FLAME University, Pune, recently hosted B.S. Nagesh, Non-Executive Chairman, Shoppers Stop Ltd. & Founder, Trust for Retailers and Retail Associates of India (TRRAIN), a trailblazing figure in the Indian retail industry, as part of its Industry Connect Initiative led by Dr. Dishan Kamdar, Vice Chancellor, FLAME University.
B.S. Nagesh shared his profound thoughts on customer centricity through an engaging session that emphasized the importance of placing customers at the core of business strategies. He also highlighted the key takeaways from his recently launched book, SERVE, which encapsulates his philosophy of service excellence and offers valuable lessons for businesses and individuals alike.
Beyond his corporate achievements, B.S. Nagesh is celebrated for his impactful social initiatives. He received the Helen Keller Award for his exemplary efforts in creating livelihood opportunities for persons with disabilities and has been recognized as an Ashoka Fellow for his commitment to social entrepreneurship. As the first employee and Non-Executive Chairman of Shoppers Stop Ltd., he has been the guiding force to expand the operations of the retail giant since the inception of its first store in 1991. The session proved to be an enlightening experience for students, offering them knowledge of industry trends, challenges, and innovative retail strategies. It not only broadened their understanding of the dynamic retail landscape but also inspired them to think creatively and adapt to evolving market demands.
Speaking about the session, Dr. Dishan Kamdar, said, “It was an honor to host B.S. Nagesh, the retail luminary and founder of TRRAIN, which empowers the differently-abled and low-income women in the retail sector. His talk was a tale of success and innovation peppered with real-world examples and personal anecdotes, which illustrated how customer-centric practices drive long-term success. His insights resonated with the students of FLAME, encouraging them to prioritize empathy, innovation, and service excellence in their future careers.”
Sharing his thoughts, B.S. Nagesh, Non-Executive Chairman, Shoppers Stop Ltd. & Founder, TRRAIN, said, “Interacting with the students at FLAME University was a great opportunity for me to learn how the young mind thinks. My interaction with the faculty was not just academic in nature, but the discussions were a mix of real-world issues and the rigor of learning through the classroom and cases.”