Sridharan Srinivasan - Well on Failures, in Such a Journey- There Are Always Ups and Down (Vice President Sales & Marketing at GRB Dairy Foods)

 

Once I move to work place, it’s like being in a temple, I spend around 10 to 12 hours. It’s a combination of “creative-development- business needs- strategy” actions and meetings with the team. Guiding- closing the challenges – hand holding are part of team energisers. 

Tell us about your background, journey & story. Why did you join this company?                                                                           

Well I’m native of Srirangam (a town in Tamil Nadu) brought up in Bangalore- a Science graduate from Bangalore university 1972 batch. 

Started my career as front line Salesman for brands like Mysore Sandal-Kissan , then graduated as Manager for brands like Margo and leader for brands like Goodknight- Brylcreem-Kiwi- Hershey’s- Shilpa & now GRB.  My Basics on Sales & Marketing always played great enabler in my successful journey. Always had strong Principles-ethics & high ownership supported my growth. All this in 5 decades nearing journey in the industry, every milestone is commendable one.

I joined GRB Dairy Foods in 2012 – the system had its own apprehension of will I be successful, age factor came on the way. I think these apprehensions keeps following due to different perceptions of individuals, one need to respect and work on it- the trust and determination of Shareholders and the next generation keeps supporting plus encouraging a seasoned member like me. This always helps me to stay on the top of multi-process. The process and principles takes the organisation to move up and be successful. Now the team we have is ambitious one….     

In a nut shell: Initial exposures nourished my basics – “SC Jonson-usa” experience made me very Strong leader- Godrej Exposure made me an excellent player, thanks to this company for exposing me to IIM, Ahmedabad MDP program - GRB exposure making me a mentor. All these are excellent milestone in the career for a simple individual like me.

From the above milestone of programs, helped me to win some exciting awards like:

1.“ Manager of the year- innovation and creativity” award in Godrej group in 2000- 01 on the very first time it was instituted. 

2. Got Talented 50 CMO’s award for the Country from CMO Council in the year 2013.

3. Winner of  2014 Most Talented Marketing professionals award of the country from World Brand Congress.  

4. Winner of 2016, 100 Most Influential Marketing Leaders awards of the Country from World Brand Congress

5. Now a recognition from the Global media platform.

Thanks to All the above Recognition’s. I dedicate them to my “family, seniors and promoters” - to go back as a common man….

What are some of the biggest challenges & failures you have faced in your career?

Well in Godrej, leading the team in the South India to a market share from 23% to 45% in Insecticide segment is the biggest challenge we worked on this challenge and the result established us and me as a dependable leader- there evolved one of the best “Team coach” in the country.

Well on failures, in such a journey- there are always ups and down. Some time even though we had a brilliant team some time - could not make it a reality on success part. I consider such misses as a failure of members not synergising. Which teaches us a lesson of humbleness & accepting of minds can change failures to success. In the corporate game some time people lose out in giving space to vital needs for personal belief.  Well on the other side there is no TQM, if there are no failures- there is no Kaizen if there are no failures and there is no 5S, if there are no failures. 

Will have to manage, time teaches all of us & recovery faster helps.     

What are some of the factors that made you successful?

Personalised approach on “Commitment- Participation- dedication- common sense- giving space to all-Undisputed ownership” are some very strong dimensions and these attitudes helps the success… still stay simple… helps!!!

Marketing has changed a lot over the decade, what do you think will be the future of marketing?

Agreed, at the bottom of the every dynamics it is simplicity of truth and age-old approach. The ability to look at  such micro structure helps the process. Consumer influence & consumer centric will stay for ever… the approach always can be new or different- the lead is always on Consumer centric. 

Voice has been heralded as the biggest growth lever of the decade for E-commerce. What are your thoughts about it?

Well the E commerce is raising high as this fits high on “large corporate-technology -consumer centric- the product or service leads better and faster”. Unfair competition is making it look more prominent. There is every danger of losing out the traditional business format.   Not worth for a country like ours as individual entrepreneur - employment and man hour may get defeated. The common man and less literate might lose.  Experience might change the perception. At the end the who should compete the street stores- lot to think by the noble giants..  

What is the most important skill set required for someone who wants to rise in their career? 

Learning (Knowledge)-Insight- ownership (Execution)- High integrity are the wheels. All other adds like fuel to these wheels. Physical and mental Fitness is vital…

Which is your favourite book & why?

Seven Habits of Highly effective People – “ this book is a Mantra for two century’s”

What does your typical day look like?

Pretty exciting and new always… normally I start the day with a structured “floor– breathing & meditation” exercises. 

Once I move to work place, it’s like being in a temple, I spend around 10 to 12 hours. It’s a combination of “creative-development- business needs- strategy” actions and meetings with the team. Guiding- closing the challenges – hand holding are part of team energisers. 

Keep myself easy to approach-be friendly ,be compassionate- treat members well and be a mentor. 

End Cap:

Well I’m Seventy now  work almost 10 plus hours daily- compassion with team makes them comfortable- GRB is my number one Priority- added to this I keep myself supporting one non-FMCG company as an adviser. We need to build brands. Acquaintance taught the Promoter have  high convictions that we can succeed amidst many challenges. So far the journey is awesome.        

Brand building is like bringing up one’s own child and makes one happy when you see them as “stars” moving up. One derive immense pleasure in this orbit….. best wishes to all those who find my experience and eat my news interesting!

- Srinivasa Sridharan