Sakri : The journey so far

An excellent and hardworking person, Ravi Lakshman K is steering the Pune based Sakri IT Solutions on the growth path, motivating staff, managing shareholder expectations and boosting the growth. But have you wondered what is it that drives this high achiever and where is he coming from? The successful entrepreneur shared his experiences-starting from dealing with clients to arresting a winning deal with various big enterprises and managing and helping his employees at different levels of work. "For me being a successful entrepreneur, I think it was my desire to achieve the aspired goal, to execute my thinking and belief in a certain business model. Here I got the freedom to implement that belief. Achievement and growth are the two terminating motives certainly I have and I see it in the whole team," said the assertive Ravi Lakshman K, CEO, Sakri IT Solutions.

THE BEGINNING
Post the completion of his Bachelor of Commerce degree from Andhra University, Lakshman worked for a year before he left India to work overseas. His finance background helped him getting his first job, from that point there was no turning back. He worked with many international companies in various countries in Europe and Asia, with a career spanning a total of more than 15 years.
In his overseas stints, Lakshman performed the role of CFO and COO for industries including distribution of FMCG, electronics and IT products across countries which includes hardware, software and large IT projects including CBS ERP switching, software, etc.

ON THE ROAD TO SUCCESS
Lakshman's career was on a high note when he decided to come back to India and become an entrepreneur himself. Commenting on this, he said, "Although I lived abroad for over 15 years across continents, I have always strongly believed in the strengths and values in India. I also strongly believe in Indian education system and hence decided to come back to India because of my children's education." He further added, "After having gained a decent amount of experience I decided to come back and start something on my own so that I can see my ideas thoughts and principles being implemented in my own organization."
Lakshman comes across as a straight forward person who appreciates frankness. His employees are of the opinion that he is one of those individuals who comes forward to help those people who deserve it. Explaining his work ethics, Lakshman said, "I believe in long-term commitment and dedication to work. There is no short cut for success and it doesn't come overnight. I have over 15 years of experience abroad and now these 3 years in India." In his entire career he had changed companies only twice but has been transferred to various countries on various assignments.
In addition, he has set up a process to continually upgrade his employees. Elaborating upon this, Lakshman said, "I am building up managers who are trained to handle and take care of their respective domain responsibilities. I focus on working towards attaining long-term goals and setting the path so that my managers can take it forward."

ROADBLOCKS AND AHEAD
Paradigm shift is the biggest challenge states Lakshman. "People don't want to accept changes, which becomes a challenge when you have to set higher goals and targets. In addition, gaining confidence of my channels was the biggest challenge," he asserted.
Lakshman was looked upon with doubts and questions when he ventured into the business. Adding to this, he said, "Everyone thought who is this new entrant and how long will he survive? Only time can speak whether we are committed to channels or not? Today after 2 years of establishing, my channels have faith in what we say. Today, we have invested heavily in infrastructure both in terms of supply chain as well support as we are dedicated and committed for long term relationship."
On asking him about his inspirational model in his career, Lakshman said, "No one in specific. I always try to analyze people and organizations which have failed and try to learn the lessons from it."

LEADERSHIP MANTRA
Delegate authority and let your managers perform (under supervision and guidance until you get confidence in them) so that their own talent will develop.

ADVICE TO THE SEEKERS
He is an individual who believes in hard work and commitment. Lakshman said, "There is no short cut for success .One has to be dedicated, diligent and committed." He further advices one to be loyal towards the organization, they are working for.

POST WORK
Balancing professional and family life was a major challenge for him due to the nature of his work and overseas commitments. He admits that due to his work he had to compromise many a times with his family affairs and responsibilities. Lakshman further added, "For the past 2 years that is what I have compromised. Thanks to my wife and kids who understand my position. Nowadays, whenever I am at home I prefer to spend quiet time with family. We have the habit of having family reunion at least once in a year, which is when I spend time with family leaving everything by going on a holiday to some resort etc."
Lakshman is a nature enthusiast and likes to spend time in his garden. If otherwise, he goes for cycling and at times cherishes his collections of music. On holidays, meeting friends and relatives and having get-togethers is always on the cards for this hardworking individual.

THE FUTURE AHEAD
The plan ahead is of rapid expansion and in the coming 3 years the company is all set to spread out its business and foray into multiple domains while venturing into some new technologies and products. Lakshman concluded, "We are looking at being a $100 mn company in the next 5 years."