Exploring Ideas, Corporate Culture, and Practices

about me

I’m Amresh Kumar—part strategist, part tech enthusiast, and always a learner at heart. With close to 20 years of experience in business consulting, I’ve spent my career helping organizations make smarter decisions, go digital the right way, and lead with purpose.This blog is where I share my thoughts on everything from digital transformation and ESG to profit strategies and operational improvements. I write about real-world leadership, lessons from boardrooms and fieldwork, and the power of aligning business with people, purpose, and performance.Some of my biggest insights have come not from success stories, but from mentoring others, working through uncertainty, and leading community-focused efforts during tough times—like the pandemic.If you’re passionate about building better businesses while staying grounded in values, you’ll feel right at home here.

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Electric Vehicle and the Transition to Sustainable Energy: Challenges and Opportunities

Driving Sustainable Growth: My Journey in Electric Vehicle Mobility

^{28 Sept. 2024   Written by Amresh Kumar}


As I delve into the electric vehicle (EV) industry, I can’t help but feel a sense of excitement about the ongoing shift towards sustainable energy. This transformation is profoundly influenced by remarkable advancements in battery technology, supportive government initiatives (FAME and PM E-DRIVE) and an increasing awareness among consumers about environmental issues. I’ve witnessed established automakers expanding their EV offerings, while innovative startups introduce fresh designs, cutting-edge technologies, battery recycle, battery swapping technologies that challenge the status quo.

A key advantage of EVs is their ability to significantly reduce carbon emissions. Unlike traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions, delivering immediate benefits in reducing air pollution and enhancing air quality.

Environmental Impact of EVs
Reflecting on the impact of transportation on our planet, it’s clear that the sector has historically been a major contributor to environmental degradation, primarily due to our reliance on internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles powered by fossil fuels. However, the emergence of electric vehicles marks a pivotal shift towards cleaner, more sustainable mobility. I appreciate how EVs align with Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles, as they not only help reduce carbon emissions but also promote energy security and social equity.


Just one electric car can save approximately 1.5 million grams of CO2 annually, which is equivalent to removing the emissions from driving an average ICE vehicle for about 6,000 kilometres! The thought of contributing to such a positive change motivates me to consider EVs not just as vehicles, but as key players in our fight against climate change.

EV Adoption
I’ve come to understand that EV adoption is not merely a trend; it’s one of the crucial ways for our journey toward achieving a carbon neutrality state, where greenhouse gas emissions are balanced by carbon removal from the atmosphere.

How does this work?
a) Zero Tailpipe Emissions: EVs produce no tailpipe emissions, which means they significantly lower the carbon footprint of road transportation. This is a gamechanger for urban areas plagued by air pollution.
b) Improved Air Quality: By transitioning to electric vehicles, we can enhance air quality and public health. This is particularly important for vulnerable populations
in cities who are disproportionately affected by poor air quality.
c) Sustainable Manufacturing: I’m optimistic about advancements in battery recycling and sustainable manufacturing, which are expected to reduce lifecycle emissions significantly in the future. This means that the entire lifecycle of an EV can be more sustainable, from production to disposal.

For me, EV adoption plays a vital role in decarbonizing personal mobility, public transport and commercial fleets, such as rideshare services like OLA and UBER.

One of my proudest accomplishments has been leading the transition from internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles to electric vehicles (Evs), replacing over 500 ICE cars and reducing CO2 emissions daily by an estimated 25-28 metric tonnes. Between 2017 and 2019, I had the privilege of partnering with major organisations like Mercedes-Benz, Wipro, Accenture, Microsoft, Adobe, SAP and Citrix to integrate EVs into their employee transport services. Each of these transitions was more than just providing a new type of vehicle—it was about delivering reliable, cost-effective solutions that empowered their transportation teams to operate more efficiently and sustainably.

Convincing businesses to adopt EVs is no easy task. It goes beyond checking a box for ESG compliance—it’s about ensuring that EVs are practical, safe and capable of seamlessly supporting daily operations without disruption. I worked hard to prove that EVs weren’t just a green choice but a smart, sustainable solution that could enhance their trips productivity using analytics, route optimisation problems, telematics data, charging cycles and efficient driving behaviour will safeguard employee’s safety during their commute. It’s this balance between innovation and reliability that has made these transitions truly rewarding for me.

Social Impact: Public Health and Employment
The social implications of EV adoption resonate deeply with me, especially in urban areas where air pollution from vehicles is a pressing concern. The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that around 7 million premature deaths annually are linked to air pollution, much of it from vehicle emissions. By eliminating harmful tailpipe pollutants, EVs can significantly improve public health outcomes, particularly for vulnerable populations in cities. Moreover, I see the transition to electric mobility as an opportunity for job creation across various sectors. From manufacturing and battery technology to renewable energy integration, the potential for employment growth is substantial. The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) predicts that by 2030, the EV industry could create around 10 million jobs globally. This aligns perfectly with the “Social” aspect of ESG, emphasising equitable job creation and community well-being. I find it heartening to think that my choice to support EVs can contribute to job opportunities for others.

Governance: Policy Support and Industry Growth
Governments globally recognize EVs' vital role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and are enacting policies to boost adoption. In India, the National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP) and the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles (FAME) scheme have established a solid EV ecosystem. On September 11, 2024, the PM E-DRIVE scheme was introduced, allocating ₹109 billion to speed up EV adoption, focusing on two-wheelers, three-wheelers and public transport vehicles. This new scheme was launched to address some of the issues seen in the earlier FAME phases, like companies inappropriately claiming subsidies for imported EVs. Moving forward, compliance will be closely monitored through biannual conformity of production tests, ensuring greater transparency. Globally, policy measures such as stricter emissions standards, EV subsidies and infrastructure investments in charging networks are helping to drive EV adoption. These policy actions not only promote environmental sustainability but also enhance Corporate Governance by requiring transparency and accountability in how businesses manage their Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) impacts.

Challenges and Future Outlook
As exciting as the future of EVs is, I’ve also encountered several challenges firsthand. While I truly believe in their potential, I’ve come to understand that their environmental impact is tied closely to the energy grid they rely on.

In regions where coal is the primary source of electricity, EVs may not be as green as we hope. On top of that, the extraction of key materials like lithium, cobalt and nickel for EV batteries has raised concerns for me about ethical sourcing and the environmental toll. I’m personally committed to addressing these issues by supporting responsible mining practices and promoting advancements in battery recycling.

From my experience, here are the key challenges that need to be tackled for EVs to become truly mainstream:
1. Inadequate Charging Network: I’ve seen how the lack of charging infrastructure can be a huge barrier, especially for large-scale operations. Building this infrastructure isn’t just expensive; it takes time.
2. Charging Speed: One thing I’ve heard often from clients is how long charging times can disrupt fleet operations. It’s a real challenge when productivity is the top priority.
3. Range Anxiety: It's something that holds a lot of people back from fully embracing EVs.
4. Battery Degradation: Over time, battery degradation results in a loss of range and performance, which is a tough sell when clients are expecting long-term reliability.
5. High Initial Costs: I’ve often had to reassure clients that while EVs have a higher upfront cost, the long-term savings are worth it.
6. Charging Costs and Pricing Models: Power costs vary by location, charger type and time of day, posing challenges for commercial operations, especially where low EV density makes profitable business models difficult.
7. Battery Disposal and Recycling: The question of what happens to used EV batteries is something that weighs on me, but I’m encouraged by the efforts of companies like RecycleKaro, Attero Recycling, ACE Green Recycling and similar others, who are working on solutions here in India.
8. Regulatory and Policy Barriers: Regulatory and Policy Barriers: Navigating changing government policies, from subsidies to emission standards, can be tricky and it sometimes leaves my clients feeling uncertain about their investment in EVs.

Final Thoughts
Reaching carbon neutrality is no longer just a goal; it's a necessity and decarbonizing key sectors like transportation is at the heart of that mission.

EVs not only cut emissions but also integrate with renewable energy and boost energy efficiency, driving a low-carbon future. Advances in battery technology, circular economy practices and strong government policies make widespread EV adoption a key step toward carbon neutrality goals.

From an ESG perspective, EVs foster responsible corporate behaviour by reducing carbon footprints and supporting social equity. In India, with the EV market set to grow at 49% CAGR and EVs expected to make up 30% of new sales by 2030, the future of transportation is electric, driving a more sustainable and resilient economy.

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Exploring the Synergy of Digital Twin and the Internet of Things

From Code to Compliance: Navigating Software Development and Governance

^{10 Sept. 2024   Written by Amresh Kumar}


As someone who has spent years working in the rapidly evolving world of software and technology, I have seen first-hand how innovation reshapes industries. One of the most transformative advancements I’ve encountered in recent years is the convergence of Digital Twins and the Internet of Things (IoT). These two technologies, when combined, have not only disrupted traditional operational models but also created new avenues for efficiency, predictive maintenance, and real-time decision-making.


Understanding Digital Twins: Beyond the Buzzword

When I first encountered the term Digital Twin, I, like many others, saw it as just another flashy tech buzzword. But after seeing its real-world applications, I began to understand the true potential of DT. At its core, a Digital Twin is a virtual replica of a physical object, system, or process. By leveraging real-time data, these digital replicas can simulate, predict, and optimize performance in ways that were previously unimaginable.

In the Software industry, a company I’ve worked with recently integrated Digital Twins with their R&D and sales phase. They created virtual models of their software features, enabling them to monitor performance and predict failures before they occurred. In just six months, they reduced unplanned downtime by 20%, saving millions in operational costs and chances of dissatisfied customer. This isn’t an abstract concept—it is a real-world success story driven by the fusion of IoT and Digital Twins.


The Marriage of IoT and Digital Twins: A Game Changer

The Internet of Things plays a critical role in bringing Digital Twins to life. IoT devices—sensors, smart meters, and other connected tools—collect millions of real-time data from the physical world. Without this data, Digital Twins would be static models, limited in scope and capability.

In another project I oversaw, a transportation company used IoT sensors in their fleet of EVs to gather information on everything from driver behaviour, vehicle driving performance, battery discharge to EV charging cycles. By feeding this data into a Digital Twin model, they could predict maintenance needs and optimize delivery routes in real-time. This resulted in a 45% increase in EVs productivity and a significant reduction in vehicle slack hours.


Real-World Impact and Business Value

For board directors and business leaders, the integration of Digital Twins and IoT isn’t just a technical conversation—it’s a strategic imperative. According to Gartner, by 2025, 75% of organizations implementing IoT will also employ Digital Twins. Companies that have already adopted this approach report significant benefits, including:

a) Reduced maintenance costs: As seen with the manufacturing example, predictive maintenance reduces the frequency and cost of unexpected equipment failure.
b) Improved operational efficiency: Digital Twins enable organizations to optimize everything from production processes to supply chain logistics, increasing efficiency across the board.
c) Enhanced innovation: By simulating various scenarios in a risk-free digital environment, companies can test new products and strategies before implementing them in the real world.


From my perspective, organisation should look beyond short-term gains and understand the broader implications of technological advancements like Digital Twins and IoT. It’s not enough to understand the technical aspects; we need to see the strategic value these innovations bring to the table.


For instance, Digital Twins can help with long-term sustainability goals. By simulating the environmental impact of different operational decisions, companies can make more informed choices about resource consumption and carbon emissions. I’ve seen organizations reduce their environmental footprint by 10-15% just by adopting this technology, some could reduce their customer attrition by adopting Digital Twin technology.


The Future of Digital Twins and IoT

As I continue to witness and contribute to the growing adoption of these technologies, it’s clear to me that the future holds even more promise. The combination of Artificial Intelligence (AI) with digital twins will likely further enhance predictive capabilities. Imagine a future where digital twins not only reflect real-world conditions but also learn from data patterns to make autonomous decisions, further minimizing human intervention.
Moreover, the adoption of 5G technology will bring faster data transfer and lower latency, allowing digital twins to react to IoT data almost instantaneously. This could lead to advancements in autonomous vehicles, smart grids, and even space exploration, where digital twins of spacecraft could help predict issues and optimize performance in real time.


Moving Forward

As we continue to navigate a world of rapid digital transformation, I firmly believe that the synergy between IoT and Digital Twins will become even more imperative. From reducing unplanned downtime, predictive maintenance to personalized healthcare, the applications are limitless. For those of us in leadership positions, understanding and advocating for the adoption of these technologies is essential—not just for staying competitive but for driving innovation that delivers real-world value.

In conclusion, my experience in working with various industries has shown that Digital Twins, powered by IoT, are not just the future—they are the present. The businesses that successfully integrate these technologies will not only streamline operations but also unlock new levels of performance, efficiency, and sustainability.

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Data-Driven Governance: Elevating Our Department through Analytics and Engagement

Analytics to Action: Leveraging Data Analytics for Strategic Decision

^{10 Jan. 2025   Written by Amresh Kumar}


In my professional experience, I’ve come to realize that the role of data in shaping our department’s success is more critical than ever. Governance, which once focused solely on compliance, is now a strategic imperative, and data is at its core. To stay competitive and transparent, we must harness data to make informed decisions, improve internal processes, and engage employees in meaningful ways.

The Importance of Data in Governance
Data is central to governance, allowing us to make informed, real-time decisions. As of 2023, 85% of companies report that they have embarked on some form of digital transformation, with data analytics being a key pillar of these initiatives now goes beyond compliance; it’s about driving efficiency, managing risk, and improving overall performance.
In my earlier organisation, we implemented a centralized data management system, which could track project performance metrics, employee hours, and resource allocation. By analyzing this data, we discovered inefficiencies in resource utilization. Within six months of introducing the system, we reduced project delays by 15%.

Further, we identified the right Key Performance Metrics (KPMs) to measure the success, improve processes, and ensure compliance. A recent Deloitte study indicates, 94% of organizations have seen a significant improvement in performance when they implemented KPM tracking systems. The most relevant are–Compliance Rates, Audit Findings, Process Efficiency.

By consistently monitoring compliance rates across various functions, we identified a gap in our vendor management system, where compliance dropped to 72%. After introducing a new data-driven tracking tool and training, compliance improved to 90% within five months.


The Role of Reporting and Analytics
I can’t stress enough how reporting and analytics have changed the way we operate. Utilizing descriptive statistics allow us to move beyond gut instincts and rely on hard data to make informed decisions. From tracking project milestones to forecasting future risks, analytics give us the power to be proactive rather than reactive.

Using time-series models, I identified a significant under-utilization of workplace offices across our global locations for a leading U.S. bank. By bringing this insight to the attention of our leadership team, I was able to highlight the issue of dormant investments, ultimately preventing unnecessary financial loss. This proactive approach allowed us to avoid renewing costly leases for underused spaces, aligning our real estate strategy with actual usage patterns and enhancing overall operational efficiency.

In another organization, by employing straightforward statistical techniques and logical reasoning, I identified key correlations among various factors affecting battery drainage, charging patterns, and vehicle driving modes. This analysis enabled me to derive a coefficient for transmission loss and real-time power usage. As a result, I was able to create a compelling sales proposition that accurately aligned theoretical expectations with on-ground performance, significantly enhancing our company’s credibility and effectiveness.


Internal Process Auditing
Internal audits have become one of the most effective tools for ensuring our department runs smoothly. By regularly auditing our processes, we can identify inefficiencies, fix compliance issues, and continuously improve our governance practices.

In one of my earlier processes, we relied on manual way for internal audits, which resulted in a 12% error rate in our reporting and caused delays in identifying key issues. After automating the auditing process using timely data capture, Excel automation and integrated software, we reduced the error rate to just 2%. Moreover, the time required to complete our internal audits decreased by 35%, allowing us to address compliance issues much faster and prevent them from escalating.


Process Improvements through Automation
Automation can significantly enhance governance processes by improving accuracy, reducing manual effort, and accelerating reporting.

An e-commerce platform faced challenges with order processing times, impacting customer satisfaction. It automated their order management system, and later improved order fulfilment speed by 50% and reduced errors by 40%. This automation led to a notable increase in customer satisfaction scores, reflecting the positive impact of data-driven process improvements.

My Personal Experience with Process Improvement:

One notable project involved utilizing Six Sigma methodology to streamline our data release process. By applying DMAIC methodology, I successfully reduced our data release time by 24 hours. This change translated into cutting down 6,200 man-hours annually, resulting in a cost reduction of INR 1.9 million per year. This improvement not only enhanced our department operational efficiency but also underscored the value of data-driven methodologies in achieving tangible results.


People Engagement and Culture
While data and automation have been key to improving our governance, I’ve learned that the real success comes from people. According to Gallup, organizations with highly engaged employees see a 21% increase in profitability, and governance is no exception to this rule. Engaging employees in governance initiatives fosters a culture of accountability and enhances data literacy across the organization.

A consulting firm initiated an internal campaign to promote data literacy among its employees. By providing training sessions and resources on data governance, they enhanced employees’ understanding of data's role in decision-making. As a result, employees reported a 30% increase in confidence when utilizing data for their projects, leading to improved project outcomes and governance.


Call to Action:
From my experience, it’s clear that data, reporting, internal process auditing, and governance are no longer just compliance requirements—they are essential drivers of success. By leveraging data-driven strategies, automating processes, and fostering a culture of employee engagement, we’ve achieved tangible improvements in efficiency, compliance, and performance.

I urge my peers to embrace data and analytics, automation, and employee engagement as foundational pillars for governance. By doing so, we can achieve not only regulatory compliance but also operational excellence, driving our organizations forward in an increasingly competitive environment.

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What is Scope 3 in GHG Protocols from an IT Sector - Corporate Transportation perspective?

Tackling Carbon Footprints in IT: A glance into Employee Commuting Emissions

^{28 Feb. 2025   Written by Amresh Kumar}

Figure Illustrating Emission contributors during Upstream and Downstream processes

Why Focus on Scope 3 in Corporate Transportation?

Scope 3 emissions often make up 70–90% of a company’s carbon footprint. Corporate transportation falls under Category 7: Employee Commuting in Scope 3.For IT firms, a major chunk comes from employee commuting. Employee commuting can add up quickly to Carbon footprint especially for large manpower intensive companies.

Think: daily cab rides, personal cars, and shuttle services!

Let’s look at from a Corporate Employee Transportation, Shuttle Service, and Business Travel perspective.

The Big Numbers:
- If an IT firm’s employees travel 1 million km annually via ICE cabs (~120 g CO₂/km), this adds ~120 tons of CO₂ to Scope 3.
- Switching to EVs slashes this by 60% (run on grid power) or 90% (from renewable sources).

Why This Matters for ESG Goals
- Regulatory Compliance: Aligns with India’s FAME-II and PM E-DRIVE subsidies, ESG reporting mandates (e.g., BRSR, IFRS SDS, GRI, CDP), and net-zero pledges.
- Cost Savings: Lower fuel/maintenance costs for EVs vs. ICE vehicles.
- Reputation: Enhances brand value as a sustainability leader.

Mitigation Strategies: How IT Companies Can Cut Emissions
1. EV Partnerships: Partner with electric vehicle (EV) fleet operators to transition employee transport from ICE vehicles to electric cabs.
2. Policy Incentives: Subsidize public transport passes or EV purchases for employees.
3. Tech-Driven Solutions: Use apps to track commutes, optimize routes, or promote carpooling.
4. Infrastructure Investments: Install EV charging stations at offices or transit hubs.

These initiatives demonstrate how Indian IT companies are addressing Scope 3 employee commute emissions through technological solutions, policy changes, and infrastructure investments.Key Takeaways
- Start Small: Begin by auditing employee commute data.
- Collaborate: Partner with EV providers, employees, and governments.
- Track Progress: Use tools like CDP or GaBi databases for accurate reporting.

The Road Ahead
Scope 3 emissions are complex, but not insurmountable. By addressing employee commuting, IT companies can make a massive dent in their carbon footprint—one electric shuttle ride at a time.