Alok Bansal : Driving Innovation And Growth In Warehousing And E-Commerce Infrastructure
Alok Bansal
CEO
Before founding Build My Infra, Alok oversaw the housing supply chain activities in India as CEO of DTDC Supply Chain. He has also held positions at Mercedes-Benz in Germany and Delhivery, Infosys, where he worked on future-technology, fulfillment and process management projects. Currently at Build My Infra, he aims to provide innovative and cutting-edge infrastructure solu - tions for factories, manu- facturing facilities, and retail warehouses.
In a recent interview with CEO Insights magazine, Alok shared his strategies, future roadmap, and vision for the company. Let’s read about it.
What unique opportunities and experiences did SP Jain Institute of Management and Research provide beyond academics?
SP Jain Institute of Management and Research provided me with top-notch education, delivered by highly knowledge able professors and a curriculum that was both rigorous and practical. What truly stood out were the numerous case studies, internships, and industry interactions with leading companies, which offered invaluable real-world exposure. We also engaged in hands-on field activities, like direct sales,
which pushed me to apply theoretical knowledge in real settings.
Beyond academics, SP Jain helped me broaden my perspective and think on a much larger scale, particularly in terms of entrepreneurship and global business trends. I gained insights into how multinational companies operate, both in India and internationally. The networking opportunities were equally impressive, as SP Jain's alumni are well-placed in top companies. This strong network has been a lasting asset for my career growth as it empowers me to think bigger and connect with industry leaders.
Can you describe your leadership style and the core principles or strategies you rely on to guide your team effectively?
As a leader, my approach begins with being a visionary. It's crucial to create a clear vision for where we want to go, and what we aim to achieve and set ambitious milestones. This gives the team a sense of purpose and direction and motivates them to strive for bigger goals.
Clear communication is the second pillar of my leadership. I make it a point to regularly engage with my team, sharing both the good and the challenging aspects of our progress, ensuring they are always well informed.
I focus on understanding the challenges my team faces and providing them with the right guidance and skills to overcome them.
I maintain a structured hierarchy, communicating with those who report directly to me, and they, in turn, cascade information to their teams. This ensures a smooth flow of communication thro- ughout the organization.
Lastly, core values such as honesty, integrity, trust, and transparency form the foundation of my leadership. Upholding these values from day one helps align the team toward a common purpose.
How do you stay current with industry trends and innovations to ensure your organization is future-ready?
I read extensively, attend events, and engage with successful industry leaders. I also make it a point to stay updated through newspapers and magazines to keep a close eye on new technologies and market developments.
Beyond academics, SP Jain helped me broaden my perspective and think on a much larger scale, particularly in terms of entrepreneurship and global business trends. I gained insights into how multinational companies operate, both in India and internationally. The networking opportunities were equally impressive, as SP Jain's alumni are well-placed in top companies. This strong network has been a lasting asset for my career growth as it empowers me to think bigger and connect with industry leaders.
Can you describe your leadership style and the core principles or strategies you rely on to guide your team effectively?
As a leader, my approach begins with being a visionary. It's crucial to create a clear vision for where we want to go, and what we aim to achieve and set ambitious milestones. This gives the team a sense of purpose and direction and motivates them to strive for bigger goals.
I believe it’s essential to give back to the universe and the society that has enabled our achieve - ments
Clear communication is the second pillar of my leadership. I make it a point to regularly engage with my team, sharing both the good and the challenging aspects of our progress, ensuring they are always well informed.
I focus on understanding the challenges my team faces and providing them with the right guidance and skills to overcome them.
I maintain a structured hierarchy, communicating with those who report directly to me, and they, in turn, cascade information to their teams. This ensures a smooth flow of communication thro- ughout the organization.
Lastly, core values such as honesty, integrity, trust, and transparency form the foundation of my leadership. Upholding these values from day one helps align the team toward a common purpose.
How do you stay current with industry trends and innovations to ensure your organization is future-ready?
I read extensively, attend events, and engage with successful industry leaders. I also make it a point to stay updated through newspapers and magazines to keep a close eye on new technologies and market developments.
Staying informed is key to ensuring that my organization remains competitive and ready for the future.
What is the long-term vision or goal you are working towards in your career?
I have two big goals that I want to achieve in the future. First, from a financial perspective, I aim to grow the company into a billion-dollar enterprise.
Second, and equally important, is my commitment to giving back to society. Since childhood, I have had a vision of doing something meaningful for widows, children, and the elderly who are without families. Once the company reaches a certain level of success, I want to start programs or even an NGO dedicated to helping these vulnerable groups.
Based on your extensive experience, what key advice would you offer to emerging leaders in your industry?
My advice to emerging leaders is to set big goals that inspire and motivate them to strive for greatness. Once you commit to something, stay focused and don't turn back.
I also believe in living life with a positive mindset. Whether we succeed or face setbacks, it’s important to be happy and generate positive energy. Our thoughts, actions, and hard work shape our reality, so always stay optimistic and put in our best efforts. The success mantra is “ Think More and Do More Everyday”.
Alok Bansal, CEO, Build My Infra
Alok is the Founder of 13SQFT, India's largest Space Infra - structure and Technology B2B platform, and CEO of Build My Infra. With an MBA in International Management from SP Jain Institute of Management and Research and ESB Reutlingen University, he has held leadership roles at DTDC, Delhi very, and Mercedes-Benz Research and Development.
•Hobbies: Reading books, driving through mountains and jungles, and motivating others, particularly by teaching college and university students about strategies, entrepreneurship, and startups.
•Favorite Cuisine: Italian
•Fav - orite Book: Beyond Entrepreneurship 2.0 and Good to Great by Jim Collins, Fountainhead by Ayn Rand.
•Favorite Travel Desti- nation: Europe
•Awards & Recognition: Entrepreneur of the Year 2023 from SP Jain Institute (SPJIMR) Bombay.
What is the long-term vision or goal you are working towards in your career?
I have two big goals that I want to achieve in the future. First, from a financial perspective, I aim to grow the company into a billion-dollar enterprise.
Second, and equally important, is my commitment to giving back to society. Since childhood, I have had a vision of doing something meaningful for widows, children, and the elderly who are without families. Once the company reaches a certain level of success, I want to start programs or even an NGO dedicated to helping these vulnerable groups.
Based on your extensive experience, what key advice would you offer to emerging leaders in your industry?
My advice to emerging leaders is to set big goals that inspire and motivate them to strive for greatness. Once you commit to something, stay focused and don't turn back.
I also believe in living life with a positive mindset. Whether we succeed or face setbacks, it’s important to be happy and generate positive energy. Our thoughts, actions, and hard work shape our reality, so always stay optimistic and put in our best efforts. The success mantra is “ Think More and Do More Everyday”.
Alok Bansal, CEO, Build My Infra
Alok is the Founder of 13SQFT, India's largest Space Infra - structure and Technology B2B platform, and CEO of Build My Infra. With an MBA in International Management from SP Jain Institute of Management and Research and ESB Reutlingen University, he has held leadership roles at DTDC, Delhi very, and Mercedes-Benz Research and Development.
•Hobbies: Reading books, driving through mountains and jungles, and motivating others, particularly by teaching college and university students about strategies, entrepreneurship, and startups.
•Favorite Cuisine: Italian
•Fav - orite Book: Beyond Entrepreneurship 2.0 and Good to Great by Jim Collins, Fountainhead by Ayn Rand.
•Favorite Travel Desti- nation: Europe
•Awards & Recognition: Entrepreneur of the Year 2023 from SP Jain Institute (SPJIMR) Bombay.