Emptying the Glass

A continuous improvement leader whose approach to change is to unlearn, understand and co-create

As Director and Head of Continuous Improvement at Maersk GSC, A.P. Moller – Maersk, Mr. Joshi advocates a structured approach to operational excellence that prioritises eliminating waste, establishing usable standards, and then leveraging automation and AI. His approach focuses on balancing standardisation with flexibility to address business and customer needs while creating opportunities for sustainable improvement.

With a leadership philosophy centred on unlearning, understanding, and co-creation, Mr. Onil Joshi, recognised as one of the Transformation Leader of the Year 2026, shares his perspective on the leadership qualities that will matter most in the years ahead in an exclusive conversation with Corporate TrendZ:

“One practice I follow as a leader is what I call ‘emptying my glass.’ Imagine two glasses, both completely full of water. If you pour water from one into the other, it spills because there is no room left. I think leadership works the same way. After decades of experience, our mental glasses can become full. So, while continuous learning is important, I believe unlearning is equally important because it creates space for something new. Once I create that space, I ask questions and reflect. I try to understand what is really happening across People, Processes and Technology before deciding what needs to change. Too often, leaders begin with a predetermined solution and then face resistance. For me, leadership is about three things: Unlearn, Understand and Co-Create. You first create space, then understand the reality, and finally work with people to build the right change in the context of the business vision.”

🏆 Transformation Leader of the Year 2026 — Mr. Onil Joshi, Director, Head of Continuous Improvement, Maersk GSC at A.P. Moller – Maersk. ✨