At SSN iFound, we recently hosted Innovation Day 2024 for SSN College of Engineering, showcasing the innovative ideas of students and a few of our incubated startups. The event was a significant milestone for us, with participation from over 100 industry experts.
Leadership Behind Innovation Day 2024
A special mention goes to Dr. Seyezhai and Dr. Vimal, our technical mentors and faculty coordinators at SSN iFound. Their commitment was vital in managing such a large-scale event.
On a personal note, I was juggling multiple responsibilities some along with Roopa, including audio-visual management and coordinating with startup teams. Around the same time, I received an invitation to attend the Deep Science Forum 2024 hosted by Ankur Capital in Bengaluru. With such a packed schedule, I faced a tough decision—should I attend the forum or stay back to manage Innovation Day?
Trust in Action
This was when Subash, our Associate-Incubation, stepped up. With confidence, he assured me, “You go ahead, I will take care of it.” And true to his word, Subash managed everything flawlessly in my absence, ensuring seamless coordination with Roopa. When I returned, all the arrangements were perfectly in place.
When T. S. Giridharan, our CEO, asked for feedback on the event, I didn’t hesitate to acknowledge Subash’s efforts. His leadership not only allowed me to attend the Deep Science Forum with peace of mind but also demonstrated how empowering your team can lead to remarkable results.
Why Trust Matters in Teams
This experience reaffirmed for me that trust is the cornerstone of successful teams. I’ve seen instances where the absence of trust led to breakdowns in collaboration and efficiency. But when you have colleagues like Subash and Kaviya (whom I’ve mentioned in a previous post here), who take ownership of their roles, the team thrives.
I would also like to extend my thanks to Roopa, who has always emphasized the need for additional support in incubation activities, and to Giri Sir, for approving Subash’s hire. It’s moments like these that showcase the importance of building a capable and trusted team.
Looking Ahead
As we continue to foster innovation and entrepreneurship at SSN iFound, I look forward to witnessing the great things Subash and the rest of the team will accomplish in the future. Trust isn’t just about delegation—it’s about empowering your team to take the lead, grow, and excel.
Way to go, Subash!
This aligns with my previous thoughts on team capability and engagement mapping of employees—you can read more about that here.
