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How do you run global commerce at the scale of $160B while dedicating most of your profits to social impact? And what does “nation-building” mean in a modern business context?

In this episode, Suman joins host Santiago Naranjo to unpack Tata Group’s unique approach to blending purpose with performance. He shares his journey from Calcutta to chief product officer at Tesco, from SaaS startups in Finland to leading commerce transformation across quick commerce, luxury, electronics, and fast fashion in India.

You’ll hear how Tata Group operates in over 100 countries, why culture is key to global expansion, and how emerging markets in Asia and Latin America mirror each other’s growth patterns. Suman also explains the shift from channel-driven commerce to context-driven personalization and why this is the next frontier in global retail.

For leaders navigating global markets or scaling purpose-driven businesses, this is a masterclass in combining agility, culture, and impact.

[00:03:15] From Calcutta to Global Commerce Leadership: A Career Built Across Continents - Suman shares his journey from his hometown of Calcutta, India, steeped in cultural heritage, to earning his master’s degree in the UK, co-founding a tech startup in Finland, and holding senior SaaS leadership roles across Europe and the United States. He explains how these early experiences, including work with major companies like Tesco during COVID’s peak, shaped his global perspective and prepared him to lead Tata Group’s $10B commerce portfolio.

[00:10:15] The Realities of Global Executive Travel: Beyond the Glamour - While business travel can seem glamorous from the outside, Suman and Santiago pull back the curtain on the personal cost. Suman describes the trade-offs of being on the road two weeks every month, from jet lag and 20-hour workdays to missing family moments with his 7-year-old daughter. He shares how purpose, curiosity, and the opportunity to build connections across cultures help him stay energized despite the demands.

[00:12:04] Lessons from Emerging Markets - Why LATAM and Asia Have More in Common Than You Think - Suman reflects on the surprising similarities between emerging markets in Latin America and Asia. While cultural differences exist, he notes that growth trends, adoption rates, and consumer behaviors often mirror each other. This shared context, accelerated by technology adoption cycles shrinking from decades to months, creates opportunities for cross-market learning and collaboration.

[00:15:05] Purpose in Action - Why Tata Group Gives 62% of Profits to Nonprofit Causes - Suman reveals one of Tata Group’s defining commitments: allocating 62% of annual profits to nonprofit initiatives. This century-old practice goes beyond corporate social responsibility, embedding purpose into the group’s DNA. He explains how this ethos attracts mission-driven talent, shapes decision-making, and fuels Tata’s role in nation-building, from steel production to electric vehicles and luxury commerce.

[00:28:17] From Channels to Context - The Next Frontier in Commerce - In a world where omnichannel is no longer a differentiator, Suman explains why Tata Group is moving from “channels” to “context.” By personalizing the commerce experience across touchpoints, whether in-store, online, or even inside a car, the group is building technology that serves the right product to the right user at the right time. Recent collaborations, like placing luxury products inside Mercedes-Benz vehicles, illustrate this shift in action.

[00:38:13] Advice for the Next Generation - Clarity Over Chaos, Purpose Over Impatience - Asked what he would tell young professionals aspiring to global leadership, Suman offers three principles: don’t be impatient, define your purpose, and stop chasing - start enjoying the journey. Drawing from two decades in leadership, he stresses that clarity is kindness, both to yourself and to those you lead, and that true “luck” comes from being intentional about who you are and what you want to build.

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