Shailendra is a seasoned professional with 16 years of expertise in driving sustainable development across various key nature-based sectors. With a strong focus on green growth, he has been instrumental in promoting sustainable supply chains and the regenerative bioeconomy. His work has been on rationalizing land-use practices, promoting biodiversity through diverse agroforestry models – leading to enhanced industrial raw material security, and improving ecosystem health.
By strengthening tree-based enterprises, he has empowered smallholder farmers and local communities, creating sustainable livelihood opportunities and fostering valuable value chain linkages. His commitment to designing nature-based solutions has been pivotal in helping communities adapt to climate change, build resilience, and promote economic development while conserving the environment.
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/shaillendra.
Q. How has been your journey from IIFM so far?
A. It’s been incredibly fulfilling; those two years have molded a once impulsive youth into a semblance of sane individuality. I am immensely grateful for this transformation.
I’ve been fortunate to have exceptional bosses who have provided guidance and support throughout my journey. The camaraderie at IIFM has always been strong, with many of my colleagues and superiors being alumni.
My career began at Grasim in 2008, where I spent six fruitful years. Since then, I’ve
ventured into various roles across different industries before embarking on the
entrepreneurial path with some close friends for our venture, ClayRoot. This four-year journey was a mix of highs and lows, offering invaluable life lessons and the realization that we still have much to learn. However, the entrepreneurial spirit remains, and I eagerly await the next breakthrough moment.
In the interim, I delved into freelancing and stumbled upon an engaging assignment with Intellecap, igniting a newfound passion for consultancy. The experience has been enriching, with each new project and diverse team bringing fresh excitement.
Q. What were some of the key milestones/learning in this journey that you would like to share with us?
A. As mentioned earlier, I am grateful for the trust placed in me by my superiors and mentors, who supported me from the outset of my career. Beginning at Grasim, where I collaborated with Ashish Sir (PFM 1995) and an exceptional team, their unwavering support and belief in my capabilities led to my first recognition: winning the Young Professional award from Group Chairman Shri K M Birla ji.
Discussion with Ply industry
Interaction with Ply industry stakeholders
Following various professional twists and turns, we embarked on a bold journey of our own with ClayRoot Eco Solutions. Our venture saw remarkable achievements and groundbreaking progress. However, as the pace of life accelerated, we realized the importance of having more resources and time, prompting us to temporarily scale back our aspirations.
A significant shift in my professional trajectory occurred when I joined TRIF (with Anish Da) and later Intellecap, where I discovered my true passion for the natural resource and livelihood sector. Embracing this calling wholeheartedly, I found immense fulfillment in my work.
Q. What is the most satisfying part in your career?
A. My current engagement allows me to chart my own course and pursue assignments that pique my interest. My seniors (both in organization and as IIFM alumni) – Shailesh Nagar and Jayesh Bhatia – have given me enough rope to try out new concepts to build design solutions that affect environment and communities. This kind of work regimen keeps you energized and hungry to deliver. It is really exciting to know that the work you do has a catalytic and transformational impact on communities and environment.
With Agarwood stakeholders in Tripura
Another aspect I’ve thoroughly enjoyed is extensive travel across the country. As a keen observer of trees, exploring different states and their botanical landscapes has been captivating, fueling my curiosity to learn more about these silent inhabitants.
At Agarwood farm in Tripura
Q. Has your learning at IIFM helped in shaping how you approach your professional roles?
A. I believe that IIFM has undeniably provided a strong groundwork for shaping my aspirations and career trajectory. The institution offers a diverse array of options, and through discussions with seniors, batchmates, and peers, one can identify the career path that best suits their personal growth requirements. However, ultimately, it is up to the individual to forge their own journey. The choices one makes, whether positive or negative, serve to fortify them for professional advancement.
Q. Who (or what) are the biggest influences or drivers in your careers? What would be your advice to freshers and IIFM graduates who are looking to choose similar sectors/roles.
A. Quite a few, indeed. I was deeply motivated to immerse myself in the industrial
ecosystem, inspired by the tales of Dharmendra Dhaukia Sir & Ashish Sir. The entrepreneurial triumphs of Vineet Sir and Jayesh Sir played a pivotal role in prompting me to take a leap of faith with my own entrepreneurial venture, ClayRoot, at one point. Throughout, I’ve had the unwavering support and guidance of friends who were also my IIFM classmates like Shrey, Shweta, and Sudeep.
From my own journey, I’ve found that the IIFM community offers the warmth and support akin to that of a family. This network has proven immensely valuable and remains just as relevant today. I would encourage young individuals to leverage this network, even for personal growth aspirations, as it never fails to deliver.
Q. What are your favorite memories during your IIFM days?
A. There are actually a plenty of vivid memories from the IIFM days. Our trips to Kerwa dam, plenty of field visits (more for fun and frolicking), watching sunrises with Mogli (Sunil Rajagopal) and sunsets with my gang – at the sunset point. We have had plentiful outings as group to movies, to restaurants (mostly to Rice Bowl), just for fun. There are so many sweet memories that I can write a book – maybe post-retirement.
Field Trip @IIFM
I thank (and pity) my roommate (Amit Mandale) for receiving thrashings on my behalf. I still don’t know why my batchmates used to chase me for my jokes. Must have been a running joke!
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. My batchmates have served as my greatest mentors. Hailing from a small town, I was initially inexperienced in many areas. From my inaugural presentation to my first exposure to a hollywood movie, it was all made possible through the support of my peers at IIFM.
The mentorship provided by our esteemed faculty members (including CSR Sir, Amitabh Sir, Vinay Sinha Sir, Biswas Sir, Suprava Maam, and H S Gupta Sir) has been invaluable in shaping my career trajectory. IIFM furnishes you with a solid foundation upon which you can build and thrive.
Q. The best buddies / seniors /faculty at IIFM? Some memorable tidbits that you like to share?
A. I feel myself blessed to have some of the best relationships from IIFM. I know for a fact that I can ring up, anyone from my close circle to trouble them on anything under the sun or just for fun. My best buddies, Shrey (Sreyamsa Bairiganjan) and Shweta (Shweta Bhagwat) have been my pillars of strength, always standing beside.
With my IIFM Classmates: Shrey and Shweta
I have shared and cherished some of the best moments spent with my roommate, Mandale (Amit Mandale), my partners in crime – Chingalpo (Sudeep Kodialbail), Tarjun (Arjun Verma), the lord (Rahul Bhardwaj). I am still occasionally in touch with some batchmates, Sunil, Parul, Shrestha and Sonal.
I have also received bountiful support from seniors like Praveen Sir (Praveen
Chaudhary), Rishi Sir (Rishi Prakash), Sanjay Sir (Sanjay Sah), Ashish Sir (Ashish Mishra), Dhaukia Sir (Dharmendra Dhaukia), Avinash Sir (Avinash Jha) and Santosh Sir (Santosh Singh) – from time to time.
I had a mini IIFM assembly, for almost two years, when I worked with Grasim. Some of the most memorable trips and incidents with the 2012 batch – Sampath Gelam, Eshan Gupta and Ankit Malani.
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. Never stop the learning process. For me, it has always been a gradual, but steady process. And every experience and assignment counts. Give your heart and soul; and you will emerge a better version. Every field visit, every client encounter, every meeting has something to offer, if you are ready to learn.
Besides, I would suggest not being too stressed about academic performance. Focus on sectors which you have a strong urge about. Align your career options accordingly.
Q. What was your typical day at the work? And how does it look like while you are on a break?
A. I have been an early riser since IIFM days – sometimes only me and Sunil turning up for our planned nature treks. My usual day starts at 6.30. Thereafter it is juggling the priorities, throughout. Can’t miss my badminton session though, in the evening. It has kept me agile and sane, till now.
The lines of professional and personal time space have been blurred by technology. So even, the weekends have a similar routine, lest we go out for occasional dinner outings.
Q. And how about weekends, hobbies, family and anything else you want to add?
A. My 6-year-old daughter, Mishti, is a charm (and a handful). My wife, Nisha, happens to be my best friend. That keeps me busy, and grounded. Other than that, life is pretty mundane, till we occasionally hit the road on really long drives.
With Nisha(my better half)& Mishti(my daughter)
I am also an avid farmer, trying out new permutations and models at my farm at Nagpur. My weekends are mostly spent there. I stay in touch with people whom I matter. Some time interspersed for movies and shows.
The Farm
Farm Inspection
The harvest
Q. Favorite Books, movies, authors?
A. Not a bibliophile. A few reads on the way which I have really liked are Malcolm Gladwell (Tipping Point, Outlier), Peter Wohlbben (The Secret Network of Nature), now onto Green Humor for a Greying Planet by Rohan Chakraborty.
I am highly fussy when comes to movies, mostly see on STRONG recommendation of Shrey. Some I liked off late, are 12 th Fail, Hi Ninna and Glass Onion. I am an avid fan of Nolan. Some recent shows – Diplomat, Kohrra – I liked.
With Shrey at Pulgaon near Nagpur
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. I have tried always to engage with IIFM’ites, wherever and whenever possible. I have also been guiding them on career choices and life, as such, whoever have crossed paths. Would definitely love to pass on relevant opportunities.
Q. What do you think is different at IIFM now vs when you studied there?
A. I have not been there in a long time, last visiting IIFM around 7-8 years back. My batch was the last before IIFM decided to convert it into a mass production line! We were just 37 students and the number of interactions are plenty in a small cohort. Now with a much bigger batch size, I have heard that groups have become smaller and more seclusive. Wish it isn’t true.
Q. Any suggestions on who you want to get profiled/interviewed here?
A. Would love to see Shweta Bhagwat, Praveen Chaudhary, Avinash Jha, Sonal Singhal, Eshan Gupta profiled here.