Jamshedpur: In a move to further enhance industry-academia collaboration, Deloitte India and XLRI, Jamshedpur, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at fostering innovation, improving learning opportunities, and bridging the gap between academia and industry. This partnership underscores the shared goal of preparing future leaders to navigate an evolving business landscape.
The event was highlighted by the visit of Sathish Gopalaiah, President of Consulting at Deloitte South Asia, who engaged with the General Management Programme (GMP) batch at XLRI. The session featured a fireside chat and an open Q&A, offering students invaluable insights into leadership, digital transformation, and the future of consulting.
Sathish, who began his career as a Deputy Engineer at Bharat Electronics, shared his inspirational journey from humble beginnings to leading one of South Asia’s largest consulting practices. He emphasized the importance of self-belief, telling students, “Your background doesn’t define your potential; your belief in yourself does.” He also stressed the significance of adaptability and continuous learning in achieving success.
During the session, Sathish elaborated on Deloitte’s transformative journey in India, detailing key initiatives such as investments in advanced technology, talent development, and client-focused solutions. He also highlighted the critical role of technology in shaping the future of business, citing innovations like generative AI, green coding, and inclusive technology.
The open Q&A session allowed students to engage directly with Sathish, discussing topics ranging from digital transformation to career growth and work-life balance. His candid responses motivated students to embrace challenges and think creatively in solving complex problems.
XLRI expressed its sincere gratitude to Sathish Gopalaiah for his time and valuable insights. The institute also acknowledged the contributions of Deloitte alumni and partners who have played a key role in strengthening this relationship, significantly enriching the XLRI community.
This MoU and the session reflect XLRI’s commitment to holistic student development, with initiatives that continue to bridge the gap between academia and the corporate world, inspiring students to lead with innovation, integrity, and purpose.
