Geopolitics and Leadership: Lessons from Brigadier Sanjay Agarwal’s Masterclass

On October 9, 2025, PES University’s Faculty of Management and Commerce launched the first edition of its CXO Masterclass Series with an extraordinary session by Brigadier Sanjay Agarwal—fondly known as Aggy Sir. A decorated veteran with over 35 years in the Indian Army and a sought-after motivational trainer, Brigadier Agarwal brought unmatched clarity and depth to the discussion on “Geopolitics and Leadership: Understanding India’s Strategic Position in a Changing World.”

India’s Place in a Shifting Global Order
Brigadier Agarwal traced the historical shifts in global power—from the fall of the British Empire to the rise of the USA, China, and BRICS. His message was clear: power is cyclical, and moral balance is essential for sustainability. Even the strongest empires falter when they lose ethical and economic equilibrium.

He highlighted India’s growing influence, driven by digital independence and innovations like UPI, which disrupted global giants like Visa and Mastercard. This, he noted, is a testament to Atmanirbhar Bharat and India’s role as the voice of the Global South in shaping equitable multilateral platforms.

Strategic Patience and Narrative Control
The session explored India–China relations, citing the Doklam standoff as an example of calm strength: “In 73 days, China blinked first—that’s the power of strategic patience.”

Brigadier Agarwal also emphasized that modern warfare extends beyond military might to economic manipulation and information warfare, declaring: “The control of narrative is the new battlefield.”
Future leaders, he urged, must question global narratives with intellectual independence.

Leadership Lessons for Life
Beyond geopolitics, the masterclass was rich with personal philosophies and metaphors:

• “Be calm on the surface but paddle furiously underneath—be the duck.”
• “Life is a marathon, not a 100-meter race.”

He inspired students with stories of resilience, including Sheetal Devi, a young archer born without arms, symbolizing the triumph of willpower over limitations.

Key Takeaways

• Leadership demands integrity, empathy, and purpose—not just power.
• Strategic foresight and emotional intelligence are vital in uncertain times.
• To rise as Vishwaguru, India must first fix its fundamentals.

In Conclusion:
The CXO Masterclass with Brigadier Agarwal was a rare blend of strategic insight and motivational depth. It reminded us that leadership—whether in geopolitics or life—is about clarity, resilience, and values that endure beyond borders.