship Development Programme (EDP), he said, is reshaping mindsets by encouraging students to become job creators rather than job seekers. “Through these initiatives, young professionals are not only being skilled as industry-ready talent but are also being inspired as nation-builders and change-makers,” he added.
Since 2013, COD and HMA have collaborated to strengthen leadership, industry–academia partnerships, and innovative management practices, fostering a strong ecosystem for future leaders.
Dr Sunita Maheshwari, Chairperson of COD, introduced the chief guest, recalling her father’s enduring contributions to management education and COD’s pioneering role in advancing organizational development in India.
The memorial lecture was delivered by Ms. Sita Pallacholla, CEO of WE Hub, on the theme “Capital Beyond Cash: Networks and Narratives.” She highlighted the critical role of intangible assets such as trust, networks, and shared stories in driving innovation, resilience, and sustainable growth.
