'We have doubled our staff strength recently'
Nasdaq-listed Corporate Executive Board MD Shaurav Sen tells about the issues facing India Inc. and CEB’s plans for India. Excerpts:
What advice do you give to Indian companies acquiring overseas?
First, we tell them not to underestimate the integration challenge—especially the softer side that has to do with people and culture issues. They have to ensure all corporate functions (not just finance) are involved with this process as early as possible. Finally, one should be willing to learn from the company you are acquiring.
How does CEB differentiate itself from the consulting firms?
Our shared cost model ensures value-for-money to our clients. We don’t charge for customised engagements since over 80 per cent client problems are not unique in nature and hence don’t require customised solutions. We teach our customers what works so they don’t reinvent the wheel. Unlike consulting, where key skills and capabilities typically “go with the consultant” when their assignment ends, we build our client’s capabilities.
What are your plans for India?
We want to offer a smart alternative to high-end business advisory services in this country by exposing Indian CXOs to a global network of their peers. We plan to build our network of blue chip clients in India. In terms of staffing, we have recently doubled our India strength to almost 200 and I won’t be surprised if we continue this trend in the near term.
