From Adversity To Authentic Leadership: HSNC University’s ‘Harbingers Of Change’ 2026 Explores Competing In The 2030s

Hyderabad Sind National Collegiate University (HSNC University), Mumbai, a State Public University, organised its 5^th edition of  ‘Harbingers of Change-Stories of Transformation’ lecture series with Mr. Mike Handcock, Chairman, Circle of Life Group and Ms. Landi Jac, CEO, Circle of Life Group, as the Chief Guests and keynote speakers. Mr. Mike Handcock and Ms. Landi Jac, a dynamic husband and wife duo are internationally acclaimed speakers, entrepreneurs and thought leaders in business growth, prosperity and  leadership.

The lecture was also graced by Mr. Anil Harish, Provost, HSNC University; Col. Dr. Hemlata K. Bagla, Vice Chancellor, HSNC University and Dr.Maya Shahani, Trustee, HSNC Board. The theme for this year’s edition was ‘Competing in the 2030s’. The HSNC University flagship lecture series endeavours to motivate the students to embrace their culture, conduct research and contribute to solving national issues. Nobel Peace laureate Dr. Kailash Satyarthi, Dr. Kiran Bedi, Dr. Tony Nader and  Dr. Pujya Gyanvatsal Swamiji were the chief guests and keynote speakers at the earlier four editions of  the ”Harbingers of Change – Stories of Transformation” series.

The distinguished speakers were felicitated by Provost Mr. Anil Harish, Vice Chancellor Col. Dr. Hemlata K. Bagla and Dr. Maya Shahani.

The packed auditorium reflected the growing relevance of the annual flagship Harbingers of Change Lecture series, which has steadily emerged as a platform for future-facing conversations on leadership, transformation and global competitiveness. The event commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp, followed by a warm welcome note by Dr. Tina Chakravarty, Head of Liberal Studies and Sahyog Mental Wellness Centre, HSNC University. 

In a deeply moving and inspiring address, Mr. Mike Handcock, Chairman, Circle of Excellence Group, shared his personal journey of resilience. Recounting a defining moment from his high school years, he spoke about returning from cricket practice one day to discover that his mother had passed away, an experience that changed the course of his life. With no parents to fall back on, he was taken in by his best friend’s family, a period he described as transformative in shaping his values, worldview and leadership philosophy. From those early years of loss and uncertainty, he traced his journey to becoming a global leadership thinker, underscoring how adversity can become the foundation for purpose-driven leadership.

Central to his message was the idea that “the quality of life depends on the quality of questions we ask”. He urged students and leaders alike to move beyond transactional thinking and instead cultivate self-awareness and curiosity. According to him, the role of a conscious leader is to do the inner work, develop authenticity, align values with action and lead with intention. Such conscious leadership, he explained, encourages organisations to do business with social and spiritual awareness, resulting in fundamentally different and more sustainable, human-centric business models. He emphasised that the 2030s will reward organisations and individuals who demonstrate adaptability, purpose-led leadership and a strong culture of continuous learning.

Mr. Handcock emphasised that this shift begins at the point of inception itself, by changing the language, intent and purpose behind ventures and institutions. Education, he noted, plays a critical role in enabling this transformation. He outlined five essential skills for thriving in the 2030s, financial literacy, resilience, intuition, communication and negotiation, which, when developed holistically, ultimately translate into empathy, meaningful relationships and  networking. Drawing from global case studies, he highlighted how resilience, innovation and clarity of vision will define success in an increasingly volatile world.

Reflecting on the larger moment we are living in, Mr. Handcock noted that society stands at the very precipice of change, one that demands a shift in how success and leadership are defined. The journey, he emphasised, begins by asking better questions, pursuing passion projects, sharpening one’s ability to articulate ideas and becoming truly comfortable in one’s own skin. Discovering who one is and having the courage to be that person, he said, ultimately shapes consciousness in business. This consciousness, he observed, is influenced by three critical factors, energy, environment and enterprise and demands a completely different set of qualifications to measure success, along with a fundamentally new outlook on leadership, work and impact.

Complementing this perspective, Ms. Landi Jac, CEO, Circle of Excellence, spoke about leadership in an increasingly complex and interconnected world. She highlighted the importance of emotional intelligence, empathy and conscious decision-making, particularly as technology and rapid change redefine workplaces and societies. Her address reinforced the idea that future-ready leaders must balance performance with purpose and competitiveness with compassion especially as technology, demographics and societal expectations reshape the future of work. The interactive Q&A session that followed saw enthusiastic participation from students and faculty, reflecting the relevance of the themes discussed. Questions ranged from career preparedness in an uncertain global economy to how educational institutions can nurture conscious, ethical leaders.

The session concluded with a vote of thanks, followed by refreshments. The annual lecture drew an engaged audience of students, faculty members, academicians and industry professionals at the Hiro Sitaldas Punwani Convocation Hall, Worli. With its fifth edition, Harbingers of Change reaffirmed HSNC University’s commitment to fostering transformative conversations that bridge education, leadership and the future of global competitiveness.