Kingship and learning are not comparable all the time.
King gets respect from his own country whereas a learned person gets it from everywhere.
In the early 1970s, Venkat Changavalli embarked on his five-year Chemical Engineering course at REC Warangal. The diversity of the small class, composed of 30 students from various states, enriched his adaptability and teamwork skills, essential for a future leader.
During his time at REC Warangal, he interacted with students from different cultural backgrounds, which enhanced his ability to build diverse teams and adapt to various situations. His character was shaped by the campus environment, the dedicated faculty, and his peers, fostering qualities such as humility, empathy, and positivity.
One memorable event was meeting the legendary SP Balasubrahmanyam, who performed for three hours on campus in 1973. Additionally, his industrial stint at Fertilizer Corporation of India (now RCF) in Mumbai, as part of a sandwich course in 1974, exposed him to the fast-paced life and culture of the mega city.
Graduating in 1975 with a B.Tech, ranking third in his class, Venkat Changavalli received a testimonial from Prof. N.A. Mohana Rao, affirming his leadership qualities and rational approach. His involvement with his alma mater continued long after graduation, including receiving the Distinguished Alumnus Award in 1999 and participating in significant events like the Golden Jubilee of the Chemical Department in 2015 and the Diamond Jubilee Foundation Day celebrations in 2019.
Key Takeaways from REC Warangal:
Adaptability and Diversity: Interacting with students from various backgrounds.
Humility and Positivity: Traits nurtured by the campus environment.
Community and Discipline: Values learned from his village and early education.
Venkat Changavalli's journey at IIM Ahmedabad began with an entrance exam in January 1975. Selected after a rigorous process, he commenced his studies in June 1975. The program, characterized by its case-based teaching method, broadened his knowledge and real-life application skills.
Under the guidance of eminent professors, he specialized in Finance and Marketing, ranking in the top 25% of his class. His education was supported by a loan from State Bank of India and a Merit cum Means scholarship.
During his summer internship with New India Assurance Company in Mumbai, he studied the Petrochemical Industry. The rigorous academic environment at IIM Ahmedabad taught him analytical skills, systematic thinking, discipline, and evidence-based decision-making.
Venkat Changavalli's association with IIM Ahmedabad continued through active participation in reunions, panel discussions, and leadership roles, including serving as the president of the IIM Alumni Association, Chennai chapter, from 2002 to 2005.
Key Takeaways from IIM Ahmedabad:
Analytical and Systematic Thinking: Developed through case-based learning.
Discipline and Innovation: Fostered by a rigorous academic environment.
Leadership and Interpersonal Skills: Enhanced by interactions with high-caliber peers and professors.
Trainings Attended
Venkat Changavalli's quest for knowledge led him to various prestigious training programs:
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GEMTRAK Program in Osaka, Japan: A transformative experience in General Management.
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Internal Selling Skills Training Course (SSTC) and Marketing Management Course.
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International CNS Product Managers Meeting at Basle.
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Sponsored sessions at Harvard, Wharton, Columbia, LBS, and IMD.
These experiences provided him with international exposure, strategic management insights, leadership dynamics, and a global perspective on corporate principles.
Through his journey, Venkat Changavalli's commitment to learning and growth has been a cornerstone of his success, guiding his contributions to the corporate world and society at large.
