By Somdatta Basu
The Collaborative Leadership of Ashok Shah at IACCGH
At a time when global alliances were taking center stage, Ashok Shah’s leadership at the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Houston (IACCGH) made its mark through the power of collaboration and vision-driven decision-making. With beginnings inspired by the likes of the first President of the Chamber, Durga Agarwal and the then Consulate General of India, Rinzing Wangdi, Shah embarked on a journey filled with ambition and a keen sense of purpose. “These individuals laid a formidable foundation, showing me the vast potential of what the Chamber could accomplish,” Shah fondly remembers. Transitioning from a dynamic corporate milieu to the nuanced sphere of a nonprofit was no small feat. Shah was astute enough to recognize the need for collective strength. “By allocating distinct roles to our board members, each one had ownership of a particular project. It wasn’t just about a title but about a genuine responsibility,” Shah pointed out. This innovative methodology didn’t just distribute the workload; it amplified the Chamber’s reach, allowing diverse projects to flourish concurrently. Among the myriad initiatives that blossomed under Shah’s leadership, the standout was undeniably the health partnership between MD Anderson in Houston and Tata Cancer Research in India. This wasn’t just an agreement on paper. To Shah, it symbolized the very essence of the Chamber’s mission: bridging gaps and fostering meaningful international collaborations. He mentions, “Such endeavors showcased the Chamber’s unwavering commitment to global partnerships and the shared objectives of its member countries.”
Another memorable event for Shah was to be invited to attend the White House function “We also sponsored business talk shows showcasing successful entrepreneurs and prominent business figures on a radio platform tailored for the Indian community. This not only celebrated their successes but also offered invaluable insights to listeners, providing them with inspiring narratives to learn from.” Added Shah.
Post his tenure at the IACCGH, Shah’s business trajectory saw a commendable evolution. Drawing from his enriching experiences at the Chamber, he remarked, “The nonprofit world broadened my worldview. It exposed me to diverse sectors, from banking to healthcare, each interaction adding a layer to my understanding and broadening my professional network.”
As for the Chamber’s future, Shah envisions a thriving organization, continually reinventing itself. His advice is both timeless and pertinent: “Engage the youth; their dynamism and fresh perspectives can be the driving force behind novel initiatives. Also, build bridges with other successful chambers, and extract learnings from larger, established entities. After all, growth is an ongoing journey, not a destination.”
Ashok Shah’s journey at the IACCGH is a testament to leadership that prioritizes collaboration over competition. With his insights and the foundation, he has helped lay, the Chamber is on a trajectory towards continued success and growth.