Interview of Mr. Vidyut Shenoy
Company- Idham Business Innovations Pvt Ltd
1. Tell us something about yourself?
I am an Electrical Engineering graduate of Mumbai University (SPCE, 1980) and hold a PGDM (MBA) from IIMC, Kolkata (1984). I worked in the IT sector from 1980 right until 2002, before embarking on my entrepreneurial venture. I have worked with reputed organizations in India and abroad (Patni Computers, Wipro, Motorola and Aztecsoft) in various capacities .. Software development, Customer Support, Sales, Marketing, Training and general management, at different levels of management including in Senior Management roles. Apart from India, I have lived in 2 countries, have trained people in 11 more countries. I have been to 16 countries in all. I retain a keen interest in music, reading and social work.
2. What is management according to you?
It is the ability to utilize resources (human and others) available at your disposal to achieve company objectives in the short term and the vision in the long term, with the least dissonance and maximum efficiency.
3. What is your philosophy towards work?
Goal and growth oriented, people focused. I believe in a seamless movement between people and task orientation … remembering that people are key to business success
4. Describe the change in the management situation you have experienced till date?
Earlier management used to be responding to each situation, and trying to piece everything together into some kind of pattern at a later stage. Conformance to global norms was rare. It has changed into deep focus on conformance to global standards, deployment of global management techniques, often without any customization to local needs. The aim of today’s management is to initiate a change rather than respond to environmental changes as in the past. The value systems of people have undergone a sea change, with craving for material benefits far outweighing the appeal of intrinsic human values such as concern for others and social causes. Work content too is dispensable for higher compensation.
5. What motivates you to do your best on the job?
Challenging work, forays into new areas, intelligent & accomplished peers, global networking, the opportunity to make a difference.
6. Tell me about the most fun you have had on the job?
Celebrating victories that came in the face of daunting odds. The camaraderie that comes from the knowledge that we all contributed, and just being part of the achiever group was reward enough. Visiting new international locations on business, making friends in faraway places, understanding local customs and tasting international cuisine were part of the good perks of corporate life.
7. “Earning in 6 digits” is the motive behind doing MBA? Is it justifiable?
At the starting level it is perhaps the only motivator for most. But continued pursuance of higher compensation defeats the purpose of good management. Once the immediate need of salary is satisfied, a good manager must focus on grooming subordinates, achieving excellence, building organizations, helping the environment, taking up social causes and be a net contributor to society. Long term focus on extracting higher salaries can cause severe erosion of moral values and cause organizational discord.
8. Do you think the MBA course curriculum is at par with industry expectations?
No. It is too theoretical and fails on the application aspect. Also key employability attributes such as fitting into an organization, taking initiative, working in teams and translating corporate dictates into work at an individual level appear to be missing. The MBA curriculum builds lone rangers, but not good corporate citizens.
9. What suggestions would you like to give to enhance MBA today?
Focus on communication skills, working with others (perhaps through group projects), evolve new theories especially for the Indian landscape, take a longer term view rather than a quarter, encourage participation in industry (or in simulations), move away from the text book … immerse students in reality. Enhance awareness of the world at large and focus on human relationships. Make students aware of the real competitive world outside academia.
10. Is the Name of the Institute from where a student does his/her MBA important while entering into corporate world?
Yes, but only as a door opener. It would be foolish to expect that to be the only qualification for growth. Rising in the corporate world is determined only by performance on the job and ability to get with peers and other associates.
11. What message would you like to give to the students aspiring to work at management level?
Be willing to change and learn. Have pride in your work, whatever it is and attempt to excel at it. Avoid treading on someone else’s toes (they will have their revenge when the stakes are higher) and be genuinely good so that you have a clear conscience.
12. What are your views on the Entrance Exams for Professionals courses?
They focus too much on speed and very little on assessing intelligence and application. Also there are too many of them.
13. What do Corporate’s expect from MBA professionals?
The following :
- Performing without being asked
- Taking initiative
- Harmonious working with others
- Ability to be self critical and self driven
- Innovation
- Continual improvement
- Sharing of ideas, resources and knowledge
- Goal orientation
14. What piece of advice would you give to a student aspiring for an MBA?
Don’t expect the red carpet …. you need to work hard to deserve it. Be aware that your knowledge is miniscule and there are others who know much more than you. Keep your humility intact and be ready to help and willing to learn.
15. "Managementparadise.com has been helping management students from the past 6 years. So according to you, how is MP and what you like in MP? Any suggestions for us?
I was not aware of MP until your message. Convey to MBA aspirants that they should not expect any benefits only because they have an MBA degree (wherever it is from). Educate them that a manager is a function and not a lofty position that grants automatic glory. To be a manager means to be accepted by those who report to you and that acceptance has to be earned through work.
Thank you so much for giving us your valuable time.