Looking Back On The Past 30 Years

Today is a big personal milestone for me, it marks my 30th?anniversary working at both Sybase and SAP . If you had told me upon graduation from university that I would spend more than half my life in these two great companies, I wouldn’t have believed you. Over the decades, temptation and opportunities were certainly there to venture out and try new things.?

The pursuit of change isn’t always necessary?

I recall how my father would shape my perspective on careers. Shortly after starting my employment, I remember my father receiving a gold watch celebrating his 25th?work anniversary at Thorn EMI. Embossed at the back: “Presented to A. Khan for 25 Years Loyal Service”.

I recall discussing with him, why and how he resisted the urge to move or change employer. Deep down, I must admit, I was thinking perhaps he was compromising his ambitions to not venture out and try something different. Perhaps he got too comfortable.?

His direct response to me were: “Son… if you have respect and fulfillment in your job and are learning new skills, don’t feel pressured to chase something that may not exist!”, those wise words have stuck with me throughout my career.?

Being respectful and thankful

It’s difficult to articulate precisely what the past 30 years have taught me, the most valuable lesson I suppose is to ALWAYS remain respectful and empathetic to your colleagues, and inevitably the favor will be returned, in kindness and opportunity to thrive both personally and professionally.?

Throughout my career, I’ve been extremely fortunate to have been mentored by some greatest leaders. In Sybase, leaders like Raj Nathan and Steven Capelli , who pushed me and guided me whenever I needed a bouncing board for ideas. In SAP, inspirational and street-smart leaders like Steve Lucas and J. Greg McStravick . I’m incredibly thankful for the amazing people I’ve met and experiences I’ve had throughout the decades.?

I started out my career in support and development, and worked my way up to Chief Technology Officer before Sybase was acquired by SAP in 2010. This chapter was filled with late nights, lots of learning but equally so much laughter and camaraderie. Some of my strongest friendships today were forged during these years.?

After joining SAP through the acquisition, I had the privilege to hold several strategic positions in SAP – including a full circle transition from product to leading global sales for the Platform & Technologies organization before returning to leading development for SAP HANA Database & Analytics, the role I hold now.?

I’m thankful for the immense opportunities that have pushed me to grow and discover more about myself.?Over the three decades, I’m honored to have?worked with the most amazing colleagues and?have had numerous and?insightful discussions with our customers and partners that continue to make me want to strive to do better and contribute more.

What next?

Despite the career achievements I’ve had, I must admit the best accomplishments and best promotions that I’ve ever received would be “Father” and “Grandfather”. There is no greater source of joy and pride that I have than my family. My own children are grown and forging their own paths and careers. My eldest son, Umar Khan , is himself closing in on a decade at SAP. Perhaps the old saying “the apple never falls far from the tree” is true. Long service seems to be embedded in the Khan family???

With the loss of my father last year, I’ve come to realize that it’s important to keep a balance in life. Having run so intensely within an unbroken career over three decades, I have some regrets of not having been able to successfully decipher the “work life balance equation”. Now as I celebrate 30 years of working, I would like to share that I’ve elected to take a summer sabbatical (July – September), it’s the first time I’ve ever taken one and it’s also the first time I’m unplugging for such a long duration.?

I want to personally thank both Christian Klein and Juergen Mueller for fully supporting me in taking some time out to recharge and build core memories with my family and friends.?In anticipation of my Sabbatical, I’m?truly grateful to my HANA Database & Analytics leadership team for holding the fort until my return.?

I don’t have firm plans yet, but hopefully some travel with family and friends, and completing some books that have sat on the shelf for far too long.?I’ll share?more about my plans closer to my time off, now it’s still full steam ahead. We still have lots to do, building on the successful launch of SAP Datasphere earlier this month and with our?annual?marquee event SAP Sapphire just around the corner.?

I?want?to thank everyone that has been part of my three decades journey thus far. I still have lots of passion and new chapters to write with you,?ALL!?