Lokesh Kharidhi, IIM Sambalpur | India's Most Promising Incoming MBA Students 2023

Lokesh Kharidhi approaches problem-solving with a systematic and collaborative strategy. He shared an example of a hackathon where the challenge was to increase the reach of Electric Vehicles (EVs). The team broke down the complex problem into smaller segments, used techniques like fishbone diagrams, and employed a collaborative approach with sticky notes to gather diverse perspectives. Through this process, they identified the core problem and developed an innovative solution, emphasizing teamwork and data analysis.

Handling failure or setbacks, Lokesh maintains a calm and composed approach. He believes in analyzing the reasons for failure and finding solutions to avoid repeating the same mistakes. He sees setbacks as opportunities for improvement and understands the importance of maintaining composure to assess the situation objectively.

In a workplace scenario, Lokesh faced an ethical decision related to allocating work in his team. When a teammate requested lesser work due to personal reasons, he decided to allocate equal work to all team members to maintain fairness and uphold the ethical standards of the company. This decision ensured that the workload was distributed equitably, considering the responsibility of each team member.

Describing a negotiation scenario, Lokesh discussed a project aimed at reducing cycle time. He engaged with stakeholders, including his manager and US stakeholders, and faced challenges when the project impacted other processes. To address this, he gathered additional data, collaborated with process owners, and re-proposed the project to stakeholders, showcasing adaptability and problem-solving skills.

For the candidacy as one of India's Most Promising Incoming MBA Students 2023, Lokesh highlights his background in Industrial Engineering and Management, work experience at Amazon's compliance operations, and active participation in college clubs and hackathons. He expresses a strong willingness to learn and sees an MBA as a continuation of his learning journey, emphasizing adaptability and continuous improvement.