Narendra Mohan has over a decade of experience in the sustainable forestry and agriculture sector. He is proficient in sustainability standards, such as FSC, PEFC, RSPO, GOTS, Rainforest Alliance and led the development of national interpretation of few Global standards. His expertise spans in sustainable certification, Standard development, Assurance and Sustainable Supply Chains.
Linkedin : https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamnarendra/
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/n.mohan89/
Q. How has been your journey from IIFM to this role?
A. Over the past 10+ years, I have worked in the sustainability sector in various capacity.
I started my career from microfinance organization taking care of their social performance management. After one year stint, I moved into the space of forest certification as an auditor where I got an opportunity to understand the wood, pulp and paper industry of South Asia and Middle East. Later, I joined WWF India as Manager – Forestry Commodities and led the projects/engagements on Timber, Palm, Rubber, Pulp and Paper.
WWF India provided me a great platform where I engaged with companies on their sustainability initiatives, sustainability sourcing policies and acted as the lead on ground projects and ensured that Environment pillar stays strong in various sustainability schemes in Forest and Agriculture sector.
In 2022, I joined Rainforest Alliance to lead their Assurance team in Asia Pacific to assure the Quality of Implementation for their Agriculture certification program.
Q. What were some of the key milestones/learning in this journey that you would like to share with us?
A. I have evolved with time through various learning experiences. I was lucky in my career to get the opportunity to work consistently with multistakeholder groups and institutions with different interest and goals. It made me learn the skill to navigate my way and contribute towards the common goal. It also helped in developing my negotiation skills and boosted my persuasion skills which played a crucial role in my career progression.
Q. What is the most satisfying part of your current role?
A. Leading the multicultural team and keeping them motivated towards the noble cause is the most satisfying part of my role.
Q. Has your learning at IIFM helped in shaping how you approach your professional roles?
A. IIFM has provided me a great understanding about the sector and the faculties have shown the way forward to build my career.
Interaction with my classmates, seniors and juniors coming from all part of our country broadened my knowledge and brought cultural humility in my day-to-day work.
Q. What would be your advice to freshers and IIFM graduates who are looking to choose similar sectors/roles.
A. With new legislations and ESG disclosures required by the stakeholders like Government, NGOs and customers, Assurance and other roles working on associated risks are in high demand.
It is a necessity for professionals like us to stay updated with new legislations and tools published in the ESG domain.
Also stay connected with professionals working in this domain to gain valuable insights and trend.
Stay motivated and dedicated towards the goal as that is the key to achieve it.
Q. What are your favorite memories during your IIFM days?
A. IIFM has a great mix of learning inside and outside the classrooms. The trips I made to Panchmarhi, West India and North India during my IIFM days are the best memories.
Q. In hindsight, what was the biggest contribution or take away from IIFM that you think played a critical role in shaping you as an individual or professional?
A. Faculties and Alumni network are the strongest pillar of IIFM. It was a privilege to attend the classes of Manmohan Sir, Dharni Sir, C.P. Kala Sir, CVRS Sir and Biswas Sir. Alumni are always there to guide and show you the path as and when needed.
Q. As an alumni, what’s your advice to freshers or those are joining IIFM to get best out of the 2 years there?
A. Enjoy the best two years of your life and explore yourself. Find that one thing which you really love to do and build yourself to get it.
Q. What is your typical day at the office?
A. I have remote working role with Rainforest Alliance, and the major tasks are planning, risk analysis, management, and monitoring. My day starts with meeting with Indonesian colleagues and end with LATAM ones. During the day I take much-needed breaks which are already booked in Outlook so it can remind me!
As I am at home, I utilize these breaks to pick and drop my kids to school and spend time with them.
Q. And how about weekends, hobbies, family, and anything else you want to add?
A. Usually when I am on trips, weekends are spent in roaming around the town, historic sites, and finding Café’s for good coffee/tea. When I am at home, weekends are utilized for daily needs shopping, sleeping, taking kids out in park and Counter Strike!
Q. Favorite Books, movies, authors.
A. Book: Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari
Movie: Schindler’s list
I want to add one more category 🙂
Games: Counter Strike (Started in IIFM only and still play when I get time)
Q. IIFM is driven by alumni’s passion and commitments towards its goal. How would you like to contribute to IIFM or IIFM alumni, students? Your engagement with IIFM Placement or OT/SI?
A. Kindly reach out to me on LinkedIn for anything where you feel I can help you out.
Q. What do you think is a positive change and what is not?
A. Onboarding of Dr. K. Ravichandran (Director Sir) has been the best thing which could have happened for IIFM. We have already started seeing some promising changes and huge strides forward in various areas. His leadership has brought the much needed vision and energy to IIFM.
His active participation with IIFM alumni has changed the game completely. It is strengthening the bond and attracting many of us to contribute in taking IIFM to be the leader in the sector.
Q. Any suggestions on who you want to get profiled/interviewed here?
A. Shobhit Mani, Ankit Singh.