11,111 Days of Growth: ‘From an Apprentice Cook to CEO’

The number 11,111 may not mean much to most people. But to me, it represents something extraordinary – the number of days I’ve spent learning, growing, failing, succeeding, failing yet again and transforming to required The number 11,111 may not mean much to most people. But to me, it represents something extraordinary – the number of days I’ve spent learning, growing, failing, succeeding, failing again, yet transforming. It’s a testament to the journey from a starry-eyed apprentice cook to a CEO, entrepreneur, and beyond...

This isn’t just any story of success. It’s a humble tribute to the people, places, and lessons that shaped me – a kaleidoscope of experiences that taught me resilience, adaptability, and the value of grit, to stay ahead.

Act 1: Foundations in Humility

It all began in 1993, with a red bicycle bought for Rs. 550 by my father, who taught me the value of earning first and then spending on what we wish for.? This bicycle was the first prized possession in those years and my only means of transportation for 2 years at work. ?At 17, I pedalled my way to my first job, as – ‘An Apprentice Cook’, which I wished to make it work by my choice. Yet, life has it's own plans and schedules to teach us something extraordinary!

Day 1 greeted me with a hiccup – no one expected me; HR wasn’t aware that I was joining!! I was sent back, asking me to return the next day.

Day 2 Something was cooking inside the system by then.?? I had almost lost the hope of this job. I was finally let to enter the hotel, but noticeably my role had changed.? Instead of chopping onions, I was move to Banquet office, as ‘an office boy’!? I was made to report to 5 Banquet Executives, for whom I became to ‘boy’ for every task – be it getting them stationery, snacks, coffee/tea, inter-department running, arranging chairs for guests, cleaning office etc.,

Eventually, I accepted the banquet office job over the kitchen tasks; Though the tasks were menial, that humble pay of Rs. 20 a day, was more important at period of life to support my family. I would be mostly standing for almost 8 hours (I didn't have any stool to park myself, even if I wished), talking orders from 7-8 supervisors and carry out every task assigned to me, every day.? I remained in an uniform of white shirt, black trouser, black shoes, black tie all through. ??evening hours, I would replace my tie with a bow tie and stand behind the counter, serving banquet guests, allowing me to earn some extra 'moolah', before I cycle back home by 11pm. Over several months, I would resume work at 7am and work upto 11pm at night, making my way to learn at every department. I got rotated across various departments, soaking in every lesson and discovering the value of hard work.? A wonderful induction program over a year I should say.

Act 2: The Unexpected Mentor

One day, I was called to fill in as the General Manager’s secretary for a week. ?It was Lalitha and Nazreen (didi) who taught me computers and electronic typewriter.?? That one week turned into eight months, and there was no new secretary to replace me – I was the most sought after to check calendar booking for GM. Working under his guidance, I learned the nuances of sheer professionalism, meticulous planning, and anticipating needs. More importantly, he believed in me, giving me opportunities far beyond my experience, including allowing me to sign off early to attend evening college. Mr. P K Mohan Kumar, the then GM, set the expectation of mentoring me to pursue graduation for a better tomorrow.? If it was not his far vision guidance, I wouldn’t have experienced this journey of professional life.

When he was about to move out for a well deserved elevated role in Kerala, he ensured my transition into a permanent role in the Personnel department as ‘Personnel Assistant’ – a serendipitous start to my HR career happened, by chance and not by choice. ??This transformation encouraged me to do a course in Diploma in PM & IR to stay relevant in the field I was venturing into.

Act 3: From HR to Sales – The Big Leap

After six and a half years in HR at Wipro, I felt the itch for change. I requested a shift in role and was encouraged by Shabbir Merchant (my second shift in career happened working under his guidance at Wipro) to explore Sales – an unconventional move. Managing direct and channel partners for the upcountry market was a whirlwind. The transition wasn’t easy, but it was exhilarating for over a year. I embraced the challenge head-on, leveraging my HR foundation to understand client needs and build strong relationships.?? I did another Diploma, this time in Sales & Marketing to compliment the roles I was embracing for future.

The experience wasn’t just career-defining; it was life-changing. It taught me the power of adaptability, the thrill of reinvention, and the importance of stepping outside one’s comfort zone and engaging with external stake holders and partners.

Act 4: Leadership and Building Dreams

My immediate next chapter saw me return to HR, this time as a head of function for a mid-size system integrator company. But there was more. I doubled as a business leader, setting up business lines with GE Medical Systems and Tata Avaya, while leading operations for Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. It was a role that demanded everything I had – and then some.

Between my time at Taj Group and Wipro, I had been grounded in a value system that became my compass in the corporate world. Whether dealing with vendors, clients, or partners, I upheld ethical practices, ensuring trust was at the core of every transaction.

By 2009, a new challenge beckoned – an urge to step into entrepreneurial journey.? By 2010, I had started operating as ‘Independent Consultant’, took the reins of three consulting organizations at different intervals, stepping into the role of CEO and transformation consultant. In my last ?stint as a CBO, I took over the role with a team of 15 and grew it to over 350 employees in just 2.5 years, building a robust and successful contract staffing business.

Looking back, I marvel at the irony. Having started my career as a contract employee earning Rs. 20 a day, I now led and scaled contract staffing businesses for corporate giants and consulting firms alike. Life truly had come full circle.

Act 5: The Lessons That Shape Us

The past three decades have been filled with extraordinary people – managers and mentors who believed in me, pushed me, and fuelled my hunger for learning. Each role, each company – Wipro, Mindtree, Satyam, HCL Tech – left an indelible mark. They didn’t just shape my career; they shaped me.?

I learned that the best leaders don’t just assign tasks; they give you wings to fly. They see potential even when you don’t. They create spaces where you can thrive and, when the time comes, take bold leaps of faith.

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Act 6: From Apprentice to Architect

My journey has been anything but linear. From banquets to crafting strategies, from an office boy to an HR professional to a CEO – it’s been a ride filled with twists and turns. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: no role is too small, no dream too big.

Each experience, whether humbling or exhilarating, became a stepping stone. Every setback taught me resilience; every opportunity reaffirmed my belief in the power of hard work and unwavering integrity.

Today, as I stand at the crossroads of 11,111 days, I’m not looking back with nostalgia. I’m looking forward with excitement. Because this isn’t just the end of destination, the journey continues...

Your Story Awaits

If you’re reading this, know that your journey is unique and valuable. Whether you’re chopping onions, balancing spreadsheets, or closing deals, every step matters. Life isn’t about where you start; it’s about how you grow, adapt, and rise.

So, take that leap, embrace the grind, and keep chasing those 11,111 days. You never know – they might just lead you to places beyond your wildest dreams.

Credits to Leaders, who have helped shape my career over decades.

@Taj Gateway- Mohankumar P K Dev Malhotra Sriram Aylur @Late Sri Vasant Ayyappan Bhavana Alvares Arulmani A Bhuvaneshwar Guheshwaraiah @Lalitha Guru @Nazreen Banu

@Wipro - Raja Veluswamy Tanaz Mulla Shabbir Merchant @TGC Prasad Joseph John Revathi Kasturi Mythily Ramesh Vasudeva Murthy

@Frontier / PeopleTree HR Services - Ravi Verdes

@Mindtree - Sanjay Shelvankar Puneet Jetli @TGC Prasad @Subroto Bagchi Krishnakumar Natarajan Parthasarathy N.S.

@HCL Tech Prithvi Shergill Naveen Narayanan Kavitha Vchalam Mahesh Jain