Beyond the Briefcase
Debajit Nag,
President and CEO, MOL Information Technology, India Private Limited
What keeps you inspired
outside of work?
Photography and travel are my major sources of inspiration. I’m drawn to capturing beauty in nature, city landscape, and everyday life through the lens. The beauty and the finer details that a photograph reveals motivate me.Travel has also played a big role—having visited over 20 countries in Asia and more than five in Europe, I relish the chance to experience different cultures, try local cuisines, and explore the heritage of each place.
A book, podcast, or idea that shaped your
thinking recently?
Books on philosophy have had a profound impact on shaping my thinking, especially those that offer insights into leading a meaningful life. One book that has deeply influenced my approach to life and leadership is Karma Yogi by Swami Vivekananda. Its teachings have been a guiding force in both my personal and professional journey. In addition, works such as The Law of Success by Napoleon Hill, You Can Win by Shiv Khera, The Habit of Winning by Prakash Iyar, and 100 Managers in Action by T.V. Rao and Charu Sharma have played pivotal roles in guiding me along my path.
What advice would you give your younger self starting out in this industry?
Explore, Innovate, and Transform – Our industry is brimming with opportunities, especially at the intersection of technological advancement and human life. My advice is to remain focused on creativity and leverage the power of innovation to drive societal progress. As many philosophers have noted, we tap into only a fraction of our true potential. Challenge yourself to go beyond your perceived limits, live with intention, and ensure that your actions today pave the way for a fulfilling and regret-free future.
One leadership habit you swear by?
Ownership, integrity, engage and win trust. These values are non-negotiable. Leadership isn’t about words; it’s about living what you preach. My actions must align with what I say.
If you weren’t in shipping, what would you
be doing?
If I weren’t in this field, I believe I would have pursued something creative, such as acting. While I’ve spent 38 years in the digital transformation space, with 28 of those years focused on the shipping industry, my passion for creativity has always been a strong part of who I am. In the early years of my career, I had the opportunity to work on some interesting projects with renowned brands, which ignited my interest in transformation and problem-solving. However, beyond the digital world, acting has always been a passion of mine—something I would have likely explored further if I had taken a different path. It’s a calling I’ve nurtured for many years and still holds a special place in my heart.
What does ‘One MOL’ mean to you personally?
‘One MOL’ symbolizes unity in values, not necessarily in structure. Despite our diverse cultures, languages, and backgrounds, our core values must remain consistent. It’s about aligning different stakeholders under one shared purpose and vision.
What’s one leadership lesson that changed
how you lead?
Attitude is All – The right attitude is the foundation of success. It’s the lens through which we view challenges, opportunities, and growth. Dedication and passion to continuously strive for excellence are key leadership lessons. It’s not enough to just work hard; you must be driven by a relentless passion to achieve greater things and inspire others to do the same.
A professional skill you still
want to master?
Influencing Mindset, Culture, and Behaviour Change – I am constantly focused on inspiring others to bring their best to the table. While I’ve made significant progress in this area, I recognize that there’s always room to learn, grow, and refine my approach to positively influence mindset, culture, and behaviour.
One dream role or assignment you'd love to
take on at MOL?
I would love to lead a cultural transformation at MOL—particularly in reshaping long-established practices that no longer align with the current times. It’s a challenging but exciting opportunity to foster a progressive and adaptable work culture.
One fun fact most colleagues
wouldn’t know?
I have a background in audio acting and spent 5-6 years performing on stage with a theatre group during my college years and early on in my career. I’m also a certified audio actor. In fact, had I not ventured into the shipping industry, acting would likely have been the path I pursued.
