India
8 min read

Nandan Nilekani

Infosys
Co-Founder and Public-Digital Architect
Contributors
Phoenix Baker
Product Manager
Lana Steiner
Product Designer
Drew Cano
Frontend Engineer
Subscribe to our newsletter
Read about our privacy policy.
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Situational Background

Nandan Nilekani, Infosys co-founder and public-digital architect, blends systems thinking with civic purpose. He communicates complex ideas simply, builds platforms that others can use, and invites scrutiny. Nilekani’s style is inclusive, patient, and relentlessly practical: open standards, small steps, steady momentum. Distinctive for marrying public interest with private discipline, he shows how clarity, openness, and long-term stewardship can scale change anywhere.

Practical Leadership Principles

1) Build for others to build on.


Design platforms and processes that enable many.


Behaviours to model:

  • Publish clear interfaces (how to use, how to contribute).
  • Separate policy from implementation details.
  • Share learnings openly.

2) Narrative clarity.


Make the story understandable to non-experts.


Behaviours to model:

  • Use a one-page “problem → approach → benefits” note.
  • Replace jargon with examples.
  • Repeat the message across forums.

3) Patience with iteration.


Progress is a loop, not a leap.


Behaviours to model:

  • Ship small increments; document outcomes.
  • Invite external challenge pre- and post-launch.
  • Adjust without drama when facts change.

Call to action

Write a one-page public narrative for your next initiative, define the smallest usable first step, and name who else can build on it.