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Meet The Mentors
This Teacher’s Day, we bring you the stories of six exceptional Adanians whose professional lives have been profoundly enriched by their managers and heads – who transcend conventional leadership to become true guides and role models.
Sneha T S
The Adani Group's culture fosters a spirit of learning and mentorship. The stories of Adanians reflect the essence of Teacher's Day, showcasing how leaders nurture the core values that drive the organisational ethos.
Mentorship with Military Precision
Manoj T P, Deputy Manager-Security P&C
In the fast-paced realm of corporate security and leadership, Manoj TP's journey stands out as a tale of remarkable growth and transformation. Reflecting on his professional evolution, a significant part of his story revolves around a figure whose influence has been truly extraordinary: Col V S Chandrawat, SM (Retd), Group Head – Security at Adani Group – a steadfast and inspiring leader. Mr Manoj's story of gratitude illustrates how his boss's unique combination of military precision and supportive mentorship has shaped his career.
“My leader motivates me to upskill myself professionally. He guides me diligently in managing the stakeholders within the service and other services of all BUs.He conducts monthly interactions with all team members across the Group, providing direction and sharing the Chairman’s vision statement. He motivates us to improve by setting benchmarks and personally recognising and celebrating career milestones, whether in person, virtually, or on social media. Additionally, he emphasises the importance of incorporating modern technologies and AI-driven tools into our daily functions, reducing reliance on human resources, and enhancing overall efficiency.He balances being a boss and a mentor with remarkable finesse. As a boss, he provides clear directions and sets expectations for our work. As a mentor, he is approachable and available around the clock, guiding us through challenges and offering support as a team player.
I have been working with Col V S Chandrawat, SM(Retd) for eight years now. My professional association with him has evolved into one of mutual respect and camaraderie. I feel confident knowing he is always there to support me when needed. This relationship has significantly impacted my career by helping me develop leadership traits, become more diligent, and gain a broader perspective on problem-solving. He has also inculcated in me the habit of reading. His trust in me has enabled me to thrive in a cross-functional environment and grow both personally and professionally.”
A Man-Friday’s Odyssey
Karn Kedar, Lead- Global Relations
Karn Kedar talks about his transformative experience working with his mentor, Shishir Priyadarshi, a former IAS officer and ex-WTO Director, who affectionately calls him his Man-Friday. Over their year and a half of collaboration, Mr Kedar has been deeply inspired by Mr Priyadarshi’s exceptional leadership, positivity, and impactful mentorship.
“Even a brief glance at his remarkable career achievements instills a deep sense of pride in anyone fortunate enough to work alongside him. The quality I admire most in Shishir sir is undoubtedly the way he treats everyone around him, regardless of their rank. Even on his most challenging and exhausting days, his positive influence on those around him remains constant.
Working with him, especially on establishing a new entity within the Adani Group, has changed my approach to work and problem-solving. The challenges we have faced—from navigating complex processes to meeting tight compliance deadlines—have been considerable. The notable instance of his impact on my professional growth was when he offered me the chance to speak at a major event in his stead. This opportunity to present alongside high-profile dignitaries was a significant milestone for me and helped me discover my potential as a public speaker.
Shishir sir transcends the traditional notion of a boss. He is more like the captain of our team, actively leading by example and guiding us through even the smallest concerns. From the beginning, he emphasised the importance of priortising health and family alongside work.
His guidance has been pivotal in shaping my career. From our initial meeting in Feb 2023, where he described my role as his ‘Man-Friday,’ to the present, I have been able apply my diverse experiences—from starting a social enterprise and working in sales to the SaaS industry—and channel them into building a focused career path under his mentorship.
My relationship with him has evolved significantly over time. His willingness to share expertise, provide constructive feedback, and encourage self-reflection has boosted my confidence.”
From IT to Impact
Dhruv Trivedi, Assistant Manager - MIS Adani Skill Development Centre
Dhruv Trivedi made a significant career shift from IT and data analytics at TCS, where he even collaborated with Nielsen, to the field of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) at Adani. Although new to CSR, he utilised his IT expertise to bring about meaningful change. At the Adani Skill Development Centre, Mr Trivedi manages data and operations for 40 skill development centers across 15 states from the headquarters in Ahmedabad. With the guidance of his mentor, Jatin Trivedi, Chief Executive Officer of Adani Skill Development Centre, he has successfully transitioned from IT to CSR. In addition to his data management role, Dhruv is also involved in marketing and branding, further contributing to the impact and visibility of Adani’s CSR initiatives.
“Mr Jatin Trivedi embodies the admirable quality of embracing constant change. His commitment to set a culture where adapting to change and pursuing continuous learning are paramount has been truly inspiring. Under his leadership, I have learnt to align my technical skills with the organisation’s mission of providing livelihood opportunities to Indian youth. I joined the Skill Development Centre on its Inception Day, 16 May 2018, as a community mobiliser and IT trainer. After six months, I transitioned to managing data and reports for PAN India centres. In Oct 2018, I was asked to start reporting directly to the Head Office—a change that was sudden and whose reasons I never questioned.
Thanks to him this sudden change did not intimidate me. He gives me the freedom to work with the best practices while focusing on results. His formal attire, even on casual days, reflects his dedication to the organisation’s values and the importance of being prepared.
His philosophy that “everything we wanted, should have been done yesterday “mirrors forward-thinking mindset that challenges us to stay ahead of time. It emphasises that our work should be completed with such foresight and efficiency that there is no room for delay. This approach means anticipating future needs and acting proactively.”
A Data-Driven Mentorship
Raksha Sarda, Deputy Manager-Group Data Governance & Control
Raksha Sarda shares her experiences working with her manager, Santi Malik - Deputy General Manager - Group Data Governance and Control. In her role within the Data Analytics team, she specialises in building automated dashboards that track various expenditures, internal controls, and procurement data, utilising tools like SAP and Power BI. Ms Sarda has gained valuable insights and skills, enhancing her ability to tackle complex problems. Her account provides a glimpse into their dynamic mentorship relationship and its influence on her career.
“I admire my manager's unmatched dedication to his work. His work ethic and passion for excellence are truly contagious. Leading by example, he consistently puts the team's needs before his own, making himself available to support and guide us despite his extremely busy schedule. Under his guidance, my learning curve has steeply risen, as he encourages us to learn on the go and apply our knowledge professionally, with visible results.
His mentorship has profoundly influenced my approach to work and problem-solving. He has a remarkable ability to break down complex problems into manageable components and solve each part effectively. By fostering a collaborative environment, he encourages us to share innovative ideas and take ownership of solving problems. His calm and composed demeanor under pressure inspires us and exemplifies true leadership.
One of his most impressive strategies for fostering a culture of continuous learning within our team is his opportunistic approach. He has a keen eye for identifying opportunities and approaches each with enthusiasm and confidence, even if they come with challenges. This proactive mindset drives our growth, helping us continuously learn new skills and strive for excellence.
Balancing his role as a boss and a mentor, he ensures we stay engaged with our work by surprising us with tests and quizzes related to logic, systems, and technical aspects of our projects. This practice helps us maintain a connection with the underlying reasons for our tasks.”
Cementing a Foundation of Growth
Karishma Randhanpura, Buyer –Ambuja Cements
Amid her bustling schedule as a buyer in the procurement department at Ambuja Cements, Karishma Randhanpura reflects on the impact her manager, Santosh Swain – Team Lead- MRO & CAP Procurement, has had on her professional life since she joined Ambuja Cements a year ago. As she completes her tasks, she often considers how his guidance has contributed to her growth. She also talks about the personal aspect of his impact.
“Among the myriad qualities I admire in Santosh sir – his ability to initiate a growth-oriented mindset within our team stands out the most. During my earlier days here, I was assigned a challenging procurement project involving modern technologies and complex departmental coordination. I was overwhelmed by the scale and pace of the process. Santosh sir recognising my struggle, took the initiative to provide personalised guidance. He even arranged regular meetings to help me navigate the complexities and facilitated interactions with teammates and other senior leaders.
In Apr, I lost my father and sir’s kindness served as a beacon of support at that time. He permitted me to work from home. His support at that time felt like that of a guardian, creating a sense of family and helping me overcome the sorrow.
His advice to set short-term goals and celebrate incremental achievements has been instrumental in building my resilience. Now I maintain a positive mindset and focus on actionable steps rather than becoming overwhelmed by the bigger picture.
Working in the Adani Group under the guidance of Santosh sir’s leadership is an extraordinary experience.”
Executing It Right!
Jasmine Panchal, EA-Business Development
In his role as an Executive Assistant, Jasmine Panchal excels in managing schedules, coordinating communication, and ensuring the seamless operation of daily activities. He attributes much of his success to the mentorship provided by his boss, Deepak Amitabh, Advisor- Business Development.
“The quality I admire most in my boss is his ability to lead by example. A particularly impactful moment in my professional growth occurred during a visit from a foreign delegation to our organisation. My boss assigned me the responsibility of organising a high-stakes executive meeting with key stakeholders from various departments. Rather than simply delegating the task, my boss took an active role in mentoring me through the process. He guided me on prioritising tasks, managing my time effectively, and dealing with unexpected challenges calmly. Additionally, he included me in strategic discussions, which allowed me to grasp the broader context and significance of the meeting. This opportunity increased my confidence, making me more proactive and assertive in my role.
As an Executive Assistant, I often must navigate sensitive communications and address issues with colleagues and stakeholders. My mentor provided valuable guidance on handling these situations with empathy and professionalism. Adapting to change has been another crucial lesson, as the corporate world is often marked by rapid shifts in project scopes, team dynamics, or company strategies. My mentor showed me how to stay resilient and flexible, and maintaining productivity during transitions.”
These stories provide a glimpse into the various journeys of growth and mentorship at Adani Group. Our leaders' commitment to guidance and learning creates numerous opportunities, reflecting our vision of Growth With Goodness.