The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Kashipur successfully hosted Manthan 2025, its flagship cross-domain conclave, bringing together distinguished industry leaders to engage in insightful discussions on innovation, resilience, and strategic transformation. The event provided an opportunity for future business leaders to gain invaluable insights from industry stalwarts, fostering a bridge between academia and corporate excellence.
The conclave on Feb 15 featured two thought-provoking panel discussions, each addressing key aspects of modern business strategy and leadership in a fast-evolving landscape. With a focus on both present challenges and future opportunities, the sessions emphasized how businesses can adapt, innovate, and lead with resilience.
The morning panel discussion, titled “Decoding Resilience – Strategy in Disruptive Times,” set the tone for the day by exploring strategies for navigating uncertainty and fostering sustainable growth. Experts from diverse industries shared their experiences and insights on strategic decision-making in volatile business environments. Nikhil Bhushan, Chief Technology Officer at Starbucks, emphasized that companies must move beyond product functionality and focus on fostering deeper human connections. Vrunda Thakkar, Chief of Staff at Augmont, highlighted the exponential nature of market disruptions, urging businesses to proactively embrace change as a strategic advantage. Supriya Saripalli, Chief of Staff and Director of Business Operations at ServiceNow, stressed the growing importance of intrinsic human capabilities, such as problem-solving and emotional intelligence, in an era dominated by automation. Arnab Banerjee, Director of Supply Chain AI at Micron, shared a structured career roadmap, advising professionals to continuously assess their expertise and stay updated with evolving technologies. Anil Suneja, Chief Financial Officer at Medtronic India, pointed out the risks of inadequate investment in research and development, warning that regulatory challenges could threaten business survival. Subramanian Chidambaran, Chief Strategy Officer at Cummins, advocated for balancing short-term adaptability with long-term strategic goals to ensure sustainable growth.
As the day progressed, the focus shifted towards a more holistic perspective in the afternoon panel discussion, titled “Beyond Profit – Business for People & Planet.” This session explored how businesses can integrate sustainability, ethics, and human-centric growth into their core strategies. Moderated by Prof. Safal Batra, a faculty member at IIM Kashipur, the discussion underscored key themes of responsible business practices. Neetan Chopra, Chief Digital and Information Officer at IndiGo, stressed that businesses must integrate sustainability and ethical decision-making to create long-term impact. Dr. Tanya S, Senior Vice President at American Express, reassured that AI will enhance, not replace jobs, emphasizing adaptability and lifelong learning. Rajesh K, Chief Quality & Sustainability Officer at Licious, emphasized resource efficiency and meaningful work as fundamental to societal and corporate progress. Swati Mishra, Head of HR – South Asia at Omya, advocated for resilience and goal-setting as key drivers of success. Samrat Sehgal, Global Supply Chain Head at Dabur, highlighted the need for agility and strategic thinking amid rapid technological advancements. Uday Murthy Kandarpa, Managing Director at Kyndryl, emphasized incremental progress and strong values as the foundation for sustainable business growth.
The conclave concluded with a dynamic Q&A session, where students and industry professionals engaged with panelists on topics ranging from ethical business practices to sustainability strategies. The discussions not only provided real-world insights but also emphasized the importance of creating a responsible and purpose-driven corporate world.
“Manthan, our flagship conclave, continues to be a catalyst for fostering innovation, leadership, and resilience in today’s ever-changing business landscape. At IIM Kashipur, we are committed to bridging the gap between academia and industry, equipping our students with the knowledge and skills to lead with agility and purpose,” said Prof. Deepak Verma, Chairperson, Placement & Corporate Relations, IIM Kashipur.
Manthan 2025 provided a platform for future business leaders to gain invaluable insights from industry stalwarts, fostering a culture of adaptability, innovation, and resilience in an ever-evolving corporate landscape.
