Meet the PGP-BL Class of 2025: Raviteja S J, IIM Kozhikode by: Jeff Schmitt on January 07, 2025 | 52 Views January 7, 2025 Copy Link Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Email Share on LinkedIn Share on WhatsApp Share on Reddit Raviteja S J Indian Institute of Management, Kozhikode “An innovative strategist and solutions architect, renowned for precision and an unwavering focus on excellence.” Hometown: Bengaluru, Karnataka Fun Fact About Yourself: I am a die-hard F1 enthusiast and had a dream of becoming an F1 race engineer. I’m a proud “tifosi of Ferrari,” but ironically, I have earned the nickname “Redbull Ravi.” Despite the rumors, I don’t actually drink much Red Bull—it is just too expensive! But hey, I have embraced the nickname because, after all, Red Bull isn’t so bad! Undergraduate School and Major: RV College of Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Sodexo India Private Limited, Senior Manager – Strategy Aside from your classmates, what was the key part of IIM Kozhikode’s MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? Beyond the opportunity to collaborate with a diverse group of peers, a key reason I chose IIM Kozhikode’s MBA program is its comprehensive approach to business education. The program offers rich exposure to diverse perspectives from various industries, which fosters a deeper understanding of global business landscapes. IIM Kozhikode’s strong focus on experiential learning, particularly through its case-based pedagogy, allows students to engage with real-world business challenges, honing both analytical and strategic thinking skills. This was important to me as it aligns with my goal of applying theoretical knowledge to practical situations, thereby enhancing my ability to tackle complex business problems effectively. Moreover, IIM Kozhikode’s innovative initiatives, such as the CARE (Corporate Access, Readiness and Engagement) program—the first internal placement support program among all IIMs—demonstrate the institute’s commitment to helping students achieve their career goals, whether in securing top placements or launching their own ventures. The program’s robust blend of academic rigor, global immersion modules, and practical learning opportunities, including case competitions, live projects, and sessions with industry experts, equips students with the tools needed to excel in a VUCA (volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous) world. This holistic approach to developing future-ready leaders was crucial in my decision to join IIM Kozhikode, as it offers the ideal environment for achieving my career aspirations and becoming a strategic thought leader in the business world. What has been your favorite course or extracurricular activity at IIM Kozhikode? What has been the most important lesson that you have learned from it? My journey at IIM Kozhikode has been transformative, especially in how it has deepened my understanding of various business domains. My passion for finance and strategy has been a constant driving force, fueling my interest in courses like Corporate Finance, Operations Strategy, and Digital Business Strategy and Transformation. These subjects truly invigorate me, even amid a rigorous academic schedule, sparking a genuine enthusiasm for learning. The case-based pedagogy, enriched with real-world examples and the comprehensive insights shared by experienced professors, has made these courses not only engaging but also intellectually stimulating. This learning approach has allowed me to apply theoretical concepts to practical scenarios effectively, enhancing my analytical and strategic thinking skills. However, the most significant shift has been in my understanding of economics. Coming into the program with limited knowledge of this area, both Micro and Macro Economics have fundamentally changed how I view the world around me. The concepts taught in these courses frequently come to mind in everyday situations—whether it’s recognizing first-degree price discrimination while booking flight tickets or using macroeconomic principles to interpret the annual budget report. These experiences have taught me to approach problems in a more structured manner and consider a broader array of perspectives, including marketing, strategy, HR, economics, and finance. I am deeply grateful to all my professors for their invaluable teachings, which have collectively broadened my perspective. In particular, I would like to extend a special thanks to Prof. Subhasis Dey sir and Prof Rudra Sensarma sir. Their exceptional teaching methods have made complex concepts easy to understand and unforgettable, equipping me with a multidimensional framework for problem-solving and critical thinking that I will carry forward into my career. Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: One of my most significant career accomplishments was my contribution to establishing Asia’s largest state-of-the-art spices export facility during my tenure at ITC Ltd. As part of the G3 Spices Processing Facility project, I was responsible for the setup of the turmeric processing line, batch sterilization section, and both retail and jumbo bagging sections. This role demanded meticulous planning and strategic management, where I defined project scopes, developed schedules, managed budgets, allocated resources, and formulated risk mitigation strategies. My efforts were instrumental in enhancing the facility’s production capacity, improving yield, optimizing operational efficiency, and ensuring strict compliance with global food safety standards. I was pivotal in implementing industry-first solutions, such as centralized jumbo bagging and unloading systems and automatic magnet cleaning systems, significantly boosting operational efficiency and setting new industry benchmarks. The project’s success garnered notable recognition, including praise from the Andhra Pradesh government, with the facility being inaugurated by Hon’ble Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy. Internally, the project was awarded the Best Project Award in 2022, underscoring its transformative impact. This accomplishment reflects my ability to lead complex projects, drive innovation, and deliver substantial business outcomes. I am particularly grateful to my mentors, Mr. Sanjiv Rangrass, Mr. KN Rao, and Mr. Prakhar Agrawal, for providing me with the opportunity and guidance that enabled me to contribute meaningfully to such a landmark project. Describe your biggest accomplishment as an MBA student so far: My most significant accomplishment as an MBA student has been effectively translating classroom theory into practical insights for addressing real-world business challenges. I strongly believe in the value of bridging the gap between academic knowledge and its application in practice. Throughout my MBA journey, I have taken advantage of opportunities to enhance my skills through live projects and active involvement in high-stakes case competitions. I have had the honor of representing IIM Kozhikode in over 10 national-level competitions, reaching the national finals in 5 of them, hosted by esteemed institutions like NIT Surat, BITS Pilani, IIM Bangalore, Myntra, Claimbuddy, Prepbee, Flipkart, and ICCI, and securing 1st, 2nd, and 4th places in some of these competitions. Another notable achievement is being elected as a member of the Business Circle, where I am spearheading initiatives to elevate the business acumen of my cohort by organizing industry expert sessions, fostering a competitive spirit through inter and intra-college case competitions, and facilitating peer learning opportunities. Applying theory to practice and seeing tangible outcomes has consistently enhanced my confidence and provided a deep sense of fulfillment. What has been your most memorable experience at IIM Kozhikode? Why was it so special? One of my most memorable experiences at IIM Kozhikode has been embracing the vibrant “Kampus Kulture.” Nestled in the serene surroundings of the Western Ghats, the campus offered a unique blend of academic intensity and peaceful tranquility. I fondly recall those late-night study sessions at the library, where the pressure of deadlines was balanced by the calming walks through the misty, green pathways. These moments of solitude and reflection amidst nature allowed me to recharge and connect with my peers on a deeper level. The friendships I formed through collaborative projects and spontaneous discussions during these quiet walks became some of the most cherished relationships of my life, creating a sense of community that felt like a second family. Equally memorable has been the classroom experience at IIM Kozhikode, where learning went far beyond textbooks. The diverse backgrounds and perspectives of my classmates brought an enriching dynamic to every discussion. Whether it was a case study in marketing or a debate on ethical decision-making in business, the classroom became a melting pot of ideas, pushing me to think critically and view problems from multiple angles. The professors, with their vast industry experience, didn’t just teach—they challenged us to question assumptions and develop our problem-solving skills. This interactive learning environment, where everyone was both a teacher and a learner, made every class session an exciting journey of discovery, making my time at IIM Kozhikode a truly transformative educational experience. What led you to pursue an MBA at this point and what do you hope to do after graduation? After five years honing my skills in strategy, operations, and project management—initially as an Associate Manager in Projects at ITC and later as a Senior Manager at Sodexo—I recognized the need to expand my perspective beyond my current domain. Despite gaining substantial experience in strategy formulation and operational management, I realized that leading a business vertical effectively required a deeper understanding of finance, sales, and marketing. Pursuing an MBA appeared to be the ideal path to explore these areas, understand emerging business trends, and enhance my decision-making abilities. While I had developed strong technical and operational skills, I often faced uncertainty when dealing with complex business decisions that demanded a comprehensive view of the entire value chain. I believed that an MBA would provide the necessary tools to navigate these challenges, offering a blend of rigorous coursework, practical case studies, and collaborative peer learning that extends beyond typical corporate environments. My time at IIM Kozhikode has confirmed this belief, offering invaluable insights and significantly broadening my strategic thinking. Post-MBA, I aim to leverage my enhanced skills and knowledge in a leadership role, driving strategic initiatives and fostering innovation to make a meaningful impact on both social and economic fronts. DON’T MISS: MEET IIM KOZHIKODE’S PGP-BL CLASS OF 2025