The Department of Management & Commerce at Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning conducted ‘Launchpad-to-Success’, a four-day induction program from July 3-6, 2024, for first-year MBA students at the Brindavan Campus. The orientation included talks by seven eminent industry speakers and a bridge course on financial accountancy for non-commerce students held in the afternoons.
Summary of Talks:
3 July 2024
Mr. Srinivasa Raghavan, a retired CFO with over 35 years of experience, delivered an inspiring talk titled “Raise Your Hands.” Key takeaways included the importance of simple and effective communication, challenging oneself, embracing constant change, doing what is right, being receptive to ideas, moving beyond one’s function, continuous learning, seeking regular feedback, planning for the future, and managing key stakeholders.
4 July 2024
Mr. Vaidyanathan R (Vaidy) Iyer, Training & Placement Officer, SSSIHL, emphasized that an MBA is not just about subject knowledge but also about acquiring essential corporate skills. He highlighted integrity, effective communication, respectful disagreement, professionalism, continuous learning, attention to detail, and developing leadership rather than authoritative skills. These are the qualities that organizations expect from MBA graduates to thrive in a corporate environment.
Mr. Viswas Polepalli, Vice-President, Account Management Services, Teikametrics India Solutions Pvt. Ltd., shared his insights on digital trends, highlighting the evolution from commerce to e-commerce to quick-commerce, driven by pervasive technology and innovation. His perspectives on the rapid advancements in digital commerce provided the students with a deeper understanding of the current and future landscape.
5 July 2024
Mr. Sai Kiran K, Head – Executive Search, C2X, delivered an insightful session emphasizing the importance of staying informed about current events to maintain human relations, the necessity of lifelong learning, shifting focus from degrees to skills, and the evolving philosophy of equal pay for equal work. He also highlighted the future of AI and humans working together to create autonomous businesses, referring students to the World Economic Forum Flagship Report, June 2024.
Mr. Prasad Katta, Co-founder & COO of Cogos Technologies Pvt. Ltd., emphasized the holistic approach to management as envisioned by Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, Founder Chancellor of SSSIHL. He articulated that an MBA is about mastering the art of Man Management, understanding and nurturing unique skills and talents. Fostering a collaborative environment where individuals grow together, the focus is on synchronizing efforts to maximize contributions. Mr. Katta highlighted how Swami’s teachings continue to inspire and guide MBA students, emphasizing the importance of empathy, understanding, and the harmonious blending of diverse capabilities.
6 July 2024
Mr. Arunkumar N T Member, Board of Director & Strategic Advisor in several companies, addressed the topic “The Future of Work,” discussing how managers today grow ideas, businesses, teams, and profits non-linearly by distinguishing between data, facts, and truth. This critical skill helps in making informed decisions and driving innovation.
Mr. Anand Nergunam S, Vice-President – Revenue Management & Growth, Zoho Corporation, enlightened students on the importance of identifying and developing their core competencies as they prepare to transition from campus to corporate life. He emphasized self-assessment and seeking feedback to uncover unique skills, talents, and strengths. By focusing on these areas, students can enhance their performance, achieve personal and professional growth, and create a competitive advantage in their careers.
The event was a comprehensive introduction to the MBA journey, preparing students to navigate their academic and professional paths with confidence.
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