In the story of modern Indian management, few names shine as brightly—or as authentically—as Anil Sachdev. His life’s work stands as a testament to what becomes possible when business acumen is fused with deep self-awareness, human compassion, and a relentless commitment to ethical leadership. Today, when conversations around values and sustainability dominate boardrooms globally, Anil Sachdev leadership stands out as a model rooted in purpose, mindfulness, and service.
Early Foundations of Anil Sachdev: A Career Built on Purpose, Not Position
After completing his MBA from the University of Pune in 1975, Anil began his professional journey at Tata Motors, where he gained a grounded, practical understanding of how large-scale organizations operate. But it was his move to the Eicher Group in 1978 that truly shaped his trajectory.
At Eicher, he became much more than an HR leader or operations executive—he became a cultural architect. Working across HR, operations, and Total Quality Management (TQM), he helped shape what employees fondly called the “Eicher Family” spirit. His approach was unconventional yet impactful: treat people as human beings, not human resources.
Even in those early years, Anil Sachdev leadership reflected a deep belief that organizations thrive when people thrive.
Eicher Consultancy Services: Planting the Seeds of Transformation
In 1991, sensing the need for a new kind of consulting rooted in ethics, culture, and human development, Anil founded Eicher Consultancy Services (ECS) and became its CEO. ECS quickly earned a reputation for its cutting-edge work in management practices and HR transformation.
Under his leadership, ECS became:
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A respected advisory partner for global and Indian firms
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A pioneer in people-centric management systems
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A training ground for leaders who valued competence as much as character
It was also during this time that Anil made one of the toughest decisions of his life: compassionately terminating 21 newly hired recruits who had falsified travel claims. This episode tested his moral courage and demonstrated his unwavering commitment to integrity—no matter the cost.
That moment became a defining example of values-based leadership in corporate India.
Anil Sachdev: From Corporate Leader to Entrepreneur – Building Institutions That Build People
In the early 2000s, Anil Sachdev stepped away from Eicher to pursue a larger dream—creating platforms that developed leaders with purpose.
Grow Talent Company Ltd (2000)
Anil co-promoted Grow Talent, which swiftly became India’s leading firm for talent management and HR innovation. It helped organizations undergo deep cultural and strategic transformation, all while maintaining the human touch that defined Anil’s philosophy.
SOIL Institute of Management (2008)
The defining milestone in his entrepreneurial journey came with the founding of SOIL – School of Inspired Leadership, an institution born from collaboration with 32 global and Indian corporations.
SOIL was not just a business school.
It was—and remains—a movement.
Built on the five pillars of:
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Mindfulness
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Ethics
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Compassion
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Diversity
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Sustainability
SOIL reimagined what leadership education could be. Students weren’t trained merely to take jobs—they were guided to find their calling, discover their inner strength, and build the confidence to create meaningful change.
Under Anil Sachdev leadership, SOIL became one of India’s most respected values-driven institutions.
Blending Spirituality and Management: A Rare Leadership Alchemy
What sets Anil apart is the integration of self-knowing, meditation, and Indian spiritual wisdom into his leadership journey. Inspired deeply by Swami Chinmayananda and the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, he introduced concepts like mindfulness, nature-based learning, and theatre arts into business education—well before they became global trends.
He regularly leads Himalayan retreats for SOIL students, using nature, silence, and storytelling to teach:
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positive psychology
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appreciative inquiry
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self-leadership
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purposeful action
In 2015, he hosted the World Leadership Dialogue in Pune, where global leaders discussed applying Gita’s wisdom in a contemporary, secular manner—a landmark event blending ancient wisdom with modern leadership.
A Global Thought Leader Who Builds With Heart
Throughout his career, Anil has:
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Chaired the CII National Committee on Leadership Development
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Served on the Academic Committee of CEDEP, a global executive education consortium linked to INSEAD
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Taught at top universities, including ISB, Indiana University, and GM Institute
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Served on boards of global NGOs, including Chinmaya Mission and Charities Aid Foundation
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Been honoured with national awards such as HR Professional of the Year and the Learning Luminary Award