First Flight @ 46: The beginning of a growth trajectory

“And that is how change happens. One gesture. One person. One moment at a time.” – Libba Bray

On the last Saturday afternoon, as I stepped out of the office along with him, I remembered to have forgotten my lunch box.  I quickly came back to my cabin & felt something strange....a feeling of loneliness as it was his last working day.  There were instances during his association that he went on leave....but the feeling that I got at that moment on Saturday afternoon was not the same.....it was different. It was then I decided to tell ‘his’tory to the world.

Let me take you back to 2006.  I was into the 4th year of association with Karvy Group.  We were on the lookout for a suitable person to be hired as a “Personal Assistant / Secretary” to one our Business Heads.  Remember...those were the beginning days of transition as most of this class started moving to the BPO / ITES companies as their technical skills suit the line of activity.

After a search of 15 – 20 days I met this guy.  As the conversation progressed got to know that...he carries an experience of 12+ years as Stenographer / Personal Assistant / Secretary to the top management of the companies he was associated with.  It seems, he started his career with a pay of less than Rs.10/- per day.....probably one can imagine the hard work that he has put through the years.

After an hour of discussion with him, found him to be better fit into HR.  Interestingly, I could draw parallels of his experience to that of HR.  With this thought in the mind, told him that I will revert to him in a week’s time....and he left.  Straight from the interview place, I met my boss in his cabin and shared my views that we should hire him into HR rather than leaving him to the Business Head as a PA.  He listened to me and said – “Let me also meet him & we will take a call”.  It was a quick turn of events and my boss also found him to be a better fit into HR reporting into me (smiles).  Then on....his HR Journey started.

Since then he was my partner on drive (Yamaha Enticer to Suzuki Access).  In April 2011, I moved on to Ramky & then to Inditrade Capital Limited (current employer). In December 2014 got an opportunity to hire him as “Sr. Manager – HR” & once again he became my partner on drive (TVS Phoenix to Royal Enfield).

During February 2016, he came to me and told that he got a call from Flipkart (HR for their hubs in AP & Telangana) & the interaction is directly with the Director – HR.  As the requirement is urgent, it is only 2 rounds of interviews.....which otherwise would have been 7 rounds.  (The transparency in sharing this info only speaks about the respect that he extends to our association).

Once gain.... it was a quick turn of events & in the 1st week of March, he got the offer with a 40% hike that came along with a detailed note on his role & other HR Benefits / Policies that are applicable / extended to him as a part of the Flipkart family member.   He told me that he will let go the offer if I say so.....and am not really sure if any of us will say a NO....and he then confirmed about his exact date of association to them.

Within a week’s time, he received the flight tickets to attend the week long induction at Bangalore beginning from 4 April 2016.   He took the print out of the ticket, got it to me, placed in my hands & told – “This is my first flight sir....& you share a part of this credit”.   His family was all excited (wife & 2 daughters studying Intermediate & 8th class) on his FIRST FLIGHT at the age of 46.

With all due respects to his heart of attributing the happy moments to me....I feel that the credit of his today’s success should go to my boss who in 2006 felt a sense in my views & hired him into HR. And that ONE big decision taken by my boss during 2006.....created the BIG TODAY in 2016....proving:

“And that is how change happens.
One gesture. One person. One moment at a time.”

On Sunday, he left to Bangalore...FIRST FLIGHT @ 46 : The beginning of a growth trajectory. He was messaging me till he boarded the flight (took-off at 1:00 PM) & checked-in to the Hotel. I ended the exchange by texting him: “Congratulations...and now on it’s your battle & all the best”.

I am writing this for him......in my cabin....feeling all alone.....

By the time you are reading this....he (Mr. Manoj Menon) would be into the 2nd day of Induction program with Flipkart.

Should you like to wish him on “The beginning of a growth trajectory”.....you can Whatsapp to him on 9177594908 that has an interesting tagline too.

Dr. Shankar Anappindi
9849669966