Blue Chapter

Co-Founder

INSEAD

Digital Ambassador

T-Hub

Mentor

Cases Over Coffee

McKinsey & Company

Management Consultant

Marketing Specialist

Mu Sigma

Senior Business Analyst

Accenture

Software Engineer

I believe that we are always one step away from "failure converting into success".
So, one step at a time!

Built meaningful relationships at INSEAD, McKinsey, & NIT Rourkela. 
Can talk about Consulting, Analytics, Studying abroad, Marketing, Entrepreneurship, and Education sector in India.

If you want to connect with me - drop a note here pavan.nitrkl@gmail.com

Every MBA student has to complete these core modules in the first 2-4 months of the program.

1) Marketing
2) Operations
3) Organization Behavior
4) Strategy
5) Finance

ALL the top business schools around the world teach these core modules through case based discussions.

Please find video case studies that I created over the last 1 year from different industries.
1) If you are an aspiring business student OR an incoming student - go through the below case studies. They will act as bedrocks going forward! 
2) These case studies will give you insights into different core modules of an MBA.
3) You will be finishing your Mini-MBA if you go through all of them.

Finance:
[1] How Banks make money:
https://lnkd.in/g3Z9W3G3
[2] How to read a quarterly report from a bank:
https://lnkd.in/gsKZSk7E
[3] Why Silicon Valley Bank Collapsed:
https://lnkd.in/gVJqjqSa
[4] Why Credit Suisse Collapsed:
https://lnkd.in/g-mKgaTf

Marketing:
[1] Branding lessons from Kia's marketing strategy in India:
https://lnkd.in/g7GZ_iHR
[2] Advertising lessons from the "Elon Musk Twitter Takeover":
https://lnkd.in/gvtGsueu
[3] Digital marketing concepts:
https://lnkd.in/gPiSH3kh

Introduction to strategy:
1) Adani Comeback strategy post Hindenburg:
https://lnkd.in/gut6QpKp
2) DMart's business strategy:
https://lnkd.in/gXWgewj8
3) How MPL (Mobile Premier League) is building a business empire:
https://lnkd.in/gHchYR3x
4) What is HUL's future strategy:
https://lnkd.in/giaQAq9Y

Org Behavior:
[1] Leadership communication principles:
https://lnkd.in/g_XD2hnf
[2] McKinsey, BCG, Bain - communication tactics:
https://lnkd.in/gyxQmtze

Operations & Supply Chain management:
1. PharmEasy disrupting pharma supply chain: https://lnkd.in/gnrpQRUH
2. How EV industry's success is dependent on supply chain efficiencies:
https://lnkd.in/gmQ4_cTn
3. Manufacturing concepts based on TSMC's investment in Arizona:
https://lnkd.in/ghM8Yzt5

Bonus videos:)
[1] What happened at Paytm
https://lnkd.in/gwvUU9Mw
[2] Impact of Sora (video GPT)
https://lnkd.in/giAqj_kJ
[3] Largest Merger in Cosmetic Market explained:
https://lnkd.in/gbDbNiCC
[4] Current status on layoffs (Tesla & Google):
https://lnkd.in/g5R-WSTt
[5] 7 skills for the next 10 years:
https://lnkd.in/gqGtuqc6
[6] 7 best side hustles for working professionals:
https://lnkd.in/gqkjU3zY

****

Do subscribe to the YouTube channel when you are watching any of these videos. Your support is the ONLY thing that can keep me motivated:)
https://lnkd.in/gKTeYY9Q

Pavan Sathiraju

Growing Blue Chapter | Digital Ambassador, INSEAD | INSEAD, McKinsey, NIT Rourkela

While we get to hear about the layoff news every other day, this is the newspaper headline this morning...

Irony of the corporate world!!

I observe the recruitment and layoff news closely to identify if any universal patterns are emerging. And this what I found:

1) The Personal computer sales have plummeted in 2023 (the declines are sharpest since the agencies started recording data in early 90s). 
- This reflected in Dell layoffs.
- Personal computer manufacturing industry is struggling.

2) The demand for 5G equipment has gone down.
- This is reflected in Eriksson layoffs. 
- Cisco also did the same.
- Intel layoffs.

3) In India specifically - company issues that are coming in the front page are leading to layoffs.
- for example: Zee / Sony merger fall off
.
.
.
My objective here is to PUSH YOU in learning industry trends. It might not change the outcome. But at least, we are better prepared!

Pavan Sathiraju


If I go back 10 years in time - this is the advice I would give myself!

1) Not to take stress over a missed train, meeting gone wrong, or even getting fired. But, plan to reach early!!

2) Invest more in building relationships - I was working from 9 am to 11 pm every day with little emphasis on anything else. But the biggest of all, prioritize your well-being over everything else.

3) Carve out time for solo travels - I would tell myself to travel even more!

4) Exercise more - That is the one thing that you will regret going forward. You wouldn't even remember if you attended your daily standup in your previous to previous company.

5) Create the habit of "No gadget time" everyday! This is not just for future. This is good even for the present.

6) Focus on ONE at least ONE activity everyday which can potentially compound. Doing a 9 to 9 job won't take us ANYWHERE.
.
.
.
10-years back, today, and 10-years from now - I will be focused on my career.

Hence, I would recommend my previous self to party a little more and have many more deep conversations with friends.

Pavan Sathiraju

***

Join me on YouTube for some real career and corporate conversations: https://lnkd.in/gfaUsTG8

When an Indian company like Swiggy is charging us Delivery fee + Subscription Fee + Peak hours Fee + Taxes for "1 plate of Idli",
- We call it the cost of convenience.

But, when an American company like Google is charging Indian companies commissions on "In-App" purchases - we make it a "Nationalist" issue:)
.
.
.
Taking emotions out of the equation & bringing in economics:

[1] Corporate world runs on one principle - shareholder value maximization!
- Not customer value maximization. 
[2] If "customer value maximization" was the case, everybody should be selling at the "breakeven" point whichever way they define it.

****

If you were the CEO of a monopolistic company - you will charge your customers as much as possible!

If you have any questions - just see Swiggy and Zomato!

***
You can follow me on LinkedIn here Pavan Sathiraju

I was always set on building my "Corporate Career"!
- I worked very hard to learn the tricks. 

1) But after a few years, I decided to leave the corporate world and do my own thing.
- It felt like "wasting" all the talent and "leaving" money on the table.
- And, it was TRUE. I did waste talent and leave money initially.

2) However, now - I am happy to take this "alternate route".
- Neither, I am into building a unicorn.
- Nor, I am doing anything crazily out of the world.

 3) Now, what matters more to me is - Am I able to add value to the folks around me.
- My students, friends, family, AND kids.
- Everybody is important.
And the work should give me space to prioritize things outside of "work" as well!

4) And I enjoy what I am doing:
- I love building BlueChapter because - nobody else is teaching "Problem Solving" and I get to add value to every student. 
- I am enjoying my YouTube journey so far.
- Today, I am teaching to a wonderful group of students at Trinity College Dublin as a visiting faculty.
None of this would have been possible, if I was in the corporate world.

5) If you think, I had all the courage in the world - when I quit. You are wrong. I was scared. But, things panned out well:)

6) You might like or dislike your work. But, the support from family & having "ZERO" EMI commitments could help you ACT with freedom and build your career in a very unique way!
- Remember, there are no right or wrong answers:)

*****
Follow me on YouTube and check out my latest YouTube. You will DEFINITELY learn a thing or two:)
Link: https://lnkd.in/gpW6evmM

Recently I had the opportunity to visit LinkedIn Ireland office. 

OMG! One of the best corporate cultures I have ever witnessed!

1) Everybody was friendly!
2) The place reflects their values
3) And most importantly - It felt like an enjoyable work atmosphere.

After my visit to the LinkedIn office, I got to connect with a few folks working in the LinkedIn India office - And everybody mentioned that the work life balance is GREAT!

***

Kudos to the leadership for building and nurturing this culture!!

Thanks to Ari Dubin for being a fantastic host!

This is what Corporate leaders are saying: 

1) AI is going to be the next big thing. They are expecting things to change in the next 3-5 years BIG TIME!
2) We need everybody to work extremely hard as this is a pivotal moment in history.

This is what employees are saying: 

1) I don't want to work for money FOREVER. COVID definitely changed priorities. 
- I want to work in a good setup and build a healthy lifestyle. 
- If you push me too much, I will quit.

This is what students are saying: 

1) There are not many jobs 
2) I just need something even if it is below my expectations. 

*****

Everybody has their own priorities!
And they hardly overlap..

Hence it is hard to find peace in the corporate world. 
- We just need to realise that and take it easy. Don't take it to heart:)

Check out my latest video on the same topic: https://lnkd.in/gfVFNFw3

In the last 1 week - I had a lot of casual dinner conversations with investors, hedge fund managers, sales folks at Google/LinkedIn, etc.

And a few insights into the conversations:

1) One of Ireland's largest individual angel investors said that "AI" is not the internet. But, the AI revolution is similar to Electricity!
- And an individual working at Google highlighted that AI is not similar to Electricity but rather Fire. The impact is much deeper!!!

2) The hedge fund manager from the Bay Area mentioned that - All the PE/VC conferences are now focused exclusively on AI.
- And in the previous years, they were much more diverse. But, AI is completely taking center stage now.

3) The corporate leaders AROUND the world are convinced about the SCALE of AI.
- And they are expecting things to change in the next 3 to 5 years.

4) The discussions were centered around how this is going to change the employees, investors, startups, and governance.

If you want me to share my detailed reflections on these conversations and go in-depth, let me know in the comments.

I will create a detailed video if there is interest.

****

These knowledge guides from my end will immensely help you!
Check them out.

1) How to UPSKILL yourself in AI while working in IT Industry:
https://lnkd.in/gb9VNVdd

2) 7 skills in the AI-driven world that everybody should learn: https://lnkd.in/gqGtuqc6

3) 5 Best FREE AI Courses for Non-Technical & Technical Beginners 2024:
https://lnkd.in/gK6FKjx2

4) Future of AI based on expert conversations from "World Economic Forum": https://lnkd.in/g8jM_5va

5) How Companies are ALREADY using AI to change the future of Jobs: https://lnkd.in/dnYhE5vA

6) How INDIA is becoming AI Outsourcing hub:
https://lnkd.in/gSsuMSN3

Company quarterly results are a treasure for any business student!!
- The information shared is first hand and gives a GREAT indication about "What's next" in the market.
- Companies can neither be optimistic nor pessimistic. Because, either ways - markets will punish. So, they try to be realistic.

But, none of us dig into the quarterly results because:
- media channels have made it look like a "MONSTER". 

On my latest youtube video - I analyzed the TCS quarterly results announced yesterday from an EMPLOYEE standpoint. I didn't talk about anything complex.
You need to know everything on that video to get a sense of what "leaders are thinking".
Check out the video: https://lnkd.in/gb_5_xaW

Along with the video, I also added study material. Hopefully, you get into the habit of reading these reports. 
Let me know your takeaways.

We all know that - the corporate world is tricky.
But we do it because - we learn, grow, and earn.

However, sometimes - we need to say "Enough is Enough"!
For example: 
1) If your manager is scheduling a meeting on a public holiday & saying "You don't celebrate that festival, so why can't you come to the office"!
- They forget that you have kids and they might have a holiday.

2) Your manager schedules a call at sharp Midnight because of client availability. And has zero concern for you.

3) Your client has zero concern for you/your team and does not acknowledge an issue you highlighted.

This is neither about you nor about your manager/client.
It is about the culture of the organization.

Doesn't matter how long you spend in these types of organizations. It is better to quit these companies ASAP!

*****

Follow me on YouTube if you are keen to hear some honest perspectives about the corporate world: https://lnkd.in/gne9nTAr

The BIGGEST challenge you face in upskilling is to have that sustained motivation and stay committed!

A few ways, that can help you realistically stay on track!

#1 Build a small study group. You push them, they push you. That is how it works.
- If you are keen, write a comment below highlighting the area you want to upskill. Come back to the post in a day or two and check if there is anybody with the same interest area. And connect with them.
- Nothing better than combined studies:)

#2 Make upskilling a habit. Take out 30 minutes everyday and spend on an activity where you are starting with a relatively clean slate.
- Don't expect short term benefits. But, to benefit in the long term - you have to start in the short term.

#3 Pick out courses which are pushing you to complete the course.
- If you are interested in AI/Tech/Data upskilling, check out GeeksforGeeks 90-90-90 (Three90 challenge).  i.e. Achieve at least 90% course completion within 90 days of starting any of the GfG courses in April, and get 90% refund on fees!!
Check out the program here: https://lnkd.in/gJJNmXni

Let me know if there are any other hacks that you would recommend to stay "committed":)

#collab

There are NO shortcuts in our career! BUT,
.
.
.
.
.
There are always some low hanging fruits. That we tend to ignore.

For example:
1) When we think about our strengths - We immediately think about a tool, a domain, a function, industry, etc.
- But, we don't even think about our personality based strengths.
However, MBTI and other prominent testing tools have highlighted that - certain personalities are more suited for certain professions.
So, if we are stuck and looking for a change. Such tests might come handy!

On my latest YouTube video,, I shared 5 questions that you should ask yourself so that you don't miss out on these easy pickings!
This is based on my personal experience and nothing theoretical:)

Link to the video: https://lnkd.in/gkmgB-TK

If you want to know the most important business functions/job roles in a "platform" based business model such as Swiggy, Amazon, Uber, etc. - check out my latest YouTube video. 

Typically these knowledge based videos won't get any traction. 
Do check out the video and share in your network - Would encourage a lot more creators (not just me):)

video link: https://lnkd.in/g7EnkWi6

In June 2021 - Mark Zuckerberg mentioned that working from home is helping him think "long term". 
In June 2023 - He pushed employees to work from office for productivity gains.

- The 180° shift in corporate leadership's opinion regarding work from home is evident right now. They no longer support, let alone promote WFH. So, if you're looking for WFH opportunities only then there are HIGH CHANCES that market will not favor you.

1) But how did we get here? Is it only productivity?

2) Why corporates totally changed their mindset about WFH in 2024?
- And do you know that the work from home debate started in 2002 itself?

****
The reasons might surprise / shock you. 

Watch this video to see what you can do in this situation and why we're here in the first place: https://lnkd.in/gN6NHKTy

You can follow me on LinkedIn here: Pavan Sathiraju

There are a few FUN weekend activities that could satisfy your creative juices and also help you earn a side income!

1) One of the most interesting is WRITING a "ZERO CONTENT" book.
- I had no idea when I first heard this a few weeks back. But the idea grew on me!
- You get to write a "zero content" book once and let Amazon publish/market/distribute the book.

I shared about this in detail and a few other fun things on my latest YouTube video.

Check it out here: https://lnkd.in/gps6EC5q

Watch the video from 3:20 to 5:00. It will pique your interest:)

Cheers!


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