XLRI PGDM(GM) CXO Series: Mr. Manohar Raghavan, Former Director of 3M Asia Pacific PTE LTD 2nd September, 2023

XLRI Jamshedpur had the privilege of hosting Mr. Manohar Raghavan, a distinguished corporate leader with a rich legacy of 35+ years of experience. Mr. Raghavan, Ex- 3M, Director Asia conducted an insightful session on the topic “Nuances of Strategy Implementation in larger geographies from a Leader’s Perspective.” The session saw participation from over 100 students, as well as members of the XLRI management and staff. Dr A Kanagaraj, the Convenor for Placement (BM, HRM & GM), added to the occasion by extending a warm welcome to the guest speaker and conveying his sincere appreciation.
Mr. Raghavan emphasized that the primary objective of any business endeavour should be the creation of value for both customers and shareholders, serving as the guiding principle for all strategic decisions. Furthermore, he shed light on the ever-evolving nature of the business landscape, emphasizing the imperative need for continual learning and development. He fervently stated that “Learning is a lifelong journey, and the pursuit of knowledge should never cease.” In addition, he recognized the importance of adaptability in the face of unforeseen shifts within the competitive landscape. He also emphasized the crucial skill of networking for aspiring business leaders, as it connects them to opportunities, mentors, and a broader professional community.
To illustrate these points, Mr. Raghavan shared a personal anecdote, underscoring the value of challenging the status quo and stepping out of one’s comfort zone to seize growth and opportunities. His words left an enduring impact on the students.
During a Fireside Chat with PGDM(GM) students, attendees had a unique opportunity to engage in a candid and insightful dialogue with Mr. Raghavan. The conversation spanned various aspects of business management and leadership, benefiting from his extensive expertise. It was then followed by an interactive Q&A session allowed students to discuss about crucial topics such as business strategy, leadership, and ethics, enabling deeper exploration and understanding.
“Mr. Raghavan’s emphasized on key principles such as commitment to ethics, customer and shareholder value, continuous learning, adaptability, diversity and inclusion, networking, and personal and professional growth. This session will shape the perspectives and aspirations of future business leaders like us”, said a PGDM(GM) student.
The event concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks, expressing immense gratitude to Mr. Raghavan for sharing his wisdom and insights with XLRI students.