Supply Chain & Traceability Professional Interview

The only way to promote fair labor and sustainable farming practices is through the development of transparent supply chains all the way from the farm to mouth !

Nachiketa Mahanty, our next pathbreaker, works as Traceability Lead at Better Cotton (India, Bangladesh & Sri-Lanka), a global initiative aimed at making cotton production more sustainable by reducing its environmental impact and improving the livelihoods of the people who produce it.

Nachiketa talks to Shyam Krishnamurthy from The Interview Portal about several challenges he faced in connecting the dots between his academic background and his career path in sustainability !

For students, be open to change and willing to pivot when necessary. Your journey may involve unexpected transitions, but each experience contributes to personal and professional growth.

Nachiketa, can share your background with our young readers?

I come from a humble middle-class background, which has kept me grounded and connected to my roots. My father, Mahanty Sir, a M.Tech graduate in Polymer Technology from IIT Kharagpur, started as a high achiever from our  remote village of Jharbagda located in Purulia district of West Bengal. He worked as the sales and marketing head at a reputed company in Calcutta. I enjoyed a luxurious childhood in Calcutta, attending a sophisticated kindergarten school and living in comfort. However, when I was 3.5 years old, a cyclone upended our lives. My father, stressed and frustrated with corporate life, left his job of 12 years without another job in his hand. He decided to switch to teaching, seeking a peaceful and noble profession. To gain the necessary qualifications, he chose to pursue a B.Ed. As it was not possible to afford the same lifestyle at Calcutta, my mother and I moved back to our village, spending three years partly there and partly at my maternal uncle’s village. This experience transformed me into a raw village boy, and I started attending the local school. Meanwhile, my father continued to struggle, completed his B.Ed, and took up part-time teaching jobs while providing chemistry tuition to local college students. 

Though we acclimated to our new lives, destiny had other plans. My father received a teaching opportunity as the Head of the Chemistry Department at Birla Public School (BPS), Pilani, Rajasthan, a prestigious residential school associated with BITS Pilani. We moved from the village to the magnificent BPS campus, where my father was provided with a bungalow, and our lives became easier again. I was enrolled in the same school in class 1, which offered a wide range of sports and extracurricular activities, including horse riding, swimming, dramatics, and public speaking etc. Initially, it was very tough for me to cope with the school’s curriculum because, having lived in the village, I only knew Bangla and didn’t speak English or Hindi. However, my father never gave up on me. With his guidance, within a year, I was able to grasp both languages and started learning very quickly. My life seemed settled, attending a prestigious school with a staff quota guaranteeing admission to BITS Pilani for engineering. I believed I would effortlessly get in. However, when I was in 10th grade, my father resigned after disagreements with the school management where my father was standing for the cause of the students, shattering our dreams of an easy path to BITS Pilani. This time, we moved back to Bengal, but unlike before, my father had a job lined up. He secured a teaching position at a private school in Durgapur Steel City. However, the school was much smaller than BPS, the culture was entirely different, and our living standards dropped as we moved into a small, old 2BHK quarter. I was completely depressed and had no career goals. I initially chose science but lost interest in studying, so I switched to commerce for an easier path. However, even the commerce stream turned out to be challenging. Somehow, I passed class 12^th with 70% marks but I was certain that I wouldn’t continue studying commerce, especially accountancy, although I did enjoy economics. Then, good days returned. My father joined Aditya Birla’s School as a vice-principal at their fertilizer production unit in Jagdishpur, near Lucknow. We moved to Jagdishpur Campus which was also quite big, and we got a duplex to live in, so we were happy on that part, but I was not sure what to pursue. After much serious thought, I decided to become a teacher like Mahanty Sir. Since childhood, I had always been good at English, both in writing and speaking, so, I decided to pursue English Honors and become an English teacher. Here for students, I would like to mention that “you must identify one subject you excel in and can learn naturally”. For me, English was that subject, so, I gave entrances to study English Honors in BHU, Lucknow University, Delhi University, Christ University and by god’s grace, I got admission in all these Universities. But for some reasons and with the intention to stay close to my parents I chose Lucknow University. I can mention here the English Department of Lucknow University is awesome. 

What did you do for graduation/post-graduation?

I graduated with English Honors from Lucknow University and did my Post Graduation in MBA Rural Management from KIIT University 

What were some of the key influences that led you to such an offbeat, unconventional career in Rural Management?

With the goal of becoming a teacher, I was studying English Honors with Economics & Psychology as subsidiary subjects and planned to pursue an MA and B.Ed, possibly even a PhD. However, I felt a sense of dissatisfaction. I constantly questioned myself, “Do I really want to teach?” It wasn’t that I wasn’t excelling in English Honors—I was actually one of the top students in my class. During this time, my father met a young employee from the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) department at his workplace. He had recently completed his MBA in Rural Management and joined the fertilizer company’s CSR team. 

Subsequently, we also became good friends and regularly played badminton together, often discussing career goals during our game. He explained what Rural Management entails and the kinds of jobs it leads to. The course covers the rural-urban divide, rural livelihoods, women’s empowerment, agriculture value and supply chains, rural sales and marketing, economics, and development research. He described his current role in CSR, highlighting the satisfaction it brings. Despite working in a corporate setup, he finds his job rewarding, overseeing activities mandated by the government to invest at least 2% of net profits in social development due to environmental impacts like pollution and water depletion caused by fertilizer manufacturing. He was responsible for the development of the surrounding area. He was looking after a vocational training centre creating jobs for the periphery rural areas youths, running doorstep hospital facility, ran programs for children education & women empowerment. 

All these aspects resonated with me, and I found a correlation between my English Honors studies and the topics covered in Rural Management. In my current course, I was reading novels and works of art that explored themes like the rural-urban divide, women’s empowerment, and disparities between different worlds. Additionally, I was studying economics, which is also a significant part of the Rural Management curriculum. My father encouraged me to pursue Rural Management, believing my rural background and understanding of the rural ecosystem would help me thrive in the field. He also felt that my temperament was better suited to this course than to a core MBA in Sales & Marketing, HR, or Finance, where I might struggle in a corporate environment. So, I chose to do an MBA in Rural Management for my post-graduation.

How did you plan the steps to get into the career you wanted? Or how did you make a transition to a new career? Tell us about your career path

After my MBA in RM, I got placed at Odisha Livelihoods (Ajeevika) Mission (Panchayati Raj Department, Govt. of Odisha) as a “Young Professional”. There, I was basically responsible for planning livelihood activities for the extremely poor and vulnerable households of 10 poor districts of Odisha. This job provided a great platform for me since I reported directly to an IAS officer, an Additional Secretary in the government. It gave me the opportunity to collaborate with District Magistrates, Ministers, and gain insights into the entire bureaucratic system. 

The pinnacle of my achievements in this job was presenting our department’s progress to Chief Minister Naveen Pattanaik & the Central Rural development Secretary in one of the monthly review meetings. It was in this role that I was first introduced to the concept of agriculture supply chain. During that period, our department secured a World Bank-funded project. Our task was to establish Farmer Producer Companies in three districts of Odisha, identify marketable surplus products and cash crops in those areas, and establish forward linkages for these products. 

After 1.5 years in this government set up, I realized I was becoming too comfortable and enjoying proxy powers that weren’t truly mine. Despite being involved in policy planning for impoverished districts, I felt I lacked a deep understanding of the grassroots, including supply chain operations,the challenges, and relationship management with the community and stakeholders. This realization made me feel hollow, as I was delegating tasks without grasping the basics. Taking this reality check, I decided to make a change.

My next engagement was with TechnoServe India (TNS) on a Bill & Melinda Gates-funded project in Bihar, in collaboration with JEEViKA (the Bihar Government Programme for Women Empowerment). Over two years at TNS, I served as Zonal Coordinator, focusing on developing the maize supply chain in the Saharsa and Madhepura districts of Bihar. My responsibilities included preparing business plans for Farmer Producer Companies, training Producer Groups and Village Organizations on cost-benefit analysis, best farming practices, farm mechanization, and negotiating with local players and institutional buyers for maize forward linkages. During this time, I travelled approximately 120 kilometres daily by bike, visiting various villages across the districts. I served as the bridge between rural communities and the corporations purchasing maize from the Farmer Producer Company. However, as this job became increasingly stressful and predominantly field based, I realized it was time for a change. With the field insights I had gathered, I decided to transition to a mid-managerial role.

With strong contacts among administrative officers in Odisha, I reached out to one of them who was working at the Odisha Mining Corporation (OMC) at the time. After some time, I received an offer for a contractual position in the CSR department of Odisha Mining Corporation (OMC). I was appointed as the Project Manager for an education initiative aimed at coaching students from rural mining areas for entrance exams to IITs and NITs. In this role, I effectively served as the head of the institute, overseeing its operations much like running a school. Initially I enjoyed it a lot, a personal vehicle was allotted to me, I had a peon, a very big office chamber, and around 30-40 staff reporting to me. It was a stark contrast to my previous job, where I rode a bike daily on village roads. However, after a year, I realized that I didn’t belong there and needed to return to my field of expertise. I began searching for new opportunities, and one of my former colleagues from TechnoServe, who was then working with IFFCO KISAN, informed me about an opening in Odisha.

I then joined IFFCO KISAN as an Agri-Business Manager. Initially, my role involved liaising with the agriculture department and other related agencies. Through these connections, I was tasked with reaching out to various cooperatives across the state to assist with forward and backward linkages. However, I soon realized that the position was primarily sales-oriented, requiring me to promote IFFCO’s fertilizers and other agricultural inputs to farmers. I struggled to perform in this role. Every day, I felt trapped, fearing I might lose the job, and regretting my decision to leave my previous position at OMC. This continued for seven months.

How did you get your first break?

During my time at IFFCO, I reconnected with a senior from my MBA college who was working at CottonConnect South Asia Pvt Ltd. He encouraged me to apply at his company, leading to an interview with a global panel—my first experience facing foreign interviewers. I was selected and I worked with Cotton Connect in the capacity of Program Management & Implementation. My role involved creating community platforms and institutions across Madhya Pradesh for program implementation. Additionally, I was responsible for promoting sustainable practices in cotton cultivation and disseminating these practices through our local implementation partner SEWA to program farmers. This project was tightly integrated, connecting sustainable farmers with ginners, spinners, and international brands. 

At Cotton Connect, I was part of the PRIMARK Sustainable Cotton Program, which encompassed 17,000 farmers from Madhya Pradesh and approximately 100,000 farmers from other parts of India. The cotton grown under this program was directly procured by PRIMARK, (A UK- Europe based retail chain) and was 100% traceable. This project provided me with an opportunity to work in the fields of sustainability and traceability, focusing on creating a robust supply chain. I also enhanced my skills in project management, documentation, program monitoring, tracking tools, and community relationship management. This job was pivotal in shaping my career. It provided me with valuable experience in project management tools, opportunity to interact with international clients, and introduced me to the world of sustainability and traceability tools and software. Additionally, it afforded me the opportunity to travel to European countries, where I further developed a robust network of international connections that have been instrumental in my professional journey.

What were some of the challenges you faced? How did you address them?

• Challenge 1: Experienced a sense of being stuck in life; I feel reaching out is the key. 

How I addressed it – 

1. I sought mentorship and advice from trusted colleagues and mentors.
2. Engaged in self-reflection to identify specific areas for growth and improvement.
3. Explored new learning opportunities, such as courses and workshops, to gain fresh perspectives.
4. Took time for personal well-being through activities like solo travel to rejuvenate and gain clarity.

• Challenge 2: Often struggled to explain my academic path—completing Class 12 in Commerce, pursuing a Bachelor’s in English Honors, and obtaining an MBA in Rural Management, to interviewers. 

        How I addressed it – 

1. Developed a clear and concise narrative that links my academic journey to my career goals.
2. Highlighted the transferable skills and knowledge gained from each stage of my education.
3. Practiced explaining my academic path in a way that demonstrates its relevance to my current role and future aspirations.
4. Sought feedback from mentors and peers to refine my explanation.

• Challenge 3: Currently, I am navigating the complexities of mid-level management, which is challenging. Additionally, I have dual reporting responsibilities, reporting to both the India Director and the Global Manager in my organization.

How I addressed it –

1. Established clear communication channels with both the India Director and the Global Manager.
2. Prioritized tasks effectively to balance the demands of dual reporting.
3. Scheduled regular check-ins with both supervisors to ensure alignment on goals and expectations.
4. Developed strong organizational and time management skills to handle the complexities of dual reporting.
5. Sought support and guidance from peers and mentors with experience in similar challenges.

Where do you work now? 

I am currently working at Better Cotton as the Traceability Lead for India, Bangladesh & Sri-Lanka. Better Cotton is a global initiative aimed at making cotton production more sustainable by reducing its environmental impact and improving the livelihoods of the people who produce it. The initiative is led by the Better Cotton Initiative (BCI), a non-profit organization that works with farmers, suppliers, and retailers to promote sustainable cotton farming practices. Brands and consumers are increasingly opting for Better Cotton for several compelling reasons:

For Brands:

1. Sustainability Commitment:
   • Environmental Impact: Better Cotton promotes sustainable farming practices that reduce environmental damage, such as minimizing pesticide use, optimizing water usage, and improving soil health.
   • Corporate Responsibility: Adopting Better Cotton aligns with brands’ corporate social responsibility (CSR) goals, demonstrating their commitment to sustainability and ethical practices.
2. Consumer Demand:
   • Rising Awareness: Consumers are becoming more aware of environmental and social issues and prefer to purchase products that are sustainably and ethically produced.
   • Brand Loyalty: Brands that use Better Cotton can build stronger loyalty with consumers who prioritize sustainability, enhancing their reputation and customer base.

What problems do you solve?

As a Better Cotton Traceability Supply Chain Manager, I am addressing the following key problems:

1. Ensuring environmentally sustainable cotton sourcing practices across the supply chain.
2. Meeting the increasing consumer demand for sustainable products, including Better Cotton.
3. Maintaining a transparent and traceable supply chain from farm to finished product.
4. Ensuring consistent quality of cotton while adhering to sustainability standards.
5. Promoting fair labor practices and improving livelihoods for farmers and workers.
6. Reducing environmental impact through practices such as water conservation and reduced chemical usage.
7. Addressing consumer concerns about health and safety by minimizing harmful chemical use in cotton production.
8. Providing transparency and information to consumers to support their informed purchasing decisions regarding sustainable and ethical products.

What skills are needed for your role? How did you acquire the skills?

To solve the challenges of managing a Better Cotton supply chain, I’ve developed these essential skills:

1. Sustainability Expertise:
   • I understand how to use eco-friendly farming methods and manage our environmental impact. This ensures our cotton meets high sustainability standards.
2. Supply Chain Management:
   • I can coordinate complex supply chains effectively. This includes tracking products from farms to finished goods, ensuring everything runs smoothly.
3. Understanding Consumer Needs:
   • I know what consumers want and how market trends affect our choices. This helps us meet the growing demand for sustainable products like Better Cotton.
4. Quality Control and Compliance:
   • I ensure our cotton meets strict quality standards while following sustainability rules. This involves checking and improving our processes regularly.
5. Building Relationships:
   • I work well with farmers, suppliers, and others in our supply chain. Good relationships help us maintain ethical practices and support local communities.
6. Problem-Solving Skills:
   • I’m good at finding problems in our supply chain and fixing them quickly. I use data and careful thinking to make smart decisions that improve how we work.
7. Leading Teams:
   • I lead teams effectively, motivating them to work toward our goals. I encourage innovation and sustainability, making sure everyone contributes their best.

Through learning and experience, these skills help me manage the Better Cotton supply chain effectively, making a positive impact and meeting the demand for sustainable products worldwide.

What’s a typical day like?

A typical day in my role involves engaging in supplier meetings to discuss better cotton standards and sustainable practices within the textile industry. I conduct training sessions for various suppliers, ensuring they understand and adhere to these standards. Additionally, I participate in team update meetings and maintain regular communication with country representatives from different retailers and brands. These activities keep me busy ensuring alignment with sustainability goals and fostering strong relationships across the supply chain.

What is it you love about this job? 

I love the opportunity to drive sustainable change in the textile industry through Better Cotton, fostering meaningful partnerships with suppliers and retailers while promoting environmental stewardship, ethical practices, and benefiting our farmers by improving their livelihoods.

 How does your work benefit society? 

My work in managing the Better Cotton supply chain benefits society by promoting sustainable farming practices, supporting fair labor conditions, and empowering farming communities to improve livelihoods and environmental stewardship.

Tell us an example of a specific memorable work you did that is very close to you!

During my second job at Technoserve at Saharsa district of Bihar, I built a Farmer Producer Company from the ground up. This involved registering it, rallying the community together, collecting crops from farmers to sell to buyers, and ensuring farmers made a profit. The company is now independently flourishing. 

Your advice to students based on your experience?

• Explore Diverse Academic Paths: Don’t be afraid to pursue different academic interests, even if they seem unrelated initially (e.g., commerce, English honors, MBA in rural management). Each step can provide unique insights and skills.
• Embrace Field Experience: Real-world experience is invaluable. Whether it’s riding bikes through villages or managing supply chains, hands-on work teaches practical skills and enhances understanding.
• Seek Mentorship: Connect with mentors and colleagues from previous jobs and educational experiences. Their guidance and insights can be instrumental in navigating career challenges and decisions.
• Adaptability and Resilience: Be open to change and willing to pivot when necessary. Your journey may involve unexpected transitions, but each experience contributes to personal and professional growth.
• Commit to Sustainability: If possible, prioritize roles that align with your values, such as sustainability and ethical practices. Contributing positively to society through your work can be immensely fulfilling.
• Continuous Learning: Stay curious and proactive in learning new skills. Industry trends evolve, and ongoing education ensures you remain competitive and adaptable in your career.
• Build Relationships: Cultivate strong relationships with colleagues, stakeholders, and industry professionals. Networking and collaboration are key to advancing your career and achieving shared goals.
• Balance and Well-being: Take time for self-care and rejuvenation, whether through travel, hobbies, or personal reflection. Maintaining a healthy work-life balance enhances productivity and overall satisfaction.
• Value Ethical Leadership: Lead by example with integrity and ethical decision-making. Upholding values of fairness, transparency, and social responsibility fosters trust and respect in professional relationships.
• Stay Focused on Goals: Define your career aspirations and take deliberate steps towards achieving them. Persistence and determination are crucial in overcoming challenges and reaching milestones.

Future Plans?

My ambition is to take the helm of a major retail brand’s Sustainability Department, steering initiatives that drive positive environmental impact and ethical leadership. I aspire to emerge as a global leader in sustainability, influencing industry standards and fostering a culture of responsible business practices worldwide.