Soft Power Comes from Within: Huma Qureshi on Identity, Craft and Creativity

At a time when industries are being reshaped by constant disruption, the annual eastern region meet of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in Kolkata brought together business and creative leaders to reflect on what it takes to build for the future. Across sessions, one idea remained consistent: growth today must be rooted in trust, adaptability, and a willingness to evolve.

The conference opened with a discussion on building enduring institutions, where leaders stressed that long-term success is anchored in efficiency, strong processes, and stakeholder confidence. Industry voices highlighted that in an increasingly competitive landscape, businesses must balance operational discipline with innovation and a forward-looking mindset.

Conversations also turned to the pace of change, with speakers underlining that stagnation is no longer an option. The ability to take risks, stay agile, and continuously adapt to shifting market realities was seen as critical—not just for growth, but for survival. Leadership, they noted, must be dynamic, evolving alongside technology, consumer expectations, and new economic realities.

A separate session on startups explored how emerging enterprises are navigating rapid scale while maintaining sustainability. Founders and business leaders spoke about the importance of quick decision-making, seamless communication, and adopting new technologies to stay competitive in uncertain times. The emphasis was on cultivating a “growth mindset” and refusing to be limited by constraints.

The tone of the conference shifted in its concluding session, which examined the changing landscape of media, entertainment, and sports—sectors increasingly shaped by global audiences, digital platforms, and technological innovation.

It was here that Huma Qureshi brought a deeply personal and reflective perspective to the conversation. Speaking about her journey in the industry, she highlighted the importance of authenticity and self-awareness in navigating a constantly evolving creative space. “When I started my journey, I was trying to understand how to navigate as a female artist. The more you listen to your inner voice, the more it resonates with you,” she said.

She also spoke about the idea of “soft power,” framing it not as something constructed, but something that emerges organically. For her, versatility and specificity in roles are not just creative choices, but a form of influence—one that quietly shapes narratives and perceptions. Her insights added a human, introspective layer to a conference otherwise driven by strategy and scale.

The session also brought in perspectives from sports and entertainment, with discussions on how India’s cultural footprint is expanding globally. The role of technology, particularly AI, was highlighted as a game-changer—reducing barriers, enabling creators to compete internationally, and transforming both content creation and distribution.

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