- Considering India’s financial position today, what are your suggestions/comments to India Inc.?
My suggestion to India Inc. is not to panic since it’s a matter of fact that the fundamentals are strong.
- What according to you has been your biggest achievement so far?
Looking back on my Professional life; I can regard starting a company by the name SSI, taking it to an IPO and building a great team there was one of my biggest achievements.
- What are the most essential qualities that are sought out for in today’s young & talented managers?
- Integrity.
- Ability to juggle many tasks at the same time and
- Listening to the folks they mentor (or those who report to them).
- What was the worst and/or best professional experience you've ever had?
My Worst Experience – Brought down the entire multi-terminal computer system on my first visit to a client’s site due to my mistake, 24 years ago. But the positive aspect is that I learnt phenomenally from this experience.
My Best Experience – Raised $1.7b for my company (SSI) as part of the GDR offering on LSE.
- In the multi-skilled profession that you have had, which has been the biggest challenge you have successfully overcome?
I believe there is greatness in every human being. Hence rejecting candidates during interviews is a challenge for me. Over the years this belief has strengthened due to the great teams I have been a part of, but, now I have also come to terms that there are people who do not fit in them.
- What according to you are some of the major challenges faced by start-ups in the current scenario? Do you think capital is still the biggest issue?
Capital is definitely an issue but the bigger challenge is attracting the right talent
- Customerisation has become the ‘order of the day.’ Your view on the same?
This is all a process of evolution and would continue.
- What are some of the myths about your profession?
- No time for family.
- No time for physical fitness!!!
- What do you think is one of the biggest drawbacks of M&A s. Your message?
- Deal Heat – Be prepared to walk away. Do not get caught in a “reverse hostage” situation
- Don’t integrate mildly and at the same time should avoid conqueror syndrome. – Complete integration in 90 days and at the same time recognize that the acquired company has its own great managers. Avoid replacing all of them with your own. Remember one of the primary reasons for any M&A has to be influx of great people, who would otherwise be difficult to find.
- Which have been the most innovative and wise techniques employed by you in Sales& Marketing till date?
- Created the category of short-term courses to carve a niche which also changed the playing field.
- Highlighted domain based (customer-centric) skills when the market was focused inward.
Mr. Dataram is also an avid reader and loves thrillers. His perfect holidaying spot would be UK, London in particular;
of course coupled with soft and soulful music which can be a combination of Old Tamil, Telugu and Hindi songs.
THANK YOU!
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