Forevermark, the diamond brand from The De Beers Group of Companies, said that it recently hosted 35 select leading retail partners from India at a customised programme on ‘Leadership in the Disruptive Era’ held at the Cambridge Judge Business School, University of Cambridge.

The programme was specially tailored to help the participants better manage and revolutionise their businesses in a dynamically growing disruptive economy by also teaching them about the value of consumer trust, transparency and ethics, Forevermark said, adding that it covered various themes including Managing Family Business, Disruption, Teams – Creating Culture & Values, Ethics and Emotional Intelligence besides others.

Sachin Jain, President, Forevermark, said that the brand worked diligently with the executive coaching team of Cambridge University to design the course, so that it could be relevant to the needs of the industry. “We wanted the participants to step out of the jewellery business and open their minds to a future that is widely unknown. We hope that with exposure to some of the world’s best academicians and stalwarts, the leaders of the industry would be future ready,” Jain said.

The retailers also visted the De Beers head office, and gained various market insights so as to understand the scientific trends that will arise in the coming years and focus on the importance of the selection standards of Forevermark. They also took part in a special convocation ceremony addressed by Stephen Lussier, CEO, Forevermark.

The retailers who attended the program included, A.S. Motiwala, Abaran Timeless Jewellery, Anmol Jewellers, C. Krishniah Chetty & Sons, Damas Jewellery, G. R. Thanga Maligai Jewellers, Indian Gems and Jewellery Creation, JoyAlukkas, Kays, Khandelwal Jewellers, Khurana Jewellery House, Kirtilal Kalidas Jewellers, NTS Navrattan Jewellers, P N Gadgil Jewellers, Rose and Senco Gold among others.

Nitin M. Khandelwal, Chairman, All India Gems & Jewellery Trade Council, who attended the sessions said, “The course was extremely Innovative... (and) the topic was very interesting. In today’s scenario where market turbulence is high, leadership becomes a big challenge.”

Prerna Khurana, Partner, Khurana Jewellery House, commented, “For jewellers, like ourselves, to receive this opportunity to study at Cambridge and learn about the nuances of doing business in the maturing Indian market and disruptive leadership was an incredible experience. The course was conducted in a very simple yet organised way making the learning experience quite interactive and fun.”

Suvankar Sen, Executive Director, Senco Gold & Diamonds stated, “The Forevermark team understands the troubles faced by of today's jewellery industry, specially the business owners, and the course addressed these points to make industry more cohesive and stronger.”