Shaping Success Through Empowering Leadership
Vikram Sagar Ravi
Sr. Vice President & Head - Growth and Revenue,
Tutelar Fintech Pvt ltd
A true leader is someone who believes in empowering his team, recognising that their collective potential is the driving force behind organisational growth and success. Vikram Sagar Ravi embodies this ethos, standing as an example of empowering leadership in the corporate world. With experience spanning diverse sectors including automotive, health tech, education, hospitality tech, and fintech, Vikram’s journey is a testament to his unwavering commitment to nurturing talent and fostering innovation. In his hands, empowerment is not just a leadership style; it’s a guiding principle that shapes the future of organisations and paves the way for unparalleled achievements.
Vikram’s belief in empowering his team took root early in his career. At Mahindra and Mahindra Ltd., he championed an environment where proactive decision-making was not just encouraged but expected. This philosophy became the cornerstone of his leadership style, guiding him through pivotal roles, including his tenure as state head at Tata Motors Ltd. His knack for recognising, honing the potential within his team and backing his team, set the stage for his transformative journey into the startup ecosystem.
In the startup landscape, Vikram’s leadership approach found fertile ground. At Practo, he trusted his team to innovate and execute independently, fostering a culture of creativity and ownership. His empowering leadership continued at OYO, where he held key positions, including Country Head for Thailand & Vietnam and Head, Partner Products for Southeast Asia. Under his guidance, his teams thrived, turning challenges into opportunities and achieving remarkable milestones.
Today, as the senior vice president of growth and revenue at Tutelar Fintech, Vikram’s empowering leadership philosophy continues to fuel the company’s ascent. By entrusting his team with the authority to make decisions, he cultivates a spirit of innovation and collaboration. Tutelar Fintech, under his stewardship, becomes more than a workplace; it transforms into a dynamic ecosystem where every team member’s contribution is not just valued but celebrated.
TradeFlock interviewed Vikram to learn more about his leadership style, journey and success mantra.
How have you adjusted your leadership style across diverse industries?
Adjusting my leadership style to diverse industries relies on continuous learning and adaptability. During my tenure as Country Head for Thailand and Vietnam at OYO, I prioritised cross-cultural sensitivity, vital in navigating complex environments amidst challenges such as COVID-19. This experience underscored the significance of empathy and effective communication.
Upon transitioning to Tutelar, an extremely young, yet dynamic and globally ambitious entity, my approach shifted towards motivating the team through hands-on involvement. Working closely with young, enthusiastic professionals, I think leading by example and instilling a belief in our collective mission is important.
This adaptability is a product of invaluable mentorship from leaders such as Vijay Menon, Ritesh Aggarwal, Ankit Tandon, Abhinav Ankur, Mohan K and Pradeep K in the various companies I have worked for. Their guidance has not only bolstered my confidence but also encouraged innovative approaches to leadership. By integrating these lessons, I ensure my teams are equipped to navigate industry-specific challenges while fostering an environment of continuous growth and resilience.
How crucial is agility in revenue and growth strategies during industry transitions?
Agility is paramount in revenue and growth strategies, particularly during industry transitions. However, it must be balanced with informed decision-making. Taking the time to thoroughly understand the new market, customers, colleagues, and changes within your own company is crucial. While startups often demand rapid adaptation, there’s immense value in learning as you go along.
Remaining open to learning and asking questions accelerates the adaptation process. It’s this blend of agility and informed decisionmaking that ensures a seamless transition, allowing for quick adjustments and strategic pivots when necessary. Agility, when grounded in understanding and continuous learning, becomes the linchpin of successful transitions, enabling companies to navigate challenges and seize opportunities effectively.
How does customer-centricity contribute to your growth strategies, and how do you utilise customer feedback to refine revenue generation?
Customer-centricity should be the bedrock of any growth strategy, woven into the very fabric of the organisation’s culture. It’s not just about understanding customer needs; it’s about anticipating them. By discerning their exact requirements, we can tailor our offerings and postsale support, ensuring a seamless experience.
Additionally, staying agile in responding to evolving customer demands is key. By actively incorporating their feedback, we can enhance our products and services, delivering solutions that exceed expectations. This iterative process not only fosters loyalty but also encourages enthusiastic referrals, expanding our customer base and enhancing revenue streams.
In essence, customer-centric strategies are not merely transactional; they are about fostering lasting relationships. Satisfied customers, turned advocates, become our strongest assets, amplifying our brand reach and bolstering revenue growth organically.
What's your most important lesson for driving growth and revenue that you'd share with aspiring professionals in your field?
In driving growth and revenue, my diverse experiences have taught me a lot of valuable lessons. Here are a few that I would like to share with aspiring professionals: First, ask a lot of questions and understand the uniqueness of industries and companies. Continuous learning is key; stay updated on industry trends, client needs, and competitors’ strategies. Balance is crucial; prioritise both customers and your business, fostering a win-win scenario.
Learn the power of saying no when necessary. Establish effective sales processes, focusing on key metrics and robust review mechanisms. Accessibility is vital; be approachable to address customer concerns promptly. Lastly, nurture leadership within your team, enabling self-sufficiency. Creating such an environment not only fosters team growth but also personal development.