Why ABG is big in my life?
Since its foundation in 1857 as a modest cotton trader, the Birla conglomerate has come a long way by retaining the top spot for most reputed companies in India for three consecutive years (2012-15). Over the years, ABG has diversified its presence across multiple verticals- metals, cement, chemicals, carbon black, fertilizers, apparels, financial services, telecom, IT and ITES. It is quite natural that a brand as ubiquitous as the Aditya Birla Group will impact the lives of every common Indian.
The advertisement campaign “What an idea Sirji” by Idea Cellular Network became so successful that the phrase soon crept into the common man’s vocabulary. This was one of the initial lessons on brand development that I had grasped. The tremors created in the Indian telecom sector by its disruptive marketing campaigns made Idea one of the most revered brands at that point of time.
Planet Fashion, a dedicated men’s apparel brand, as well as Pantaloons, has been the one-stop destination for the modern, fashion-conscious Indian population through a series of marque brands like Allan Solly, Peter England, Van Heusen etc. ABG, operating under its retail supermarket chain More, has been catering to the requirements of the households across the country. The production unit of the ABG group, operating under the brand name ‘Hindalco Industries’ deals in a vast array of aluminium products that find extensive ancillary, commercial and domestic applications.
Being a socially responsible corporate, the Birla group has focussed on the upliftment of the masses through developments in education, healthcare and infrastructure. The schools set up for primary education and women empowerment, awareness campaigns through medical camps and community hospitals, vocational training programs for self-help groups and social awareness development have been the prima facie agenda of ABG in its commitment towards upgrading the society.
ABG has been a proud ambassador of India in the global arena for over a century now. Through their magnitude of operations, significant social presence and being the harbinger of transformation in the lives of the people through tremendous value addition, the Birla group has secured to inculcate a sense of reverence in me.
How I overcame challenges?
“The struggle you’re in today is developing the strength you need for tomorrow” – Robert Tew
After completing my graduation, I had joined one of the largest steel and power conglomerates in the country as an operations engineer. The job was super exciting, as I had the control of some of the country’s largest turbomachinery and heavy electricals at my fingertips. But as they say, “With great power comes great responsibility” – similar was the situation with me. The expectations were sky high and the deliverables had a minimal margin of error. To add to this was the extremely dynamic system, owing to its intrinsic nature, facing unexpected external fluctuations. The toughest challenge was to ensure the smooth operations of the plant, navigating past all turbulence.
I was leading a team of around ten people, who all had considerable expertise in their jobs, and were naturally reluctant to accept a new recruit to supervise them. I had to inculcate the sense of bonding and team spirit in them so that the targets could be achieved. The challenges were tough and stakes were severe, but sheer grit and determination made me strive to the last mile. There were instances when apparently tranquil situations turned into a catastrophe in the blink of an eye. The key to handling such criticalities was through mental strength and confidence upon own capabilities. Amidst all turbulences breaking out, even experienced people tended to lose their composure and thereby allowing more room for chaos to unleash. The ones with the calmest brains turned out to be the most effective leaders in that scenario. The learnings I acquired about retaining confidence and belief in my team in all crisis situations forged in me the necessary strength to encounter any challenges in the future.