3 min read

Member Case Study

Member Case Study

Meet Capt. Pappu Sastry, a global CEO and entrepreneur whose leadership journey spans continents and industries. As a member of The CEO Institute’s virtual CEO Syndicate group, Capt. Sastry connects monthly with fellow CEOs from across Australia and around the world to share ideas, challenge perspectives, and continuously refine his approach to leadership. In this case study, he reflects on the powerful role peer-to-peer support has played in navigating career transitions, launching ventures, and shaping a leadership style grounded in clarity and long-term vision.

 

Can you briefly describe your business and your role within the company? 

I am the founder and CEO of Adhira Shipping and Logistics DMCC (ASL), a Dubai based mining logistics management company that is focussed on mined commodities in Africa.

 

How long have you been a member of The CEO Institute, and what initially led you to join? 

I joined The CEO Institute during the Covid period in 2020, while I was serving as CEO of a large conglomerate involved in coal logistics in Indonesia. At the time, I was seeking self-improvement methods to become more capable and be considered “Director material.” I stumbled upon The CEO Institute and was intrigued by the CEO cohort interactions promised through the Institute’s structure. After the initial introductions, what appealed to me even more was the opportunity to benefit from virtual bonding sessions with like-minded CEOs and to ultimately become a ‘certified’ CEO. This pathway seemed to offer a more profound way of engaging with and understanding the thought processes across a variety of industries.

 

What industry is your business in, and what are some of the key challenges unique to your sector? 

I was a sailing Captain and spent 14 years at sea before coming ashore to take up a managerial role at a small shipping company in Hong Kong. I went on to run my own business for 10 years, focusing on shipping and ship management - an area where I could apply my seafaring knowledge within the broader range of services expected of a Ship Captain. Over the years, I experienced many small successes, but also faced cycles of failure that led me to reinvent myself through a full-time MBA program at the age of 42.

After completing the MBA, I re-entered the corporate world, where I encountered a more bureaucratic approach to problem-solving, with limited emphasis on entrepreneurial thinking. In a sector as old and traditional as shipping, the challenge lies in the deeply ingrained systematic thinking. While technological advances are often driven by external forces, the core way of doing business remains largely unchanged. Thought leadership and business model innovation are rare, as anything unfamiliar tends to be rejected in favour of the industry’s long-standing traditional practices.

 

How has your experience with The CEO Institute contributed to overcoming these challenges? 

The challenge of the industry isn’t something a self-improvement plan like The CEO Institute directly resolves - but I believe The CEO Institute offers something more personal and holistic. Its impact is long-lasting, helping address challenges not by prescribing solutions, but by focusing on what’s best for you as an individual. The continual exposure to different mindsets and diverse approaches to problem-solving has supported the development of foundational thought leadership. Over the past four years, I’ve only attended virtual sessions and have never met any of the members in person, yet during this time I’ve become an entrepreneur again, launched a low-key start-up in a new country, completed a few M&A transactions, entered and exited a joint venture, and am now working towards taking the new venture public. I can confidently say there has been a subtle but significant shift in how I handle situations, define my vision, plan for the long term, and lead with greater clarity.

 

Can you share a particular moment or insight from your membership that made a significant difference in your business?

There are several of the lecture sessions that have shaped the approach I would take to a situation or a business. The teaching sessions on Economics, Strategy, AI, China and even behavioral aspects is all helpful. 

 

How has the peer-to-peer support from other business leaders helped shape your decisions and strategies?

The main driver of change has been the peer-to-peer interactions in the meetings. These private and confidential discussions can cover everything from complex business dilemmas to matters of personal etiquette. The diverse perspectives within the group of professionals enrich each conversation and help surface the most appropriate path forward in any given context. The personal bonding that has developed within the group - and the formation of what feels like lifelong virtual friendships - means I genuinely look forward to these interactions and make it a point to attend every meeting, even when travelling across time zones. This support network becomes especially valuable during the more isolating moments of a CEO’s journey. Unlike the unsolicited advice that CEOs often receive, the guidance within the group comes from a place of genuine care, backed by experience, and often accompanied by tangible support.

 

Why would you recommend The CEO Institute to other business leaders seeking growth and peer support? 

The CEO position in any company is earned through years of experience - ironically, most of it spent not being a CEO. There are no universal standards that define how a CEO should operate; instead, industry norms and company culture often shape the way CEOs make decisions and set direction. The CEO Institute helps bridge this gap by offering a framework of standards and support. It serves as a self-improvement platform for current CEOs, providing a private and secure environment to think clearly and connect with other CEOs across similar or diverse industries for meaningful peer-to-peer brainstorming. Leadership at the top can be isolating, and CEOs must constantly adapt to change and anticipate future disruptions. The expert-led training sessions offer practical insights to help navigate these shifts. Each CEO Institute meeting delivers bite-sized yet impactful information -ideal for busy leaders managing growing businesses. The small virtual group format creates a valuable space to learn, grow, adapt, improve, and mature in the CEO role.

 

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