My Evolving Journey in the Corporate World

From Flipping Burgers to Selling Ancient Treasures: A Lifelong Pursuit of Learning and Growth

My career has been a journey of adaptability and growth, marked by significant transformations. Starting from flipping burgers as a kid, I eventually ventured into selling ancient museum-quality treasures. Each step along the way has been driven by education, travel, and a passion for history and art, as well as the desire to form lifelong connections through meaningful friendships.

Evolution of Roles and Responsibilities

Changes in Function and Discipline

Function: I have moved from production to RD to management to learning to leading. Discipline: My expertise has shifted from electronics to control systems to biomedical signal processing to e-learning to experiential learning. Level: I have progressed from a supervisor, co-investigator, and team lead to HOD, and then to a VP of development.

Throughout my career, I have embraced planned change, driven by inspiration, self-determination, and noble goals. These transformations have allowed me to continuously adapt and grow both personally and professionally.

Shifts in Work Environment

Evolution of Workplace Culture

When I began my journey in 1983 with Bombay Dyeing, the corporate world was quite different. Organizations were selective in choosing candidates and were highly sensitive to workplace culture and etiquette. There used to be training sessions by the ER (Employee Relations) department to familiarize new employees with the corporate culture and procedures.

The1983 setup at Bombay Dyeing was quite traditional: large offices with strict hierarchies, a manual typewriter and pad, a finger-rolling dial telephone, a telex machine, a pantry managed by a full-time caretaker, and no photocopiers. Intercom systems were non-existent, and information flowed through a system of junior assistants bringing documents from one desk to another.

As I moved up the career ladder and transitioned into the process industry, project management, government PSUs, state-run joint ventures, dealer networks, and finally to an engineering conglomerate and a startup, my role and responsibilities underwent a dramatic 360-degree turn.

The era between 2000 and 2019 was a period of significant learning. While my bosses were often wiser, I found that my own learning often came from my juniors, particularly management trainees and other junior officers. This era taught me the importance of humility and openness to learning from those around me.

Embracing Change and Continuous Learning

Adapting to a Digital World

As work places have become increasingly smarter, they have also become more dynamic. One significant change is the transition from paper-based processes to digital systems. This period brought its own set of challenges as the transition from paper to paperless operations necessitated a shift in how information was managed and communicated.

Throughout my career, I have embraced transparency and continuous learning. I am a 3D artist specializing in digital arts, not a traditional painter or musician. My focus and work have shifted from large, impressive projects to more nuanced and detailed ones.

Conclusion

My career is a testament to the power of adaptability and a lifelong pursuit of learning. Each role, discipline, and environment has presented new challenges and opportunities. By embracing change and remaining open to learning, I have been able to navigate diverse environments and continue to evolve as a professional.