At the heart of every high-performing supply chain lies a leader whose journey is shaped by experience, resilience, and an unrelenting pursuit of excellence. Rendezvous with the Supply Chain Leaders features conversations with some of the most distinguished voices in the field—visionaries who have shaped the evolution of supply chains through enduring leadership, strategic foresight, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
This series moves beyond strategy decks and operational dashboards to delve into the character and convictions behind impactful leadership. Through thoughtful, personal conversations, these stalwarts reflect on the values that guide them, the defining moments of their careers, and the habits that sustain them through high-stakes decisions.
What emerges is a tapestry of insight and inspiration—marked by humility, wisdom, and a shared commitment to shaping what comes next. These aren’t just stories of supply chain excellence; they are reflections on legacy, leadership, and life itself…
Leadership is Not the Spotlight—It’s the Torch that Lights the Way
Meet Vivek Sarbhai, Sr. Director Supply Chain India & South Asia at ThermoFisher Scientific and a proven transformation driver across various organizations viz. Baxter, Mondelez (earlier Cadbury), and ThermoFisher both in India as well as APAC and MEA regions. Guided by the philosophy of servant leadership, he builds high-trust, high-intensity teams that thrive on accountability, empowerment and innovation. “My job is to clear the path by building railroad ahead, and not command the steps,” Vivek affirms. In this candid conversation, he reveals how servant leadership empowers people, why culture matters more than processes, and what it truly takes to foster enduring performance in today’s complex supply chains.
Vivek Sarbhai
You've been a part of many transformation journeys in your career. Which one stands out the most?
Yes, I’ve been fortunate to be part of several transformation projects —starting with P&G, Coca-Cola, Baxter, then Mondelez (earlier Cadbury) across India, Asia Pacific, and Middle East and Africa, and even now at ThermoFisher Scientific. But if I had to choose one, it would be Project Einstein at Cadbury India. This was between 2008 and 2011. It was a landmark supply chain overhaul that made the system incredibly customer- and consumer-centric, while still delivering on Service, productivity and cost. It involved major changes across planning processes, systems, infrastructure, and people. It was truly future-oriented and rewarding.
How do you unwind after a demanding day at work?
My go-to relaxation involves reading news and watching political thrillers or courtroom dramas. These genres have a unique way of blending intensity with strategy, which I find intellectually energizing. I’m particularly drawn to Hollywood films centered around U.S. Presidents—there’s something compelling about how power, leadership, and rhetoric come together in those narratives. The dialogues are especially impactful—crafted with weight and meaning—and I often find parallels to real-life leadership dilemmas. It’s my way of resetting after a high-octane day, indulging both the mind and imagination.
Leadership roles often come with high pressure. How do you manage that?
Early in my career, I did feel the weight of pressure, but over time, it becomes second nature. In fact, I’ve come to see pressure as a rejuvenating force—it keeps you sharp and even young at heart. I always remind myself: stress is inevitable, but how you respond is what defines you. I approach challenges with focus and purpose. If your intent is clear and your engagement is genuine, even complex problems start to feel like exciting puzzles. I don’t believe in letting pressure translate to panic—it should inspire clarity, not chaos.
What's your success mantra as a leader?
My guiding principle has always been Servant Leadership. At its core, this means shifting the traditional leadership mindset—from being the “commander” to becoming the “enabler.” I see my role not as someone who directs from the top, but as someone who clears the path so my team can move fast, with clarity and confidence. My job is to build the systems, platforms, and capabilities that allow people to thrive—be it digital infrastructure, decision-making frameworks, upskilling programs, or simply a culture where it’s safe to speak up and take risks.
I believe leadership is not about being in the spotlight—it's about ensuring your team has the light they need to perform. I ensure that day-to-day execution is completely owned by the team. I don't micromanage, but I’m never far away when something gets stuck or when support is needed. That balance between autonomy and availability is crucial. It builds trust.
Servant leadership also means being deeply attuned to people’s aspirations. I spend time understanding what motivates my team members, where they want to grow, and what holds them back. Because when people feel seen, heard, and supported—they move mountains. You don’t need to push them—they pull themselves and others forward. That’s when you know the culture is working.
To me, a successful leader is not the smartest person in the room, but the one who helps others become smarter, braver, and more aligned with a shared mission.
How would you describe your leadership style?
I lead with what I call Diversity In Counsel, Unity In Action. I encourage my team to bring differing opinions to the table—even challenge me if needed. Healthy debates sharpen our thinking and lead to better decisions. But once a decision is made, it's all about alignment. There’s no room for second-guessing or fragmented messaging. We move as one team with one voice. I also believe in ‘Discuss. Decide. Deliver’. That rhythm creates both transparency and accountability, which are vital in building trust across teams.
What's your advice to next-gen supply chain professionals to navigate uncertain times?
My first piece of advice is: don’t panic. Disruptions, no matter how large, are temporary. Maintain perspective. Second, never attempt to solve big problems alone—supply chains are collective efforts. One weak link affects the entire chain. Build strong teams and empower them to act. Cultivate a culture of support, not silos. It’s also important to understand that emotional resilience is as important as technical skills. If you can stay calm, assess clearly, and collaborate effectively, you’ll lead your team through any storm.
What’s the best and worst advice you’ve received?
The best advice I got came early at Cadbury. A senior leader told me, “To truly understand business, don’t just hop companies. Stay long enough to go through multiple business cycles—at least five to eight years.” That was transformative. It made me value depth over breadth. As for the worst advice? Honestly, I’ve been lucky. I’ve had the opportunity to work with some of the sharpest minds in the industry, and none of them ever gave me advice I’d classify as bad. Even differing opinions gave me clarity.
Is there a political or historical leader who inspires you?
Yes—two in particular: Abraham Lincoln and Mahatma Gandhi. What inspires me about Lincoln is his ability to lead a nation through division with incredible oratory, vision, and resilience. With Gandhi, it was his unwavering conviction and moral authority, despite choosing a path of non-violence during a time of immense turmoil. Both leaders show that clarity of purpose and courage can move the needle of history. In contrast, today’s leadership often feels more reactive—chasing optics and popularity on social media, rather than focusing on long-term impact.
What makes a high-performing team in your view?
Culture, more than anything else, defines a high-performing team. I've seen this across companies and industries—strategies can be replicated, technologies can be bought, but culture is the true differentiator. It’s what sustains performance, especially during periods of stress, ambiguity, or rapid change.
A high-performing team isn’t just one that hits targets—it’s one that operates with energy, integrity, and purpose. It’s a team where people don’t need constant supervision because they care deeply about what they’re doing. They take ownership, lift each other up, and innovate not because someone asked them to, but because it’s in their DNA.
To be successful, I advocate to live by a set of core cultural values that can be classified as the 4Is:
Integrity – This is non-negotiable. Integrity creates trust—within the team and with external stakeholders.
Intensity – Intensity doesn’t mean burnout—it means giving your best consistently, showing up with focus and drive, day after day.
Involvement – Everyone, regardless of role or rank, is encouraged to think like an owner. This means going beyond KPIs, being invested in outcomes, and showing up with curiosity and accountability.
Innovation – For us, innovation is not limited to big tech breakthroughs. It’s about a mindset—constantly questioning the status quo, finding better ways to solve everyday problems, and being open to ideas from any corner of the organization.
When these values are deeply ingrained, they create a culture of psychological safety and high trust—people feel safe to speak their minds, challenge ideas, take smart risks, and still feel supported even if things don’t go perfectly. In such a culture, performance becomes a natural consequence—not something you have to enforce with dashboards or deadlines. That’s the kind of team I strive to build and protect.
Beyond the Buzz: Cultivating Clarity, Balance, and Purpose
Akhil Srivastava
In an industry defined by Speed, Complexity, and Constant Flux, true leadership today is measured not just by EXECUTION—but by EQUILIBRIUM. Akhil Srivastava, Senior Director – International Supply Chain, New Business Development & Innovation, AB InBev, views the supply chain not merely as a function, but as a living ecosystem—one that often reflects how we lead, think, and evolve from within. His guiding principle is both simple and profound: performance without presence is incomplete. In this candid conversation, Akhil shares how the pursuit of balance—between ambition and awareness, strategy and stillness, action and reflection—has shaped his leadership journey.
What has been your passion project till date?
There is nothing more passionate than to know one’s true potential. I am always a ‘Work in Progress’ and my DNA is always evolving. Living a thriving life encompasses balancing various aspects, such as personal growth, meaningful relationships, good health and professional growth, all at the same time. More often high performing executives tend to over focus on one aspect neglecting the others. Hence my passion is to find and maintain the right BALANCE. With that I can OPTIMIZE all aspects of Life for its true meaning.
Yes, as many readers would say, it is very hard to take time out from busy routine to balance life and that’s very true but that’s the difference between being UN-HAPPY or feeling Fullfilled. And this requires a conscious, deliberate mindfulness to learn the ART of BALANCING through mindfulness.
It involves setting goals, staying motivated, and continuously learning and improving. Taking care of your physical and mental well-being, cultivating positive habits, and nurturing supportive connections can all contribute to a thriving life. Remember to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and find joy in the journey. Life is not a destination, it’s a journey and I am passionate to enjoy this journey, and it starts within….
How do you unwind yourself after a tough day @ work?
It’s all in the mind (your Saboteurs), to me tough or easy is one’s approach and circumstantial. In today’s world, we all work 24*7 and have restless mind given all the buzz around. I intent to balance my life by making conscious choices of switching the buzz through digital detox for 8 hours a day. Believe me the world will not collapse if you press the DO NOT DISTRUB on your phones to switch off the notifications for 8 hours a day. I use those hours to balance other aspects of my life spending on caring and maintaining my relationships, mindfulness and health. Sometimes a bottle of beer with your close circle of friends brings more cheers for good!!
How do you manage the pressures and the challenges that come with the job?
Leadership is about making timely decisions with limited information. I don’t know all the answers or all the solutions, but I ensure that I approach the task at hand with passion, purpose and meaning to decide and aim to understand the basic ‘Whys’ and ‘Hows’ of a situation, problem, or opportunity. One needs to be decisive and timely to enable action.
As CSCO aka Chief Symphony Officer, my task is to tune the noise and run the music. To enable this, one needs to think ahead of the game, have a game plan with strategic mindset and build a high-performance empowered team. This preparedness helps getting comfortable with discomfort like playing a jigsaw puzzle, where every piece is located and put in its rightful place at exactly the right time for a beautiful picture.
What’s your Success Mantra?
Schedule time each day to think about your goals and strategies. Time alone is the best way to evaluate all options and to find the right course of action for each goal. Strengthen your resolve and perseverance to respond to the ever-changing world around you with outside-in thinking because each situation needs a unique solution, it is never one size fits all.
What’s your Leadership Style?
People hire the "best" team members to enhance overall team performance, foster a positive and productive work environment, and drive business growth. The "best" can refer to skills, experience, cultural fit, or a combination of factors that align with the team's goals and the organization's culture and values. Now if you already have the best team to get the job done, the worst part would be to micromanage and over-instruct the team. This hinders teams’ performance, stifles creativity, and erodes trust (As is true Trust but Verify). Hence the most important thing is to build a high performing, which means practise laissez faire literally ‘Allow to do’, with the idea being ‘let people do as they choose’, enabling team to produce amazing results.
A book that has helped you at work...
One book that has had a significant impact on both my professional and personal life is Positive Intelligence by Shirzad Chamine. It offers a powerful framework for understanding the internal mental chatter that often holds us back—what the author refers to as “Saboteurs.” These are the negative voices in our mind that trigger self-doubt, stress, frustration, and imposter syndrome. They quietly undermine our confidence, decision-making, and ability to connect authentically with others.
What makes Positive Intelligence so impactful is its practicality. It doesn’t just describe the problem—it provides actionable tools to increase what Chamine calls your “PQ” (Positive Intelligence Quotient), which is your capacity to respond to life’s challenges with a positive rather than a negative mindset.
For me, it has been a go-to resource whenever I’ve needed to reset, reframe challenges, or center myself during high-pressure situations. By becoming more aware of my Saboteurs and learning to shift towards my inner “Sage”—the wise, calm, and creative part of the brain—I’ve been able to elevate not only my personal satisfaction but also my interpersonal relationships and work performance.
Whether it’s handling difficult conversations, making strategic decisions, or simply staying present in a fast-paced environment, the insights from Positive Intelligence have helped me operate from a place of greater clarity, empathy, and resilience. It’s more than a book—it’s a mindset shift.
A book you can read any number of times or a movie you can watch repeatedly...
There are a few timeless stories and lessons that I keep going back to—narratives that continue to inspire, ground, and challenge me, no matter how many times I revisit them.
Movie – Moneyball: This film is a masterclass in challenging conventional thinking. The quote “Adapt or die” perfectly captures the essence of innovation and resilience. Every time I watch it, I’m reminded that success often comes not from doing what’s popular, but from having the courage to disrupt, question norms, and pivot with purpose.
Movie – The Pursuit of Happyness: This movie is incredibly close to my heart for its raw portrayal of perseverance. The quote, “Don’t ever let somebody tell you... You can’t do something. You got a dream, you gotta protect it. If you want something, go get it. Period.” resonates deeply. It’s a reminder that our dreams are worth fighting for—no matter how distant or difficult they may seem.
Book – The Daily Drucker by Peter Drucker: This is my go-to guide for leadership and personal reflection. One line that continues to stay with me is: “Leadership is an achievement of trust.” In a world where performance often overshadows principles, this quote reinforces the foundational value of integrity and trust in leadership.
What is the best and worst advice you have received?
Best Advice: Be Open to New Challenges — Do Not Settle. There Is So Much to See and Learn Across the World.
“Do not settle” is more than a mantra—it is a mindset rooted in self-awareness and courage. It is about recognizing your inherent worth, gaining clarity on your aspirations, and boldly pursuing them, even when it means stepping into discomfort or uncertainty. At its core, it is a belief that you deserve growth, fulfillment, and success—and a refusal to compromise on that belief. At present, I am in Shanghai, China, fully immersed in a new challenge that is continuously pushing my boundaries. I am learning a new language, adapting to a different culture, and embracing a completely new ethos of life. This experience of stepping outside my comfort zone has profoundly expanded my worldview. It has reminded me how much there is to learn when we open ourselves up to the unfamiliar—and how real growth begins the moment we choose not to settle.
Worst Advice: “Just Work Hard.”
Let me be clear—there is no substitute for hard work. However, the advice to “just work hard” is incomplete and, in many cases, misleading. Hard work without purpose, direction, or strategic intent can lead to exhaustion without progress. True impact comes not merely from the amount of effort we exert, but from the clarity and intention behind that effort. Far too often, people fall into the trap of the “martyr mindset”—believing that struggle alone equates to value, and wearing relentless effort like a badge of honour, even when the results are limited.
Instead, strive to work intelligently. Be deliberate, think critically, and approach challenges with creativity and focus. Success lies in doing the right work—not just more work. When effort is aligned with vision, strategy, and innovation, productivity and outcomes improve not only in scale but in meaning.
One Tip to Survive and Sustain in Unforeseen Situations...
If there’s one insight that’s helped me navigate uncertain and high-pressure moments in my career, it’s this: Know Your Saboteurs.
These are the internal voices that subtly influence our thoughts and behaviors—often without us realizing. They show up as perfectionism, the need for control, people-pleasing, overachievement, or constant vigilance. While they often pose as strengths or survival instincts, they tend to operate from fear and create unnecessary stress, conflict, and burnout. In challenging situations, it’s usually not the external environment, but these internal saboteurs that throw us off course.
Through reflection, I began identifying which of these patterns were driving my reactions. I found it helpful to map them across three core emotional motivators: Independence, Acceptance, and Security. This framework helped me understand the deeper needs behind my decisions:
This simple visual helped me pause and ask: Which of these is showing up in me today? The Hyper-achiever who ties success to self-worth? The Stickler who insists everything must be perfect? Or the Hyper-vigilant voice always on high alert, fearing loss of control?
Once I started naming these saboteurs in real time—“Ah, that’s the Pleaser again”—I was able to distance myself from them. That shift in awareness created space between stimulus and response. It helped me lead with intention rather than operate on autopilot. Over time, this practice has helped me handle uncertainty with far greater clarity, calm, and resilience.
To the next generation stepping into this dynamic field: develop your technical skills, yes—but also take the time to understand the internal patterns that drive your behavior. Self-awareness isn’t just a Soft Skill. It’s a Survival Skill. You may not be able to predict what’s around the corner. But if you can recognize and reframe the way you respond to pressure from within, you’ll not only survive unforeseen challenges—you’ll thrive through them.
Built from the Ground Up: Lessons in Supply Chain Execution and Endurance
Ravikant Parvataneni
In a supply chain world defined by rising complexity and relentless expectations, it’s not bold strategies but disciplined execution that delivers lasting impact. For Ravikant Parvataneni, CEO – India, Argon & Co., the most meaningful insights have been shaped through hands-on experience—anchored in purpose, structured execution, and the ability to stay composed under pressure. In this conversation, he reflects on the pivotal projects that influenced his thinking, the personal disciplines that sustain his clarity, and the values—Integrity, Resilience, and Precision—that continue to guide his approach to building scalable, high-performing operations.
What has been your passion project till date?
While I’ve had the privilege of working on several meaningful projects, there are three that stand out—each aligned with a distinct phase in my career: engineering, retail logistics, and supply chain consulting. These projects didn’t just challenge me technically; they reaffirmed and sustained my passion for operations and transformation over the last 30+ years.
The first project takes me back nearly 28 years, when I was part of a team responsible for setting up a sulphonation plant near Mumbai. It remains unforgettable for the sheer depth of exposure it offered to engineering design, plant commissioning, and process automation. It was my introduction to large-scale industrial projects, and the learning curve was steep. That early hands-on experience became the foundation for my lifelong fascination with engineering-led execution. To this day, my passion for projects and automation remains just as strong—unchanged over the decades.
The second project came years later, during my time in the retail logistics space, where I led the implementation of India’s first Put-to-Light automated sortation system for a leading fashion retailer. This initiative was particularly fulfilling, as it brought together years of operational insight, technical planning, and stakeholder collaboration. Being able to deliver a solution that was not only technologically advanced but also a first-of-its-kind in India gave me immense professional pride. It stood out as a moment where vision met execution, and innovation translated into real operational value.
The third—and perhaps most transformational on a personal level—was a project I undertook as a supply chain consultant for a 3PL client. We supported the setup of their very first e-commerce fulfilment centre. Although modest in scale, this was my first complete end-to-end supply chain transformation engagement in a consulting role. It began with helping the client win the mandate through the right solution design, followed by guidance during infrastructure setup, and finally active involvement in the implementation phase, working side-by-side with their operations teams to manage change and optimize performance. The ultimate validation came when the end client rated that facility as the best-performing one in the region. That moment significantly boosted my confidence in my capabilities as a consultant, and demonstrated how impactful the right blend of vision, collaboration, and execution can be—even on a smaller canvas.
Each of these projects arrived at a pivotal point in my professional journey, and each rekindled my belief in the power of building things from the ground up. They continue to define how I approach my work even today—with curiosity, commitment, and a deep sense of ownership.
How do you unwind after a demanding day at work?
No matter how hectic the day has been or what time I get home, I turn to a small, familiar ritual that brings instant calm—a strong cup of filter coffee, enjoyed in complete stillness, seated on the floor. It’s a habit I’ve held onto for years. There’s something deeply comforting about that moment—the aroma, the quiet, the simplicity. That brief pause helps me detach from the noise and pace of the day. It's not about distraction or entertainment—it’s about presence. In that stillness, the stress dissolves, and I find a sense of grounding that helps me close the day with clarity.
How do you manage the pressures and the challenges that come with the job?
The reality is—no matter how carefully we plan or how well we prepare, the world remains inherently unpredictable. Over time, I’ve come to understand that once you’ve given your best with sincerity and focus, you must also have the wisdom to let go. Holding on to stress or outcomes beyond your control doesn’t serve anyone—not your team, not your work, and certainly not yourself.
What helps me navigate the intensity of high-pressure environments is having a space outside of work that brings balance and clarity—a personal refuge that recharges both body and mind. For me, that refuge is CYCLING. It’s more than a passion; it’s a practice that grounds me.
Every weekend, without fail, I set out on my cycle through the early morning streets of Mumbai. There are no deadlines, no meetings, no demands—just the quiet rhythm of the road, the morning breeze, and the feeling of movement. It’s in that solitude that I reconnect—with the city, with nature, and with myself.
Cycling has become a form of active meditation. I experience the seasons not through a calendar, but through the sensations on the ride—the crisp chill of a November morning, the dense humidity that builds in March, the first scent of rain just before a June downpour. The city reveals itself differently when you’re not rushing through it.
Somewhere during those rides, something shifts. The noise recedes. The weight of the week begins to lift. Thoughts loosen their grip, and a quiet sense of clarity returns. I finish each ride feeling not only physically energized but mentally reset—ready to face whatever lies ahead with greater composure, perspective, and purpose.
What’s your personal mantra for success?
It’s straightforward and something I’ve held close throughout my career: Act with integrity. Communicate with clarity. Commit with full effort.
Success, in my experience, is not just about strategy or skill—it’s about how consistently you show up. Being honest builds long-term trust. Being clear helps people align with your vision. And putting in wholehearted effort ensures that whatever the outcome, you can stand by your work with pride. This approach has stayed relevant—whether I was on the shop floor, in a warehouse, or advising clients in boardrooms. It's not flashy, but it's deeply effective.
What’s your leadership style?
For me, leadership begins and ends with the team. Support your team—consistently, unconditionally, and especially when things get tough. A leader’s success is inseparable from the contributions of their people. Whatever milestones we achieve, they’re built on the dedication, commitment, and hard work of our team members.
I firmly believe that while the credit belongs to the team, the accountability rests with the leader. As a leader, you must create an environment where your people feel safe to take risks, make mistakes, and learn. If you don’t allow space for error, you’ll never foster a culture of innovation or build confidence in your team. Mistakes are stepping stones. The job of a leader is to stand behind the team, especially when they stumble—and walk beside them when they rise.
A tip to survive and sustain in unforeseen situations…
Be honest. Be straightforward. Give your 100%.
In a world driven by short-term metrics, resist the temptation to cut corners for quick wins. Integrity and effort always pay off—maybe not immediately, but always in the long run. Stay grounded, stay patient, and trust the process. Sustainable careers are built on values, not shortcuts.
A book that has helped you at work...
I wouldn’t call myself an avid reader, but in the world of supply chain, we often come across real-life applications of principles discussed in Critical Chain by Eliyahu Goldratt. The book offers powerful insights into managing constraints, project timelines, and uncertainties—elements that are central to supply chain operations. It shifts your thinking from traditional project management to a more flow-oriented, buffer-based approach, which is especially useful in dynamic and high-stakes environments. Over the years, I’ve seen how these concepts play out on the ground, and they continue to influence the way I plan and execute transformation projects.
A book or movie you can revisit any time...
Two titles stand out for very different reasons.
The Godfather—as a book—is a masterpiece in strategy, leadership, loyalty, and the complexity of decisionmaking under pressure. Every time I revisit it, I discover a new layer of meaning, especially in how power is managed with restraint and how relationships drive outcomes.
On the other hand, Munnabhai MBBS is my go-to comfort film. It’s lighthearted, yet deeply meaningful. The story is a reminder that empathy, kindness, and human connection can often achieve more than rules or systems. It’s a film that never fails to lift my mood and reaffirm the importance of emotional intelligence—even in professional settings.
What is the best and worst advice you’ve received?
I’ve been fortunate in that I haven’t come across any advice I would truly consider “bad.” Even the well-intended missteps had lessons embedded in them. But the best advice I received—and one that shaped me profoundly—came from a former boss, who said: “Be more empathetic with the people you deal with.”
At the time, I was focused on outcomes, efficiency, and delivery. But that one piece of advice helped me realize that results are not just driven by process—they’re powered by people. Since then, I’ve made a conscious effort to lead with empathy, listen actively, and understand perspectives before reacting. It has made me a better leader and a more grounded professional.
What’s the best way to build a high-performing team?
It starts with trust. Back your team—unconditionally. Push them, challenge them, set the bar high, but always ensure they know you’re standing firmly behind them. When people feel genuinely supported, they’re more willing to stretch beyond their limits and take calculated risks.
A high-performing team isn’t built by micromanagement; it’s built by creating an environment of psychological safety. Your team should feel confident that even if they make a mistake, you’ve got their back. That safety fosters initiative, accountability, and innovation.
I’ve always believed: if they don’t move, you don’t either. As a leader, your progress is directly tied to how empowered and confident your team feels. Success is never a solo act—it’s a shared journey, and the leader’s role is to ensure everyone is equipped to move forward together.
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