CARGOCONNECT-MARCH2024 - Flipbook - Page 90
HARRY LAGAD
Regional Director– Contract Logistics – Asia Pacific
and Middle East, GEODIS
A
I began my business
journey in 1985 after
serving 12 years in the Indian
Navy. It was during the era of
the “license Raj,” when starting a
manufacturing business involved
navigating complex processes
for obtaining licenses, acquiring
machinery and raw materials,
and dealing with transportation
and customs. I vividly recall my
interactions with Gautam Adani,
then a young entrepreneur in the
plastic raw material trade, as I
travelled weekly to Ahmedabad
to place orders for imported
plastic raw material granules.
These experiences remain a vivid
reminder of India’s growth story
and how a burgeoning economy
evolves over time.
Purposeful
Transformations
The logistics sector will continue
to be one of India’s largest growth
sectors. Leveraging India’s expertise in engineering and IT, along
with the abundant talent pool
from the younger generation,
the domains of robotics, technology, and automation are poised
to become the fastest-growing
opportunities in the coming years.
In the short term, warehousing, material handling, and infrastructure will be critical areas
experiencing rapid growth before
stabilising into a steady state.
Self-Confidence and
Performance
I’ve been fortunate to wear both
hats – as an entrepreneur and
a professional – throughout my
35-year career. I’ve experienced
the dynamic challenges of
running startups and also had
the privilege of working with
top MNCs and Indian brands.
Currently, I’m focussed on our
latest venture, a startup in the
logistics and transport industry,
offering a patented solution
called “IntelioBox”.
While we’ve gained
90 | CARGOCONNECT MARCH 2024
traction with some customers in India, there’s immense
potential both domestically and
internationally for this solution,
which promises more e昀케cient
transport and cost savings.
We’re also advancing towards
making it autonomous, which
will further enhance its value
for the industry.
Additionally, I’m active on
the speakers circuit, delivering
lectures on Supply Chain and
Leadership, and I continue my
journey of learning through
reading and writing.
Finding a State Of
Equilibrium
I hold a simple belief and value
system in life: I came with nothing, and I will leave with nothing.
Therefore, my motto is to give
back. I aim to share all that I have
learned and experienced within
the industry, providing new generations with opportunities to
embrace innovative approaches
to supply chain and logistics
management. My commitment
to learning remains steadfast,
as this journey of learning has
never ceased for me.
Currently, my focus lies on
developing solutions centered
around technology and robotics.
Message for Aspirants
For the new generation, my
advice is simple: while an MBA
offers valuable knowledge,
gaining real-world business
experience early on is invaluable.
Understand the distinction
between “Logistics” and “Supply Chain”, and broaden your
skills beyond day-to-day logistics to include demand-supply
planning, manufacturing, and
product lifecycle management.
Remember, supply chain and
logistics roles demand dedication beyond a typical 9-5 job,
requiring deep knowledge of
business cycles, networking,
and personal sacri昀椀ces. Strive
for balance, as these roles can
be high-stress.
As said to UPAMANYU BORAH
Gaining realworld business
experience early
on is invaluable
dapt as You
Proceed
