Counterpoint Podcast

In this episode of the Counterpoint Podcast, Devidas Kulur, Partner, Vector Consulting Group, explains why NPD productivity must be designed, not just measured. Learn to avoid 'metric traps' by focusing on system flow, reducing WIP, and leading with context.

In this episode Dr. Shelja Jose Kuruvilla talks about the ‘ticking shelf’ in retail, the ageing inventory crisis, which has a direct impact on store-level profitability. She also suggests how this can be addressed by ‘discipline of churn,’ and prioritising throughput.

In this final episode of our conversation with Mr. R.C. Bhargava, Chairman, Maruti Suzuki, we explore what truly drives manufacturing success - government reform or company-level action.

Are late tasks really a sign of inefficiency? In this episode of Counterpoint, Shubham Agarwal challenges how productivity is measured in projects and explores a better way to improve execution, focus, and outcomes by managing flow, not timelines.

In this chapter, Mr. R.C. Bhargava talks about a philosophy that quietly powered Maruti’s success: financial discipline built on frugality, internal resource creation, and ethical leadership. At a time when many businesses chase scale through aggressive borrowing and cash burn, Bhargava shares why Maruti believed that sustainable growth can only come from what a company earns and reinvests. From f...

In this chapter, Dr. R.C. Bhargava, talks to Satyashri Mohanty, about how Maruti focused on improving the customer’s car buying experience (pre and post purchase) to build long term customer loyalty. Previous episodes: Episode 1: https://bit.ly/VCG_Podcast_Ep65 Episode 2: https://bit.ly/VCG_Podcast_Ep68 Episode 3: https://bit.ly/VCG_Podcast_Ep73

Why do players in steel fabrication industry stay small? Discover the root causes that prevent players in the steel fabrication industry from scaling beyond a certain size. In this episode, Kaustubh Sanzgiri, Consultant at Vector Consulting Group delves into how the industry can evolve and the strategies that can drive long-term growth and efficiency.

In this 3rd episode, Mr. R.C. Bhargava shares how Maruti's approach of treating vendors as partners in growth and supporting them with technical know and timely payments led to sharing of productivity gains. It also helped build the auto components industry in India. This discussion offers valuable lessons on how management vision can shape a resilient and globally competitive manufacturing ecosys...

As global demand for industrial machinery soars, why are Indian manufacturers struggling to seize the moment? In this episode of the Counterpoint Podcast, we explore why India’s equipment manufacturers are at crossroads and how they can improve their workflows to be more competitive.

Aditya Auto, a leading auto component supplier, was struggling with long lead times, missed OEM schedules, and high working capital needs. In this episode, Mihir Jayaram (CEO) and Suresh Seturaman (CFO) share how the company moved from a forecast-driven system to a pull-based replenishment model, improving on-time delivery, supplier relations, and cash flow — all without expediting. Listen now to...

In this Counterpoint Podcast episode, Tejas Jayaraman, CTO, Aditya Auto, and Tejas Manoor, Senior Project Engineer, Aditya Auto talk about how they transformed their R&D process. They delve into how Aditya Auto went from missed OEM milestones and customer escalations to implementing a global priority mechanism, daily flow meetings, smarter project entry kits, and seamless capacity visibility t...

When crisis strikes, some systems collapse—others adapt. In this episode, we dive into how one agri-equipment company turned a massive supply chain breakdown into a powerful advantage by shifting from a push-based to a pull-based model. What caused the chaos, and what bold changes helped regain control? The answers may surprise you. Tune in to find out.

In this episode, Maruti Suzuki Chairman R.C. Bhargava reveals how empowering workers to think, suggest, and lead from the ground up drove massive gains in productivity and quality. Learn how voluntary discipline, quality circles, and consistent engagement created a culture of continuous improvement. Tune in to find out. Previous episodes: Episode 1: https://bit.ly/VCG_Podcast_Ep65

In this insightful episode of the Counterpoint Podcast by Vector Consulting Group, Dr. Rajiv Desai, Senior Technical Advisor at the Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance, joins host Chandrachur Datta to explore the evolving landscape of pharmaceutical quality management in India. A must-listen for pharma professionals committed to quality, patient safety, and long-term business sustainability.

India has become the world’s pharmacy—especially for the U.S.—supplying affordable generic drugs at an unmatched scale. But behind this global success lies a growing crisis. In this episode of Counterpoint, we go beyond the headlines to unpack the full story. What’s driving the turmoil in one of the world’s most critical industries—and what must change for Indian pharma to lead in this new era? Li...

In this episode of the Counterpoint podcast, R.C. Bhargava shares how Maruti’s unique management approach helped shape India’s auto sector. Learn key lessons to transform your organisation.

In this episode on the Counterpoint Podcast, we talk about how Quick Commerce brands have revolutionised the way urban Indians shop for essentials and the challenges they are posing for age old kirana stores. We also touch upon how the retail landscape in India will evolve.

In this podcast, we delve into the journey of Just-In-Time (JIT) in the automotive industry, exploring its rise, implementation challenges, and the emerging need for a more adaptable pull-based system. We discuss how traditional JIT practices are struggling with demand fluctuations, supply chain inefficiencies, and inventory imbalances. Tune in to understand how a new, more innovative approach—foc...

In this episode we will talk about our latest whitepaper - From Threads to Trends. This white paper sheds light on the persistent challenges in the apparel retail supply chain and presents forward-thinking strategies to drive efficiency and profitability. It reveals how prolonged lead times – often extending from 6-9 months – continue to disrupt supply chain efficiency in apparel retail. Drawing f...

The auto industry thrives on momentum, but what happens when dealerships are stuck with unsold cars? As it has happened in the recent months. Excess inventory can choke cash flow, force heavy discounts, and disrupt the entire supply chain. In this episode, we take a closer look at why inventory levels at dealerships have soared, and the challenges this creates. Joining us are Naveen Phillip, MD at...

In this podcast episode, hosted by Shubham Agarwal and featuring Chandrachur Datta, Partner at Vector Consulting Group, we dive into the essence of managing operations. Explore how to handle fluctuating demand, manage capacity challenges, and eliminate inefficiencies using strategic buffers. Gain actionable insights and hear real-world examples that can transform your operations.​

Explore the intricacies of supply chain management in this Counterpoint Podcast episode. Join Shubham Agarwal as he interviews Abhishek Sharma, VP - Supply Chain fromBlackberry's Menswear division, revealing how innovative strategies are transforming supply chain operations for better efficiency and growth.  

Discover how Royal Enfield revolutionized its supply chain management with a dynamic Replenishment Model. CEO B. Govindarajan shares insights on overcoming spare parts challenges, boosting efficiency, and bringing customers back to service centers, thanks to improved service and parts availability.

Dive into the fusion of data and storytelling, uncovering how numbers and narratives intertwine to drive innovation and change. Join us at the forefront of this exploration, shaping the future of how stories are told and understood in a data-driven world.

Discover the ingenuity behind Fleetguard's approach to inventory and sales that prioritizes performance and satisfaction over traditional incentives. Tune in to understand the dynamics of a business model that thrives on mutual growth, strategic partnerships, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.