Career Shifts: Insights from Episode 21 - Ashutosh Sinha
Gopal A Iyer
Managing Director | Reinventing Organizations | People Leadership & Culture | Strategic Talent Management & Leadership Development | Advisory Board Member | Executive Coach | Podcast Host of 'Career Shifts'???
From Blast Furnaces to Boardrooms: Ashutosh Sinha’s Transformative Career Journey Unpacked!" | Career Shifts Podcast Recap
Before we dive in, I’d like to wish all of you and your families a very happy and prosperous Diwali! ???
We all know Diwali is the festival of lights, but for me, it’s always been a time for reinvention—a moment to reflect on where we are and where we’re headed. Diwali isn’t just about lighting up our homes; it’s about lighting up from within. It's an opportunity to pause and ask ourselves:
?? What do I need to let go of? What’s holding me back that I can release, and what fresh energy do I want to invite into my life? Diwali gives us the perfect chance to reset our mindset and approach.
So this week, I encourage you to:
I encourage you to think about your career journey in the same light:
? Reflect on Your Path – Just like we revisit traditions during Diwali, take a moment to look back at your career. What are the skills, experiences, or milestones that have shaped you? What traditions or habits have held you back, and which ones have propelled you forward?
? Ignite New Possibilities – As we light diyas to brighten our homes, think about how you can spark new energy in your career. Is it time for a change in direction, learning something new, or shifting your mindset? Find what makes you shine and focus on it.
? Reconnect with Your Purpose – Diwali is a time for reconnecting with loved ones, and it’s also a perfect moment to reconnect with your own purpose. Are you on the path that aligns with your values and goals? If not, it might be time for a shift—one that brings more fulfillment and meaning to your work.
This week, on the Career Shifts Podcast I had the honour of hosting Ashutosh Sinha —a powerhouse of resilience, transformation, and growth. ?????
Ashu’s journey is nothing short of remarkable. Imagine starting out as an engineer in a blast furnace and making the leap to global HR leadership—talk about a career shift! Over the past 28 years, Ashu has worked across industries, gathering insights that resonate with anyone hungry for change and ready to make bold moves.
This conversation dives deep. Ashu doesn’t just share his wins; he opens up about the real challenges, the tough decisions, and those pivotal moments that defined his path. His book, "Breakthrough – The Framework for an Inspired Career," isn’t just a guide; it’s a toolkit for anyone who’s serious about levelling up. His story reminds us that our careers aren’t just about where we start—they’re about how we adapt, grow, and find purpose in every step.
So, if you’re ready for a boost of inspiration and practical wisdom, continue to read! This episode is packed with insights that could be game-changing for your own career journey.
Ashutosh’s Journey: From Engineering to HR Leader
Ashutosh’s career began with a hard hat in hand, working as an engineer in a blast furnace! But soon, mentors noticed something different in him. They encouraged him to explore HR, and that pivotal moment set him on a path toward global HR leadership.
“I wasn’t born to be an HR guy, I was an engineer with a hard hat, working in a blast furnace. But somewhere along the way, mentors like Mr. M.F. Mehta saw something in me and pushed me toward the people side of things. That’s where my real passion began to unfold.”
It’s a great reminder that career shifts often come from unexpected places and the gentle nudge of those who see potential in us that we may not yet see ourselves.
Facing Setbacks: Turning Failures into Mentors
Ashutosh didn’t just talk about his successes—he got real about the setbacks that shaped him. He views these moments as his “top mentors,” teaching him the lessons that success often can’t.
“Success has many fathers; failure has none;?failures are my top mentors. Every time I’ve faced disappointment, I’ve picked it up like a jewel, studied it, and found the lesson hidden within. Failure has been the greatest teacher on my journey.”
Ashutosh’s approach reminds us to view setbacks as opportunities for growth and a chance to learn something truly invaluable.
Today’s Workplace Challenges: Navigating Talent and Generational Diversity
Ashutosh brought up a reality many of us face: the modern workplace is challenging, especially with a growing talent mismatch and the complexities of a multi-generational workforce.
“There’s a demand like never before for the right talent, Not just skilled professionals, but those who can hit the ground running with humility and a readiness to adapt. We’re missing the glue that connects the right talent with the right roles.”
This insight really hits home, especially in a world where connecting the right people with the right roles is more complex than ever. Ashutosh’s take on the current talent market is a must-hear for anyone involved in hiring, retention, or career growth.
Understanding Cultural Diversity: The Importance of the ‘Culture Code’
In his years working across different regions, Ashutosh learned the importance of cultural sensitivity. Respect and humility, he says, are key to successful collaboration in diverse environments.
“Respect for the individual is where it all starts, Every culture has its own codes, and it’s crucial to respect and understand them. I learned early on that people communicate differently, and success comes when we shift our perspective to understand others.”
For those of you working with global teams, his advice on embracing these “cultural codes” is a powerful reminder to stay open and respectful of diverse ways of thinking and communicating.
Breakthrough Moments: Lessons from "Breakthrough – The Framework for an Inspired Career"
Ashutosh’s book, Breakthrough, is more than just a career guide. It’s a toolkit for anyone who feels like they’re in need of a reset. In the book, Ashutosh breaks career development into four quadrants and shares his concept of the “Burma Triangle moment”—those times when our careers feel stalled and uncertain.
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“In a career, there’s often a moment when everything seems bright and smooth—until you hit turbulence, I call it the ‘Bermuda Triangle moment.’ It’s when you need to look at your career from a different angle, reassess your path, and find renewed purpose.”
If you’ve ever had a moment when things felt off or stuck, this concept resonates deeply. Ashutosh’s take on these “turbulence” moments is a reminder that sometimes, reassessing and shifting perspectives is exactly what we need to break through.
Mindset and Career Growth: The Power of Self-Dialogue
For Ashutosh, mindset isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the ongoing conversation we have with ourselves. He talks about the importance of a growth mindset and staying flexible as we evolve.
“Mindset is about changing the angle;?if you’re facing a setback, ask yourself if you’re willing to see it differently. Maybe the wall in front of you is just a signal to adjust your approach.”
Ashutosh’s wisdom here reminds us that how we respond to obstacles can make all the difference. Sometimes, shifting our perspective is the key to uncovering a new path forward.
Rapid Fire Insights: A Glimpse into Ashutosh’s World
We wrapped up with a few fun, rapid-fire questions that revealed more about Ashutosh’s personal side. From his love for green tea to his recent venture into cooking, we got a peek into what makes him tick. And when asked what advice he’d give his younger self, Ashutosh offered this gem:
“Dear Ashu, there’s a beautiful journey ahead. But start building your board of mentors sooner, around 28, not 35.”
This advice couldn’t be more timely. Building strong mentor relationships early in your career can be a true game-changer. It’s a reminder that our careers are a journey, and having guides along the way can make all the difference.
Ashutosh’s book, "Breakthrough – The Framework for an Inspired Career," is a must-read for anyone looking to gain clarity and purpose in their career journey. It’s not just a guide—it’s a toolkit filled with practical strategies to help you navigate pivotal career moments and redefine success on your terms.
For those ready to take the next step, you can pick up your copy on Amazon here.
The Hindi Version of the book is also available here
Key Takeaways from Ashutosh’s Episode
?? Watch the Full Episode for Powerful Insights on Career Reinvention!
In this episode, Ashu takes us on a remarkable ride—from his early days as an engineer, working in the heat of a blast furnace, to stepping into global HR leadership. His story is packed with real, candid reflections on the power of embracing failure, decoding cultural diversity, and building resilience in the face of change. These lessons aren’t just for HR professionals—they’re for anyone at a career crossroads or those eager to make a bold, meaningful shift.
Ashutosh’s insights remind us that aligning with purpose, staying adaptable, and learning from every experience are the keys to thriving in today’s fast-paced world. ??
Don’t miss this inspiring conversation! Watch the full episode now to see how you can bring these powerful insights into your own career journey.
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?? What’s Coming Up? Mark your calendars for next week, November 7th, 2024, at 7:00 PM! I'll be back with another incredible guest whose journey promises to inspire and empower you to thrive in today’s ever-evolving world of work. Get ready for fresh insights that spark growth, resilience, and bold career moves!
Until then, stay curious, stay bold. Tune in on LinkedIn , YouTube , Spotify , 苹果 Podcast, and Amazon Music as we continue this journey of growth and career reinvention together!
#CareerShifts #Leadership #ProfessionalDevelopment #Resilience #PurposeDrivenCareer #GrowthMindset #Adaptability
Managing Director | Reinventing Organizations | People Leadership & Culture | Strategic Talent Management & Leadership Development | Advisory Board Member | Executive Coach | Podcast Host of 'Career Shifts'???
4 周Link to the English version - https://amzn.in/d/cqs0gfN
Managing Director | Reinventing Organizations | People Leadership & Culture | Strategic Talent Management & Leadership Development | Advisory Board Member | Executive Coach | Podcast Host of 'Career Shifts'???
4 周Link to Hindi Version of Ashu's book - https://amzn.in/d/5kpfz82
Managing Director | Reinventing Organizations | People Leadership & Culture | Strategic Talent Management & Leadership Development | Advisory Board Member | Executive Coach | Podcast Host of 'Career Shifts'???
4 周For those who missed watching the episode - click here - https://www.youtube.com/live/p-macz6pLgU