Architect of Educational Innovation and Growth

Nilesh Korgaonkar, a visionary leader, and Chief Executive Officer at ATLAB, Emphor - Diagnostic, Life & Analytical Sciences (Emphor DLAS), and ATLAB Creative Design Industries (ACDI – LabSpace) is a prominent member of Centena Group's Executive Board. With over two decades of professional experience, Nilesh is recognized for his exceptional contributions for Centena Group’s growth in the industrial segment for QC & R&D labs and education segments ranging from K12, universities to vocational and industrial training centers.

Professional Journey

Nilesh embarked on his professional journey with Centena Group in 2000 and currently oversees three key divisions: ATLAB, Emphor – DLAS and ACDI. Nilesh's career began in 1989 as a Sales Field Executive at Labindia, where he learned the basics of sales and excelled, climbing the ranks in his sales career.. In 1994, he moved to Blue Star Limited and embarked on a journey of professional excellence, leading to the setting up of branch offices, shouldering revenue responsibilities, and expanding business in terms of team, territory, and products.

His strength lies in his strong grasp and control over financials, contributing to major accomplishments including multifold revenue growth at new branch offices, territorial expansions, portfolio developments and engagement and development of human capital.

Professional Triumphs

Nilesh embarked on his professional journey with Centena Group in 2000 and currently oversees three key divisions: ATLAB, Emphor – DLAS and ACDI. Nilesh's career began in 1989 as a Sales Field Executive at Labindia, where he learned the basics of sales and excelled, climbing the ranks in his sales career.. In 1994, he moved to Blue Star Limited and embarked on a journey of professional excellence, leading to the setting up of branch offices, shouldering revenue responsibilities, and expanding business in terms of team, territory, and products.

His strength lies in his strong grasp and control over financials, contributing to major accomplishments including multifold revenue growth at new branch offices, territorial expansions, portfolio developments and engagement and development of human capital.

In Conversation with Nilesh Korgaonkar

My leadership philosophy revolves around empowering colleagues, engaging and motivating them to explore their full potential, encouraging them to express, experiment, and succeed, while recognizing that failure, if any, is the first of many steps towards achieving success. I firmly believe that one who never failed did not truly learn.

My biggest learning has been that cash is king, and making impactful financial decisions is vital for sustained growth in all market conditions. Additionally, being adaptable to market dynamics through comprehensive data analysis has proven invaluable.

For aspiring leaders in my industry, I advise them to prioritize discipline, understand the processes essential for success, and lead by example to inspire and motivate their teams effectively.

When faced with adversity, my secret weapon is maintaining a balanced mindset, enabling me to make the right decisions calmly and thoughtfully. I also prioritize eliminating negativity around me, fostering a positive environment, and celebrating small achievements to boost morale. Additionally, I believe in proactive preparation for anticipated challenges and effective communication to mitigate their impact.

I integrate sustainability into decision-making by empowering team members and encouraging them to understand our business practices. I emphasize our mission statement, which focuses on creating positive impacts in society and enriching lives. Furthermore, I highlight our organizational culture and the importance of human capital development, showcasing the growth opportunities available within our company.

I prioritize both short-term goals and long-term strategy. Short-term goals provide a framework for measuring progress and facilitating quick course corrections, ensuring immediate success. Meanwhile, long-term strategy is crucial for building a resilient business that can sustain growth and adapt to future challenges effectively.

To encourage continuous learning and professional development among my colleagues, I foster a growth mindset, allowing them to learn from mistakes and continually improve. I also appreciate and promote fast learners as role models, inspiring others to follow suit.