In this conversation, Srini Phatak, the Deputy CFO and Controller at Unilever, shares his journey and insights as a finance professional. He discusses the importance of experiencing different parts of the world and embracing middle-class values. Srini also highlights the compelling combination of hunger, humility, and the art of the possible that drives Indian executives to succeed. He emphasizes the significance of trust, confidence, and meritocracy in career progression.

Srini provides valuable advice on managing multinational companies, including the importance of understanding the business, people, and culture, as well as making choices and simplifying operations. He also discusses the role of the CFO and the finance function in delivering value creation and sustainable cash flows. The conversation with Srini highlights the importance of focusing on key drivers of business success, such as growth, profit, and cash. He emphasizes the need to go beyond just focusing on outcomes and instead focus on the enablers of those outcomes, such as volume growth, penetration, consumption, and premiumization.

Further, Srini discusses the importance of managing risk and making winning choices in business strategy. He explains that risk management is not restrictive, but rather a growth enabler. Additionally, Srini shares insights on organizational design, talent management, and the role of finance in driving value creation. Srini also talks about the importance of understanding consumer habits and preferences in the CPG industry and how they influence brand strategy and innovation. He shares insights on building a strong organizational culture and the balance between global and local cultures. Srini defines success as creating an impact in the business and with people, making a difference in external communities, and making suitable work-life choices.

Takeaways

- The combination of hunger, humility, and the art of the possible drives Indian executives to succeed.

- Trust, confidence, and meritocracy play a crucial role in career progression.

- Understanding the business, people, and culture is essential for managing multinational companies.

- Making choices, simplifying operations, and delivering value creation and sustainable cash flows are key responsibilities of the CFO and the finance function. Focus on the key drivers of business success: growth, profit, and cash.

- Identify and focus on the enablers of the outcomes, such as volume growth, penetration, consumption, and premiumization.

- Risk management is not restrictive, but a growth enabler.

- Make winning choices in business strategy by considering the opportunities and risks involved.

- Finance plays a crucial role in driving value creation by providing a holistic view of the business and being a co-pilot to business partners.

- Attract and retain talent by offering challenging opportunities, personalized development plans, and a stimulating work environ...