Previous Occupation: Sales and Marketing – Steel Industry (Public Sector – Steel Authority of India Limited)
Present Occupation: Operations - FAO
Sector: Manufacturing (previous) Finance & Accounting Outsourcing (current)
Work Experience: 13 years in manufacturing and 4 years in FAO
Interests – Professional/Personal: Photography & Travel; Reading History

Tell us about yourself and recap your professional life after the ISB including your career progression

I had joined Genpact post my ISB education as AVP of operations. I had a detailed experience in the manufacturing sector, but I started my career in Genpact in the insurance domain and worked in the F&A horizontal. I started with a small team of around 56 people particularly in the area of Account Receivables. Subsequently after a year and a half, I shifted to the pharma domain and continued in the F&A business line. My scope expanded and now I handle a larger team of 180 people and have been associated across all the areas of FAO industry. I have also been instrumental in driving growth in my account by mining customers and also carrying out due diligence for some of the transition. I have also been able to implement certain business impact targets for the customer and garner revenue against certain re-engineering assignments.

What was your key take-away from the ISB?

One of the most important learnings from the ISB was to understand the international environment. I had virtually no international experience to start with but even with this changed scenario, I have been able to fit in seamlessly for which I have to give due credit to the ISB. The other important aspect of my learning from the ISB was the critical thinking. I have started appreciating the fluidity which exists in the business environment and how as business managers, we need to engage in shaping the environment around us rather than reacting to it. The case-based education ingrains a thought methodology which is an important takeaway for any student from the ISB. Furthermore, peer interaction helps enrich your thought process and takes the argument to the next level.

How do you think the ISB has contributed to your career growth?

The ISB has provided me with the flexibility to become domain independent. It has also given me a world- class education in India at a very competitive price. The education has provided me with opportunities which under normal circumstances would have probably remained unreachable through the traditional route.

What is your vision for the School?

The school is evolving with time. There are a number of accolades which the school has attained in a very short period of time. What is important is sustainability with the same spirit over a much longer period of time. I would also like to see the school partnering with a number of local industries and doing some very fundamental research in this area. I am sure there is a lot which is happening, but some of the areas which I find quite relevant and requires investment of sharp mind could be: uplifting India’s infrastructure; re-engineering and back office outsourcing – can the twain meet; Changing demographics around the world – could that be an opportunity in India; Inclusive Growth, etc.

What are the strengths that the School can leverage upon and areas it can improve?

The alum network is one of the most important strengths. Within no time, there are a number of alums who are going to hold key positions in the industry which the school should leverage.

How do you think alums can associate with the School or alum’s role in building the School?

There are forums like the annual Alum’s meet  which do provide opportunities. There are a number of them who are already investing a lot of time and effort, for the school. I am sure over time that you will find a critical mass of Alum who are professionally accomplished and would make philanthropic contributions to the School.

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