Award winning photographer, traveller, gender equality campaigner, Rajesh Ramakrishnan, Managing Director, Perfetti Van Melle India, is a leader with diverse interests. In the work sphere too, this engineer from BITS Pilani, who did his masters from XLRI, Jamshedpur, has chalked up diverse experiences, working across categories like Personal Care, Household Care, Foods & Beverages, Confectionery and Media. His take on:
The most disruptive challenges that FMCG cos face today and how to deal with them
Today, consumers are much more discerning — we need to deliver products, services and communication on their terms. At Perfetti, we try to get an in-depth insight into the consumer, and tailor our offerings to meet changing consumer needs. Boundaries between categories are blurring and consumers have many more choices today. We try and provide them with relevant choices. One of the things that we are driving is to encourage consumer-centric thinking where we are able to anticipate consumer needs and deliver against these needs.
A key management mantra he practises
I like to focus on the 3Ps — Purpose. Passion. People.
Having a Purpose at work and in life helps in channelising my energies. I have written my Personal Mission statement, which has helped me chart my course in terms of what I would like to do. Having a purpose at work also helps in creating a vision and shaping the business roadmap.
Having a Passion broadens my perspective and helps me recharge. Photography, Travel and Fitness are some of my passions. They help broaden my perspective, gain new experiences, re-energise and rejuvenate myself on an on-going basis.
Investing in People helps me learn and grow, and develop talent. I regularly connect with colleagues on a one-on-one basis to understand them better and see what things we can do to make the organisation a great place to work. I have also been a mentor for the last four years — while I do this to help the mentees, it has also enabled me to learn and grow as a person.
An inspiring book that he would recommend
One of the good books that I have read is Leadership on the line by Ronald A. Heifetz and Marty Linsky. It has some very practical lessons on how one can just not survive but actually thrive as a leader. One interesting concept from the book is the ability of a leader to effectively toggle between the balcony and the dance floor — to be able to look at the big picture and also be able to ensure operational excellence.
A unique workplace initiative at Perfetti that sets it apart
As part of our larger Business Transformation agenda, we identified key behaviours that we would like employees to demonstrate. We then set up an online R&R (rewards and recognition) platform which could be used by employees to appreciate and applaud those behaviours being demonstrated by fellow colleagues. This created a lot of positive momentum in the organisation for the change agenda, and also encouraged collaboration and risk-taking.
A personal favourite sweet or gum from the Perfetti portfolio
I like all our products. If I had to pick one, it would be the Alpenliebe Caramel candy. It has a rich, indulgent caramel taste and makes for a great “small treat”.