ATLAS ISDI Launches CO-ELEV8 Series: ISDI Community in Action- Parents & Professionals Empower Future Designers

ATLAS ISDI – School of Design & Innovation recently started CO-ELEV8 series, a unique initiative where the ISDI community, including our students’ parents, actively participate in shaping the future of design!

Our first session, “Entrepreneur & Intrapreneur + Optimisation of the Project Cycle,” featured Mr. Nilesh Chavan, a seasoned expert in finance & Treasury Operations. Students gained invaluable insights into the mindset of industry disruptors, exploring everything from business strategy and innovation to the critical role of legal frameworks.

Nilesh Chavan is Finance expert with nearly 30 years of experience in treasury operations, financial management and regulatory compliance. He has been associated with Air India Ltd since 1994, holding key roles in finance, banking and debt management.

Entrepreneur vs. Intrapreneur: Breaking the Myth

The business world often glorifies entrepreneurs—visionaries who build companies from the ground up. But what about the intrapreneurs, the innovators within organisations who drive change from the inside? At the CO-ELEV8 series by ATLAS ISDI – School of Design & Innovation, finance and treasury expert Mr. Nilesh Chavan shattered common misconceptions and provided students with a fresh perspective on entrepreneurship and intrapreneurship.

The Entrepreneur vs. Intrapreneur Debate

“People succeed because of their choices, not their position.”

With this powerful statement, Mr. Chavan redefined success. Entrepreneurs create businesses, while intrapreneurs innovate within existing ones. Both require creativity, strategic risk-taking and a deep understanding of business dynamics.

An inspiring example he shared was Rajiv Bajaj’s transformative impact on the motorcycle industry. With the launch of Pulsar, Bajaj redefined two-wheelers—making them sleek, aerodynamic and lifestyle-driven. The iconic “Hamara Bajaj” campaign went beyond selling motorcycles; it sold an identity. This innovation, despite occurring within an existing business, was as disruptive as a startup revolution.

The Power of Knowledge & Reading

Success is not just about making big moves but about staying informed and evolving. Mr. Chavan emphasised the significance of reading and suggested two must-read books:

• Kane & Abel by Jeffrey Archer – A novel about ambition, competition and business acumen.
• Business Maharajas by Gita Piramal – A behind-the-scenes look into India’s top business tycoons.

His message was clear: you are the sum of what you read, observe and apply.

“You are the sum of what you read, observe and apply.”

Design Thinking & Business Strategy

The session took an exciting turn when Mr. Chavan explored the role of philosophy in product design.

Did you know Steve Jobs’ personal experiences influenced Apple’s ecosystem?

Jobs, who was adopted, reportedly struggled with feelings of abandonment. This translated into Apple’s closed system—forcing users to stay within its ecosystem. In contrast, Microsoft embraced an open-source approach, allowing widespread compatibility. This fundamental design philosophy created two of the world’s biggest tech empires.

Another fascinating case study was Reliance’s telecom strategy. Instead of competing in the saturated SIM card market, Reliance launched CDMA handsets for just ₹1, embedding an eSIM within. The result? Irreplaceable customer loyalty and market dominance.

Legal Frameworks: Protecting Innovation

Innovation thrives in a structured legal environment. Mr. Chavan highlighted key Indian business laws every entrepreneur and intrapreneur must know:

• MSME & Startup Provisions – Provides incentives for small businesses and startups.
• Design Act, 2000 – Protects unique product designs.
• National Policy on Software Products & Electronics – Regulates tech and software industries.
• Intellectual Property Act – Safeguards innovative ideas from being copied.

Unlocking Intrapreneurial Potential

So, how can organisations cultivate intrapreneurship? Mr. Chavan’s answer was simple: “Growth is the ultimate motivation.”

“Growth is the ultimate motivation.”

When companies provide incentives, bonuses, recognition and performance-based rewards, they create an ecosystem where innovation thrives. Encouraging employees to think like entrepreneurs ensures sustained business success.

Shaping Tomorrow: Key Takeaways from the session

The session was more than just a discussion; it was a blueprint for success. Students walked away with actionable insights on:

• The art of disruption and innovation
• The importance of strategic reading habits
• Design philosophy and business strategy
• Legal safeguards for entrepreneurs

“Success isn’t about titles or job roles—it’s about mindset. A mindset that thrives on knowledge, strategy and bold decision-making.”

With initiatives like CO-ELEV8, ATLAS ISDI continues to empower students, equipping them with the skills and perspectives needed to reshape the future of design, business and innovation.