ITC Business Council – Dr George Varghese

Dr. George Varghese – Member of the Business Council for Emerging Markets and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)

Dr. George Varghese is a seasoned professional with unique expertise in business psychology, international trade strategy, and SME development. He holds a Ph.D. in Psychology and brings over 20 years of experience to his work, guiding businesses toward success in a globalized economy. Dr. Varghese’s journey began during India’s economic reforms, where he witnessed the growing importance of mental health in organizational performance. His early work in mental health counseling fueled his passion for integrating well-being into corporate strategies. He recognized the challenges SMEs face, particularly in accessing global markets and managing risk, leading him to advise businesses on operational efficiency, risk management, and workforce development.

His approach to business strategy is holistic, balancing corporate wellness, trade strategies, and sustainable growth. Dr. Varghese views organizations as complex systems, like quantum systems, where small changes can have significant effects. This understanding allows him to create strategies that align corporate wellness with business goals, building resilience, optimizing productivity, and navigating a globalized economy.

Throughout his career, Dr. Varghese has empowered over 200 SMEs to expand globally, resulting in a 25% increase in export revenue and job creation. He has developed mental health programs for C-suite executives, improving leadership effectiveness by 20% and reducing burnout by 15%. His efforts have attracted $110 million in private investment through public-private partnerships, impacting 45,000 individuals. He has also led educational audits and reforms that improved student performance by 25% and enhanced teacher training for 200 educators. Furthermore, Dr. Varghese has helped Indian businesses develop trade risk management frameworks, reducing financial losses by 35% during economic crises.

Academic Contributions and Research
Dr. Varghese’s academic contributions include research on “Contribution of Continuous Skills Development to Company Performance – An Indian SME Perspective during Recession,” published in a UGC-sponsored national seminar. Additionally, he has explored broader socio-economic issues in works like “Unraveling the Threads of Unemployment: A Comprehensive Analysis of the Indian Scenario,” presented at the International Transdisciplinary Conference on Vikshit Bharat@2027. His research on mental health is reflected in “Studying the Relationship between Perceived Obstacles, Learned Helplessness, and Mental Health among Youth of Western Maharashtra,” published in the International Journal of Education and Science Research Review. Other work includes “Concept of Well-being in Relation to Mental Health and Quality of Life,” presented at the International Conference on New Horizons in Science, Engineering, Management, and Humanities, and “The Dropout Phenomenon: An Overview,” published in the International Journal of Indian Psychology.

Having witnessed the transformation of international trade and business psychology, Dr. Varghese highlights the rise of e-commerce, globalization, and mental health awareness as key trends. Looking ahead, he anticipates increased digitalization in trade, with AI and blockchain playing central roles. He sees a growing emphasis on leadership wellness, sustainability in trade practices, and further integration of digital skills and entrepreneurship into education.

Dr. Varghese advises those entering these fields to embrace continuous learning and cultivate a global mindset. He emphasizes the importance of resilience in overcoming challenges, advocating for a solution-focused mindset, collaboration, and adaptability. He believes in learning from setbacks and constantly innovating.

Inspired by leaders who champion human-centric approaches, Dr. Varghese admires Dr. Daniel Goleman’s work on emotional intelligence, Ratan Tata’s focus on leadership with humility and ethics, Christine Lagarde’s diplomatic strength, Dr. Deepak Chopra’s holistic approach to well-being, and Dr. George Engel’s biopsychosocial model. Outside of his professional endeavors, Dr. Varghese is a voracious reader with diverse interests, including psychology, global trade, ancient philosophy, and quantum physics. He practices clinical psychology techniques and Iyengar yoga to manage personal and professional challenges and enjoys traveling to immerse himself in different cultures, which further informs his work.

Dr. George Varghese stands as a leading figure in business psychology and international trade strategy. His dedication to a holistic approach, combined with his vast experience and passion for learning, positions him to continue guiding businesses and leaders towards success in a globalized and ever-evolving world.