Sharmistha Datta

Indian Institute of Management, Kozhikode

“3S’s: Supply chain enthusiast, Steeled by resilience, Sincere in every commitment with a grateful heart.”

Hometown: Kolkata, West Bengal

Fun Fact About Yourself: A true creative soul – dancing through life with Kathak and Hindustani classical singing, while my doodles tell stories on Instagram. I am an an aficionado of fashion and lipsticks. You will find me learning about the latest fashion trends and the supply chain of the ever-growing fashion and beauty industry, while contributing back to the community as Linkedin’s Top Voice in Inventory Management as a supply chain enthusiast.

Undergraduate School and Major: Veer Surendra Sai University of Technology, Burla – Odisha in Mechanical Engineering

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Tata Steel Limited | Area Manager, Maintenance Planning

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? Before joining IIM Kozhikode, I had gained valuable insights from my friends about the qualitative pedagogy delivered by distinguished professors in their respective fields. I was particularly impressed by the unique electives offered, which set this program apart.

IIM Kozhikode provides numerous opportunities to engage with industry professionals, participate in projects, internships, and case competitions, and connect with top leaders through guest lectures. The school’s strong relationships with renowned companies and its extensive alumni network offer meaningful industry exposure. This focus on hands-on learning aligns with my belief that applying theory to real business challenges fosters authentic learning. It builds on my prior professional experience, deepening my understanding of various industries and business practices. Ultimately, IIM Kozhikode’s commitment to blending theory with practice was a key factor in my decision, as it prepares me to thrive in the competitive corporate 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? While curating my bucket-list of “10 Things You Should Do while in MBA”, I was utterly determined to join the Students Council—not for the perceived power or recognition often associated with such position holders, but due to my inherent passion for stakeholder management. This skill is more than an extension of my persona; it is a natural inclination. I managed 150 contract workers as a shop-floor manager to engaging with varied CXOs at my previous organization. Navigating stakeholder dynamics within IIM Kozhikode—from fellow students with whom I share daily life experiences to engaging with faculty and college authorities—presents a unique and rewarding challenge. Interacting with almost each of the batchmates and the institute teaches a reverberating lesson each day – communicating with people with humility.

Among the courses, Human Resource Management stood out due to its pragmatic approach. Rather than being bogged down with dense HR jargon, the course involved recreating real-world scenarios in the classroom, which allowed us to delve into the psychology behind stakeholders’ actions within organizations—a perspective that resonated deeply with me.

I have thoroughly enjoyed courses that enhance my domain expertise, such as Operations Management, Operations Strategy, and Strategic Management – much evident from my smile throughout the class. However, the highlight of the curriculum has to be the finance courses which enabled even a non-finance individual like myself to approach company financials with confidence.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: During my time at Tata Steel in the Planning and Procurement function, one of my most memorable accomplishments was managing the schedules for critical maintenance shutdown projects, which involved overseeing everything from spares planning to execution and monitoring. There was a particularly challenging situation arose during a six-day annual shutdown. Here, we were faced with the imminent risk of a delay in the arrival of a critical spare part from Luxembourg, dispatched just 1.5 months prior. The potential failure to secure this shipment on time posed a significant threat to the project’s timeline and could have resulted in substantial production losses.

What followed was a test of not just my professional skills, but also my resilience and determination. Through constant, day-and-night coordination with OEM, third-party logistics, and alternative vendors in India, we were able to secure the spare’s arrival a full week before the shutdown. I delved deep into the complexities of the customs process, proactively coordinated with transporters under tight contractual budgets, and maintained constant communication with trailer drivers – even until 3 AM!

This assignment recognized me as a “resourceful” individual—a recognition that deeply resonated with me. It was a defining moment in my career. Beyond the accolades, this experience not only bolstered my confidence but also echoed the leadership and interpersonal communication principles we are taught. It highlighted that resilience and authenticity are as crucial as technical skills in driving impactful results.

Describe your biggest accomplishment as an MBA student so far: One of my proudest accomplishments as an MBA student has been participating in my first case competition with two of my batchmates, organized by SDA Bocconi Asia Centre. Competing against over 150 teams from reputed MBA colleges across the country, we were thrilled to make it to the national finals. This competition was particularly special because it allowed us to present our ideas directly to SDA Bocconi faculty and leaders in luxury retail management, pushing us to explore the intricate nuances of the field.

The journey was intense. I was juggling between assignments, filled with late nights working until 4 AM, followed by early morning classes at 9 AM—often running on just a few hours of sleep. Despite the challenges, the experience taught me the value of resilience and teamwork, demonstrating that impactful results can still be achieved under pressure. Collaborating closely with my team was a profound learning experience, reinforcing the importance of communication, adaptability, and shared commitment.

As a bonus, we were invited to the Fidenza Village, Milan’s renowned open-air luxury shopping destination, which we hope to explore during our immersion trip to SDA Bocconi. This experience is rather a stepping stone to such future competitions to come – firsts are always special!

What has been your most memorable experience at IIM Kozhikode? Why was it so special? One of my most cherished experiences at IIM Kozhikode has been Roobaroo, the PGP’s cultural fest, where I had the chance to perform both solo and in groups, singing and dancing my heart out. It felt like a delightful rendezvous with my college days, bringing back the joy of performing on stage after a gap of seven years. What truly made the night unforgettable was the overwhelming response from the audience—the standing ovation, the constant clapping, and the loud cheers from fellow students.

I was deeply touched by the immense love and recognition I received, not just from my cohort but also from many unfamiliar faces in the crowd. It was surprising for some to see this different side of me, discovering my passion for music and dance. Some even encouraged me to pursue it professionally or start a YouTube channel! That night felt magical—not just because of the appreciation but because I got to reconnect with a part of myself that thrives on stage. It reminded me of where I truly belong, with every beat of my heart resonating with the music and the spotlight. Performing again in a college setting on my idol singer’s songs, surrounded by such enthusiastic support felt like homecoming.

What led you to pursue an MBA at this point and what do you hope to do after graduation? After spending 6.7 years in the manufacturing industry as an operations professional, I chose to pursue an MBA to gain a comprehensive understanding of other critical aspects of business. My goal is to equip myself with the strategic insights necessary to make informed decisions that help organizations thrive in competitive markets, all while keeping sustainability at the forefront. I realized that to effectively contribute to leadership roles in the future, I needed a broader perspective that extends beyond my operations background.

The MBA program offers the perfect platform to deepen my knowledge through concepts, theories, case studies, and peer-learning.

After graduation, I envision leveraging my operational expertise with strategic business acumen to drive meaningful change and support organizations in balancing profitability with sustainability.

DON’T MISS: MEET IIM KOZHIKODE’S PGP-BL CLASS OF 2025