Ratnakar Gore - Class of 2008
Partner - Logistics Practice, 7Hills Business Solutions

Ratnakar Gore is an alumnus of the Class of 2008. Having been in the field of technology solutions for a long period of time, he is now an expert on the Logistics and Supply Chain Management front. This gradual career change happened after he joined the ISB. To know more, read along:

Technology to Logistics & Supply Chain Management- A career shift?

I would not really consider this to be a career shift. This is only the identification of the domain/industry in which you provide solutions. Since every technologist provides solutions within a particular domain/industry, over a period of time, you get to understand more and more about that particular domain. That is how the domain shift happens.

Over the last 15 years, I have worked in Transportation, PLM, BFSI and Supply Chain domains. Of these, based on interest as well as opportunities, I was involved in strategic roles in the technology services companies in the supply chain domain. Thus, I got involved with Supply Chain consulting.

Your take on the future prospects of Logistics & Supply Chain Management

Logistics and Supply Chain Management is set to grow, especially in India. In the west, the supply chain functions for most of the companies are fairly organised. On the other hand, the supply chain and logistics functions of different industries in India are dependent on the fairly unorganised logistics/supply chain service provider industry. Lately, we have witnessed consolidation within the logistics industry. Further, with a boom in the infrastructure sector in the country, it is imperative that road transportation gets more and more organised. This augurs well for the logistics and supply chain management functions in the industry.

Striking a balance between professional and personal life

Balancing professional and personal life is a matter of choice and priority. Under the pressures of professional commitments, it is very easy to get carried away in following the much abused lifestyle of Indian IT service companies where one is expected to be available 24x7. I, consciously, work only from Monday to Friday, with the weekends being only for family and other personal commitments. It is necessary to follow this as it keeps me charged to overcome the proverbial Monday Morning Blues.

Life at the ISB

Life at the ISB was a very exhilarating experience. Be it the constant need to catch up with the hectic schedule or the desire to keep up with the demands of being the President of a student club. There were times when you really felt the need of an additional hour. Having your family on campus makes it easier to unwind (whenever there was an opportunity), recharge your batteries and be ready to face the next set of challenges. In a nutshell, life at the ISB was hectic but enjoyable.

Your takeaways from the School

Key takeaway from the ISB has been the ability to look at problems and issues from a business point of view. It is not that one uses the learning from the ISB on a daily basis; however it is the ability to apply these learning to tackle various business problems. Having your ideas and thoughts questioned by your batch mates, the opportunity to interact with a whole bunch of diverse professional as well as the best-of-the-best in faculty, all year round, enhances the learning. Additionally, the ISB gives you the opportunity to be part of a vibrant fraternity of ISB alumni, which I am very proud of.

Most memorable experience at the ISB

It is very difficult to identify the most unforgettable experience when the entire year is a memorable one. To name a few, the registration day that brought 400 odd students under one roof and the day I got elected to the post of BTC President. I felt jubilant when I received the ‘Torchbearer Award’. It felt great during the inauguration of Class of 2008 lounge. Solstice 2007 was a memorable event. I was overjoyed during the Graduation Day 2008. On the personal front, I felt proud as a father when I saw my five year old daughter perform on stage and the entire Khemka cheered for her.