From Curiosity to Clarity: Research Insights for Future Leaders

The School of Business & Management–BBA, in collaboration with the Centre for Research, CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Lavasa, organized an engaging and knowledge-driven seminar titled “From Curiosity to Clarity: Research Insights for Future Leaders” on 19th September 2025. The session was conducted in the Auditorium, Management Block, from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM and witnessed the active participation of 202 third-year BBA students. This initiative was timely and relevant as the students are currently working on their Analytics Based Research Project (ABRP), which requires them to conduct individual research and present their findings in the form of academic papers. The seminar aimed to strengthen their understanding of research methodology, improve their writing skills, and highlight the importance of research in leadership and decision-making.

The resource person for the event was Dr. Shoney Sebastian, Professor and Director, Centre for Research, who brought in-depth expertise and practical insights into the discussion. At the outset, Dr. Sebastian explained the importance of curiosity as the foundation of research. He highlighted how curiosity, when systematically developed into a structured inquiry, transforms into clarity and impactful knowledge. This transition, he explained, is crucial not just for academic projects but also for building leadership capacity in the professional world. By linking research to leadership, Dr. Sebastian emphasized that leaders are effective only when they can analyze data, derive insights, and apply them to real-world situations.

The session then focused on understanding research insights, where students were introduced to different stages of the research process, including identifying a research problem, formulating objectives, conducting literature reviews, designing methodology, and analyzing results. Dr. Sebastian illustrated these concepts with relatable examples from management studies and business contexts, making it easier for students to connect theoretical frameworks with practical applications. He stressed the importance of clarity in defining research questions and the necessity of critical thinking to interpret results accurately.

Moving to the theme of practical applications of research in leadership, Dr. Sebastian explained how decision-making in organizations is increasingly driven by research-based evidence. He underlined that future leaders need to develop not only technical skills but also an analytical mindset to interpret research findings and use them for innovation, strategy, and problem-solving. The session highlighted that research is not confined to academic submissions; rather, it is a lifelong tool for effective leadership and professional success.

An interactive Q&A segment was a significant part of the seminar. Students actively engaged with the speaker, raising queries about challenges they face in research writing, data collection, and analysis. Dr. Sebastian patiently addressed each question, offering practical tips on avoiding plagiarism, maintaining originality, and structuring research papers effectively. He also shared insights on common mistakes students make while writing and explained strategies for ensuring that their research contributions are meaningful and impactful.

The seminar concluded on a motivational note, with Dr. Sebastian urging students to view research as an opportunity for intellectual growth rather than as a mere academic requirement. Students left the session with a better understanding of how to approach their ABRP projects and a stronger appreciation of research as a skill essential for their academic and professional journeys.

Overall, “From Curiosity to Clarity: Research Insights for Future Leaders” proved to be a highly enriching experience. It not only clarified fundamental concepts of research writing but also inspired students to embrace curiosity, rigor, and critical thinking as core attributes of their academic and leadership development. The session was aligned with the University’s vision of fostering holistic education and ensuring that students are equipped with practical and analytical skills to excel in the future.