As the Sanger Leadership Center marks its 10-year anniversary, we’re amplifying the voices of the students, alumni, and partners who have shaped our first decade. Through stories like Sarath Mondreti’s, we’re reflecting on how our programs have sparked meaningful leadership growth—and looking ahead to the next ten years of impact.
Sarath, a 2018 graduate of the Ross Leaders Academy (RLA) and Michigan Ross’s Master of Supply Chain Management program, shares how RLA helped him lead with empathy, embrace diverse perspectives, and stay grounded in his values.
Tell us a bit about yourself.
I was born and raised in India, and my early career included a decade of leadership and team-building at companies like IBM, Verizon, and Manhattan Associates. I now serve as associate director of operations at Chewy, where I continue to lead large teams, building on those foundational experiences.
Outside of work, my greatest joy comes from spending time with my wife, Lakshmi, and our two wonderful children, Aadhya (5) and Shourya (2). As a family, we’re passionate about wildlife and love exploring safari parks and zoos wherever we go.
Looking back, how did your experiences at Sanger and RLA shape your leadership style and career path?
My time at Sanger was pivotal in shifting how I think about leadership. Before RLA, I had led and built teams, but the program helped me understand the value of diverse thought—not just having different people in the room, but truly listening to and integrating their perspectives.
RLA offered a structured approach to leadership that became a blueprint for life. It’s a framework I still rely on for continuous growth and development.
Can you share a moment when you applied a leadership skill you learned through RLA in your professional life?
A key moment came during a period of major organizational change at Chewy. We were restructuring several large teams, and understandably, there was a lot of uncertainty and anxiety.
One of the most important lessons I took from RLA was leading with empathy. I knew it wasn’t enough to manage logistics—I needed to support my team emotionally. I took time to listen to their concerns, validated their feelings, and clearly explained the reasons for the change, along with a vision for the future.
This empathetic approach helped build trust and allowed us to move forward with greater resilience and unity.
What’s one lesson from Sanger or RLA that has stuck with you?
The importance of diverse perspectives. Being part of such an international and programmatically varied group at Sanger expanded my view of what great leadership looks like.
Different backgrounds, cultures, and disciplines bring unique insights. That early exposure helped me learn how to build stronger, more inclusive teams—and it’s something I’ve carried with me ever since.
As we celebrate Sanger’s 10-year anniversary, what excites you about the next decade of leadership development at Michigan?
I’m excited about Sanger continuing to amplify its impact by developing leaders who are not only skilled, but also purpose-driven. In today’s fast-changing world, we need resilient, adaptable leaders with a strong ethical compass.
Under Jeff’s leadership, I believe Sanger is well-positioned to shape the next generation of changemakers who will lead with intention and integrity.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give a current U-M student about leadership?
Embrace change while staying grounded in your values.
The world you’re entering is in constant flux. To lead effectively, you’ll need to be adaptable, open to experimentation, and unafraid of failure. But equally important is having a strong internal compass. Your values are your anchor—they guide your actions, keep you grounded, and ensure that your pursuit of innovation is always responsible and ethical.
When you lead with both agility and integrity, you become the kind of leader others can trust and rally behind.
Want to help shape the next 10 years of leadership at Michigan?
Check out our Corporate & Alumni Partners page for ways to get involved and support the next generation of values-driven leaders.
