The Lighthouse editorial team sat down with Sreenath V. – Vice President Operations & Projects – to know more about his dedication to the field of logistics and freight forwarding, what his motivation is and more.
By: Minaal Pervaiz
If you were to describe yourself in under two minutes, how would you sum it all up?
Team player, flexible and open to constructive ideas.
How did you first get involved in the Shipping, Liner and Logistics industry?
Getting into the logistics industry was purely an accidental occurrence. I started off my career by being part of the customs clearing division and as opportunities presented themselves, I kept learning various aspects of the logistics industry.
Tell us how you got to join the CSS Group. Why did you want this job?
CSS was – by 2002 – a very fast-growing organization. I met Mr. Kala [CEO and Founder, CSS Group] and Mr. Anil Kumar [Finance Director, CSS Group] through a mutual friend. We sat down for a casual cup of coffee and we discussed the role they had in mind. Now, 16 years later, I sit here as the Vice President of Operations & Projects!
What do you think it takes for an employee to get ahead in the CSS Group?
There is no alternative to hard work and when it is combined with honesty and passion, growth is imminent. There are a lot of opportunities still around for youngsters in the CSS Group. If they understand that growing laterally too is an achievement, then for sure they will [get ahead].
Could you tell us about the portfolio you are currently managing?
Presently I work along with the operations team of Consolidated Shipping Services, be it the CFS or the SCM requirements, take care of the Transport department activities, and commercially involved with the projects division under Mr. Raj George.
How would you handle failure?
Failure can only be understood as being a corrective step towards success. Why not embrace it, learn and look forward to new doors?
What do you enjoy most about working here?
Being a part of a big family, where everyone cares for one another, works as a team to find solutions and then enjoy the fruits of their labor – together.
What is your personal philosophy on working with logistics and freight forwarding at this point?
I have moved ahead in my career simply due to the passion I developed for the job I do. I am still learning the nuances of this industry. The logistics industry is an ocean and you never get tired of learning new things on a daily basis.
What do you think the current state of affairs are in the industry and possible (positive/negative) predictions using your knowledge at this point?
The market is on a course of stabilization with various aspects affecting our industry. As CSS, we have always ridden the wave quite fine over the years and are confident that we will ride this one too very smoothly. Of course I am not predicting anything but – as a team and putting in a consolidated effort – we are earmarked to do well.
What motivates you?
It is the team, the people that one works with that motivates one automatically. I appreciate every day that I can walk into my office and interact with such willful and intelligent colleagues. That is my motivation – I keep going because I want to, not need to.