Sanjeev Krishnan at BT MindRush 2025: Turn VUCA Chaos Into Growth

Sanjeev Krishnan sees disruption as a chance to rethink business, not a problem.

  • Sanjeev Krishnan sees disruption as a chance to rethink business, not a problem.
  • He shares a five-step plan: adapt fast, focus on customers, stay tough, use tech, and team up.
  • Examples like Zoom and Netflix show how change can lead to big wins.

At BT MindRush 2025, Sanjeev Krishnan, PwC India Chairperson, spoke about thriving in a wild world of volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity (VUCA). He said today’s fast-moving disruptions aren’t new, but they hit harder and quicker than ever. Instead of fearing them, he urged businesses to see VUCA economics as a golden opportunity to shake things up, break old habits, and find new ways to grow.

Krishnan laid out a simple five-step plan to succeed. First, adapt quickly—Zoom boomed during COVID by making fast calls with good data. Second, put customers first—India’s e-commerce sites prove guessing what people want next can create whole new markets. Third, build resilience—strong companies use tough times to get ahead with flexible plans. Fourth, lean on technology—it’s both the spark and the fix, helping firms scale up fast. Finally, work together—India’s digital success shows how teaming up with government and startups drives big progress.

He pointed to real wins like Airbnb and Uber, born from shaky economies, or Netflix, which ditched DVDs for streaming. Krishnan said these show disruption isn’t a dead end—it’s a starting line. He wrapped up pushing leaders to jump on chances now, not just ride out the storm. With the right moves, he believes businesses can turn VUCA chaos into power, especially as global shifts reward those ready to change.