Interview with Shalendar Rattan
Interview with Shalendar Rattan


"Starting a business from scratch in a new country, miles away from home, requires lots of market knowledge and patience."

Shalendar Rattan
Manager 
Vinod Patel 
Fiji 

Master in Supply Chain and Logistics Management Batch 2021

Please tell us about yourself and your family. 

I was born in an Indo-Fijian family in Fiji. I am the youngest in the family, having three elder siblings, brought up on the 2nd main Island of Fiji. I attained my tertiary education in Business Management from the University of the South Pacific. 

What drew you to the program you are studying at Athena? Do you think it will help you to realize your career goals?

I believe a Master degree in Supply Chain and Logistics Management will strengthen my knowledge and skills in the procurement and logistics area where I am presently working. Hopefully, it would also enhance my knowledge and skill in this field, making me more compatible with such roles in the future. Through this program, I would be able to develop a stronger procurement/logistics team within the organization I work for. 

What would you like to learn next? What are your next career steps?

After completing this course, I would like to continue with an MBA as I believe this will help in my business development and management skills. This is essential upon completion of Master of Supply Chain and Logistics Management. 

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

If I get some time out from work or on weekends, I love doing something artistic like drawing or designing some ornamental furniture, and others. I am passionate about gardening using innovative methods. I enjoy watching educational and product development videos on YouTube.

Suppose you had to live alone on a deserted island for a month. What are the 3 things you will bring with you?

  1. Water 
  2. Food 
  3. Compass and Map

If you face a problem at work, what is the first thing you do?

I take a small break, then think clearly again, analyze and conclude. If the problem is not resolved, then you need to ask for advice from any other team members.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced in your life? How did you tackle it?

Starting a business from scratch in a new country, miles away from home, requires lots of market knowledge and patience. Things changed gradually after being consistent with the products and services we offered. 

If you could only change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

Spending more time at work. I would like to give time to my family as well as focus on keeping healthy. 

What did you want to become when you were a child?

I wanted to become a pilot.

What is the last book you read and the movie you saw?

Ten great Leadership ideas is the last book I read.

Who is the person you admire most and why?

Sir Elbert Einstein.His quotes inspire me : “Try not to become a man of success, but rather try to become a man of value.”
“The only source of knowledge is experience.”

  • Share

    Get in Touch

    Fill your details in the form below and we will be in touch to discuss your learning needs
    Enter First Name
    Enter Last Name
    CAPTCHA
    Image CAPTCHA
    Enter the characters shown in the image.

    I agree with Terms & Conditions.

    Do you want to hear about the latest insights, Newsletters and professional networking events that are relevant to you?