Click here to listen: Going Global with Umashanker V D - Start Build and Grow
Shownotes
In this podcast episode, host Rob Lawrence interviews Umashankar V D, an expert in leadership and globalisation.
Umashanker shares his journey from sales engineer to managing multinational subsidiaries and offers practical advice on expanding your business internationally.
We discuss the definition of a global company, the benefits and challenges of globalisation, market research, leadership, financial resilience, cultural sensitivity, regulatory issues, and entry strategies.
Umashanker shares with us the importance of understanding local markets, building resilient teams, and leveraging global best practices, providing valuable insights for entrepreneurs, founders, and owners who are considering international growth.
In this episode, you'll learn:
Umashanker’s Career Journey (00:02:00)
Umashanker shares his background, entrepreneurial experience, and transition from the corporate world.
Entry into Global Companies (00:04:06)
Describes joining multinational corporations, managing subsidiaries, and handling mergers and acquisitions.
Defining Globalisation and Global Companies (00:05:46)
Umashanker explains the evolution of globalisation, types of global companies, and the impact of technology on global reach.
First Global Business Experience (00:07:43)
Umashanker recounts initial exposure to global operations, sourcing components, and pitching a unique market entry strategy.
Benefits and Reasons for Globalisation (00:11:50)
Umashanker and Rob discuss economic factors and the strategic advantages of expanding into international markets.
Readiness for Global Expansion (00:14:25)
Umashanker outlines how entrepreneurs can assess readiness, with consideration to financial resilience and leadership delegation.
Key Considerations and Challenges in Going Global (00:16:26)
Umashanker discusses market research, cost structures, supply chain, regulations, and potential impediments in new markets.
Competitive Advantages of Globalisation (00:22:14)
Rob and Umashanker explore economies of scale, centralisation, technology adaptation, and operational efficiencies from international expansion.
Entry Strategies for International Markets (00:25:31)
Umashanker details various entry methods: exporting, licensing, partnerships, mergers & acquisitions, joint ventures, and fully owned subsidiaries.
Cultural and Leadership Challenges (00:29:53)
Umashanker highlights the importance of cultural sensitivity, leadership adaptation, and building trust in diverse environments.
Non-Financial Rewards of Globalisation (00:32:19)
Umashanker describes to Rob the benefits of technology, transferring knowledge, best practices exchange, brand reputation, and resilience through diversification.
Final Advice and Resources (00:34:28)
Umashanker offers encouragement, book recommendations, and a top tip: to thoroughly understand the target market before globalising.
Contact Information and Closing (00:37:08)
Hear how to connect with Umashanker on LinkedIn
About Umashanker:
Umashanker V D has had over 35 years of operational experience in the automotive industry and a history of award-winning performance in articulating a vision, strategising businesses, and infrastructure development from the ground up for long-term success. Umashanker is internationally savvy, with expertise in introducing new technologies, restructuring businesses, and a proven capability in crisis management. With large-scale enterprise work experience, coupled with entrepreneurial skills, Umashanker brings perspectives on balancing profitable growth versus investment with an emphasis on economic value creation. He's the winner of two innovation awards from BorgWarner and has received appreciation from employees for providing valuable leadership during a crisis.
Books mentioned in this episode:
- The Borderless World: Power and Strategy in the Interlinked Economy by Kenichi Omae
- Partnering by Jean Oelwang
Authors mentioned in this episode: