In our first segment of “MDI In conversation with ABG(LP)” we have taken the opportunity to talk to Amritansh Bharech, an IIM Lucknow Alumnus, of the 2015 batch. Amritansh is a graduate of the LEAP Program and is currently working with Aditya Birla Capital.Can you tell us a little bit about ABGLP, specifically about LEAP and what sets it apart from other General Management Programs offered by other companies?One thing that is typical to Companies offering General Management Roles is that they generally tend to be diversified companies, and have multiple businesses across a number of industry sectors. Candidates who become part of the program get opportunities in different businesses and different functions across the Group. They get to see how different businesses operate by doing multiple projects across 4-month stints over a year. A conscious effort is taken by the Young Talent Management Team to try to give the candidate exposure to different businesses and different functions.One thing that stands out about the Aditya Birla Group is that they have a significant international presence and try to give you that kind of exposure but giving you at least 1 out of 3 stints abroad. Personally, I was given an opportunity to go to China for one of my stints. So, this is something that’s definitely unique about ABGLP.How and why did ABGLP start?For a number of years, the Group had a regular management trainee program called Group Management Program (GMP). They used to hire from campuses like any other MT program. In 2006, however, the program was relaunched as a leadership program to bring more focus to the program and to create multiple avenues for training and recruitment. It was also meant to hire people with a particular plan and to help chart out their organizational growth within the Group.According to you, what is the best part of working with ABG?One of the most attractive parts of the program for me, when they visited our campus was the international exposure being offered. The sheer breadth and length of the Group and the opportunities it presented was intriguing. Apart from this basic interaction with our Alums and other people within the organization I learned about the accelerated career path offered to students within the program. Good work-life balance is a cherry on the cake.What is the Employee Value Proposition – A world of opportunities?This is something that’s ingrained in the Group’s philosophy. The organization prides itself on being able to offer movement across the businesses.These opportunities are facilitated by the Group. There is a Business HR and Group HR both of whom support you along your journey. You will be guided for at least 3 years after which you’re generally equipped to take your call on where you wish to work because you will have a better understanding of the Group’s businesses. Typically after a 2-year stint, it is up to you if you wish to change your role or take up a new opportunity and the YTM team makes it possible to do so.As a business conglomerate does ABG create synergies between the different business units? How does it do so?Definitely. Some of the businesses were formed keeping in mind vertical synergies along the value chain and even now they integrate to help businesses benefit from each other. For example, the Hindalco business meets some of its chemical requirements from Grassim. Similarly, even the textiles business is supplied by Grassim.Even in the business I work with, Aditya Birla Finance, the lending solutions that we offer, can be offered to suppliers and business partners across businesses, where we can provide SME loans and supply chain finance loans.What does ABG look for when hiring young talent?ABG sets tremendous store by its Values. Integrity, Commitment, Passion, Seamlessness and Speed. Candidates who reflect these values are automatically preferred for integration into the program. Integrity particularly is something that holds paramount importance. That is how organizations are built to last, on the basis of their values.This has been very interesting. Any final thoughts?If you’re not completely sure of what profile you wish to pursue or consider yourself a generalist, ABG is a great place to start your career. Being here will help you find your way and develop leadership qualities which will definitely add great value add to you as in individual.