Illuminating Leadership: An In-Depth Conversation with Past District Governor I S A K Nazar

In this exclusive and extensive interview, we delve deep into the life and experiences of Past District Governor Rtn. I S A K Nazar, a dynamic leader whose impact resonates through both the Rotary community and the business world. Known for his innovative approach and inspirational leadership, PDG Nazar shares his journey, insights, and the transformative power of Rotary.

Rtn. VS Sashikumar, District Chairman for Communications and the editor of this magazine, explores the multifaceted career of this remarkable Rotary leader, uncovering valuable lessons for aspiring leaders and entrepreneurs.

Thank you for joining us, PDG Nazar. Can you share with us about your early Rotary life and the journey that led you to become a District Governor?

My Rotary journey began in 1994, during the governorship of Dr. CS Ramachandran, who became my mentor and a true Rotary icon. I was introduced to Rotary by a fellow businessman, Kailash Chordia, who saw potential in me during a conference. From the moment I joined, I was captivated by the spirit of service and leadership that Rotary embodies.

As I grew in Rotary, I took on various roles, culminating in my presidency in 1998-99, where I was honoured to receive 38 awards and be recognized as the best president of the district. This experience fuelled my aspiration to become a governor. However, it wasn’t until 2011-12 that I stood for governorship, winning unanimously. My year as governor in 2014-15 was themed the “Light Up Year,” and I aimed to make it a year to be remembered for at least a decade.

That’s an impressive journey. Can you tell us about any particular moment or experience that stands out from your early days in Rotary?

One experience that profoundly shaped my approach to leadership was my time in the NCC (National Cadet Corps) during college. I was selected as one of 30 under officers for a 40-day defence leadership program at the Madras Regiment Centre OTI. This intensive residential program, under the guidance of a senior lieutenant general, honed my skills in discipline, risk-taking, teamwork, and communication. It was a golden period in my life that laid the foundation for my future leadership roles, both in Rotary and in business.

Your governorship year, the “Light Up Year,” seems to have been particularly impactful. What were some of the innovative initiatives you introduced during your tenure?

During the “Light Up Year,” we focused on bringing fresh perspectives to Rotary. We introduced Annettes clubs, fostering youth involvement. We established a business meet culture, enhancing networking opportunities for Rotarians. We also prioritized professionalism and involved presidents and secretaries more deeply in decision-making processes.

One of our most significant public image projects was “Rotary: My Flag, My India.” We also organized “Rotary: My Flame, My Polio,” a massive car rally with 550 vehicles driving from Tirupattur to Yelagiri Hills to raise awareness about Rotary’s commitment to polio eradication. These initiatives not only boosted Rotary’s public image but also energized our members, keeping them engaged throughout the year.

We made sure that every day from July 1 to June 30, we made a mark and a difference. Our presidents, secretaries, and district officers were engaged until midnight on the last day of the Rotary year. This level of engagement and enthusiasm is what made the “Light Up Year” truly memorable.

That’s truly impressive. In your opinion, what is the most important quality a District Governor must possess to lead effectively and inspire others?

The most crucial quality for a District Governor is the ability to inspire and motivate. A good governor can propel the district forward by ten years, while a less effective one might set it back. It’s vital to have a clear vision and the ability to communicate it effectively, inspiring club presidents, secretaries, and district officers to give their best throughout the year.

A governor must also be innovative, bringing fresh ideas to engage members and make a lasting impact on the community. Leadership isn’t just about managing; it’s about creating a legacy of positive change that continues long after your term ends.

Furthermore, a governor needs to be adaptable and responsive to the needs of diverse clubs within the district. They should be able to bridge gaps, foster collaboration, and create an environment where every Rotarian feels valued and motivated to contribute their best.

You have helped many Rotarians become successful governors. What’s your secret? Is there a specific strategy or approach you use to mentor them?

My approach to mentoring future governors is rooted in identifying and nurturing potential leaders early on. We look for Rotarians who demonstrate a willingness to give their time, effort, and resources to the organization. These individuals often stand out through their involvement, team-building efforts, and the way they connect with others.

The process is gradual and organic. We start by identifying a pool of potential leaders – maybe 50 or so each year. We provide them with opportunities and platforms to showcase their skills and dedication. Over time, this pool naturally narrows down as some individuals demonstrate exceptional leadership qualities.

The key is to create an environment where these potential leaders can grow and prove themselves. We don’t select them; rather, they select themselves through their actions and commitment. By the time someone becomes a governor, they have typically gone through years of preparation and have demonstrated their ability to lead and inspire others.

My role as a mentor is to guide, provide opportunities, and offer support when needed. I believe in leading by example and sharing the lessons I have learned along the way. The goal is to help these future governors develop not just the skills, but also the vision and passion needed to lead our district effectively.

You have worn many hats – a school topper, leader, marketing head, and entrepreneur. How do you balance such diverse roles, and what drives you to excel in each?

Balancing these roles comes down to passion, time management, and a commitment to continuous learning. I believe in allocating my time effectively across three key areas: personal growth and knowledge acquisition, professional excellence, and giving back to society.

My drive to excel stems from my upbringing. My father, though an ordinary teacher, was an extraordinary human being who inspired thousands of students. I have also been fortunate to work under and learn from wizards of marketing and management in various industries.

I start my days early and end them late, always making time for what’s important. Whether it’s Rotary, industrial associations, or mentoring young entrepreneurs, I allocate at least 20% of my time to these pursuits. It’s about staying relevant and making a meaningful impact in whatever you do.

The key is to never stop learning. Each role, whether in business or Rotary, offers unique lessons and perspectives. I try to apply what I learn in one area to others, creating a synergy that enhances my performance across all roles.

Your journey from marketing to entrepreneurship is fascinating. Can you tell us more about how you started your brand, Manna, and the challenges you faced?

The journey to creating Manna began with my experience in the pharmaceutical industry and my interest in nutraceuticals. I saw the potential for health products in the market and decided to leverage my knowledge and connections to create something innovative.

I started by visiting the Central Food Research Technological Institute (CFTRI) in Mysore, considered the mecca of food processing in India. There, I collaborated with senior scientists to formulate what would become our flagship product, Manna.

However, like many first-generation entrepreneurs, we faced significant financial challenges. As we grew and expanded into new products and geographical areas, we needed more capital. But back then, banks were hesitant to provide loans without collateral, which we didn’t have.

We found ourselves in a difficult situation, expanding rapidly but struggling with cash flow. It was during this challenging time that my younger brother, Sajan, a mechanical engineer working in Dubai, decided to resign from his job and join me in the business. His support was crucial in helping us navigate through those tough times and continue building the Manna brand.

Eventually, we explored equity arrangements with various companies, culminating in a partnership with Morgan Stanley, which helped us take Manna to a pan-India level. This journey taught me valuable lessons about resilience, the importance of family support, and the need for strategic partnerships in business growth.

That’s an inspiring story of perseverance. Speaking of challenges, can you share an experience from your field visits that taught you a valuable lesson about business or leadership?

One practice that has been invaluable to me is riding pillion with my sales representatives during their field visits. This hands-on approach has taught me countless lessons about our market, our customers, and our own organization.

A particular experience that stands out was during a visit to a remote rural area. I noticed that our product packaging, which we thought was universally appealing, was confusing for some of our rural customers. They couldn’t relate to the imagery or understand some of the language we used.

This insight led us to redesign our packaging to be more inclusive and relatable across different market segments. It also taught me the importance of getting out of the office and experiencing our business from the ground level. No amount of market research or reports can replace the insights you gain from direct interaction with your customers and frontline staff.

This experience reinforced my belief in maintaining a simple, accessible posture with my team. I keep my office door open and make myself available to colleagues at all levels. This accessibility ensures that valuable insights and feedback can reach me directly, helping us stay responsive to market needs and internal challenges.

As a successful entrepreneur, what advice would you give to Rotarians who are looking to start their own business ventures?

Entrepreneurship is both challenging and rewarding. My advice would be to first gain comprehensive knowledge about the business you are entering. Understand your target customers, the product or service you are offering, and the financial aspects of running a business.

Secondly, cultivate exemplary courage. The entrepreneurial journey is filled with challenges, and you need the resilience to face them head-on. Be prepared for the fact that only about 32% of new businesses succeed, but don’t let that deter you.

Lastly, stay innovative. In today’s competitive landscape, it’s not enough to have a good product or service. You need to bring something new to the table, whether it’s in your product, your approach, or your business model.

Remember, the entrepreneurial landscape today is more supportive than ever, with more resources, mentors, and technological tools at your disposal. If you combine knowledge, courage, and innovation, you are setting yourself up for success.

Also, don’t underestimate the value of your Rotary network. The connections and friendships you build in Rotary can be invaluable as you start and grow your business. Rotarians are often willing to offer advice, mentorship, or even become your first customers or partners.

Your success in business is evident. How has your Rotary experience influenced your approach to business, and vice versa?

Rotary and business have been mutually enriching experiences for me. The leadership skills I have developed in Rotary have been invaluable in my business endeavours. Rotary teaches you how to work with diverse groups of people, how to motivate volunteers, and how to manage projects effectively – all skills that translate directly to business success.

Conversely, my business experience has enhanced my contributions to Rotary. The strategic thinking, financial management, and marketing skills I have honed as an entrepreneur have helped me bring a professional approach to Rotary projects and initiatives.

One specific way Rotary has influenced my business approach is in terms of ethical practices. Rotary’s emphasis on high ethical standards and the Four-Way Test has always guided my business decisions. It reinforced my belief that successful businesses are built on trust and integrity.

Moreover, Rotary’s focus on service has influenced my approach to corporate social responsibility. I have always ensured that my businesses give back to the community, much like we do in Rotary. This not only feels right but also helps build a positive brand image and employee morale.

You’ve mentioned the importance of innovation several times. Can you share an example of a particularly innovative project or approach you’ve implemented, either in Rotary or in your business?

Innovation has indeed been a cornerstone of my approach in both Rotary and business. In Rotary, one innovative project that stands out is our “Rotary: My Flame, My Polio” initiative during my governorship year.

We organized a massive car rally with 550 vehicles, all adorned with Rotary and End Polio Now branding, driving from Tirupattur to Yelagiri Hills. This wasn’t just a typical awareness campaign. We worked with the government to stop all other traffic on the route, creating a spectacle that was impossible to ignore. The sight of 550 cars winding up the hills, all carrying the message of Rotary’s commitment to polio eradication, created a lasting impact on public awareness.

This project was innovative in its scale, its visual impact, and its ability to engage both Rotarians and the general public. It combined elements of a public awareness campaign, a community event, and a team-building exercise for Rotarians.

In business, one innovative approach we have taken with Manna is in our product development process. We have established a unique collaboration with food scientists at research institutions, allowing us to stay at the forefront of product advancements. This bridge between academic research and commercial application has enabled us to bring cutting-edge health products to market faster than many of our competitors.

Innovation, to me, is about finding new ways to solve problems or achieve goals. It doesn’t always have to be a grand, tech-driven solution. Sometimes, it’s about looking at existing resources or ideas from a new angle and combining them in unexpected ways to create impact.

As we near the end of our conversation, what message would you like to share with young Rotarians who aspire to make a significant impact in their communities and careers?

To young Rotarians, I would say this: You have chosen to be part of an extraordinary organization that offers unparalleled opportunities for personal growth, leadership development, and community impact. Embrace these opportunities with both hands.

First, immerse yourself in Rotary. Attend meetings, participate in projects, and take on responsibilities. Every experience in Rotary is a learning opportunity that can shape your character and skills.

Second, don’t be afraid to bring your fresh perspectives and ideas to the table. Rotary thrives on the energy and innovation of its younger members. Your unique viewpoints can help Rotary stay relevant and impactful in a rapidly changing world.

Third, seek mentors within Rotary. The organization is full of experienced leaders who are often eager to guide the next generation. Their wisdom can be invaluable in both your Rotary journey and your professional life.

Fourth, use Rotary as a platform to develop your leadership skills. Take on club roles, lead projects, and eventually aspire for district-level positions. These experiences will not only benefit Rotary but will also enhance your professional capabilities.

Lastly, always remember the power of ‘Service Above Self’. This Rotary motto is not just a phrase, but a philosophy that can guide you to a fulfilling life. Whether in Rotary or in your career, when you prioritize service and the greater good, you will find that success and personal satisfaction naturally follow.

Remember, in Rotary, you are not just joining a club; you are becoming part of a global network of changemakers. Embrace this opportunity, and you will find that as you work to light up the lives of others, your own path becomes brighter too.

Thank you for sharing your valuable insights and experiences, PDG Nazar. Your journey is truly inspiring. Any final thoughts for our readers?

Thank you for this opportunity to share my experiences. My final thought would be this: Rotary is not just an organization; it’s a platform for personal growth, leadership development, and making a real difference in the world. Whether you are a new Rotarian or a seasoned leader, there’s always an opportunity to light up lives – both your own and others’.

I encourage every Rotarian to approach their Rotary journey with passion, commitment, and a willingness to innovate. The challenges our communities face is ever-changing, and we need to continually adapt and find new ways to serve effectively.

Remember that every small action in Rotary can have a ripple effect, creating positive change far beyond what we might imagine. So, don’t underestimate the impact of your contributions, no matter how small they might seem.

Lastly, I want to emphasize the importance of integrity and ethical leadership, both in Rotary and in our professional lives. As Rotarians, we have a responsibility to set high standards and lead by example. Let’s continue to be beacons of ethical behaviour in our communities.

Let’s continue to innovate, inspire, and illuminate the path of service above self. Together, we can create lasting, positive change in our communities and around the world.