What was your job profile before the ISB?

I was working with McCann Erickson in a client servicing role. Outside of the client management bit, I also worked on the consumer insights team. In terms of functional exposure, it was about brand development, brand activation and a whole lot of Ops !

Please tell us a little bit about your ISB experience.              

What I will always remember about the ISB experience is the diversity in the peer group – diversity in backgrounds, experience, geographies, language and thought. I really enjoyed this exposure …..this is what has helped me appreciate better the different nuances of how a business functions.

But 6 years on, I have to say that the personal and professional network you cultivate is what will really stay on.

Tell us about your current role.

As a Product Manager, I am responsible for developing and growing the business of my product portfolio. This requires involvement in all aspects - right from consumer research, advertisement, packaging solutions, POP to supply chain & logistics – basically everything required to grow share and deliver a P&L.

What are the learnings and challenges in the role?

In my current role, I see two main challenges. First is the functional challenge that involves understanding the consumer, her interaction with the category, and creating relevance for the brand. As easy as it seems in theory, you find that it is an ever evolving game.

The second challenge is having to co-ordinate, communicate and collaborate with a multiple no. of stakeholders in the business.  I have to continually work with the finance team, packaging team, marketing research group, the sales team, agency etc. The challenge is to ensure the right communication to all, ensuring alignment towards a common interest, and getting everyone to act towards that common goal, in a timely fashion. Still figuring out how to get stuff done on time.

Both of the above have also become my learnings.

What advice would you give to the current students?

Just want to share a few points from a career decision making point of view.

I think whats really important is to be sure of what you really want to do professionally. Most people choose / switch-to a function or industry, because of what they hear of it – mostly in third person. Its really important for you to understand how this function/ industry works, and see if you have the skills and aptitude to deal with it. I get really surprised when someone says they are interested in a sales and marketing career, but have a problem in relocating / working in multiple geographies. That is inherent to this function ! I’m sure there are similar examples for every other industry / function.  So do this research it and do it well.

Also understand how different companies operate and have realistic expectations. There are many companies that will only start with a sales role; there are many companies that only recruit at a mgmt trainee level; if you are really interested in that organization / industry, its important to understand the trade-offs you will need to make right from the start. I went from SV 2 to a rural stint in Chattisgarh straight up – trust me, you have to be ready from the start !

Could you tell us something about Colgate Palmolive India Ltd’s selection process?

The last year it was held, the selection process was conducted in 4 steps. An aptitude test followed by a management game, case discussion and a final interview.

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