Vidya Basarkod

MD
Ramboll India and Director, Ramboll Engineering Center

Vidya Basarkod is a civil engineer by profession with a Masters in Structural Engineering from Indian Institute of Technology, Mumbai. She brings over 40 years of rich work experience in civil engineering, urban infrastructure, integrated urban transport, airports planning and management, engineering global work-sharing, real estate sales and marketing, integrated and golf-centric townships, business management and public-private partnerships.

Vidya is the Managing Director of Ramboll in India & Director of Ramboll Engineering Center. She spearheads the India business strategy, key account management and cross-functional collaboration for infrastructure projects, business development, global work-sharing, and Public-Private Partnerships. She has been delivering large and complex infrastructure projects in India as well as in Ramboll strongholds in Europe – Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden & the UK – in sectors spanning Transport, Buildings, Water, Climate Change, and Sustainability.

Vidya’s proven track record as an engineering visionary is undisputed and her knowledge of the market are surpassed only by her ability to lead a team of 2000 professionals towards a common goal of sustainable engineering practice. Her passion for engineering and her demonstrated strong leadership aligns well with the core values of Ramboll and supports long-term growth aspirations of the company.

Vidya has held senior leadership positions in Mott McDonald, Reliance and the Jaypee Group and is one of very few women engineers in India to be felicitated with the ICE Fellowship, the highest grade of membership of the Institution of Civil Engineers, UK, that recognizes her significant contribution as an engineer to the society. The Fellowship enables her to share her expertise on ICE platforms with engineers from across the globe, help influence government policy as well as mentor other members of ICE. She is also a Fellow of the Institute of Directors in India.

Vidya combines her engineering thought leadership with her other passion – Corporate Social Responsibility – Social upliftment, skill development of women and sustainability is a high priority practice for her as she firmly believes in the cause of women empowerment and respecting  the environment. She has contributed and supported various CSR initiatives for girl child education as well as green and sustainable initiatives.

The Next Gen: DISRUPTION

Economic Disruption: We live in an era of disruption in which powerful global forces are changing how we live and work. Powerful disruptions are changing our world. The gig economy, remote work, and the sharing economy have disrupted traditional employment models. The new generation is often at the forefront of these economic changes, seeking flexibility and independence in their careers.

Technological Disruption: The new generation is witnessing rapid technological advancements and digital transformation. They are at the forefront of embracing and driving these changes, leading to disruptions in various industries. Examples include the rise of blockchain, artificial intelligence, and the gig economy. Frontier technologies such as the Internet of Things, smart robotics, automation, and artificial intelligence are boosting productivity growth, raising prosperity, and replacing mundane or dangerous tasks. They have the potential to do good across a wide range of domains, from healthcare to education

Cultural Disruption: Social movements and changing cultural norms are disrupting traditional societal structures. The new generation is actively involved in advocating for gender equality, LGBTQ+ rights, and racial justice, challenging the status quo and pushing for more inclusive societies. The connection between resilience, equity and inclusion is widely accepted by policymakers: evidence has shown that creating more equitable and inclusive societies is a crucial part of any economic strategy focused on resilience and recovery.

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The Next Gen: DEVELOPMENT

Skill Development: The new generation places a strong emphasis on personal growth and development. They prioritize continuous learning, self-improvement, and mental well-being. Tools like online courses, self-help apps, and social networks play a significant role in their development journey. It is important to have a conversation about how to begin closing the gap between what our students are learning and what the demands of the workforce will be once they enter. Half of us will need to reskill in the next five years, as the "double disruption" of the economic impacts of the pandemic and increasing automation transforming jobs takes hold.

Sustainable Development: This generation of leaders bears the responsibility of preserving and advancing the legacies of their businesses while actively championing sustainable practices across businesses, governments, local communities, and personal lifestyle changes to secure a brighter future for the planet. Sustainability, the buzzword across the world today, will have to take on a new avatar and become the soul of every organization - business or otherwise. Businesses cannot succeed in societies that fail.

Social Development: The next generation is deeply rooted in creating positive change in society by incorporating CSR, promoting digital literacy, improving access to quality education, and supporting public health initiatives. Smart living is about adapting the fruits of technology through models that are scalable, profitable and, importantly, ecologically and socially more sustainable.

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The Next Gen: DIVERSIFICATION

Geographical Diversification: The prime focus of the new-gen leaders will be on a geographic diversification strategy, either domestically or internationally, aiming to integrate its products and services as a routine in consumers’ lifestyles. This will mitigate the risks associated with regional economic fluctuations. In an interconnected world, diversity, shaped by globalization and technological advances, forms the fabric of modern society.

Business Diversification: The strategic expansion and diversification of businesses with investments in newer business avenues, will enhance the return on investment, reflecting the forward-thinking approach of the next-generation leaders' eagerness to innovate. Companies are discovering that, by supporting and promoting diverse products and services, they are gaining benefits that go beyond the optics.

Workforce Diversification: To achieve geographical and business diversification, the next generation of leaders will aim at prioritizing workforce diversity, to boost job growth and create together a multitude of ideas and perspectives, igniting innovation and creativity. In times of increasing disruption and uncertainty, companies need to continue to prioritize diversity and inclusiveness (D&I) for the benefit of their culture — and their bottom line.

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