Understanding how to work across cultures is the key to growing your business in a new territory.

SATAMANA is a boutique advisory firm, operating across established and emerging markets to help your company achieve its full potential. Our name derives from the earliest known currency, minted in India and used in trade across ancient Europe and Asia.

We deploy proven business optimisation techniques and a considered approach informed by several decades’ experience and a sector-leading track record. Whether you are planning a strategic entry into a new market, or are in the early stages of establishing your presence, our expertise and relationships will ensure your venture is both sustainable and successful.

SATAMANA provides project-critical support services to help you achieve your expansion strategy, particularly in new or emerging markets. Our tripartite methodology delivers strategic focus, operational effectiveness, and tactical advantage.

We have exceptional senior contacts, deep cultural understanding, and extensive sector expertise. The people you’ll work with all bring direct experience of doing business at the most senior levels in a variety of environments. You’ll gain unique practical insights on how to leverage cultural differences and benefit from similarities in operations.

Our approach will help you gain new perspectives and make the most of your commercial investment. We reduce risk, support sound decision-making, strengthen agility and innovation, and increase profitability.

SATAMANA is led by Nilakanthi Ford, a respected global management adviser, coach and business leader with an exceptional track record across Europe and the BRIC economies.She has worked closely with international clients in both public and private sectors at all levels, delivering substantial and sustained improvements in personal and business performance.

Nilakanthi has expertise in numerous global industry sectors, particularly aviation and aerospace, financial, IT, pharmaceutical, and energy (including renewables). Her strengths include managing relationships between stakeholders (such as multinationals, statutory authorities and financial institutions); leveraging international business networks; and opening up new partnership opportunities. She regularly lectures in the UK, Europe, Asia, USA, South America and Africa, and is Chairperson of the Ireland-India Business Association.

“When British Gas was privatised and we set up individual business units, Transco had an uphill task trying to communicate the changes to its 17,000 employees as well as external stakeholders and the media. The task seemed like dismantling an aircraft and reassembling it in mid-flight.
“Despite considerable stakeholder cynicism, the process was successful. Nilakanthi Ford proved to be one of the foremost communicators I have come across. She joined us, and took on the challenges with enthusiasm and commitment. She really made a difference”.

“Having worked in China I knew how important cultural understanding can be when entering new markets. I worked with Nilakanthi and her team in preparation for entering India. Their cultural due diligence programme certainly made sure I hit the ground running and we stayed ahead of the curve throughout the start-up phases.
“We were impressed by their depth of knowledge and personal involvement in our initiative. In retail you do not just have to understand the market you are entering but also the cultures of your employees and buying preferences of potential customers.

“...has a very detailed and clear understanding of the Indian market, from both a segment and a cultural perspective, [which] provides a strong basis for their clients to (a) understand where the opportunities may lie, and (b) how best to convert them within quite a complex and hierarchical business culture”.

“As a USA company we wanted to globalise our technical products in the energy and water sectors. We engaged Nilakanthi and her team to review our market entry strategy and initially drive our activities in Europe. We were pleasantly surprised to see how well networked and informed the energy team were. They did a great job for us in the UK and Poland, and subsequently advised on China and India.”

info@satamana.com