Infy @ 40

I seem to have some deep connection with Infosys (coincidental perhaps). Infosys was born in 1981 (!!) in Pune (a beautiful city which I was brought up). Infosys moved to Bangalore to make this city as its HQ and I too did the same, though much later!

I was privileged and honoured to be handed over my graduation certificate by Mr N. R. Narayana Murthy in 2005 who was the then the Chairman of Infosys.

I 1st joined Infosys in 2006 and while I did leave Infy in 2012, I joined back to serve the company from 2015 and this is now my 13th year across both stints! Interesting in numerology 13 = 1+3 = 4 which is the same as 40 = 4+0 = 4! I guess I am trying too hard now :)

As this great organisation completes 40 years, like so many of my colleagues, I too feel a deep sense of gratitude for the firm and hence I am writing this piece as my reflection on what makes the company what it is to many of us!

We at Infosys are guided by our guiding philosophy of CLIFE and I want to reflect on what in each of these areas stands out for me based on observations I have had while working for this great institution!

1. "C" for Client Centricity: This great institution was always built keeping the client at the core. Our market positioning and themes have always put our clients first be it "Winning in the Flat World", or "Building Tomorrow's Enterprise", or "Improving your odds with Infosys Predictability" or the latest "Navigate your Next". We exist because of our clients and all actions in the company are dictated by whats the best for our clients. The stupendous response of Infosys to the Covid crisis was a great example of how such a large organisation could move so fast driven by this principal mindset. Most of my work has been for internal clients but making them successful at what they do is the core focus for me and my team!
2. "L" for Leadership: The founders of Infosys stand as prime examples and testimony to what this means to us. Not only did they show incredible leadership at Infosys, they continue to contribute in other dimensions of public policy, game changer initiatives like Aadhar but in significant personal capacity too. Even beyond them, we have so many non founder leaders who continue to inspire with their leadership. If there is one trait of leadership that stands out at Infosys, it is "approachability". Our current COO is a shining example of that. He inspires us by not just doing his day job exceptionally well but his leadership style is such that any employee can write to him with any suggestion or query and there is nearly a 100% chance of him reverting back with an offer for help or a patient hearing followed by relevant action.
3. "I" for Integrity: There are several legends on how the founders were driven by this value and how at the core of their decision making. Integrity is one of those values that is tough to explain and articulate; however when you see leaders in action you see what it means. It is like one of those family recipes which is passed over through generations. I observe the same through our current set of leaders. They have been groomed by our founders and have this trait deeply rooted in them. Their actions are visible and integrity shines through which ends up inspiring us making us want to pass it on further.
4. "F" for Fairness: One leaves a manager and not the company is a famous saying. I have personally seen this trait demonstrated several times where the employee comes first. This is so deeply ingrained in me now that even in the rare occasions that someone wants to move our of my team, the driving force is "what is best for the employee". Yes, I have a job to deliver but being fair and allowing every individual their choice of career is a trait that I have developed seeing that trait manifested around me making it an integral part of me.
5. "E" for Excellence: This is for me is the highlight among all. From a company which started in 1981 trying to provide technology based solutions to clients in the west, today we talk transformation across industries, continents and client sizes. We run programs like "Be The Navigator" which appeal all employees to have a desire to contribute in doing something over and above; which challenges status quo both internally and for our clients and strive for excellence. We are driven by the need to do more, strive for perfection and stop at nothing!

The above certainly is a fraction of what this company means to me and so many of us!

Dear Infy, I will continue to be ever grateful for what you mean to me and what you have taught me! My career would certainly end someday but this iconic company will continue forever, growing from strength to strength! Happy 40th! Wishing you many many more!