In today’s dynamic corporate world, true leadership is defined not only by personal achievements but also by the ability to inspire others, drive ethical governance, and create lasting, impactful change. Tushar Gunderia, SVP, Head (Legal & Compliance) & Company Secretary at Blue Dart Express Limited, exemplifies these qualities. With over 30 years of experience in the legal & Compliance domains, Tushar has played a key role in upholding Blue Dart’s commitment to integrity, compliance and operational excellence, embodying leadership that shapes the future of corporate governance through dedication, innovation, and a progressive vision.
A Visionary Leader with Lasting Impact
Tushar Gunderia’s leadership is distinguished by resilience, foresight, and a steadfast dedication to ethical practices. His leadership philosophy is grounded in the belief that ‘THERE IS NO SUBSTITUTE FOR HARD WORK,’ while also emphasizing that commitment and passion are key to career success, with the ‘extra’ effort making all the difference. Throughout his career, Tushar has been instrumental in navigating complex regulatory frameworks, ensuring that Blue Dart remains a responsible corporate leader. His focus on compliance and corporate governance has cemented Blue Dart’s reputation as a trusted industry player.
Guiding Through Corporate Transitions
One of the most defining moments in Tushar’s career was Blue Dart’s acquisition of majority stake by DHL in 2004-05. This transition required strategic management skills, particularly in balancing the interests of internal and external stakeholders. Tushar’s ability to manage complex corporate transitions, coupled with his meticulous attention to details, ensured a seamless integration while maintaining confidentiality and strict regulatory compliance. He believes that success is built on collaboration and the best advice from specialists, allowing projects to be executed with precision and focus.
In an ever-evolving logistics industry, Tushar’s leadership has been pivotal in complying with regulatory challenges, dealing with multiple statutory authorities, data privacy concerns, and varied legal frameworks. His proactive approach to risk management and compliance has fortified Blue Dart’s standing as an ethical industry leader.
Leadership Philosophy: “Head, Heart, and Guts”
Tushar’s leadership philosophy, inspired by DHL’s Leadership attributes, is centered on “Head, Heart, and Guts” He believes that intelligence, symbolized by the head, is essential for informed and strategic decision-making, while empathy, represented by the heart, enables him to connect with the needs of his team and stakeholders, fostering a supportive and motivated environment. Guts i.e. Courage, the final pillar, empowers him to make difficult decisions in critical situations, balancing boldness with compassion. His leadership approach not only drives organizational success but also cultivates a culture of growth and development. Tushar Gunderia places great value on nurturing talent, finding fulfillment in mentoring others, helping them realize their potential, and shaping the next generation of leaders.
A Legacy of Integrity and Compliance
Under Tushar’s reliable stewardship, Blue Dart has consistently upheld the highest regulatory standards, ensuring smooth operations without any significant claims or litigations disrupting its progress. His commitment to transparency, timely and clear disclosures, and a proactive compliance framework has not only protected the company’s reputation but also earned him widespread recognition in both the logistics and legal sectors.
Inspired by Warren Buffet’s profound quote, “It takes 20 years to build a reputation, and only a few minutes to ruin it,” Tushar remains deeply focused on safeguarding Blue Dart’s standing as a trusted and accountable listed entity, ensuring long-term sustainability and stakeholder confidence. His leadership reinforces the core values of integrity and compliance, which are critical for maintaining trust in the market.
Global Recognition and Key Achievements
Tushar’s impact on Blue Dart has been recognized globally. His leadership was integral to Blue Dart winning the prestigious Golden Peacock Award for “Corporate Ethics” in 2019, and the Asia Legal Business Award for excellence in corporate Compliance & Risk Management. These accolades reflect his enduring commitment to ethical governance and excellence. He has also been honored individually as a Legal & Compliance Leader at USB forums, solidifying his status as an influential leader in the field.
Blue Dart, under Tushar’s legal guidance, continues to solidify its position as India’s most trusted logistics service provider. The company’s vast network and robust infrastructure ensure seamless operations across geographies, providing unmatched reliability in express distribution. Tushar’s proudest career moment came when he was honoured with a prestigious invitation from NASDAQ Governance Solutions, and as a part of his welcome, the Blue Dart – DHL brand proudly adorned the iconic NASDAQ tower in Times Square, New York, symbolizing the momentous milestone in the Company’s journey of delivering excellence.
Looking Ahead: AI and the Future of Corporate Governance
As a forward-thinking leader, Tushar Gunderia sees artificial intelligence (AI) playing a crucial role in shaping the future of corporate governance and compliance. He believes Generative AI will revolutionize legal and compliance functions, providing instant access to information and solutions. While acknowledging the risks posed by AI, such as deepfakes and regulatory concerns, Tushar remains optimistic about its potential to solve complex corporate problems, especially in ensuring compliance in a rapidly digitalizing world.
Advice for Future Leaders
Tushar Gunderia’s advice for aspiring leaders is grounded in two key values: Optimism and Empathy, both of which are fundamental to his leadership philosophy. He believes that at the core, all individuals have good intentions, and their actions or behaviors are often shaped by the circumstances they find themselves in. This perspective drives him to approach leadership with deep understanding and compassion, recognizing that challenges people face are temporary, but the way they are treated can have lasting impacts.
For aspiring leaders, Tushar’s guidance is simple yet profound: Always Maintain a Positive Outlook, even in the phase of adversity, and never lose sight of your long-term vision. Setting clear, achievable goals is essential, as it provides a roadmap for success while ensuring that the team stays motivated and focused. Equally important is the ability to build and nurture strong networks—relationships that can offer support, provide new perspectives, and open doors to new opportunities.
