Each week, JWMI profiles students and alumni in its new featured series “Winning Voices.” Learn about our diverse community and what sets our program apart from those who have experienced it. For more great “Winning Voices” content, click here.
Sridhar Ravilla
SVP – Head of Strategic Accounts
Tech Mahindra
Program/Concentration: Jack Welch MBA
WHY WERE YOU LOOKING TO GET AN MBA?:
With the ever-changing business environment, both domestically and globally, it’s critical to improve business skills and implement new leadership methodologies and techniques that foster trust, transparency, and collaboration among teams. I work for a telecommunications company with a long history of innovation. My CEO embraced the concept of reskilling personnel, and as part of this strategy, he encouraged all employees to invest in themselves by furthering their education. My drive stems directly from that endeavor. I have acquired various online certificates throughout my 20-year professional career as a technologist.
I am a confident and experienced leader who has successfully led a team of 2000+ resources and transitioned from technical to people management. I work in the IT department with very little business interaction; however, we have recently moved to a business unit that supports customer operations globally. Anything technology offers is only applicable if it helps businesses sell more quickly, serve customers more efficiently, increase revenue, and improve customer satisfaction. Attending a top-ranked business school aided in developing my business acumen and the professional services I offered to my clientele.
HOW HAS THE JWMI CURRICULUM HELPED YOU IN YOUR CAREER?
The MBA program at JWMI is ideal for aspiring and seasoned leaders. Leadership, financial management, worldwide marketing, and the power of data are the most significant takeaways from the curriculum. Knowing that most of my leadership concepts and style are similar to Jack’s gave me a boost and affirmation.
Most of the concepts gained in the program, such as the importance of candor, differentiation, and the critical importance culture plays in change management, were leveraged and implemented in my career.
Since starting my MBA, I’ve changed businesses and roles. I left AT&T to become Chief Transformation Officer at Tech Mahindra (CTO). I took the position of SVP – Head of Strategic Accounts in the last six months.
DID YOU FIND THE CURRICULUM WAS IMMEDIATELY APPLICABLE? PLEASE EXPLAIN.:
In my experience, many firms have a lot of resources, technology, and brilliant people, but these resources often lack leadership, communication, and financial acumen. I shared several techniques I learned from the program with colleagues, and the company has seen great success from the implementation of these concepts.
PLEASE SHARE ANY ADVICE FOR NEW STUDENTS EMBARKING ON THE MBA JOURNEY.:
JWMI courses are well-balanced, with just the correct difficulty level for new and seasoned leaders. For JWMI students, professors, resources such as Grammarly, Communication Coach, and writing rules are essential success elements. Understanding the time and financial commitment necessary for the program was vital. Don’t forget to enjoy the journey. You can achieve your MBA dreams.
Connect with Sridhar Ravilla on Linkedin
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