How history can shape better leaders, says Tech Mahindra CEO

According to Mohit Joshi, CEO of Tech Mahindra, understanding history can shape better leaders by offering valuable insights into how societies adapt to change. As the world navigates the rapid transformation brought by the AI revolution, Joshi highlights how past events like the Industrial Revolution, the rise of railroads, and mechanization provide a template for understanding technological adoption and its long-term societal impact.

Joshi’s passion for history traces back to his undergraduate degree, with a particular fascination for the American Civil War and the leadership of Abraham Lincoln.

He admires Lincoln’s resilience in overcoming adversity, his ability to inspire unity during a fractured time, and his trust in deputies even when they faced challenges. Two standout qualities, Joshi notes, were Lincoln's eloquence and his capacity to connect with people across divides.

While STEM subjects continue to attract students due to clear career paths, Joshi believes neglecting the humanities is a mistake.

Studying history cultivates empathy, counters recency bias, and allows leaders to approach decisions with a broader perspective. It helps detach from the immediacy of the moment, enabling more thoughtful and holistic problem-solving.

Joshi emphasizes that lifelong learning doesn’t require a degree. His commitment to continuous education sees him reading 60 to 70 books annually, a habit formed during his student days.

As the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025 highlights, skills like analytical thinking, creativity, curiosity, and lifelong learning are becoming increasingly valuable in the workplace.

So, which period of history would you like to explore next?