MAGIC Happens through TEAMWORK

Nitin Kathuria, Executive Vice President & Head Supply Chain, Marico Ltd.

One tip to Survive & Sustain in the unforeseen situations / your advice to Next Gen Supply Chain professionals…

Supply chain is evolving very fast. New gen these days need to unshackle themselves with old learnings and keep building in new competencies & thoughts. I strongly believe current challenges cannot be overcome with old school of thoughts. One needs to innovate and bring in fresh perspective to stay ahead.

A book that has helped you at work

Powerful behavioural and leadership lessons from Stephen Covey’s The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People really impacted me.

What has been your passion project till date?

Safflower Contract Farming was the first major assignment that I had undertaken in Marico very early in my career. I have fond memories of it for the reasons beyond business impact. This genesis of the project was built on farmers’ wellness and thus provided me immense satisfaction to make an impact at that scale. Additionally, leading a team of 150+ members very early in my career gave me invaluable leadership lessons.

How do you unwind yourself after a tough day @ work?

Spending time with family which includes two young boys is the best stressbuster for me. Also, I like to work on my physical and mental well-being through long distance running and yoga, which provides me necessary ‘Me Time’.

How do you manage the pressure and the challenge that comes with the job?

Every role will have fair share of challenges and expectations. In your mind if you focus more on the other sides of the same coin i.e., opportunities and fortune to leave a mark, suddenly these negative terms disappear. Taming your mind, thus, is the single most important element in dealing with these things.

What’s your Success Mantra? Hard work, Perseverance, and hunger to make difference

What’s your Leadership Style?

I strongly believe Magic happens through teamwork. I look to surround myself with great people and provide them with an environment that gets the best out of them.

A book that you can read any number of times or a movie you can watch any time.

I have always had a liking for motivational movies – Tom Hanks’ Forrest Gump has been my favourite. Closer home, it is Bhag Milkha Bhag.

What is the best and worst advice you have received?

No advice is bad – it is the context that makes it look good or bad. One recent advice which I feel is very powerful is ‘Practicing Detachment for transformational results’, this enables keeping your biases & emotions aside and truly help you focus on delivering objectives.

Where was your last vacation?

Ladakh – a true heaven on earth; I was really mesmerized with the vagaries of nature this place has on offer.