MICA Ahmedabad, Professor: Prof. Suresh Malodia Interview

Prof. Suresh Malodia has over twelve years of work experience ranging from industry, consulting to academics. He has always been passionate about academics as he believes academics put him on a continuous learning spree and helped him upskill himself regularly. Additionally, interacting with young minds allows him to stay updated with newer technology, develop a broader perspective about the world, and evolve his way of thinking continuously.

He is a true believer in transformational leadership. He uses the four I's framework (idealized influence, inspirational motivation, intellectual stimulation, and individual consideration) to describe his leadership style.

Being a Professor at MICA, he is responsible for strategizing about the critical programs and plans for the marketing and administration of the premier business school. He believes that the best way to market MICA is by ensuring all his responsibilities are handled with utmost care and that they serve the purpose they are meant to. On the idea of working hard, he says, "I believe that MICA everyone at MICA is doing their best. From custodian of the PGP program to classroom teaching, I focus on delivering excellence." He believes that MICA's offering to the students is unique and differentiated from other master's programs as the pedagogy and curriculum are more advanced and updated. Students at MICA learn a lot from their peers, the special campus committees that are student-driven, and the cultural diversity. All these factors ensure the wholesome development of students into empathetic leaders of tomorrow. The curriculum at MICA is designed to incorporate industry practices in collaboration with the industry partners. Additionally, the curriculum review is done in consultation with the curriculum review committee every year. The curriculum review committee comprises MICA alumni, industry professionals, senior professors (national and international). Check MICA Course and Fees

As a MICA faculty, his roles and responsibilities include facilitating student learning in all aspects, undertaking research, and services roles in carrying out institutional activities. While teaching remains his KRA, academic research is essential for his role as a faculty member. Through academic research, he can contribute to the existing body of knowledge. He has been the Principal investigator and lead consultant for many social research projects for organizations such as the Planning Commission, Agriculture Finance Corporation, Department of Industries, Uttarakhand, and MANAGE. He has conceptualized and executed several sessions on Commercial Acumen, Key Account Management, Marketing Research, and Retailing for Public Sector Organizations like HPCL, IOCL, Oil India Ltd., and Mt. Meru Tanzania.

Prof. Malodia believes that the MICAn culture is unique and different from the rest of the b-schools in the country. It allows students to think for themselves in a highly charged academic environment, allowing meaningful discourse. MICA has always celebrated its diversity. It has a culture where students and teachers alike agree to disagree and respect differences in all aspects.

His vision for the institution is to make it ready for the future. Given the rapidly changing time, he believes that the institution should prioritize focusing on digital transformation and industry 4.0 readiness. According to him, MICA's biggest strength lies in the academic freedom it gives its students and faculty. This empowers students with the knowledge and learnings from the best professors and allows the faculty to carry out cutting-edge research in a variety of fields.

Talking about the challenges b-schools are facing in India presently, he says, "We are witnessing unprecedented societal. It is crucial for educational institutes to manage the challenges effectively and efficiently. With more automated, digitized, and fluid job markets, today's higher education systems are quickly becoming incompatible with the future we are looking towards."

His advice to current and aspiring students is that while it is vital to excel in what you do professionally, it is also crucial that you stay true to your values and morals. The need of the hour is to have empathetic leaders and managers who understand the concerns and constraints of the people working for them. This makes the office environment all the more purposeful and also ensures everyone feels included and understood.

He further emphasizes the importance of being genuine in his communication with the institution and the students. The positivity and clarity of thought that genuine, honest communication provides allow him to establish a healthy relationship with the institute. It also helps him establish a healthy environment and interactions with the students in his classes.

When asked to describe MICA in one line, he said, "MICA is truly a School of Ideas in all sense of the phrase." The one word that rings true to MICA is creativity, and it is no surprise that MICA is one b-school that makes sure that management education is fully integrated with creative problem-solving.