Today we introduce you to Sumeet Shrivastava, who is working as DGM Production at ACC Limited. He shares how with XLRI General Management program, his managerial knowledge has been amplified and that he is immediately able to apply all the learning at his work. Get to know more about how his experience and challenges are shaping him into a professional leader.
Q1. Tell us about yourself & your background.
Hi, I’m Sumeet Shrivastava, currently serving as the Deputy General Manager of Production within a prominent cement manufacturing organisation.
With a rich tapestry of experience spanning 17 years, my professional journey commenced as a graduate engineer. Over the years, I have meticulously honed my skills, propelling me to new heights in my career.
For the first 15 years, my professional focus was predominantly within the field, where I assumed the pivotal role of Quality Manager, overseeing the intricate domains of AFR and the process section.
However, my trajectory underwent a significant transformation. I now hold the reins of the Production Department, presiding over production operations and material handling. This remarkable transition owes its success to a pivotal program that has proved to be exceptionally rewarding
My initial 15-year tenure was marked by hands-on experience, but I embarked on a journey of continuous improvement and growth.
My most recent advancement empowered me to shoulder the responsibilities of Head of Production, thereby making me the steward of my plant’s growth and management. A key facet of my current role revolves around nurturing and upskilling our workforce, involving hands-on interactions on a daily basis.
I truly feel that this program will be instrumental in my professional evolution, primarily in enhancing my managerial acumen. As a chemical engineer, I have excelled in my technical domain, but I recognized a critical gap in my skill set.
Consequently, I elected to undertake this program, enabling me to upskill and bridge that gap effectively.
Q2. Was it the decision to upscale your career that led you to enroll in this particular program?
My quest for an appropriate management course began in April, and that’s when I stumbled upon the XLRI General Management Program. I found it to be the most exceptional choice, combining both theoretical and practical facets seamlessly.
Q3. How has your experience been so far as a current student in the program? What are your initial impressions?
This program has ushered in a fresh perspective in my career, prompting a profound shift in my thought processes. Historically, my professional journey was primarily focused on the pursuit of personal objectives. It gradually became evident to me that the intricacies of managing my subordinates are far more complex than overseeing specific KPIs or tasks.
Nonetheless, with my engagement in this innovative program, I have begun to grasp the multifaceted nuances of leadership. In a recent milestone, I successfully completed the Leadership Communication module, an experience that has provided invaluable insights and immediate practical applications to enhance my leadership capabilities.
Q4. Have you had opportunities to apply what you’ve learned in your coursework to real-life situations or projects? If so, can you provide an example?
Certainly, numerous examples come to mind. In our recent session, the professor had shared valuable insights on interpersonal dynamics.
The professor had also relayed a particularly illuminating anecdote about navigating predictable and unpredictable scenarios. It underscored the importance of adapting one’s demeanor when interacting with superiors compared to interactions with subordinates.
This revelation provides me with a valuable framework for effectively managing individuals within my team and the broader organisation.
Q5. Can you share your short-term & long-term goals related to Management and how this program is helping you achieve them?
Indeed!
My immediate objective is to further enrich my skill set and aspire to ascend to the role of Plant Head or Plant Manager. This aspiration carries substantial significance, as it necessitates not only technical prowess but also a profound mastery of managerial competencies.
In this context, recognizing the intricacies of human dynamics preceding task management assumes paramount importance.
I find it particularly gratifying that the student portal at XLRI provides ready access to a wealth of data and study materials.
This accessibility grants me the assurance that, should I ever miss any crucial content, I can revisit the video lessons at my convenience. It’s a lifelong resource that XLRI has bestowed upon me, for which I am truly appreciative.
Q6. What kind of support or guidance have you received from instructors or peers as you progress through the program?
An extensive support network is already in place, complemented by the convenience of the student portal, ensuring seamless communication. In addition to this, we have access to communication tools like Slack and WhatsApp, leaving no aspect of support or connectivity unaddressed by the program.
Q7. How do you envision your future in this field once you complete the program? What opportunities or career paths are you considering?
Coming from a cement background, there’s a prevailing notion that once you become entrenched in this industry, transitioning to other sectors such as steel or power becomes a formidable challenge.
However, my participation in this program has instilled within me a newfound confidence that I can indeed explore alternative opportunities, as it emphasizes the broader application of management skills rather than a strict focus on technical expertise.
It is the managerial expertise. So I can change my goal and ship to other streams also.
Q9. What advice would you give to individuals who are considering joining this program but are still unsure?
The counsel I wish to impart is that if you genuinely aspire to advance your career and elevate your managerial proficiencies, it is imperative to seek structured, professional guidance.
Learning alongside a diverse cohort comprising individuals from various backgrounds offers invaluable insights and perspectives. In this regard, I firmly believe that XLRI stands as the optimal platform for this purpose.
