Mumbai, Sep 18: Harishchandra Bharuka, former Managing Director, Kansai Nerolac Paints Limited, has launched his first book, What Leadership Leaves Behind: Lessons from the Corner Office. Drawing on four decades leadership experience, including 36 years at Kansai Nerolac Paints, the book is now available on Amazon India in Kindle and paperback editions.
Written in the author’s own voice, the book moves away from theoretical management frameworks and instead sets down what leadership actually demanded of him over the course of his career. It covers integrity, accountability, resilience, decision-making, mentorship, succession planning and organisational purpose, illustrated through real episodes from his career rather than hypothetical case studies.
Mr. Bharuka joined Kansai Nerolac Paints in 1985 and continued to serve the organisation for 36 years. The book reflects on the experiences that shaped his approach to leadership. Two anecdotes standout. The first describes the turnaround of the Powder Coatings business, where Bharuka rebuilt the confidence of an existing team and rebuilt accountability rather than replacing people. The second describes the decision to close the Pigments division, which he presents as requiring as much courage and discipline as any growth story. Taken together, the two chapters make his central argument: that leadership is measured not only by victories, but by the integrity of the difficult calls behind them.
He also reflects on the organisation’s transition from Goodlass Nerolac Paints to Kansai Nerolac Paints and how his initial two decades with the company gave him a deeper understanding of the business when he took over as CEO. He highlights the importance of reading industry shifts and identifying growth opportunities. The introduction of Kaizen and the emphasis on making excellence and innovation part of everyday operations, including at the shopfloor level, are also among the key takeaways from the book.
Speaking on the launch of the book, Harishchandra Bharuka said, “I wanted to write the book I wished someone had handed me early in my career, honest about the setbacks, not just the outcomes. If it helps even a few leaders make difficult decisions with more clarity and integrity, it will serve its purpose.”
Ram Mehrotra, Chief Business Officer-Decorative, Kansai Nerolac Paints Limited added, “This book is a tribute to the values of integrity, accountability and long-term thinking that have shaped Kansai Nerolac Paints over the decades. We are proud to see Mr. Bharuka’s experience and leadership documented for a wider audience of professionals across industries.”
Bharuka does not present himself as infallible; writes candidly about uncertainty, setbacks and difficult decisions, which lends the book credibility that more polished leadership titles often lack. The book is intended as a practical guide for aspiring leaders and a fresh vantage point for seasoned executives revisiting familiar challenges, written in a calm and unembellished tone.
The book is available for purchase on Amazon India:
- Kindle Edition: https://www.amazon.in/dp/
B0H7113XZP - Paperback Edition: https://www.amazon.in/gp/
product/B0H5TH5YWW