Starting my journey in a $19 Billion Startup as a Skills Transformation Leader

After serving for 21 years, 3 months, and 13 days, I bid farewell to my dearest HCL Colleagues on 11th?Feb. 2022. My parting message “make learning a lifelong habit” to 50000+ employees of Digital Business resonated well with them.?

My last two days with HCL

During my last two days, I replied to each of 651 email wishes from HCLites, answered 54 telephone calls, responded to 77 chats. I felt drained but exhilarated.?

It was dark as I walked out of the HCL office building into the crowded Chennai Street after surrendering my laptop & ID card. A feeling came over me, unlike anything I have experienced. I felt everything I ever hoped to feel after two decades of service in an organization that I call my second home… feeling of pride, gratitude, and nostalgia…It was very emotional. I looked back over my shoulder, took one last look at HCL’s office. Under my breath, I said, “Thank you HCL, for everything”.

I still remember the day I went to the HCL office for my interview.?It was amazing!!!

Do you know that feeling when you walk in somewhere and you just know that it is right for you? That this is where you would fit… I had that feeling when I was in HCL’s office waiting for my interview. It almost felt like home and not an office. I thought I could be really happy here and was praying to GOD that I should get the job. Some places have such personalities that you immediately identify with them. Walking into the conference room where my interview was scheduled, I got the feeling that this is where I belong. The smell of those cabins, the aroma of the coffee, the smile of the people, I just loved it.?

My journey of learning started right from my interview, and I continued to learn every step of my career.

There were ups and downs in my career?

Did I enjoy every minute of my career?

No…

But did I learn in my entire career?

Yes, Yes, and Yes. I have learnt more every time there was a failure.?

Every day was not good but there was good in every day???.

HCL was my home, sweet home

“Home” is a place where you can just be yourself without the fear of being judged. HCL was my home and will remain as one of my homes.

HCL gave me an opportunity to value add significantly and work with amazing leaders who became friends for life.

My contribution was valued; I was respected; I got promoted many times; I was challenged; I was admired and celebrated. And I was very happy???.

Entering Chapter 2 of my corporate career

I wanted to come out of my comfort zone and work for a startup where I can be part of their growth journey and prove myself all over again that I am the best leader they could ever ask for???.

Little did I know that I will get a global role in the world’s largest IT Infrastructure provider, headquartered in New York with $19 billion in annual revenue with a 90000-strong global employee base across 60+ countries, and an addressable market opportunity of $510 billion by 2024.

Yes. I am referring to Kyndryl, spin off of IBM’s Global Technology Services Unit which was?launched as an independent publicly traded company?in Nov. 2021. Kyndryl has a legacy of 100 years but the hunger of a startup, the best happening place for those who want to work in an environment that has a lot of energy, excitement, and empowerment.?

24th?Feb. was the beginning of a new chapter for me. I joined Kyndryl as their Skills Transformation Leader in Chief Operating Officer’s organization.

I would like to immensely thank the COO @kyndryl for inviting me to be part of their transformation journey and making me one of the dedicated crew members who would be leading the transformation of “Talent Supply Chain & Skills Transformation” globally across Kyndryl.

I am so thrilled and excited for the incredible opportunity to deliver significant value. One month into Kyndryl, I am very confident and happy that I made the right choice.

Goodbye HCL, Thank you. Wishing you all the best!!!

Farewell once again, dear HCLites. Thank you & wishing you all the best. I am grateful for all the wonderful moments I was privileged to spend with you!!!

Dear Kyndryls, I can’t wait to travel the journey with you.

I don’t know you yet (rather you don’t know me yet???). But I definitely know, we will enjoy working together.?

Are you ready to match my energy level? Just kidding ??.

Dear friends on social media, My new home is Kyndryl & I need your blessings.

Thank you, my dear friends, on social media who always motivate me and encourage me to do more. Need your support one more time…please bless me as I enter my new home???.

I am shameless in asking you for your blessings for two reasons

• You are my extended family.
• This time my role is bigger (strategic & transformational); the scope is wider (company-wide, global); Complexity is higher (stakeholders spread across 60+ countries).

I am so in need of your encouragement and blessings as I enter my new home Kyndryl.

I am not sure how my days would be…?But I do know…I am going to live every minute of it…

If you think you have heard this before, you are right.?This is the quote (last dialogue) from the Oscar award-winning Walt Disney/Pixar movie?“Soul”. I have been looking for an opportunity to use this sentence???.

you will not “enjoy” every moment but you can sure “live” every moment. That is my learning from the movie “Soul”???. And as a true HR/L&D professional, I will apply what I am learning every single time???.

Thank you & I am eagerly looking forward to your blessings.

#HCL #thankyou #HCLite #newjob #greatcompany #technology #recruitment #hiring #leadership #LeadershipCulture #Kyndryl #WeAreKyndryl #TheHeartofProgress