Bhubaneswar: Xavier Institute of Management, Bhubaneswar (XIMB) hosted its 6th annual Business Excellence Summit from 14th to 15th September 2024, marking 37 years of rich legacy in management education. This year’s theme, “Redefining Possibilities,” attracted distinguished industry leaders, esteemed alumni, and the next generation of business professionals for two days of insightful discussions, thought-provoking speeches, and interactive sessions.
Inaugural Ceremony and Keynote Speakers
The event was inaugurated by Vice-Chancellor Fr. Antony R. Uvari, S.J., who officially opened the summit, setting the stage for engaging dialogues. The welcome address was followed by an introduction to the summit’s theme by Swayam Deep Dash, General Secretary of the Student Executive Council.
Mr. Siddhartha Gupta, President of Mercer and an esteemed alumnus of XIM Bhubaneswar, delivered the keynote speech, sharing his journey and insights on corporate capitalism, innovation, and resilience in the face of challenges such as COVID-19, AI, and sustainability. Gupta encouraged the audience to challenge the status quo and seize opportunities, emphasizing the importance of stepping up in times of adversity.
Industry Leaders Share Insights on Technology, Leadership, and Innovation
Mr. Subhankar Pattanayak, Director and Head of Bid Management at SAP, discussed the evolution of technology and its impact on leadership. He urged students to embrace curiosity and continuous learning in the ever-changing, AI-driven business environment.
Mr. Rajen Mishra, Director of Tech Modernisation at Grant Thornton INDUS, shared advice for aspiring management professionals, highlighting the importance of developing a well-rounded knowledge base and understanding the deeper implications of technology in corporate life.
Mr. Amit Talgeri, CRO of Axis Bank, aligned his talk with the summit’s theme, discussing the rapid shift towards digital banking and the five essential skills every student must master: Data, Analytics, Technology, VUCA, and Corporate Etiquette.
Panel Discussions and Group Interactions
The summit featured dynamic panel discussions moderated by XIMB faculty, including Prof. Bhaskar Basu and Prof. Shridhar Dash, that explored responsible AI, data-driven decision-making, and leadership in various industries. Speakers such as Mr. Rishi Kumar Verma from L&T Metro Rail and Ms. Sayantani Dutta, CHRO of Bajaj Housing Finance Limited, shared personal stories and professional insights, inspiring students to redefine possibilities in their respective fields.
Ms. Ena Khurana, Chief People Officer at KiE Square Analytics, offered practical advice on building specialized skills to stand out in the competitive job market, while Ms. Manmeet Sandhu, Chief People Officer at PhonePe, emphasized the value of embracing both the highs and lows of one’s professional journey.
Day 2 Highlights: Technology, Ethics, and Career Growth
On the second day, Richard Lobo, Chief People Officer at Tech Mahindra, delivered a powerful keynote, focusing on ethics, innovation, and leadership in an AI-driven world. Using real-world examples like Boeing and Satyam, he stressed the importance of integrity and visionary leadership in shaping the future.
Mr. Sambit Mohanty from Siemens Digital delved into the profound impacts of technology across various sectors, while Mr. Biju Dominic of Fractal Analytics discussed the gap between data analysis and human behavior, urging future leaders to bridge this divide for meaningful change.
The summit concluded with a Q&A session and the official Closing Ceremony, where Swayamdeep Dash thanked the Vice Chancellor, speakers, and faculty for their unwavering support. Special recognition was given to the institution’s committees for organizing engaging campus events, and the role of media partners in amplifying the event’s reach was acknowledged.
