2025-26 | SDMIMD

Insightful Session on Navigating Technology Evolution and Building Tech-First Organizations

Dr. Navin Shankar Patel delivered a highly insightful talk on Navigating Technology Evolution and Building Tech-First Organizations on July 9, 2025, at SDMIMD. The session explored how technology continues to shape the business environment and emphasized the strategic shifts necessary for organizations to thrive in the digital era.

Key discussion points included the role of foundational technologies in the progress of civilization and a retrospective look at six decades of technological evolution. Dr. Patel illustrated how companies such as Blackberry, Nokia, and Byju's exemplify the risks associated with failing to adapt to rapid technological change. He introduced the concept of the Competitive Gravity Well, using Tesla as a case study to demonstrate how integrated technology ecosystems can create sustainable competitive advantage.

The anatomy of a tech-first organization was further illustrated through examples from Starbucks, Spotify, and Amazon, emphasizing the importance of data-driven decision-making. A detailed walkthrough of the AI and GenAI value chain was presented using the “5 Cs” framework—Capture, Curate, Compute, Create, and Commercialize.

Additionally, Dr. Patel shared the “4 P” framework—Purpose, People, Process, and Platform—citing Reliance Jio as a benchmark example of a tech-first company.

To prepare future managers, he emphasized the importance of competencies such as data storytelling, prompt engineering, change management, Cloud and FinOps skills, continuous learning, and responsible AI governance.

The session concluded with an interactive Q&A, where students explored the discussed themes in greater depth, making it an enriching and future-focused learning experience.

Skill Spotlight Session on ‘Product Design and Innovation’

As part of the Orientation Program 2025, SDMIMD organized a Skill Spotlight Session on ‘Product Design and Innovation’ in collaboration with the Design - Centre of Excellence, Department of Design and Manufacturing, Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru on July 9, 2025.

Mr. Allen Paul, from the Design - Centre of Excellence, Department of Design and Manufacturing, IISc Bengaluru, spoke about the importance of skill enhancement that all employees need to focus on in current times.

Talking about product design, Mr. Vijay Murali, also from IISc, discussed the various aspects and significance of product design. He also provided insights into the modules offered at the Design - Centre of Excellence at IISc Bengaluru.

Mr. Puneeth K.S. and Mr. Subrahmanyam C. conducted a hands-on activity on product design. Through this detailed activity, the resource persons helped students understand the step-by-step process of how a product is designed.

As a gesture of appreciation, tokens of gratitude and gifts were distributed to the winners of the pre-event activity conducted by IISc Bengaluru. Faculty members and students actively participated in the session, making it a valuable and engaging experience.

Session on India’s Vision: $30 Trillion Economy by 2047

On July 9, 2025, SDMIMD had the privilege of hosting Mr. Sudhir K S, Head of the Mysuru Cluster at the Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM), for an engaging and thought-provoking session on India's vision of becoming a $30 trillion economy by the year 2047.

Mr. Sudhir began the session by reflecting on India’s colonial past and its impact on the nation's economic trajectory. He highlighted the crucial role of today’s youth in reshaping the country's future and emphasized the importance of students becoming “change leaders” in driving India’s growth and transformation.

Encouraging students to explore entrepreneurship in both business and social spheres, Mr. Sudhir inspired them with real-life success stories, including those of Ritesh Agarwal (OYO) and Anshu Gupta (Goonj). He stressed the need for globally aligned skills and innovation-driven mindsets. Urging students to actively contribute to nation-building, he called on them to address pressing challenges through open-source, technology-based solutions.

The session concluded with a powerful message — students must rise to the occasion as future leaders and play an active role in crafting India’s journey towards inclusive and sustainable prosperity.

Insightful Session by Mr. Bharath Rathore on Wealth Management

On July 8, 2025, SDMIMD had the privilege of hosting Mr. Bharath Rathore, Executive Director at Anand Rathi, for an insightful session on Wealth Management and Industry Expectations. The session offered a deep dive into the fundamentals of wealth management, highlighting the importance of setting, implementing, and monitoring financial goals. Mr. Rathore emphasized critical aspects of financial planning, including inflation, budgeting, Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs), asset allocation, and the power of compound interest. He also introduced students to various asset classes such as equity, debt, commodities, and real estate, providing clarity on strategic financial decision-making.

The session also addressed the evolving expectations of the corporate world from B-school graduates. Mr. Rathore underlined the importance of strong analytical and numerical skills, effective communication, and awareness of current economic and geopolitical developments. He encouraged students to stay informed through financial platforms like The Economic Times and Moneycontrol, reinforcing the importance of industry readiness. The session served as a valuable learning experience, bridging academic knowledge with real-world insights.

A Session on ‘Entrepreneurship After MBA’

A session on ‘Entrepreneurship After MBA’ was organized on July 8, 2025, at SDMIMD as part of the Orientation Program for the PGDM Batch 2025–27. Mr. Chandu Nair, an angel investor and startup advisor, was the resource person for the session.

In his talk, Mr. Nair focused on entrepreneurial possibilities as well as employability opportunities immediately after completing the postgraduate program. He guided students to have the confidence while choosing their career and the way they should shape their career.

Discussing the foundations of a successful career, Mr. Nair explained that if a person has a strong idea and clarity about the career they want to build, age becomes less significant. He highlighted that thorough knowledge of one’s goals, intelligence, and common sense are crucial in shaping a career. “Making decisions and ensuring they are right become important in creating a career,” Mr. Nair added.

Invited talk on Active Listening

As part of the Orientation Program for the PGDM 2025–2027 batch, a session on Active Listening was conducted on July 7, 2025.

The session was delivered by Ms. Sheethal Mohithe, a Consultant known for her engaging and impactful communication training. She emphasized the importance of active listening as a vital skill for future managers and leaders.

The interactive session helped students understand the role of attentive listening in building effective interpersonal relationships.The talk set the tone for self-awareness and communication-focused learning during the program.

Invited Talk on Operation Sindhoor and Opportunities for the Indian Defense Industry

As part of the Orientation Program for the PGDM Batch 2025–2027, an invited talk was organized on ‘Operation Sindhoor and Opportunities for the Indian Defence Industry’ by SDMIMD, Mysuru. Group Captain Dr. Vinay Vittal was the resource person for the session on July 7, 2025.

In his lecture, Dr. Vinay Vittal shared insights on Operation Sindhoor, a successful military operation by the Indian Armed Forces in response to the Pahalgam terror attack. He explained how this precision strike was executed by the Indian Air Force, with joint efforts from the Indian Army and Indian Navy.

Describing the strength of the Indian Air Force, Dr. Vittal shed light on the advanced techniques employed during Operation Sindhoor. He emphasized that “National security comes at a price” and highlighted how India’s advanced and multi-layered defence system transformed the nature of the operation.

While discussing opportunities in the Indian defence sector, Dr. Vittal elaborated on how Operation Sindhoor brought about significant changes in the import and export of defence materials. Most importantly, he emphasized how these military operations have reinforced the Make in India initiative.

Alumni Day 2025 – Insights from the SDMIMD Alumni Network

As part of the Orientation Program for the PGDM 2025–27 batch, SDMIMD organized Alumni Day on July 5, 2025. The event brought together distinguished alumni who shared their experiences, insights, and guidance with the incoming students to help them make the most of their MBA journey.

The day featured a series of impactful invited talks:

Mr. N. Ravi Shankar (Batch 1997–99), CEO, Aim High Consulting, delivered a thought-provoking talk titled “MBA Na Milegi Dobara”. He set the context for how students can proactively embrace the next two years by adopting a multifaceted learning approach and preparing to become future-ready leaders.

Mr. Sandesh Murchy (Batch 2004–06), Human Resources Director at Oracle, addressed the audience with his session titled “Snakes & Ladders”. He spoke about career building strategies, staying relevant, and navigating the ups and downs of a professional journey.

Mrs. Namita Rajnikant (Batch 1995–97), Co-founder of Third Eye Advisory, presented “Picture Abhi Baaki Hain”, offering students a glimpse into life beyond campus. She emphasized adaptability, resilience, and the essential skills needed to thrive in high-pressure work environments.

The invited talks were followed by a panel discussion on the topic “How to Prepare for the New VUCA World with AI”.

The panel discussion featured Dr. Mohamed Minhaj, Dean – Academics, SDMIMD; Mr. Vijay Mane, President – SDMIMD Alumni Association, Serial Entrepreneur, Startup Catalyst & Investor; Mr. Praveen M.G., Chief Operating Officer, DigitalSprint AI Solutions; Mrs. Namita Rajnikant, Co-founder, Third Eye Advisory; and Mr. Sandesh Murchy, Human Resources Director, Oracle.

The engaging discussion explored the impact of Artificial Intelligence on the future of work, the need for continuous upskilling, and strategies to remain agile in a fast-changing world. The session provided students with a powerful blend of personal narratives and forward-looking advice from industry leaders.

Workshop on Discover Design Thinking for Growth

As part of the Orientation Program for the PGDM 2025-27 batch, a workshop titled "Discover Design Thinking for Growth" was conducted on July 4, 2025.

The session was led by Mr. Rakesh Babu K.L, Chief Operating Officer and Executive Director at Innomantra Consulting Private Limited. Through engaging activities and practical insights, Mr. Rakesh Babu introduced the students to the core principles and applications of design thinking, highlighting its importance in driving innovation and problem-solving in today’s dynamic business environment.

The interactive workshop provided the incoming batch with a creative and structured approach to thinking critically, empathizing with users, and developing innovative solutions—skills that will be integral throughout their management journey.

Inauguration of Orientation Program for PGDM 2025-27 Batch

The Orientation Program for the PGDM 2025-27 batch at SDM Institute for Management Development (SDMIMD), Mysuru, was inaugurated on July 3, 2025, at the SDMIMD Auditorium. The ceremony began with an invocation by Ms. Vidyashree P, second-year PGDM student, followed by a warm welcome address from Dr. S. Saibaba, Chairperson – Admissions.

Dr. Mohamed Minhaj, Dean – Academics, highlighted the academic expectations and learning environment at SDMIMD. Dr. (Lt Col) Prasad S. N., Director, SDMIMD, addressed the students on the institute’s vision and values, encouraging them to make the most of their learning journey.

The Chief Guest for the occasion, Shri Vijay Anandh R, Executive Director, City Union Bank, delivered an inspiring address. Drawing from his vast experience in the banking and finance sector, he shared valuable insights on industry expectations and encouraged students to stay curious, agile, and committed to lifelong learning.

The event concluded with a Vote of Thanks by Dr. G. Srilakshminarayana, Associate Professor – Quantitative Methods, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the PGDM 2025-27 cohort.