Explore the knowledge and perspectives of Mayank Sharma, the operations maestro in the fast-paced world of logistics and supply chain.
As a Logistics cornerstone, Mayank’s extensive experience and aptitude for strategic management guarantee that every link in the supply chain is optimized for success.
You started off your career at the age of 23 as a part time Invigilator, and now you're in supply chain. How would you describe your nine years of career?
Mayank: I started working as an invigilator while I was a college student. It was a part-time job. I then began searching for start-ups. Somehow, even as a young child, I’ve always been interested in logistics and transportation. I then searched for startups, most of which are involved in last-mile delivery or logistics. So, it was through a friend that I learned about Jugnoo. I was looking for a job as a supply management because he recommended me to go there, but I had to learn all of these things there, right? Therefore, it was a three-day practical interview during which no questions were asked. And I was given the position of municipal manager after three months. In other words, I had to oversee both supply and demand. You could therefore claim that it was a single, amazing app that allowed you to order food, groceries, and even B2B deliveries in addition to booking a cab for oneself. That is excellent. Yes. I so returned to Ola in India alone after Jugnoo. However, it was once more a significant change from being an operations or core supply man. in the Jugnoo. I attended the center level data security operations in Ola.
Dee: Now that’s amazing. Honestly, I mean, to see the drastic change and I really hope that this industry that you’re in right now is completely satisfactory in the sense of a career for you.
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S1E3: “Logistics Industry Crossover” with Mayank Sharma | Operations Manager | Supply Chain
Do you think we choose our careers or does our careers choose us?
Mayank: Again, this is all subjective, but I would say that people who discover their skills early in their jobs or in their educational journeys tend to be more deliberate in their employment choices. Like, my cousin was always interested in merchant navy. He aspired to be a captain, and he is one now. Well, those men, to be very honest, I’m not one of them. I was at a loss about what to do when I graduated from college. I became a teacher, but eventually, I realized that, yes, I do want to work in logistics and transportation. That’s when, after all, I decided on my career.
What is the industry that could perhaps have a crossover with logistics in the near future?
Mayank: I believe there are many aspects to this. Thus, the industry is currently undergoing a significant, or perhaps more accurately, digital transformation. I would say that, particularly when it comes to supply chains and logistics, particularly when I discuss India.
Therefore, the government itself is concentrating on multi-modal supply chain solutions. For instance, let’s imagine I am an Indian shipper who wants to export something to the United States. Thus, I’ll require a variety of transportation options.
They are working to create a platform where I can simply make a reservation, enter the origin and destination pin numbers, and eventually receive options for land, rail, and air freight along with price and vendors for each of these services. Transit durations for every connection. Thus, they are attempting to construct this. Thus, we should expect a significant, if not revolutionary, development in this sector. However, based on my recent experience, I believe that the focus is primarily on AI and ML for shipment sorting and routing. the final one. Yes, precisely.
Furthermore, I would argue that there needs to be some amalgamation, including between government authorities, as most cities are currently designed with a residential hub on one corner and office space on the other. That’s the moment when you run into traffic issues. so, the government agencies have to get involved in this, most probably city planning, traffic management and helping companies build this intermodal basically logistics solutions, a single a single platform where you can have all the models of all the modes of transportation rail, road, sea and air.Dee: Even Saudi Arabia recently have, you know, they’ve been really investing in these new Start-Up projects, especially tech projects that are very much constrained towards logistics, supply chain. And like you said, connecting multiple like you have one pick up location and drop off location. Because usually in this industry it’s like, I know a guy who knows a guy who knows a guy. And then you’ll get the job done versus.
Mayank: And the margin keeps on increasing. I mean everybody puts his stake of margin.
Dee: Fantastic actually. So much information today.
What are your tried and tested ways of dealing with pressure situations?
Mayank: I would say that I have my own methods for chairing it or managing the pressure. As I previously mentioned, I began my career as a teacher. I mean, I can’t shout, I can’t school them, I can’t even raise my voice there, so that’s where most of it came from. In order to respond to all of the silly questions, I must also be extremely polite. Well, only a few of them were really dumb. That’s where it originated, then. The majority of it, in my opinion, is communication. Peer-to-peer communication or family or friend conversations are also viable options.
I’ve been able to handle pressure, particularly when it comes to my job. Thus, I would advise everyone to abide by the “25-five rule,” which essentially states that you should work uninterrupted for 25 minutes and then take a 5-minute break. You take a cigarette, coffee, or other break, and when you return, work for twenty-five minutes without interruptions. So that’s one method of handling pressure. Handle the stress. You would be able to complete all of your tasks by the end of the day, and I would estimate that 99% of your pressure would be released.
Dee: Of the time we deprioritize like oh, I’ll have lunch after a bit because I have this super important thing. Right? And then that’s super important thing. Just, just it just keeps going on and then you skip.
Mayank: I mean, I didn’t say lunch because I’m not I’m a one meal a day person, so I wouldn’t advise lunch. But yeah, water break is fine. And second thing is you can listen to music. Let’s say like sometimes I listen to Punjabi music, sometimes to religious songs. Just one song, five minutes it will be and you can continue.
Dee: That’s great. Honestly. But thank you for like, putting the insight on hydration and how important it is to be honest, it’s always like tried and tested in a sense that it’s the simpler things.
Like for example, when you’re having a very stressful day just going out and going for a walk. Yes. Just simply just, you know, just randomly it changes your entire perception of the day, you know, how bad the day was. Like, well, the day wasn’t that bad anyways.
What advice would you give to someone opting for the same career or who is already in your industry?
Mayank: A person who is, in their last year of college, to put it mildly. I would advise them to search for the technologies that will have an impact on the supply chain and logistics industries if they want to enter these fields. Blockchain, as we have discussed, exists. Next comes this tuning for warehousing.
Additionally, I would advise them to become more familiar with those technologies by learning how to use some of the simpler tools or software. I would advise them to focus on data analysis and analysis rather than operations since those areas can be more helpful in the long run.
For example, you can optimize routes or do anything else that can be helpful given the current situation. It’s not a particularly wise decision, in my opinion, to begin operations. Because you won’t find the career path you’re looking for, I would say. However, if you dig into the data side of things, you might be able to observe that growth for yourself.
Dee: If my understanding is correct, then that data is essentially a crucial component. Additionally, data analysis is necessary for anyone assuming a managerial role, such as an operation or supply chain manager.
How would you say this? In quotes. Please find attached for the fifth time
I would keep enlarging the font and make it bold every time I send a reminder.
As we continue our exploration of the core of operational brilliance, stay tuned for more motivational tales and business insights.