Nachiket Patankar who is the General Manager of SGA Security in charge of the Coast region.
Photo courtesy
I was born in 1983 and bred in India, in a city called Thane (Mumbai). I hail from a very humble family background in India.
The 38-year-old holds a Master’s Degree of Business studies (Financial management) from University of Pune and a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering (Mechanical) from Datta Meghe College of Engineering in Mumbai.
Patankar also holds a post-graduate Diploma in Finance from IndSearch Institute Of Management Studies & Research, Pune.
He shared his career path with the Nation.
Briefly tell us about yourself.
Tell us about your childhood and family life.
I spent my childhood playing outdoors as mobile phones and the internet were not available during 90’s in India. However, I have fond memories of my childhood with my siblings and friends.
Educational background
During my third year while undertaking my Mechanical Engineering Degree at University of Pune, I was the best performer and I received the Sir Ratan Tata Scholarship for my academic performance. Similarly, I also secured first prize in Business quiz and state-level essay competitions respectively.
Share with us your career journey. How and where you started - position, scope of role.
Previously, I was in charge of Corporate Finance in various companies including Securex Agencies in Uganda and Crescent Tech Ltd. in Nairobi.
With my experience, I am competent in financial planning and control, policy formulation and strategic planning.
My role at SGA allows me to be in touch with all the staff, regardless of their job levels, from the sub-ordinates to the top management.
What do you remember most about your career journey?
My techno commercial background helped me to get entry into management cadre. SGA Security has truly assisted me to hone my skills and supported me to excel in my area of interest.
Although Covid-19 pandemic derailed each one of us in some way or the other, it has taught all of us how to handle the situation in the most adverse conditions.
How have you progressed over the year’s career wise?
What has been a key driver of your career growth? Lessons learnt, celebrations and failures?
Having the right attitude is also very important providing a platform where knowledge is gained. However, correct attitude needs to be cultivated. I usually share our success and failures with my team because nothing can be achieved alone.
Who are the people or relationships that were key in your career growth? How did they influence your trajectory?
My bosses in charge of SGA Security presence in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, colleagues and team members play a part in my career growth through collaborative efforts. The diverse clients I interact with everyday have a substantial influence on my professional life.
Key decisions you might have taken along your career?
Your current role and scope?
I lead 20 team leaders of various nationalities and diverse cultural background to manage the workforce of over 1500 employees and ensure workflow and turnaround of regional performance on medium and large scale projects. The team I work with are in Sales, Operations, Human Resource, Finance & Procurement departments within the region.
What would you tell your younger self?
What would you advise the youth in Kenya and Africa today?
Keep on learning and upgrading yourself with new skills. While technology in Africa is changing each and every sector we are working in, do not fall prey to shoddy ways and short cuts.
Instead, take advantage of the significance that technology brings to explore more opportunities. As the future leaders, keep believing in yourself and stay focused on your endeavours and target. Success will definitely locate you!
Future plans?