Atikur Rahman Chowdhury
Additional Director
Walton Group
Mr. Atikur Rahman Chowdhury is an accomplished professional who holds the esteemed position of Additional Director at Walton Group. With a career marked by dedication, expertise and a commitment to excellence, he has made significant contributions to the success and growth of the organization. Mr. Chowdhury’s leadership, vision, and innovative approach have played a pivotal role in Walton Group’s continued advancement in the corporate world. His passion for excellence and unwavering dedication to his work make him a valuable asset to the company and a respected figure in the industry.
Let’s learn about his journey.
The InCAP: Mr. Atikur Rahman Chowdhury, please share your professional and academic peregrination for our readers!
Mr. Atikur Rahman Chowdhury: Of course! My journey has been quite diverse and fulfilling.
I embarked on my educational journey by obtaining a B.Sc. in Electrical Engineering from the esteemed Malaviya National Institute of Technology in Jaipur, India. This academic foundation laid the groundwork for my analytical thinking and problem-solving skills, which I’ve carried forward into my professional career.
Subsequently, I pursued an MBA in Operation & Supply Chain Management from the University of Chittagong. This postgraduate education was pivotal in honing my understanding of the intricate dynamics that govern supply chains and operations. It equipped me with the knowledge to navigate the complexities of modern business environments and make informed decisions.
In my ongoing pursuit of excellence, I am currently engrossed in a Diploma in Procurement & Supply from CIPS – The Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply in the UK. This program is significantly enhancing my expertise in procurement strategies, supply chain optimization, and effective vendor management. It aligns seamlessly with my professional goals and fuels my passion for contributing to the realm of supply chain management.
Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of engaging with diverse facets of Supply Chain Management. From project management to procurement and vendor management, I’ve immersed myself in various aspects of this dynamic field. These experiences have not only broadened my perspective but also enabled me to develop a holistic approach to managing the intricacies of supply chains.
One particularly enriching aspect of my journey has been my involvement with different government departments such as NBR, BTC, and BIDA. These collaborations have provided me with insights into critical matters such as HS codes, SROs, and import duty benefits. It’s been both gratifying and enlightening to contribute my expertise to these pivotal areas of governance.
To continuously enhance my skills and stay updated in this ever-evolving landscape, I’ve actively participated in numerous training programs and workshops. These opportunities have empowered me to embrace innovation, adapt to emerging trends, and consistently deliver value in my professional endeavors.
In essence, my journey has been characterized by a deep-seated commitment to learning, growth, and meaningful contributions. I look forward to further challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, as I continue to evolve as a supply chain management professional.
What is your most significant achievement as of now? To what extent does your motivation help you to thrive in your career?
One of my most significant achievements thus far has been successfully leading a cross-functional team in the development and launch of a new product that significantly expanded our company’s market reach. This project required not only technical expertise but also effective communication and collaboration skills to align the efforts of various departments.
In terms of motivation, it plays a crucial role in driving my career success. My inner drive and passion for what I do push me to constantly seek improvement and innovation. They provide me with the determination to overcome challenges and keep pushing forward, even when faced with setbacks. This motivation not only helps me maintain a positive and resilient mindset but also encourages me to continuously learn and grow in my field.
Having a strong sense of purpose and enthusiasm for my work has enabled me to stay committed to my goals and to adapt to the ever-evolving landscape of my industry. It fuels my perseverance during tough times and inspires me to take initiative, seek new opportunities, and contribute ideas that make a difference. Overall, my motivation serves as the foundation for my career growth, empowering me to thrive and make meaningful contributions to my team and organization. My most significant achievement thus far would be by launching new products, optimizing costs, and boosting profits through strategic decisions. This accomplishment stands as a testament to my dedication and commitment to finding innovative solutions. My motivation to continually push boundaries and seek improvements in every facet of my work has been a driving force behind my career growth. It’s this motivation that propels me to explore new avenues, overcome challenges, and consistently deliver exceptional results.
As an Additional Director, what challenges do you face while playing your role, and how do you overcome those?
Being in a leadership position within the supply chain arena comes with its share of challenges. I also encounter several challenges in my role, but I’ve developed effective strategies to overcome them. One of the prominent challenges is demand volatility. Fluctuations in customer demand can make it challenging to maintain optimal inventory levels. To address this, I employ advanced demand forecasting techniques, closely monitor market trends, and collaborate closely with sales and marketing teams to align forecasts with actual demand.
Another challenge is supplier relationship management. Ensuring a steady supply of materials while maintaining good relationships with suppliers requires constant effort. I establish clear communication channels, negotiate favorable terms, and implement supplier diversification strategies to mitigate risks associated with overreliance on a single source.
Global supply chains also introduce complexities. Geopolitical factors, trade regulations, and transportation issues can disrupt the flow of goods. To tackle this, I stay informed about global developments, establish alternative transportation routes, and maintain contingency plans to minimize disruptions.
Inventory management presents its own set of challenges. Balancing between excess inventory and stockouts is crucial. By adopting just-in-time principles and data-driven inventory optimization models, I strike a balance that minimizes carrying costs while meeting customer demands effectively.
Lastly, effective communication across departments is vital. Silos can lead to inefficiencies and misunderstandings. I foster cross-functional collaboration through regular meetings, open communication channels, and shared performance metrics to ensure alignment and cohesive decision-making.
In overcoming these challenges, I’ve learned that adaptability, continuous learning, and a proactive approach are key. Each challenge is an opportunity to refine strategies and enhance the efficiency of the supply chain, contributing to the overall success of the organization.
We want to know your thoughts on teamwork. What do you think a team leader should have?
Teamwork is the cornerstone of any successful endeavor, where the collective efforts of individuals come together to achieve shared goals. A team leader plays a pivotal role in guiding and facilitating this collaborative process, and there are several key qualities that I believe a proficient team leader should possess.
First and foremost, effective communication stands out as a crucial attribute. A team leader must be adept at conveying ideas, expectations, and instructions clearly to team members. Equally important is the ability to listen actively, valuing the input and concerns of every team member. This open exchange of ideas fosters an environment of mutual respect and understanding, enhancing team cohesion.
Another essential quality is the skill of delegation. A proficient team leader recognizes the strengths and expertise of each team member and allocates tasks accordingly. Delegating tasks not only empowers team members but also ensures that responsibilities are distributed in a manner that optimizes efficiency and productivity.
A strong sense of empathy is also vital for a team leader. Understanding the unique perspectives, challenges, and motivations of individual team members helps create a supportive and inclusive atmosphere. By demonstrating empathy, a leader can build trust and rapport, thereby promoting a sense of unity within the team.
Adaptability is yet another critical trait. In a dynamic work environment, things don’t always go as planned. A team leader should be flexible and capable of adjusting strategies and approaches when faced with unforeseen challenges. This ability to adapt instills confidence in the team and showcases the leader’s resilience.
Furthermore, a team leader should be an exemplar of dedication and commitment. By setting high standards through their own hard work and enthusiasm, they inspire team members to invest their best efforts. Leading by example fosters a culture of excellence and motivates everyone to strive for success.
Lastly, a visionary outlook rounds up the qualities of an effective team leader. A leader who can articulate a compelling vision of the team’s goals and future inspires a sense of purpose and direction among team members. This vision acts as a guiding light, aligning everyone’s efforts towards a common objective.
In essence, a team leader is not just a title holder but a guide, a motivator, and a facilitator of growth. Possessing attributes such as effective communication, delegation skills, empathy, adaptability, dedication, and a visionary mindset equips a leader to navigate the complexities of teamwork successfully. When these qualities are present, the team can overcome challenges, capitalize on opportunities, and achieve remarkable outcomes together. and promoting a culture of collaboration.
How do you measure professional success? For example, do you consider yourself successful as an Additional Director?
I believe measuring professional success is a multi-faceted endeavor that goes beyond just job titles or positions. To me, professional success is about achieving a harmonious blend of personal growth, impact on others, and the accomplishment of meaningful goals.
Regarding my role as an Additional Director, I view success as a continuous journey rather than a fixed destination. It’s not solely about the title but more about the value I bring to the organization and the collaborative efforts that lead to positive outcomes. Success, in this context, means contributing to the company’s growth, fostering a culture of innovation, and making a difference in the lives of the team members and stakeholders.
In essence, professional success is about finding a balance between achieving one’s own aspirations and making a positive contribution to the greater whole. It’s about continuous learning, adaptability, and leaving a lasting, positive impact in every role I undertake. So, while the title of Additional Director may be a milestone, true success lies in the journey of growth, impact, and fulfillment that it represents. Aim to learn, innovate, and positively influence my team and the organization.
What was your first job in life? How much was your first salary? What did you do with the first paycheck?
Absolutely, I’d be happy to share! My very first job was as an Executive, Supply Chain-Procurement at sister concern of GPH Ispat Group. My first salary was a modest but promising start to my career. It might not have been a large sum, but the experience I gained was priceless. When I received my first paycheck, I remember feeling a mix of pride and accomplishment. It was the first time I had earned money through my own efforts.
With that paycheck, I decided to save a portion of it for future expenses and put the rest towards buying a thoughtful gift for my parents. They had always been supportive of me, and I wanted to show my gratitude. The joy on their faces when I surprised them with the gift was truly heartwarming.
Looking back, that first job taught me the value of hard work, responsibility, and the importance of managing my finances. It was a stepping stone that laid the foundation for my understanding of the working world and the satisfaction that comes from earning and contributing.
Mr. Atikur Rahman Chowdhury, please say something to the readers!
To all the readers, I would like to emphasize the significance of continuous learning and adaptability in the ever-evolving business landscape. Success is a journey that requires dedication, collaboration and a passion for constant improvement. Embrace challenges as opportunities, and never underestimate the power of teamwork. Stay curious, stay motivated, and always strive for excellence in whatever you do. Thank you for taking the time to learn about my experiences and perspectives. Stay inspired, Stay Happy.
Quick Chat With Atikur Rahman Chowdhury
The most outstanding achievement of your life as of now:
Navigating a turbulent journey to self-discovery and growth.
The greatest philosopher in your view:
Nelson Mandela, a symbol of resilience.
Your Icon:
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
Name the most influential books you have read:
“The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho
Your greatest fear:
Unfulfilled potential haunting me.
Best piece of advice you’ve received:
“Embrace uncertainty with courage.”
You in only three words:
Quick Learner, Social Worker, Adaptable soul.
The InCAP: Thank you, Mr. Atikur! It’s a glittering conversation with you!
Mr. Atikur Rahman Chowdhury:: My pleasure! Wish you all the best! Thank you
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