Ravishankar Mohan

The Transformative Leader

Ravishankar Mohan

Director- India Controller & Business Finance Analytics,

General Datatech

Financial analytics and AI are revolutionising modern business landscapes, and leaders like Ravishankar Mohan are playing a pivotal role in driving this transformation. As the Director of India Controller & Business Finance Analytics at General Datatech (GDT), Ravishankar seamlessly integrates AI and robotic process automation (RPA) into financial processes, enhancing efficiency and strategic decision-making.
Ravishankar brings over two decades of diverse experience in financial planning and analysis across the consumer goods and technology sectors. His career journey began as an articled assistant at R.G.N. Price & Co. There, he developed a strong foundation in finance and compliance. Through roles at Secova, Infosys, ISGN Corporation, and Lennox International, he honed his skills in SOX compliance, project management, and financial account finalisation.
Ravishankar began leading GDT’s India Controller & Business Finance Analytics division in Bengaluru at the beginning of 2022. He applies his extensive financial planning expertise to integrate advanced AI solutions. These innovations automate routine tasks and facilitate deeper data analysis, boosting operational efficiency and enabling predictive financial modelling.
Ravishankar’s expertise in public speaking, project management, and process transition underscores his versatile skill set. Beyond his financial acumen, he is a visionary leader who recognises AI’s potential in finance. His academic achievements, including master’s degrees from prestigious universities, underscore his commitment to continuous learning and innovation.
In a recent interview with TradeFlock, Ravishankar shared insights about his journey and leadership philosophy. This interview highlights his holistic approach to leadership and innovation within GDT.

Could you provide an overview of GDT, its operational model, and the challenges faced in managing extensive operations?

Based out of Bangalore, GDT collaborated extensively with consultants before transitioning to independent operations, which enhanced the services our clients receive. We specialise in networking support services, productivity solutions, and technical support for leading channel partners (such as Cisco, NetApp, HPE, and Microsoft). GDT operates through two core segments: product services and technical services. In product services, we procure and distribute products, like Cisco’s portfolio. Our technical services manage client technology needs, including networking and operational support for entities (such as T-Mobile), ensuring seamless infrastructure operation. Managing extensive operations requires us to navigate rapid technological advancements. To face this ongoing challenge, we prioritise continuous learning and development, allocating resources for training and skill enhancement. In particular, data security remains critical amid automation and AI risks. GDT addresses this through robust internal security teams and reliable system frameworks that safeguard data integrity while optimising automation solutions.

How has prioritising calculated risks shaped your leadership and driven the company's growth?

Taking calculated risks is crucial for fostering growth and driving innovation. As a leader, I prioritise a thorough evaluation of potential risks and rewards before making major decisions. This approach involves meticulous analysis and strategic planning to ensure that I am prepared for various scenarios. By embracing calculated risks, we’ve successfully explored new opportunities and expanded our capabilities. For instance, transitioning from consultant reliance to independent operations was a pivotal move, underpinned by strategic foresight. This shift empowered us to cultivate a robust team, foster innovation, and maintain agility in a competitive landscape.

How do automation and AI impact your business and the industry overall?

Automation and AI are transformative technologies with significant potential to impact our industry. At GDT, we incorporate AI and automation to enhance services, developing bots to automate routine tasks. This increases efficiency and allows our team to focus on strategic initiatives. While there are concerns about job security, I believe automation creates opportunities for humans to engage in complex, creative work. We use automation to augment human capabilities, not replace them, and integrating these technologies adds value and benefit our employees.

How does GDT promote a culture of innovation and continuous improvement while encouraging learning?

At GDT, fostering innovation and empowering effective decision-making is integral to our operational strategy. We prioritise continuous learning through regular training sessions on technological trends, creating a collaborative environment where ideas are freely exchanged. I like to lead by example, encouraging a culture where learning is valued, and team contribution is vital. This empowers our team members to take ownership of projects and make informed decisions. Our team can then successfully provide robust support, resources, and clear communication channels to facilitate swift and effective decision-making aligned with company goals. This approach not only enhances operational efficiency but also ensures that our team remains motivated and engaged in driving GDT’s growth and success in the competitive technology landscape.

What are your plans for GDT? Do you see yourself as an entrepreneur in the future?

Looking ahead, my primary goal for GDT is to drive sustained growth and foster innovation. Over the next five years, our focus will be on expanding our service offerings and enhancing our global footprint. Strengthening partnerships with leading technology firms and exploring new markets are key priorities. Personally, I envision evolving as a leader. I am committed to GDT’s success while remaining open to entrepreneurial opportunities. I believe in continuous learning and adaptability to seize new trends and create meaningful impact in both professional and personal endeavours.