Shivanshu is a Manager at Intellecap Advisory Services in New Delhi, bringing nearly a decade of expertise in policy advocacy, stakeholder engagement, and the design and implementation of large-scale projects. His work has centered on rural livelihoods, agricultural development, and women’s economic empowerment. Shivanshu has played a crucial role in developing and executing major programs, including the National Rural Livelihood Mission and data-driven digital agriculture initiatives across South Asia and Africa.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharmashivanshu
Q. How has been your journey from IIFM so far?
A. It’s been an incredible journey of growth, learning, and exploring new territories! Over the past decade, I’ve had the privilege of being part of organizations that mean so much to so many people. My mentors and peers provided me with the freedom to experiment and learn. My field staff were not only helpful but also incredibly kind. Most importantly, the community, especially the rural women I worked with, welcomed and accepted me as one of their own.
After IIFM, with nine other batchmates, I joined the Society for the Elimination of Rural Poverty (SERP) in erstwhile Andhra Pradesh and was based in the mandal of Nandyal in the Kurnool district—a place I had never heard of before. During this time, I closely engaged with rural women, understanding their challenges, aspirations, and experiences. The interactions were not just about work but also about building meaningful relationships and gaining insights into rural life. This period was instrumental in shaping my understanding of community dynamics and grassroots development. I also had the opportunity to work with and learn from sector stalwarts including Mr. Parmesh Shah, Ms. Ireena Vittal, Prof. Robert Chambers among others. I was part of the team that developed a new World Bank project aimed at developing large-scale agriculture value chain with a strong focus on involving women farmers. The project sought to empower women by integrating them into the entire agricultural process, from production to market access, ensuring they had the necessary resources, training, and support. This project not only aimed to boost agricultural productivity but also to enhance the economic independence and human development status of women in rural communities. It was also the time when agitation for the new state of Telangana was at its peak. I witnessed these movements in Kurnool and Kadapa districts.
After spending more than two years in Andhra Pradesh, I returned to my home state, Uttar Pradesh, where I was part of a Technical Support Unit (TSU) for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF). A few of us- Young Professionals- scaled up the operations of the Uttar Pradesh State Rural Livelihood Mission (UPSRLM) from modest 26 blocks to more than 300 blocks. The senior bureaucrats provided us with their support, and we were able to do some impactful work with the UPSRLM. The work focused on enhancing the livelihoods of rural communities by promoting self-help groups and their higher-level federations and involving them in income-generating activities and decision-making processes. I worked there for more than four years and traveled to more than 50 districts and 200 blocks of the state. This extensive travel allowed me to explore various corners of my home state in a way I had never done before, providing me with invaluable insights into its diverse landscapes, cultures, and socio-economic dynamics.
In 2020, I received a scholarship to pursue a degree in public administration with a specialization in agriculture and food policy at Cornell University. There, I had the opportunity to engage with several organizations, including BRAC, the Food and Agriculture Organization, and The World Bank among others. These interactions provided me with invaluable insights and practical experience, enriching my academic journey and broadening my professional network. Post my graduation, I worked for a year with the World Bank’s Agriculture and Food Systems global team in Washington, DC.
I moved back to India last summer and joined Intellecap Advisory Services. At Intellecap, we are scaling up solutions by leveraging the private sector and building ecosystems. I am working with my team to address the issues faced by women farmers and their higher-level federations by linking them with private sector for business development, financial inclusion, and technology.
Q. What were some of the key milestones/learning in this journey that you would like to share with us?
A. Throughout my journey, each place I worked and every community I interacted with has been a significant milestone, contributing to my learning and growth. One notable milestone was my experience with SERP, where I had the opportunity to work closely with communities while also collaborating with sector experts to develop large-scale projects. This exposure helped me understand the importance of systems thinking in addressing complex challenges.
Another milestone was my work in Uttar Pradesh with BMGF-TSU, where we successfully scaled up interventions and programs. This experience not only allowed me to engage with senior bureaucrats but also provided an opportunity to influence policies positively.
Moving to the United States to study at Cornell was a transformative experience for me. I got the opportunity to immerse myself in a world-class academic environment, where I engaged with renowned professors and interacted with bright, motivated peers from diverse backgrounds.
Currently, at Intellecap, we are tackling issues systematically by adopting a private sector approach. This marks another milestone in my journey, where I am applying my knowledge and skills to solve complex problems through an entrepreneurial and market-oriented perspective. Each of these milestones has played a crucial role in shaping my professional journey and has provided valuable insights that continue to guide me forward.
Q. What is the most satisfying part in your career?
A. During 2014-2015, I was leading efforts to achieve ODF (Open Defecation Free) status for villages through community-led organizations such as Self-Help Groups and their higher-level federations. I still vividly remember when the oldest woman in one of my pilot villages, K. Laxmiamma, hugged me and said, “All of my friends are now dead, but I am sure that had they been around, they would have been happy knowing that all the houses in the village have toilets and people are using them. It was a dream for us.”
To me, this and numerous other similar encounters serve as constant reminders that my efforts are aimed at addressing important problems. It’s a driving force that fuels my passion and commitment, inspiring me to continue striving for positive change in the communities I serve.
Q. your learning at IIFM helped in shaping how you approach your professional roles?
A. Of Course! IIFM had a positive impact on how I approach my professional roles. The diverse experience and insights gained during my time at IIFM equipped me with a holistic understanding of rural development and community dynamics. This understanding has been invaluable in shaping my approach to addressing challenges and implementing effective solutions in my professional endeavors. Additionally, IIFM provided me with a strong community of problem solvers whom I’ve relied on multiple times.
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. I am here thanks to the support and guidance of friends, mentors, colleagues, and the ever-kind community members. They have significantly influenced my journey, both personally and professionally, and have been a constant source of motivation and inspiration.
My advice to young graduates is to trust their instincts while remaining respectful toward others. For those entering the social impact space, remember that it’s not just a job and the community you are working with are not numbers, they are human beings, and your actions impact them. If you believe in this purpose and focus on the process, everything else will naturally fall into place.
Q. How did you decide to go for higher studies post IIFM? And how was the experience?
A. After working for more than 6 years in the field and with government, I realized that to advance in this space and making a more significant impact, I needed to deepen my understanding of agriculture and food systems and expand my professional networks. Pursuing higher studies felt like natural progression. I believed it would offer me quality education and global exposure, aiding in my development into a professional with diverse perspectives and a broad network.
Experience of pursuing higher studies was truly rewarding. I learned a lot both inside and outside the classroom, from connecting my field insights with theoretical knowledge to exploring new cultures. I had the opportunity to travel and engage with some of the brightest minds in the field. During my time at Cornell, I collaborated with sector experts to produce episodes for a podcast on various topics- it was fun! The fact that this experience was funded added an extra layer of relief and gratitude.
Q. What are your favorite memories during your IIFM days?
A. Being a first-generation graduate student, every moment at IIFM was filled with novelty and thrill. From playing tennis and enjoying rooftop parties to embarking on night outs at Kerva dam and visiting New Market, every experience was a treasure. The winter field trips to diverse destinations including national parks in Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Uttarakhand, including Ranthambore, Gir, and FRI, were particularly memorable. Engaging in activities such as rappelling and hiking added to the excitement, making each moment at IIFM unforgettable.
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. IIFM has been a transformative experience for me, acting as both a foundation and a steppingstone for my career. I was first introduced to rural development, microfinance, community engagement here- I knew nothing. It was the first time I engaged with individuals from such diverse backgrounds and experiences. I learned immensely from the faculty, friends and peers, gaining invaluable insights that have significantly shaped my professional journey.
I also want to highlight the exceptional support and approachability of the professors and alumni I reached out to. Whether it was professors such as CSR Sir, Amitabh Pande Sir, Omprakash Madguni Sir, or alumni including VaraLakshmi Ma’am, Bhaskar Mittra Sir, Amit Vatsyayan, Santosh Singh, they were all incredibly kind and accessible. Their willingness to share their knowledge and experiences made a significant impact on my learning journey. These interactions provided me with invaluable guidance, practical insights, and a sense of community, reinforcing the importance of mentorship and collaboration in both personal and professional growth.
Q. The best buddies / seniors /faculty at IIFM? Some memorable tidbits that you like to share?
A. There were a whole bunch of people I used to hang out with, but among those I spent a significant amount of time with were Kapil, Vivek, Shitiz, Ravi, Manish Panda, Prateek, Sanjay, SP, Ankaj, Arjun, Barapatre, and Shailesh.
As mentioned before, everything I experienced at IIFM was new and memorable for me. For instance, my first encounter with a tennis court happened at IIFM. Despite my lack of skill in tennis, every moment spent on the court with Manish Panda, Vivek, and Shailesh was filled with joy, and sometimes frustration.
Throughout the past decade, Kapil, Shitiz, Vamsi, Komal, Ravi, Vivek, Sundeep, Pradip Bhai, Nandita, and Sunpreet have remained constant sources of support and friendship. I owe my connection with them to IIFM, because of which our paths first crossed. Their unwavering kindness and availability have been a reassuring presence whenever I’ve needed them.
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 your time at IIFM and have fun; these moments on such a beautiful campus will be some of the best in your life. Take the opportunity to connect with your batchmates, seniors, juniors, and the exceptional faculty members who come from diverse backgrounds and offer unique perspectives. Engage in conversations with them, listen to their inspiring stories; these interactions will not only enrich your experience but also equip you with valuable insights and perspectives to prepare you for the journey ahead.
Q. What was your typical day at the work? And how does it look like while you are on a break?
A. Intellecap has a dynamic, startup-like culture where teams are highly hands-on and collaborative. My day usually involves studying new solutions, engaging with different stakeholders and experts, extensive analysis to gather insights, and brainstorming sessions with team members to develop strategic solutions. It includes preparing detailed reports and presentations, attending internal meetings to ensure project alignment, and engaging in continuous learning activities to stay updated with sector trends.
Q. And how about weekends, hobbies, family and anything else you want to add?
A. I moved to Delhi last summer and have been making a conscious effort to explore its rich historical monuments every weekend. Weekends also provide a perfect opportunity to catch up with friends and family, allowing me to maintain and strengthen those important relationships.
In addition to my explorations in Delhi, I enjoy trekking. I’ve been fortunate enough to experience some incredible treks, including the Chadar Trek, Kedartal, and the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, among others.
Q. Favorite Books, movies, authors?
A. I read whatever I can get my hands on. However, a book I believe everyone should read is ‘Everybody Loves a Good Drought’ by P. Sainath. It offers deep insight into the lives of rural Indians, exposing government and policy failures while weaving in human stories that create an emotional connection to the issues.
Currently, I am reading “Last Subway” by Philip Mark Plotch.
I also enjoy listening to podcasts, and three that have become part of my daily routine are The Seen and Unseen with Amit Verma, The Daily by The New York Times, and Fresh Takes on Tech by International Fresh Produce Association.
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. Over the past few years, many individuals from both current and previous batches have reached out to me for internships or guidance. As I mentioned before, I am here because of the support and guidance I received, including from alumni, and I am eager to pay it forward. I am more than happy to engage with alumni and current students in any capacity I can.
Q. What do you think is different at IIFM now vs when you studied there?
A. I haven’t had the opportunity to visit the campus frequently in recent years, with my last visit being in 2015. However, the level of engagement with alumni through various social media groups, talks, and state chapters has been truly impressive.
Q. Any suggestions on who you want to get profiled/interviewed here?
A. There are numerous individuals from my batch and senior batches who have become experts in their respective sectors. Some of them are already being covered. Some I can think of are Shailesh Nagar (PFM 97), Varun Mohan (PFM 2012) from senior batches along with Komal Preet Kaur, Vini Pathak, Prateek Barapatre, and Shailesh Acharya from PFM 2013.