Manoranjan Mohapatra: “The Art of Staying Relevant”

FEATURE: In a world where technology, business, and adventure often intersect, Manoranjan (Mao) Mohapatra’s journey stands as a striking example of how curiosity, perseverance, and passion can leave an indelible mark. Known for his pioneering contributions to India’s telecom revolution and his leadership in global tech innovation, Mao’s career is a testament to his relentless pursuit of excellence and unique ability to adapt in a rapidly evolving world. Beyond his corporate achievements lies a man with an insatiable love for nature, adventure, and environmental conservation. From leading groundbreaking telecom projects to exploring the wildest corners of the Earth, Mao’s story is one of resilience, growth, and unwavering commitment to progress.

 

Born in 1962 to a modest middle-class family in Cuttack, Odisha, Mao was the third of four siblings. His father, a civil engineer, and both parents, strong believers in the power of education, instilled in their children a deep respect for learning. Growing up in Cuttack, Mao’s competitive spirit shone through early on. As a student, he learned a valuable life lesson that would stay with him forever: “Being competitive and accepting the reality of not always being first.” This philosophy became a cornerstone of his personal and professional journey, guiding him through both triumphs and setbacks.

 

Mao harbored an early passion for engineering, setting his sights on studying at the Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT). He was so convinced that technology and engineering were his calling that, during his intermediate years, he opted for electronics as his optional subject. This clarity of purpose became a defining trait throughout his career.

 

Despite not excelling in the IIT entrance exam, Mao demonstrated resilience by enrolling at the esteemed Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS), Pilani, in 1978. Pursuing a B.E. (Hons) in Electrical and Electronics Engineering, he excelled academically while embracing the campus’s rich diversity. Although he had topped the REC entrance exam, he chose not to pursue it, firmly dedicated to studying electronics engineering. This decision reflected the intensity of his passion for the field.

 

The transition to Pilani, however, brought its own challenges. As an Odia student from a vernacular medium in a new state, Mao faced cultural and language barriers and the initial shock of blending into a crowd after years of being a top performer in his class. However, he overcame these challenges by engaging in public speaking, learning the language, and actively participating in group activities. This resilience and adaptability would later become defining traits of his career.

 

After graduating from BITS in 1983, Mao got the opportunity to work with the Odisha State Electronics Development Corporation (OSEDC). Without hesitation, he returned to Odisha to contribute to his home state. At OSEDC, he worked on pioneering projects like building EHT components for Konark TVs and electronic capacitors. However, his hunger for learning new technologies and achieving growth soon pushed him toward larger horizons. When an opportunity arose to join the telecom revolution at the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), he seized it.

 

At C-DOT, Mao worked on cutting-edge technologies that were new to India and collaborated with a world-class leadership team that honed his leadership capabilities. Over the next eight years, he played a pivotal role in developing affordable telecom solutions, significantly reducing infrastructure costs. This breakthrough helped position India as a global hub for telecom innovation. Reflecting on this time, Mao shares, “C-DOT was where I transitioned from being a technologist to understanding the broader societal impact of technology.” The work done at C-DOT laid the foundation for India’s telecom revolution, a sector that continues to define the nation’s global presence.

 

By 1992, Mao’s quest for growth led him to Hughes Software Systems, where he served as President and COO. At Hughes, he transitioned to working on wireless technology, an area brimming with new challenges and opportunities. “Wireless was uncharted territory back then,” he recalls. “I had to unlearn much of what I knew and embrace a new paradigm.” While terrestrial communication had its limitations, wireless technology opened up new possibilities. Mao’s ability to innovate and lead through change earned him global recognition.

 

In 2007, Mao took on the role of CEO at Bharti Telesoft, later rebranded as Comviva. Under his leadership, Comviva grew from a regional player into a global leader in mobility solutions spanning fintech, martech, and digitech. Transitioning from a technical role, Mao prioritized product management, business development, and cultivating a culture of innovation. Facing the dual challenge of refining existing products while investing in those with greater market potential, Mao’s strategic focus propelled Comviva to achieve 15x growth in 15 years. Today, Comviva is a prominent name in emerging markets across India, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Latin America, and beyond.

 

Mao’s leadership philosophy is grounded in clarity, communication, and innovation. “In an organization, your journey unfolds through four stages: individual contributor, first-line manager, manager of managers, and leader,” he explains. “At each stage, your role evolves—from relying on self-belief and expertise to inspiring and driving a broader vision.” His hallmark has been his ability to adapt and stay relevant, driven by his belief that “Success is not absolute—it’s relative and evolves with your experiences.”

 

Beyond his achievements, Mao remains deeply committed to Odisha’s progress. Advocating for a shift from an employee-centric to an entrepreneurial mindset, he believes the state’s future lies in an agricultural revolution and a robust education and entrepreneurship ecosystem. “We need to improve agricultural productivity and encourage agritech startups. Education and entrepreneurship must become the cornerstones of Odisha’s growth strategy,” he asserts.

 

As a mentor, Mao advises the youth to focus on resilience and lifelong learning. “Stay relevant,” he says. “Surround yourself with supportive friends and mentors, pursue your passions, and never accept mediocrity.” His journey underscores that challenges are not obstacles but opportunities for growth.

 

Today, Manoranjan Mohapatra’s story inspires those aspiring to make a difference. From revolutionizing India’s telecom sector to leading global organizations, he exemplifies the art of staying relevant in a dynamic world. “Challenges are business as usual,” he emphasizes. “They’re not roadblocks—they’re opportunities to discover your true potential.” His legacy serves as a reminder that success is measured not by the absence of challenges but by our ability to rise above them.

 

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