Mr. Akhil Damodaran is a highly experienced professional with a background spanning the telecom, IT, aviation, and education industries. Presently, he holds the position of Dean Academics School of Management at IILM University. Prior to joining IILM University, Akhil served as the Cluster Head of the Emergent Vertical within the School of Business at UPES. In the past, he has worked with the France Telecommunication Group and Tata Communications Ltd.

Beyond his role at IILM, Mr. Akhil is also the Founder and CEO of Elteridium, a blockchain smart contract firm specialising in public-private partnerships. His involvement extends to various other organisations, including advisory membership for IVIVI Tech Solutions, a leading artificial intelligence company; Partner Pursuitex advisory services; and advisor at Fitsyndicate, a token-based blockchain startup. Additionally, he serves as a Mentor for IIT Bombay's Entrepreneurial Cell and functions as a regional mentor for the Atal Tinkering Lab under NITI Aayog.

In 2021, he achieved recognition as a recipient of the esteemed Celerity 40 under 40 Supply Chain Achievers Award. Mr. Akhil has a diverse educational background, encompassing a bachelor's degree in electronics and instrumentation engineering from RGPV, a postgraduate degree in management from IIT Delhi, a degree in competition law from the National Law University Delhi, and a PhD in management from UPES.

IILM University

What is your philosophy of leadership? How would you describe your leadership style?

Leadership for me is all about trust and ownership, trust your team and own your mistakes.

At its core, for me, are three things: People, Strategy and Operations: Motivate your people, have a clear long-term view, it will help people to guide well, and always be on top of daily activity (operations).

How does the curriculum of the college ensure the best practice of industry?

We make sure that we bring industry partners into our curriculum creation process. We have experts and panellists in our curriculum updating and discussion procedure. We do so in order to make sure industry inputs are part of the curriculum and we are able to include everything employers look for in their employees in our curriculum. They help make sure the overall course is current and relevant.

Any insights into how your institute could be more welcoming to students of different races or economic backgrounds?

To foster a more welcoming environment, we prioritise equality, admitting students based on their eagerness to learn and dedication, irrespective of race or economic background. Implementing diversity programs, offering financial aid, and ensuring accessible resources and facilities are key. Cultural competency training, student organisations, and faculty diversity contribute to an inclusive atmosphere. Establishing feedback mechanisms and collaborating with community organisations further enrich the learning experience, promoting an environment where all students feel valued and supported.

What do you think your roles and responsibilities to the Institution and the students are?

I have several responsibilities that are complex in my role. I work at reviewing the curriculum, meeting industry personnel and bringing industry experience to the classrooms. All new program creations and additions are done with my permission. Moreover, I look over market assessments, monitor academic progress, and prepare and guide stakeholders for the accreditation process.

What do you think should be the Institution’s top priority over the next 10 years?

Over the next decade, we have a number of goals we want to achieve for the institute. Striving to become a premier university in Northern India would be our primary goal and mission. We will update our curriculum, introduce courses, provide extracurriculars, and more to achieve this. We also wish to become a leading exemplar of industry-academia collaboration.

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What would you like people to know about your Institute they may not know?

Our university is distinguished by its world-class infrastructure, which fosters a dynamic learning environment. We pioneer education with cutting-edge metaverse classrooms, transcending traditional boundaries for immersive and interactive learning experiences. The hallmark of our institution lies in robust industry-academia collaboration, ensuring our students are equipped with practical insights and real-world skills. Our esteemed faculty, comprising experts from premier institutions like IIT and IMT, brings a wealth of knowledge, enriching the academic landscape. Together, we are dedicated to sculpting future leaders in an ecosystem that seamlessly blends innovation, industry exposure, and academic excellence.

What do you see as your college’s greatest strengths?

We have a number of industry- academia collaborations and partnerships. These help us not only to update our curriculum but also to provide our students with jobs. We also have an industry-relevant curriculum that includes all the latest topics and tools. It keeps our students and faculty updated on the industry and keeps us at the forefront with employers.

What are some of the biggest challenges you see, both for higher education in general and for your college specifically?

For higher education in general, I think one of the most important challenges is making sure students experience experiential learning. With more free online courses available, it’s important for students to learn experientially. We have a startup program for BBA and MBA course students where we allow startups to provide work for the students online, like outsourcing the work. This allows students to learn what companies work like, what an office ecosystem is like and what teamwork is.

Any suggestions you would like to give to the current youth?

Learning is a continuous process, it does not stop once you graduate. Keep learning and make sure you learn technology well. Keep upskilling and improving yourself to be competitive. Grab every opportunity that comes your way. 

How do you tend to establish a healthy relation and environment in institute?

We cultivate a thriving and inclusive institute environment by prioritising open communication, fostering mutual respect, and promoting collaboration. Implementing mentorship programs, encouraging diverse perspectives, and organising team-building activities are integral to building strong interpersonal bonds. Emphasising transparency in policies and decision-making ensures a sense of trust and community. Regular feedback mechanisms and responsive support services contribute to addressing individual needs. By creating a culture that values well-being, diversity, and continuous improvement, we aim to establish a healthy and harmonious institute environment conducive to learning and personal growth.