Rohan serves as a senior executive for a multinational technology organization with offices across the Americas and India. He also serves as an advisor for Devil’s Burger India (a boutique multi-location restaurant).
He is a specialist in digital product development with a focus towards execllence in executing agile-based deliveries.As the founder, Rohan’s role has evolved over half a decade—from managing multiple responsibilities to becoming a proud leader and mentor of a talented team that strives for excellence every day. He possesses key expertise in business administration and management, agile software development, pair programming, solution architecture and application development, pre-sales consultations, digital marketing, and eCommerce. He is based out of Ottawa in Canada.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rohanrajmishra?
Q. How has your journey been from IIFM so far?
A. I am very fortunate and deeply thankful for the opportunities that have come my way over the years.
During campus placements, I was offered a job, but due to market turbulence, the offer fell through, leaving me without a job and with a non-traditional credential. After sending out hundreds of applications, I eventually secured a role with a rural healthcare initiative in Punjab. My role was broad-based, but I gravitated toward technology enablement—working with MIS and data systems and building solutions for internal stakeholders.
A few months later, I transitioned into the IT sector, driven by a desire to learn from people who had more experience in solving real-world problems through technology. This career phase taught me to manage teams, face new challenges, and appreciate the nuances of technology and software development. Interestingly, a friend and I once dreamed of opening a tea joint similar to Chaayos, but life had other plans.That idea, though, reflected an appetite for risks that still shape my decisions today
After about five years in IT, I decided to step away from working solely for an employer and started working directly for customers. This shift was pivotal, and almost a decade later, our team and customers have grown and so has our commitment to delivering meaningful outcomes.
While I never opened that tea joint, I’m proud to have invested in and now advise a multi-location restaurant chain—Devil’s Burger. If you’re ever in Guwahati, Dibrugarh, or Tinsukia, I’d recommend giving it a try.
Q. What were some of the key milestones/learning in this journey that you would like to share with us?
A. One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is about balancing ambition with realism. We all have limited time, energy, and resources, so it’s crucial to set realistic expectations for yourself and others.
At the same time, challenge your assumptions about what you think you can’t control. Often, we operate within a perception of reality that can be expanded if we’re willing to explore and question our beliefs.
Finally, once you’ve done all you can within your means, let go of the outcome and move on to the next challenge. This philosophy has been echoed by leaders across time, from Lord Krishna to Roger Federer. It’s advice worth taking.
Q. How has your experience been in your current organization? What all areas have you been working here?
A. I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have had enriching experiences, but I wouldn’t claim to be an expert in everything I do. My work has been guided by the principle shared by Prof. Khare during one of our field trips:
An organization leader’s knowledge is like an umbrella:
● The handle represents deep expertise in a specific area, providing a strong foundation.
● The spokes signify broad knowledge across multiple fields, enabling adaptability and collaboration.
● The canopy symbolizes the integration of depth and breadth.
Q. What is the most satisfying part of your career?
A. For me, satisfaction is transitional. While there have been many fulfilling moments in my career, I don’t dwell on them. Instead, I focus on what I appreciate most: the opportunity to learn something new every day.
Q. Has your learning at IIFM helped in shaping how you approach your professional roles?
A. Absolutely. A residential program like IIFM immerses you in an environment where you learn from every aspect—classroom lectures, peers, faculty, even the natural surroundings. It laid the foundation for my management abilities, and I’m deeply grateful to all my professors, especially those who encouraged me (and occasionally gave me higher grades) particularly professors – Ashutosh Verma, Chinmaya Singh Rathore, CVRS Vijayakumar, HS Gupta (IFS), A Khare (IFS)
Even today, I revisit my notes and assignments from IIFM for work-related analysis or training. The lessons in regression analysis, time value of money, and the wizardry of MS Word and Excel continue to be invaluable. The principals of managing the conservation and protection efforts in the Indian Forest Service have no equivalent and their translated application are much appreciated.
Q. Who (or what) are the biggest influences or drivers in your career? What advice do you have for freshers and IIFM graduates?
A. My mother has been the most significant influence in my life. She demonstrated resilience, discipline, and perseverance through her actions rather than words, and I’ve tried to imbibe those qualities.
For freshers, my advice is to focus on creating value for others through your work. Find something you enjoy doing and let that be your driving force. Your trajectory may have ups and downs, but the value you create will define your path.
Q. What are your favorite memories during your IIFM days?
A. One standout memory was the men’s doubles badminton finals during Sports Week. When I first joined IIFM, I was terrible at badminton, but through practice and perseverance, I improved enough to reach the finals with Sahil. Though we lost, the journey was unforgettable and truly affirmed the doha:
Karat karat abhyas ke, jad mati hot sujaan
Rasri awat jaat te sil par padat nisaan
Another favorite memory was learning guitar fingerpicking from my talented friends Angam and Wapang. Their lessons elevated my appreciation for music, even though my skills remain far from performance-worthy today.
Q. In hindsight, what was the biggest contribution or takeaway from IIFM?
A. The immersive learning environment at IIFM stands out. The structured schedule allowed us to focus on academics, practical fieldwork, and extracurricular activities. This blend of experiences made a lifelong impact on my personal and professional growth.
Q. The best buddies/seniors/faculty at IIFM?
A. I’ve already mentioned a few names earlier, but my roommate, Sanjay Sinha, had impeccable taste in music. I never found myself complaining about the songs he played.
I also fondly remember our group’s late-night study sessions and the collective efforts to tackle challenging topics like linear programming and statistical tests. And, of course, watching the cult classic Gunda with friends was an unforgettable experience.
Q. As an alumnus, what’s your advice to freshers at IIFM?
A. Push yourself out of your comfort zone. Growth comes from trying new things and embracing challenges. But remember, stepping out of your comfort zone doesn’t mean doing reckless things.
To quote Friedrich Nietzsche: That which doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.
Q. What’s your advice for graduates looking to change their sector after a couple of years?
A. Find a place where you can create value by doing something you genuinely enjoy. It’s only by exploring new challenges and stepping out of your comfort zone that you’ll discover where your strengths truly lie.
Q. What was your typical day at work? How do you spend your time during breaks?
A. In today’s world, most of my work happens over calls or Zoom meetings. If you ask my wife, she’ll say I’m never truly on a break—there’s always something on my mind!
Q. And how about weekends, hobbies, family, and anything else you want to add?
A. Every weekend is different. Lately, I’ve been spending my weekends alpine skiing and trying to make incremental improvements—much like I did with badminton.
I’m also blessed with two lovely daughters, aged 3 and 1. My weekends often involve answering endless “Why?” questions from my 3-year-old while changing diapers for the 1-year-old.
Q. Favorite books, movies, authors?
A. I’ve enjoyed The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho and books by Dan Brown, Ayn Rand, JD Salinger, and George Orwell.
A short story I’d recommend is Bartleby, The Scrivener by Herman Melville (https://www.penguinrandomhouse.ca/books/677226/i-would-prefer-not-to-by-herman-melville/9781782277460).
As for movies, I enjoy thrillers and light-hearted comedies. Christopher Nolan’s films are particular favorites.
Q. How would you like to contribute to IIFM or IIFM alumni/students?
A. I’m happy to discuss specifics. If there’s a good fit for an OT/SI opportunity, I’d be glad to explore.
Q. What do you think is different at IIFM now compared to when you studied there?
A. I’m not fully aware of the changes, but I hope the institution has evolved while retaining its ethos. I imagine it to be a real ship of Theseus—the same, yet completely different.
Q. Any suggestions on who you want to get profiled/interviewed here?
A. All the people I’ve mentioned earlier and many more like – Gurshabadjeet Singh, Angam Niumei, Bendangwapang Ao, Ashwin R., Sanjay Sinha, Anupam Prakash, Ramamohan K, Sakib Mehraj, Chow Kingham Mansai, Anandita Gupta, Akanksha Tiwari, Kuldeep Singh, Umesh Tyagi, Vikash Anand, Shivoham, Shayandeep, Anubhav Sogani, Ashish Tikhe. You should make a batch directory and cover everyone.