Beyond the Briefcase



Kaustubh Kulkarni,
MD, MOL Logistics India
This time, we spotlight his personal journey, quiet leadership, and the values that continue to shape his path.
What keeps you inspired
outside of work?
The quieter things in life. Stillness over stimulation. Wisdom over excess. Discipline over chaos. I believe in serving quietly rather than showing off. These are the things that keep me grounded and inspired beyond the desk.
A book, podcast, or idea that shaped your
thinking recently?
Two books stand out: Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda and Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman. Both explore the inner world, which I believe is key to outer success.
What advice would you give your younger self starting out in this industry?
Don’t chase motivation, master discipline. Learn real skills, not just earn degrees. Stay humble and curious. Build real relationships, not just contacts. Take calculated risks. And most importantly, lead with integrity, especially when no one is watching. As I often say: Be grounded like the Earth, adapt like the Wind, burn with purpose like Fire, stay calm like Water, and rise like Space.
One leadership habit you swear by?
Lead by example, not instruction. When you act with clarity and purpose, you build trust, inspire teams without authority, and empower others to take ownership.
If you weren’t in shipping, what would you
be doing?
I would have pursued civil services IAS, IPS, IFS—or joined the defense services. That calling for service still lives in me.
What does ‘One MOL’ mean to you personally?
It means One Group, One Vision, One Mission working together seamlessly, sharing knowledge freely, and aligning efforts toward a common goal.
What’s one leadership lesson that changed
how you lead?
When I’m with my team, it’s hard to tell who the boss is and that’s exactly how I like it.
A professional skill you still
want to master?
Financial analytics. It’s a vital skill that ties strategy to action.
One dream role or assignment you'd love to
take on at MOL?
A visionary, strategic role that expands MOL beyond its traditional shipping identity. I see potential in redefining what we can be as a group.
One fun fact most colleagues
wouldn’t know?
I meditate daily. It’s my way of staying centered no matter how intense the day gets.