Name: Guru Prasath Dwarakanath

Title: Student

Organisation: Fleming College

I am an accomplished Operations Manager with over 9 years of experience, specializing in program management, competitor analysis, and leadership. Throughout my career at Amazon Development Centre India Pvt. Ltd., I have demonstrated a consistent ability to drive operational excellence, revenue growth, and profitability. As a Vendor Specialist, I successfully bridged selection gaps, led demand generation initiatives, and ensured high-quality Amazon Detail Pages. In my role as a Business Operations Manager, I managed stakeholder communication, led a team of 25, and drove data-oriented analysis and process improvement initiatives. As a Process Specialist, I led a high-performing team overseeing end-to-end pricing operations and collaborated with automation and technology teams for operational efficiency. Proficient in Lean Six Sigma, I have a proven track record of identifying training needs, executing high-level operational initiatives, and contributing to quality systems. My education includes a postgraduate certificate in Supply Chain Management - Global Logistics from Fleming College, Canada, and a B.E. in Electronics & Communication from Agni College of Technology, Chennai. Certified in Lean Six Sigma Green Belt and Black Belt, I am also skilled in cybersecurity. Recognized as a Star Performer and Mr. Talented, I am a proactive and effective communicator with exceptional interpersonal skills. I am enthusiastic about continuous learning and professional development, reflecting my commitment to staying at the forefront of industry trends.

Thank you to the 2,000 leaders who’ve generously done the 7 Questions on Leadership!

I hope Guru's answers will encourage you in your leadership journey. Enjoy!

Cheers,

Jonno White

1. What have you found most challenging as a leader?

The most challenging aspect of leadership in my experience has been effectively managing and resolving complex organizational issues while ensuring seamless operations. As a leader, navigating through various challenges such as meeting SLAs, addressing operational exceptions, and driving continuous improvement requires a delicate balance of analytical skills, mediation, and proactive problem resolution.

2. How did you become a leader? Can you please briefly tell the story?

I was inspired to pursue leadership during my tenure at Amazon Development Centre India Pvt. Ltd. Throughout my journey, I observed the actions of my managers during both challenging situations and moments of success, learning valuable lessons from their decision-making skills. Witnessing the impact of effective leadership, I sought to emulate those qualities in my own professional growth. Equally crucial was the understanding gained from observing managers who lacked inspirational qualities. This experience motivated me to cultivate leadership traits that inspire and positively impact my team, ensuring that I avoid the pitfalls of uninspiring leadership.

3. How do you structure your work days from waking up to going to sleep?

My workdays typically involve starting early to address priority tasks and team-related activities. Mornings are dedicated to strategic planning, stakeholder communications, and addressing urgent issues. The midday is focused on team collaboration, meetings, and project management. Afternoons are often dedicated to analyzing operational metrics, developing reports, and implementing process improvements. I reserve evenings for continuous learning, professional development, and planning for the next day.

4. What's a recent leadership lesson you've learned for the first time or been reminded of?

A recent leadership lesson that resonated with me is the importance of adaptability. In dynamic business environments, staying adaptable and embracing change is crucial. This lesson was reinforced during a period of increased operational challenges, emphasizing the need for leaders to pivot strategies, engage teams effectively, and remain resilient in the face of evolving circumstances.

5. What's one book that has had a profound impact on your leadership so far? Can you please briefly tell the story of how that book impacted your leadership?

One book that profoundly impacted my leadership is "Leaders Eat Last" by Simon Sinek. This book emphasized the significance of servant leadership and fostering a culture of trust and collaboration. It influenced my approach to team management, encouraging a people-centric mindset that values individual growth, effective communication, and a shared sense of purpose.

6. If you could only give one piece of advice to a young leader, what would you say to them?

If I could offer one piece of advice to a young leader, it would be to prioritize continuous learning. Embrace new challenges, seek opportunities for professional development, and stay curious. A commitment to lifelong learning not only enhances your skills but also fosters adaptability and resilience in the ever-evolving landscape of leadership.

7. What is one meaningful story that comes to mind from your time as a leader, so far?

One meaningful story from my leadership journey involves successfully leading a team through a challenging operational phase. By fostering a collaborative and transparent environment, we identified innovative solutions to overcome obstacles, resulting in not only meeting operational goals but also strengthening team cohesion. This experience highlighted the power of effective communication, adaptability, and collective problem-solving in achieving success.