Gnanam School of Business organized an inspiring Coffee Table Talk session on December 05, 2025, at the GSB Auditorium, featuring Shri. M. Soma Sundaram, Managing Director, AMMAN TRY Group, Trichy. The session was moderated by Dr. S.P.S. Aruldoss, CEO & Director, GSB.

Shri. Soma Sundaram delivered an impactful discussion on the evolving steel industry, leadership excellence, and the strategies that drive sustainable industrial transformation. He introduced the Fe415 variant, explaining its purpose, structural importance, and the need to create greater awareness about the right steel grades for safe and long-lasting construction.

He highlighted challenges within the construction ecosystem, stressing the importance of educating engineers, builders, and consumers about quality standards. He stated that his priority is to enhance and regularize the steel industry, thereby contributing to industry growth and societal safety.

Addressing the strategic obstacles faced by AMMAN TRY, he explained the branding, operational, and market-driven decisions that helped position the company as a benchmark in the steel sector. His discussion included insights on advertising strategy, trust-building, and customer-centric innovation.

One of the key highlights of the session was his announcement that the organization has successfully created 2,000 employment opportunities, demonstrating his commitment to social upliftment and inclusive industrial development.

During the interactive Q&A, when asked, “As a leader, which is more difficult — managing people or managing the market?”, he delivered a thoughtful response. He explained that managing the market is more challenging, as market preferences continuously evolve, consumer expectations shift, and global strategies change rapidly. Unlike people who can be trained and developed, the market demands constant adaptation. He emphasized that effective leadership requires staying alert, embracing change, and continuously evolving strategies to match dynamic market conditions. He also added that he is always prepared to face these changes with resilience and adaptability.

Students engaged enthusiastically throughout the session, exploring themes of operational challenges, leadership mindset, and the future of industrial innovation. His practical experiences and visionary ideas offered students a deeper understanding of how traditional sectors can adopt modern business strategies.

The Coffee Table Talk initiative continues to provide GSB students with a valuable platform to interact with industry leaders, bridging academic learning with real-world insights.