Are you a spectator or doer?
What is your default position?
The roles may differ as per life stage and situation but leaders drive change and are always willing to share. Influencing change, driving action, defining trends and making things happen!
Category: Career
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Uncommon Love: A Profound Sketch Of Simple Souls!
Uncommon Love: A Profound Sketch Of Simple Souls!
The hearts of the brilliant minds
The colours and seasons of evolving love
The personal costs of entrepreneurship
The role of parenting in creating leaders
The story of the guiding light of Infosys
The tale of India’s most loved children’s author
The chronicle of current British PM’s family
The history of India’s IT Industry
Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni’s ‘An Uncommon Love: The Early Life of Sudha and Narayana Murthy’ covers all of the above and more themes!
Like its iconic subjects, Uncommon Love is a simple, candid and honest story of the early life of Sudha and Narayan Murthy. The couple have led a very private life and hence it is quite insightful to get a peek into their personal world. The book is filled with rich anecdotes which are a delight for everyone. These tales give us a clear understanding of the individual traits of Sudha and Narayan.
Indeed a few stories stand out:
Sudha Murty is a movie buff and a certified ‘First Day First Show’ fan. She won the title of Miss Cinema, after winning the bet to watch one movie every day of the year in a theatre! I can relate to it totally!
She was the only woman in the engineering class of 150 men and had to face a lot of challenges including derogatory comments and total unkindness. Her admission conditions included compulsory wearing of saree, no access to canteen and no chatting with boys! The college had no toilet and she had to travel to home in break. But not only she excelled despite the systemic misogyny, she won the respect of everyone!
She got prestigious MIT admission but she gave it up for a shop floor job at Telco – A job where she challenged J R D Tata for ‘men only’ employment policy of Tatas and won the coveted job. She faced similar challenges like the engineering college but her persistence and diligence and professionalism won the day. Later in life, she cried profusely when she visited MIT.
Sudha supported the entrepreneurial dreams of Murthy emotionally, physically and even financially! Murthy would be broke and she would loan money and fund their expenses. She had a notebook of loans which she destroyed on their wedding day.
She regularly financed Infosys and saved it – even pawned her wedding jewellery. She had to be away from her young daughter Akshata to help Infosys as well as manage her job.
Narayan Murthy got an IIT admission but his father’s financial situation forced him to turn it down. He was devastated.
He learnt English due to the nudge and kind help of a roadside shopkeeper!
He proposed to Sudha in an autorickshaw. Though she agreed, her father was not convinced. Narayana also had worn a Red Shirt when meeting his prospective in-laws and gave weird responses to their questioning.
He turned down a lucrative job offer at Hindustan Lever because of the ‘separate toilets’ policy.
Azim Premji interviewed Murthy but did not offer him the job as he thought Murthy was too simple. What if Azim Premji had hired Narayan Murthy?
Narayan Murthy founded Infosys but he gave a lion’s share to all other colleagues. All the other co-founders got big equity share – more than the normal business parlance. He kept only 30% and distributed the rest. He took a 90% salary cut while gave a 20% hike to others. He always focussed on the comfort of the employees. Compassionate Capital is his mantra!
Narayan Murthy did not allow Sudha to join Infosys as he wanted to create a totally professional company. He told her that if she wants to join Infosys, he will support her decision – he would leave and let her run the show. Sudha was very disappointed, hurt and angry. These hard decisions created Infosys as a different company (there was a brief departure from this position when Rohan joined as EA for a short period).
What if Sudha Murthy ran Infosys?
Murthy was busy building Infosys and could not spend time with the kid. The children felt that Infosys was the third sibling – the favourite child that never grew up and required constant attention.
He continues to be the simpleton. He cleans his own toilet.
Sudha clearly emerges as the brighter, smarter and more generous with her untold sacrifices. But Narayan Murthy’s simplicity, humanity, ethical approach and care for everyone else is his distinguishing hallmark. As Sudha said, he was the trapeze artist in the circus and she was the safety net!
In summary, Uncommon Love is a great read. The author’s grip on the content is not consistent and the book is bereft of any pictures – the one big disappointment in such a rich historically important biography. While the childhood, career, courtship, marriage, childbirth and entrepreneurship is captured well, the rise of Infosys and Sudha’s author career is very rushed.
The love, understanding, respect and support that Sudha and Narayan gave each other is the core message of the book. They do not need anyone else other than each other’s company. They are mirror to each other and their bond strengthened by shared values and idealistic principles.
The book also gives a glimpse of the challenges that Narayan Murthy faced in setting up Infosys after his first failure as an entrepreneur. Indeed it is due to persistence of him and likes of Fakir Chand Kohli, that India has emerged as an IT superpower – that would change the glo
Sudha Murty N. R. Narayana Murthy
#uncommonlove #bookreview #infosys #narayanmurthy #sudhamurthy #entrepreneurship #biography #chitrabanerjeedivakaruni
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When Impregnable Outliers & Strongest Stars Get Disillusioned!
One of the most pivotal points of ‘The Scam 2003’ is the turnaround of an upright, ethical and faultless government officer Madhusudhan Mishra. The vrituous and disciplined soldier has been toiling for years but has been ignored and often overlooked for promotions. He turns away the conniving scamster protagonist Abul Karim Telgi and his bribes. In fact, he invites Telgi to his office and publicly humiliates him in front of the entire staff for attempting to corrupt the system. He is impregnable.
Telgi is smart and ensures a promotion for the officer by greasing palms at the central government. The officer finally gets the promotion but he is devastated and unhappy. He questions that the system never saw decades of his work and loyalty. His entire career’s work was neglected but a scamster’s one act got him the promotion! His unhappiness and sense of bertrayal is real. On that fertile ground, Telgi ploughs his charisma and soft spoken charm to sow the seeds of his empire. By winning over Madhusudhan Mishra, he won a lottery and builds his network.
What are the lessons?
Majority of the corporates and government offices work because of the diligent and righteous professionals. Failing to create a system that acknolwedges, respects and encourages these individuals is a recipe for sub optimal success. The top management and HR function believe that the people stay for the paychecks but the outliers are driven by their own professional values and moral compass. Extraordinary leaders like Rockerfeller, Carnegie, Bill Gates, Tim Cook, Tata, Narayan Murthy & Abdul Kalam shine as examples for pushing the envelope for a true meritoracy with human touch!
What can one do as an indvidual? Be an ambassador for rewarding excellence and challenging the system for true causes. Communicate often and openly with team and acknowledge their contributions. The biggest paradox of love and respect is that it is earned, not begged for. One loses it the moment one asks for it. The corporate and personal world is full of skeletons of relationships that could have endured and thrived with a little more attention, communication and gratitude.
And yes, Madhusudhan Mishra is based on the true character. Personally, I think Madhusudhan Mishra should have resigned and continued his journey….
#scam2003 #sonlyliv #scam2003sonyliv #thetelgistory #crime #thriller #weekendwatch
#ott #corporatelessons
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Managing Energy, Not Time!
Recommended Reading: Energy & Enthusiasm Accelerate The Journey To Achieving Personal & Professional Goals. A Wonderful HBR Article That Reiterates Timeless Principles For Ensuring All-Round Success & Happiness!
Reflections:
Get The Big Picture
Work On Core Values
Develop Rituals
Energy – Body, Emotion, Mind, SpiritPractical Tips:
Focus For 2-3 Hours & Take A Break For 15-20 Minutes
Walk & Talk
Sleep Well
Eat Well
Exercise RegularlyHBR Article: https://hbr.org/2007/10/manage-your-energy-not-your-time
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Roger Federer: The Art Of Living!
The Art Of Living!
When Your Fiercest & Greatest Rival Cries, You Have Done Something Exceptional!
Watching Roger Federer And Rafael Nadal Cry Will Stay As One Of The Most Indelible Memory Of Recent Sporting History – Like Kumble’s Bowling With A Broken Jaw!
Paeans Have & Will Be Written About Roger Federer – But He Is Much More Than A Tennis Legend! What Steps Him Apart Is His Class, Grace & Elegance! And The Humility!
The Spirt Of Excellence He Brought In Game – Each Stroke As A Perfect Note – Nothing Less, Nothing More! And He Made It Look All So Beautiful & Enchanting!
And What A Great Gesture To Have A Final Match With Nadal – What Will Be Your Swansong?
Thanks Federer For Bringing Joy In Our Lives & Inspiring Millions!
Roger Federer:
The Maestro
The Legend
The Inspiration
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The One Thing To Discard In The ‘Next Normal’
The One thing that I am hoping we won’t go back to “next normal”:
Super-busy life: The myth of busy life being a productive life.
In our pursuit of productivity and performance, we had downplayed the simple pleasures of life. We were prioritising people, tasks and activities. We wanted to optimise and maximise everything. We felt guilty of spending time on ourselves. These acts were counter-productive – they damaged us and our organisations more than helping with better results. I hope we do not take this habit to “next normal”.
Let us discover the joy of a balanced and complete life – not just a busy life. The freedom to set our own clock and calendar. The importance of real connect with people. The happiness of discovering strong bonds with family and friends. The joy and meaning we get from catching up with our passions and inner desires. The freedom to be in pyjamas. The freedom to do nothing. The freedom to be self.
Pic: Robert Bye
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Core Values – Defining Your Guiding Light!
Creating a life of purpose requires us to be in sync with our true self. And I believe knowing our core values is an important aspect of life design.
Core Values are usually associated with organisations. But all of us also have our core values and principles. Our behaviour, decisions and actions are driven by them.
Core values are our guiding lights! Core values are our true north! Core values define us! They help us to understand what is important to us and what we really cherish! Core Values enable decision-making. When we are confused, our values can direct us to the right road. It can help us make the choices that are consistent with our belief systems. And that creates happiness and bliss. If our actions are not aligned with our core values, we feel frustration and stress.
What are your core values? How do you define your core values? Core values are not created – they are discovered. Over a period of time, our values emerge and become our compass. So, reflect on yourself, the journey and list out all things that come to your mind – when you define yourself and what you stand for. Be honest with self and only list the real values – no need for cool or nice words.
My core values are:
Authenticity – Being honest, straight-forward and sincere
Simplicity – Less is more
Loyalty – Dependability, sticking to commitments
Creativity – Being different, versatile and trying new things
Generosity – Share the success. ‘Live2Give’ is the mantra!
My professional values are:
Purpose – Always be goal-driven
Passion – What is life without passion or enthusiasm?
Promise – Deliver the commitments, keep the faith
Performance – Results drive professional life
Play – Add life to work with fun and joy for self and everyone around!
Once the core values are determined, live the values! The details are in action! Let the behaviour be aligned with your values. It will help you take the right short term and long-term decisions. It will help you to live life to your own chosen standards. And that is a bliss!
Image Credit: Joshua Hibbert
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Suicide Is Not The Answer
Shocked and saddened by the suicide of V G Siddhartha – cannot believe it!
Siddhartha founded the Cafe Coffee Day chain and changed the way India drank coffee. He created thousands of jobs, a great brand and shared wealth. He also backed Mindtree and underwrote Infosys shares. He made other IT investments and gave support to the founders.
Why did he do this? We will never know the reasons. He came from a strong family, had great political and business connections. He was a successful entrepreneur. There are talks about the pressure of PE investor, Income Tax harassment and Debt woes. But an entrepreneur knows all such challenges – at what point did it really get too much? Or was there something else?
It is impossible for us to judge what he must be going through. No one can imagine his situation.
My point is simple….Suicide is not the answer. Life is a gift. Setbacks give way to sunshine. Today’s problems will go away.
Suicide means end of a great talent and human potential. It means failure of the human spirit. It leaves behind emotional scars for family and friends for life – a guilt that they could not do enough.
And yes, no individual nor any organisation is worth giving up our live for.
When one feels low, please talk to friends. Listen to music – a cure for everything. Spend time with nature. Or help others – world is full of more unfortunate people and helpless situations than us – help others. Instead of giving up life, help others live a good life and one could find our own meaning of life.
Reach out fo self-care group, suicide prevention helplines like Sneha, Parivartan etc.. Organizations like Moodcafe, White Swan Foundation, Live Love Laugh Foundation, MPower Minds can help as well.
Choose life. Suicide is not the answer. This too shall pass.
Image Courtesy: Faris Mohammed
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Life Lessons from India – New Zealand Thriller!
The World Cup 2019 Semi-final has silenced a nation of 1.35 billion people.
The India – New Zealand clash has prompted strong emotions across the globe. The fans’ reaction is a testimony to their love of the game and ‘Men in Blue’. One can discard their involvement and ideas as arm-chair suggestions but without fans, the game is incomplete. The game is a bigger game because of fan, and it unites everyone – delivery boy, CEO, office staff, families!
What else did I see in the India – New Zealand clash? What can be learn from it for our life?
1. Innovation
Indian team showed no innovation. India stuck to their old ways. Same batting order except pushing Dhoni down. Dhoni should have risen up in the order and he would have anchored the batting. He would have stopped Rishabh and Hardik from rash shots.
Our Batsman played the same way as they did in earlier matches.
We all need to innovate in life. We cannot keep trying the same things every time. Our career requires us to develop new skills and bring new ideas to the table. Innovation is key to success in today’s world. We need to evolve!
2. No Plan B
Indian Team did not have a Plan B. What if our big guns did not deliver? What if our middle order was exposed? India’s middle order was our biggest problem and we never worked on it. The lack of Plan B costed us the match.
We had a great opportunity in India vs SL match to give practice to others. But still Virat came at No.3 and so did others at their own positions.
In life our best planned ideas can go wrong. We need to have a Plan B. If our dream promotion does not happen, what do we do? If we do not get admission in IIM, what do we do?
3. Flexibility / Overconfidence
The team came across as stubborn as well. The rains would have made the batting difficult was a given factor . But our earlier success blinded us to the new situation. Maybe we got overconfident. What has worked well would continue!
Respect the conditions. Respect the opponents. Every artist touches the stage before it performs on the stage – we did not kiss and read the pitch well.
It is not the strongest or the smartest that survives – it is the most adaptable that survives. We need to learn flexibility in life. Change as per the situation and circumstance. Do not be stubborn.
4. Discipline
New Zealand was a disciplined outfit. The batsmen, bowler and fielder played to the strength. The bowlers stuck to the line and the length. The batsmen may have been slow but scored a decent score in the circumstances. The fielding was exceptional including the run-out that broke Dhoni’s stellar run and Indian hearts.
Indian batsmen were still in their flashy IPL mode. Rishabh Pant and Hardik Pandya could not control their natural instincts. Clearly Rahul was out of the place. We had our share of woes in fielding as well. Virat said that 45 minutes of bad cricket cost us the tournaments. That is what happens in life as well. One bad impulsive action or decision can cause greater regrets!
Whether is studies or financial planning, discipline goes a long way. Avoid flamboyance. Just do the job silently and consistently. The devil is in the details. Persistent efforts win!
5. Leadership
New Zealand skipper deserves equal credit for the leadership he demonstrated. He was the captain cool. Not only did he read the pitch right, he played to the strengths. Kane Williamson outsmarted India tactically with the way he attacked upfront and the way he set the field. He was in action throughout out the match and encouraging the team. He changed the bowlers, backed the colleagues and calmed every one when Jadeja-Dhoni were on fire. His belief ensured that New Zealand was through the match.
Many people talked about the luck and the rains. A champion team does not need luck. And luck favors the brave and the prepared teams. Had India showed more steel and flexibility, the outcome would have been different. Luck helped Dhoni and Jadeja. But it also helped Guptill – whose run out was the worst thing to happen to India. Or Virat’s dicey wicket. But there are no other excuses – we lost on our own account. We were almost there…but New Zealand got it better that day! We should have not lost to England – we could have got another opponent!
But the most important thing is that India put a great emphatic show during the entire World Cup. All of us loved it and our team was the table toppers! We had a great semi-final as well where hopes were alive till the last over. It was Dhoni that gave us the belief that we could still have win probability of 70% at 5-3. And we got to see Jadeja’s striking response to Sanjay bits and pieces comment!
Rohit Sharma’s magnificent batting and Bumrah’s magical bowling will remain in our hearts and minds for long time to come!
Life is about wins and rising after each fall. Sports is the greatest teacher. This too shall pass!
Let us back the BlackCaps for a win! Cricket needs a new champion!
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Subroto Bagchi’s Sell: Rich Insights For Technology Sales
Selling is a challenging profession and a very demanding one as well! Selling today is a different ball game with the buyer being more knowledgeable and smart. A buyer would have done a thorough research on us before actually interacting with us. A lot of activities in the sales process are getting digital and a smart sales person needs to understand this shift. Even Artificial Intelligence will invade sales area. So how does one deal with these changes? What are the best practices in technology sales? Unfortunately, there are few sources and books on technology selling that can provide insights and shared experiences. Mindtree Co-founder Subroto Bagchi tries to address this gap and provide his rich insights on selling.
Many of Subroto’s fans and friends like me were awaiting his new book – since a lot of water had flown in Ganges since the release of his previous book. And ever since he told me that his upcoming book was on sales, the salesman in me was eager to lay his hands on the book.
‘Sell: The Art, Science, the Witchcraft’ is the title of SubrotoDa’s book and it brings together the experience and advice of various sales leaders. Subroto has known these sales leaders and drawn on their unique sales philosophy and wisdom. There are nice anecdotes, unique insights and practical tips.
SubrotoDa defines sales as part science, part art and part wizardry. It is not a profession in itself but a very critical skill in every field and an essential skill for people across all levels within the organization. Selling is not something to be apologetic about. It is not a pushy, winner-take-all masculine act. It is an empathy-led, process-driven and knowledge-intensive discipline.
A lot of things in Sell impressed me – visual design of technological solution, collaboration between sales and marketing for larger deals, response to a major RFP loss, Google Quotient, The Naked Burger, Do It Like Swedes etc. I definitely intend to influence my sales practices with some of these thoughts.
He uses the analogy of life-cycle of Coho salmon to drive home the importance of right prospecting by segmenting the customers and figuring out the right hook. Right qualification is importance to save the most precious resource of salesperson: time. And also ensure optimization of organizational energy, effort, intellect and other resources. I smiled at the different stereotypes presented: Great giver of homework, patron saint of thought leadership etc.
He has some stellar lines for us:
– Authenticity is in short; hence in demand
– The prospecting process has changed. Your future customers are already doing prospecting about you and your companyHonesty, transparency, customer relationship, negotiation, etc. are important traits for an effective seller and Subroto delves into each of these topics. Customer relationship is a competitive advantage and one has to developer chemistry with the customer. He emphasizes one thing that has not changed in sales – people buy from people. A best sales person is a consultant who advises client and brings teams together to create the right solution and sell in a consultative approach.
Subroto also delves into areas of deal-making, legal support, paperwork etc. He ends the book with detailing of what a makes a true sales champion.
Subroto delivers his rich intellect and wisdom in easy to understand nuggets. He has strong rationale for his views. I had whole-heartedly followed his advice of uprooting ourselves and exploring new geographies to break our comfort zone and rewire our thinking.
Could this have been even a greater book? Would have I liked anything more in this book? Yes – Some more depth on some topics (I understand the overall writing style of Subroto). I would have liked to see the comparative analysis of selling practices of Indian IT and true blue Western IT companies. Maybe some detailed case studies of winning a large and complex enterprise deal – without divulging confidentiality of any entities. Maybe some biggest sales follies of the sales leaders. I would also have loved to see his views on how the new and mid-sized Indian companies can win deals in the new emerging global landscape. This would have been a great service to many emerging sales leaders.
Sell is a great resource for technology sales professionals. It is a great addition to the dearth of Indian voice on this topic. It has nice insights for sales professional. Read it!
