D R Rao: An Insightful Leader Fostering A Culture Of Learning
D R Rao
Chief General Managers
Give a brief account of your professional journey
I am a seasoned sales and marketing professional with almost five decades of experience in both the private and public sectors. Despite my rural background and studying in Telugu language, my professor and HOD, K.K. Nair encouraged me to pursue this career path, and I have since augmented my work experience with further education through parttime and correspondence courses.
Throughout my career, I have held various positions in different companies, gaining unique experiences in interacting with different departments and overseeing total sales.At SSE, I contributed to the development of designs based on NS products, while my time at ITL honed my communication skills. At Electronics Business Machines, I successfully popularized the company and attracted over 200 applications for sales personnel. I also served as the factory manager at Solid State Devices.
From 1987 to 2001, I worked at ET&T Corporation(ETTDC)– a PSU, starting as Manager for the components group and rising to the DGM level. Under my leadership, my group contributed over 50 percent to the company's turnover and oversaw five subgroups with 22 personnel. I served at the Delhi corporate level for eight years before being transferred to Bengaluru, Madras, and finally to Secunderabad as Regional Manager. My work at ETTDC, has given me rich exposure to overseas markets& imports with full support extended by B.C.Mohanthy(then CMD) and that made me successful in my career. My extensive experience and contributions make me a highly qualified sales and marketing professional.
Tell us about your leadership approach and success mantra.
I have always believed in working as a team and achieving success through the contributions of each team member. My strategy has always been to focus on highvalue tenders and get Rate Contracts for our products, making it easier to get orders from the government without going for fresh tenders. I have been able to achieve this with the full support and confidence instilled in me by Y. Ranga Rao, the MD who founded this company.
Define Electro Circuit Systems as an organization and its position in the market.
Established in 1988, ECS has extensive experience in creating high performance custom-built ruggedized Electronics, Mechanical & Electromechanical Systems for various industries, including DRDO, ISRO, and R&D organizations in the public and private sectors. The facility is equipped with state-of-the-art technology for the design development and manufacturing of electronic systems and subsystems, making it a one stop shop for electronic prototyping and production needs. Having been in the industry for over 34 years, ECS has built a reputation for excellent workmanship in product design and manufacturing, ensuring high quality and timely delivery. Customers have expressed high levels of satisfaction with the company's commitment to quality.
I have always believed in working as a team and achieving success through the contributions of each team member
Tell us about your leadership approach and success mantra.
I have always believed in working as a team and achieving success through the contributions of each team member. My strategy has always been to focus on highvalue tenders and get Rate Contracts for our products, making it easier to get orders from the government without going for fresh tenders. I have been able to achieve this with the full support and confidence instilled in me by Y. Ranga Rao, the MD who founded this company.
Define Electro Circuit Systems as an organization and its position in the market.
Established in 1988, ECS has extensive experience in creating high performance custom-built ruggedized Electronics, Mechanical & Electromechanical Systems for various industries, including DRDO, ISRO, and R&D organizations in the public and private sectors. The facility is equipped with state-of-the-art technology for the design development and manufacturing of electronic systems and subsystems, making it a one stop shop for electronic prototyping and production needs. Having been in the industry for over 34 years, ECS has built a reputation for excellent workmanship in product design and manufacturing, ensuring high quality and timely delivery. Customers have expressed high levels of satisfaction with the company's commitment to quality.
Tell us about your expertise in facilitating a project toward success. What are the factors you look into to ensure success?
When we receive a project at ECS, we thoroughly check the tender and make necessary modifications. We carry out cost analysis to determine profit margins and present it to the MD/DM for clearance. We hold meetings with sub-groups to discuss project details, and every executive clarifies their role. Weekly monitoring is done, and corrective measures are taken to ensure the project's success. Procurement plays a critical role, and we work closely with vendors to ensure quality components are delivered on time. We follow a systematic approach until the first batch is tested and evaluated, and bulk production begins. Our top priority is quality, and every department coordinates to deliver successful projects. We also interact with end-users regularly to ensure their satisfaction. Our success is a testament to our commitment to quality.
What are the methods you have implemented to foster a learning culture in your team?
We provide necessary training to technical personnel through well-recognized training centers such as ETDC and REC. Senior executives are experienced and familiar with the organization's workings and responsibilities, so they do not require additional training.
What is your advice to upcoming leaders in this domain?
As an individual, it is important for me to work with sincerity for the benefit of the company. I should always strive to be a regular learner and take advantage of any opportunities provided by the organization. I should avoid seeking recommendations to influence management and focus on improving my own effectiveness and efficiency. These practices will help me become a confident leader in my profession.
DR Rao, Chief General Manager, Electro Circuit Systems
D R Rao has an extensive background in sales and marketing, working for various companies in the private and public sectors.He has completed an MBA in HRD, PG Diploma in Business Management, Foreign Trade, Purchase Management, and a Certificate course in Material Management through part time and correspondence courses.
When we receive a project at ECS, we thoroughly check the tender and make necessary modifications. We carry out cost analysis to determine profit margins and present it to the MD/DM for clearance. We hold meetings with sub-groups to discuss project details, and every executive clarifies their role. Weekly monitoring is done, and corrective measures are taken to ensure the project's success. Procurement plays a critical role, and we work closely with vendors to ensure quality components are delivered on time. We follow a systematic approach until the first batch is tested and evaluated, and bulk production begins. Our top priority is quality, and every department coordinates to deliver successful projects. We also interact with end-users regularly to ensure their satisfaction. Our success is a testament to our commitment to quality.
What are the methods you have implemented to foster a learning culture in your team?
We provide necessary training to technical personnel through well-recognized training centers such as ETDC and REC. Senior executives are experienced and familiar with the organization's workings and responsibilities, so they do not require additional training.
What is your advice to upcoming leaders in this domain?
As an individual, it is important for me to work with sincerity for the benefit of the company. I should always strive to be a regular learner and take advantage of any opportunities provided by the organization. I should avoid seeking recommendations to influence management and focus on improving my own effectiveness and efficiency. These practices will help me become a confident leader in my profession.
DR Rao, Chief General Manager, Electro Circuit Systems
D R Rao has an extensive background in sales and marketing, working for various companies in the private and public sectors.He has completed an MBA in HRD, PG Diploma in Business Management, Foreign Trade, Purchase Management, and a Certificate course in Material Management through part time and correspondence courses.