Finding Passion in the Chaos: A Journey of Self-Discovery in the Startup World

"Working hard for something we don't care about is called stress; working hard for something we love is called passion" - Simon Sinek

As I reflect on my journey, it feels like flipping through the pages of a captivating novel, each chapter revealing a new adventure and a deeper understanding of myself. It all began during my final year of graduation, when the future seemed like a distant, fog-covered landscape, shrouded in uncertainty. As I stepped out into the world after graduation, I eagerly explored different avenues, seeking to uncover the hidden gem known as passion. From the intense study halls of UPSC preparation to the regimented routines of a PSU job, I journeyed through landscapes of ambition. Yet, amidst the hustle and bustle, the flame of genuine passion seemed to elude me, a mere flicker in the shadows of my aspirations.

In the movie "3 Idiots," when Farhan (played by Madhavan) expresses his desire to become a photographer instead of pursuing engineering, I associate passion only with unconventional careers. In my quest to discover myself and my passion, I resigned from my secure PSU job and enrolled in the Tata Institute of Social Sciences , Mumbai. Enrolling in the Organisation Development, Change and Leadership (ODCL) course was akin to stepping into a realm of possibilities, where each experience was a brushstroke on the canvas of self-discovery. Even after joining the ODCL course at TISS, I lacked clarity on why I had chosen this path and what I wanted to become. When everyone sat for summer placements, I followed suit, giving prepared answers to interviewers. However, thanks to the TISS ODCL course, which exposed me to six different sectors through internships over two years, I began to gain insight.

I found enjoyment in working as an HR intern at Razorpay , which helped me to make the decision to pursue a career in startups after completing my master's. As I had hoped, I secured the Sr. Manager - HRBP position at Truemeds , a company that had raised $22.2 million in Series B funding in 2022. After receiving the offer letter, with the help of Vivek Ranjan (HR Head) and Priyanka Chakraborty , I gained an understanding of the business, my role, responsibilities, and the ongoing challenges the organization is facing. I set clear expectations for myself and prepared to face challenges head-on while developing solutions.

Last Monday afternoon (April 22, 2024), I arrived at the office and met with Kunal Wani (Founder), the Hub Manager, Operations Manager, team leads, and others. While assisting the IT executive with my personal data for issuing an official laptop and login credentials, I received a call from the Operations Manager regarding a picker who had stolen a pharmaceutical product. The security guard had caught the incident on CCTV, and I was asked to handle the industrial relations case immediately. For a moment, I felt perplexed, but I quickly responded by collecting evidence and conducting an inquiry with the worker in question. After following the company's policies, I resolved the issue. The following day, two workers were involved in a dispute, and I was tasked with facilitating a resolution in accordance with company policies. On the third day, I identified gaps in our security checks and immediately began drafting security guidelines and protocols. Instead of waiting for others to make posters, I took the initiative to create canvas posters containing the guidelines.

When I presented the posters to the Warehouse Manager, Operations Manager, HR Head, and Founder, they were impressed with my work and also for taking initiative within just three days of joining the company. I began to understand the business from various perspectives—operations, team leadership, and employee viewpoints. During a discussion with the Hub Manager, I recognized the need for additional manpower to support our business operations. I promptly requested Vikram Kumar (Executive HR) to post an internal message about a recruitment drive, and I prepared a list of questions and parameters to consider when evaluating candidates based on our business needs.

?The next day, several candidates arrived for interviews, and I, along with the AM-Operations, conducted interviews lasting almost 2.5 hours. This process continued the following day, with interviews lasting nearly 3 hours. In the evening, we held a huddle with all employees to communicate the new security guidelines, leave policies, and initiatives. We encouraged employees to ask questions, share their views, and provide suggestions to management.

Over the past week, I have been actively involved on the floor, working alongside managers and team leads. This experience has deepened my understanding of the business, and I have thoroughly enjoyed every moment. Each night, as I go to bed, I feel a sense of satisfaction, and each morning, I eagerly anticipate going to the office to continue learning and making a positive impact on the lives of employees.

Based on this week's experience, I'd like to share three key insights:

1. As an HR professional, making tough decisions such as issuing warning or termination letters can be emotionally challenging. My experiences in HIL (Human Interaction Lab) and LaS (Leadership as Service) during my master's program at TISS have helped me understand my own emotions, feelings, and biases, allowing me to regulate them effectively.

2. It's crucial for HR professionals to understand the business thoroughly to make informed decisions about recruiting the right candidate at the right time. A single wrong hire can not only harm the business but also tarnish the organization's reputation.

3. When you're so immersed in your work that you lose track of time and find fulfillment in every moment, you know you're following your passion. I've discovered my passion lies in solving problems, positively impacting lives through innovative solutions, and contributing to the broader vision of the organization.

Have you discovered where your passion lies? I would love to hear about 'your? journey of discovering passion'!!