Cohesion Talk Series
Presentation topic:
Leadership in Retrospect: Lessons from the Journey
Mr. Rintu Stephen
Associate Director - Manufacturing Presales at LTI Mindtree
Date: 14th-May-2025
Presentation Summary:
- 60-70% of learning comes from classes.
- PR role to be unbiased, proactive, and opportunity-driven, with ~40% time dedicated to alumni, industry connects, and guest engagement.
- Alumni reputation directly impacts company perception; best connect window is June - August; build cross-program networks (e.g., MBAEX).
- Strengthen articulation, delivery, and business fundamentals (corporate finance, stakeholder management) to boost placement readiness.
The discussion outlined a comprehensive strategy for maximizing learning, networking, and placement outcomes for the PGPEX-VLM batch. It was stressed that 60–70% of learning will happen through classroom sessions, but value-added interventions like scheduling Mr. Rintu’s session as the very first in Term 0 can significantly enhance the foundation for incoming batches. The Public Relations (PR) function was positioned as a central pillar of the batch’s success — one that demands unbiased and selfless execution, a proactive approach to engaging with guests and industry leaders, and a clear focus on generating career opportunities. Approximately 40% of PR’s time should be allocated to strengthening alumni and corporate relations, as alumni perception plays a direct role in shaping company impressions of the batch.
The session highlighted June to August as the “sweet spot” for alumni engagement and advised leveraging this period to secure the course’s place in Tier 1 institution lists. Building collaborative networks with other programs like MBAEX was encouraged, breaking down ego barriers and exploring joint activities such as case studies, competitions, and social events. On the career front, the need to develop strong articulation, structured delivery, and business fundamentals — including corporate finance and stakeholder management — was underscored as a historical gap that needs to be addressed. The placement process was described as fast-paced and sometimes unpredictable, with CV shortlisting often happening within 30 seconds. Participants were advised to start early, prepare targeted resumes for niche industries like energy and metallurgy, and capitalize on opportunities in digital, domain consulting, and generic manufacturing roles. Above all, in-person networking and interviews were recommended over virtual formats to maximize conversion rates and leave a lasting impression on recruiters.
Presentation topic:
Echoes of Experience: Insights that inspire
Mr. Shivanand Pathak
COO, MSP Sponge Iron Ltd
Date: 17th-May-2025
Presentation Summary:
- VLM Journey & Career Pathways - Experiences from Hindustan Zinc to VLM, UPSC preparation, Kama Ayurveda, and MSP Steel, underscoring adaptability, horizontal growth, and the transformative nature of the VLM program.
- Leadership as a Learned Skill - Highlighted that leadership goes beyond titles, requiring clarity amidst chaos, trust-building, root cause analysis, and data-backed decision-making.
- Strategy in Action - Stressed that strategy means nothing without disciplined execution, alignment, ownership, and living it through everyday actions.
- Lifelong Learning Mindset - Advocated for unlearning, relearning, openness to new perspectives, and active engagement beyond the classroom.
Mr. Pathak’s journey reflected a remarkable adaptability, moving from Hindustan Zinc to preparing for the UPSC, then leading operations at Kama Ayurveda during the challenges of COVID-19, and now heading key functions at MSP Steel & Power Ltd. These transitions underscored the importance of being able to pivot, embrace horizontal growth, and thrive in dynamic environments.
He emphasized that leadership is not innate but cultivated; built on trust, clarity in uncertain situations, and the discipline to address the root cause before making decisions. Data, they stressed, is the most critical element in effective decision-making. On strategy, they were unequivocal: without disciplined execution, alignment across teams, and ownership of responsibilities, even the best plans remain ineffective.
The speaker encouraged participants to be perpetual learners, to unlearn outdated practices, relearn new methods, and stay open to diverse perspectives. They advised prioritizing challenges, thinking long-term, and focusing on building strong relationships with peers, seeing batchmates as allies for life. They also urged participants to look beyond credentials and packages, instead valuing depth of experience and sustainable growth.
The session reinforced that PGPEX-VLM is not merely an academic pursuit but a leadership incubator shaping mindsets that think strategically, act with purpose, and adapt to changing realities. It was an engaging and thought-provoking interaction that left the cohort inspired to apply these lessons in their professional and personal growth journeys.
Presentation topic:
Supply Chain Resilience in Healthcare
Mr. Saumya Mitra
Planning Leader, BD (PGPEX-VLM Batch 05)
Date: 29th-June-2025
Presentation Summary:
- Used real-world cases like the Ever Given blockage and Baltimore bridge collapse to illustrate the impact of supply chain disruptions.
- Discussed evolving healthcare logistics — reverse flows, hospital expansion into tier-2 and tier-3 cities, and the rise of protectionism in global trade.
- Highlighted sustainability and extended producer responsibility as growing imperatives.
- Shared career guidance on role selection, timing of specialization, and aligning with industry expectations.
- Emphasized resilience as an essential leadership skill in uncertain environments.
In his engaging session on Supply Chain Resilience in Healthcare, Mr. Saumya Mitra drew from high-impact global events, such as the Ever Given incident and the Baltimore bridge collapse, to demonstrate the real-world consequences of disruptions in supply chains. He examined shifting dynamics in healthcare logistics, including the growing role of reverse flows, hospital expansion into emerging cities, and the influence of protectionist trade policies. Sustainability and extended producer responsibility emerged as critical trends reshaping the sector.
Mr. Mitra also offered valuable career insights, helping participants understand when to specialize, which roles to target, and how to align skills with industry needs. He underscored resilience as a non-negotiable leadership capability, particularly in today’s volatile global environment.
Key operational takeaways included the value of control towers and a single source of truth in data management, aligning demand and supply planning with business goals, and prioritizing manufacturing strategy with long-term consistency. The session blended strategic concepts with practical execution, leaving participants with both actionable knowledge and renewed confidence to tackle complex challenges in healthcare supply chains.
Presentation topic:
Digitization in Core Manufacturing: Vision vs. Ground Realities
Mr. K. Siva Raman
Senior General Manager, Wheels India Ltd
Date: 16th-June-2025
Presentation Summary:
- VLMP Principles & Manufacturing Shift - From high-volume to high-mix with ESG focus.
- Digital Transformation - Pace, challenges, and future skill needs.
- Leadership & Career Growth - Lifelong learning, adaptability, and empathy.
Mr. K. Siva Raman delivered a pragmatic and insightful session, beginning with the foundational principles of VLMP — “NMA, TTT, PTB” — and emphasizing their powerful real-world relevance.
He structured his talk around three key themes: manufacturing realities, digitization, and VLM leadership. He discussed the industry's shift from low-mix, high-volume production to high-mix, low-volume models, driven by increasing customer demand for comprehensive, end-to-end solutions. He also stressed the importance of the operational dimensions of variety, variance, and volume, alongside the growing emphasis on environment, society, and governance (ESG).
Mr. Siva Raman explained the pace of digital evolution in manufacturing, the rate of industry adaptation, and the key challenges that hinder transformation. He also shared a graph highlighting the core skills expected to be critical by 2030.
Addressing students directly, he shared guidance on the path from mid-level manager to plant head, and eventually to business leadership — offering practical insights shaped by his own professional journey. He emphasized that lifelong learning is key, noting that an MBA or postgraduate degree is just a starting point.
He concluded by underlining that modern leadership demands adaptability, contextual problem-solving, and empathy. The session helped the cohorts discern the practical realities of the industry
Mr. Swarnendu Srimany
Associate Director - Manufacturing Presales at LTI Mindtree
Date: 05th-July-2025
Presentation Summary:
- Robust data management is a strategic differentiator in today’s competitive landscape.
- Metadata and data risk governance are essential for ensuring accuracy, security, and compliance.
- Master and reference data play a critical role in maintaining operational consistency.
- The 6Vs of big data (Volume, Velocity, Variety, Veracity, Value, Variability) are central to leveraging data effectively.
- Generative AI offers practical applications across industries when paired with strong prompt engineering skills.
- An effective AI prompt is clear, specific, and context rich to deliver optimal outputs.
- Agile and traditional project management approaches each have strengths; choosing the right one depends on project complexity, pace, and stakeholder needs.
Drawing from over a decade of cross-industry experience in data strategy, digital transformation, and retail operations, Mr. Srimany illustrated how robust data practices can become a powerful competitive advantage. He discussed the principles of effective data management, the significance of metadata and data risk governance, and the role of master and reference data in driving organizational efficiency. The session also covered the 6Vs of big data and their growing importance in the digital era.
The conversation extended into emerging technologies, where Mr. Srimany shared practical insights on Generative AI, fundamentals of prompt engineering, and strategies for crafting effective AI prompts. He concluded with a comparative view of agile and traditional project management, offering actionable takeaways for professionals operating in fast-paced, dynamic business environments.