Global Indian of the Year

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It doesn't surprise me that Ram Charan is The Economic Times 2008-2009 Global Indian of the Year after being chosen ahead of other fairly well-known and respected names such as Ram Shriram of Shepaio Ventures, Ajit Jain of Berkshire Hathaway, Anshu Jain of Deutsche Bank and Vinod Khosla.

I am big fan of Ram's having read, "Execution: The Discipline of Getting Things Done," (one of my all time favorite books co-authored with Larry Bossidy), "What The Customer Wants You To Know," and "Know-How: The 8 Skills That Separate People Who Perform from Those Who Don't."

He's authored more than a dozen brilliant business books over his professional career (a workaholic I might add).

A couple of years ago I was so fascinated by his insights that I tried to get him to speak at an event in Chicago but was unsuccessful. He was too busy and his speaker fee was astronomical -- well beyond our client's budget.

Needless to say, if you don't know about Ram's work, you should. He offers fresh, bold insights into the world of business. Very cool. Very ahead of its time yet relevant for managing in today's crazy times.

Congrats to Raman. A well-deserved honor.