2) Hindu BLoC: Appendix matters
Once again we were crunched for time and this time around I decided to go the same way as I did for Amazon. Thanks to my friend who had read the whole thing, showed me the appendix (which I had completely ignored) and pointed out its relevance. The case was a number crunching game. We crunched them for 3 days again and abracadabra! We finished second in the regionals. If it were not for that change, of course, everything would have crashed down.
3) Google: Know your competition before signing up
Notwithstanding the academic pressure and the impending competition, we signed up for this too. Once again three days, great brainstorming, cool ideas, a cluttered slide and an ahead of time submission. All this for a single shortlist from a junk-pile of submissions. The result, once again we were ousted. Mistake: probably wasted a precious attempt on something that offered one of the least probabilities of progressing. Should have put on the businessman hat.
4) TBLA: Business is not always just 'business'
The third in the line was supposed to be my dream competition. All pumped and geared up we sat down and got to business. But, an unprecedented interview call and an unprecedented shortlist and we were thrown out of track. Finally, we got together with a half-baked idea with about 4 days for the deadline. We stitched together everything we could and had it submitted on time. The result, we didn't even progress from round 0. Looking back, I realized my mistake. I focussed heavily on financials and profits. All this when the case demanded that we talk about social and environmental aspects. Business is not always just about 'business'.
5) Mahindra War Room: Set your priorities right
Enthusiastic over the string of victories, in the beginning, I decided to sign up for this too. But, little did I know that academic load was just going to rise exponentially. A barrage of assignments, presentations, and reports. Soon we realized we were left with hardly a week for a competition that requires at least a month to month and a half's work. We were left with two options: work for the next one week and submit a sub-standard presentation or default the submission. We voted to default. A little better management of time would have helped us find the time. But, could have never helped anyone.
Today as I sit in the dome on the listening side of the competition, this is the pinch that hurts me. One of regret, of repentance. With great effort, I hold back to celebrate my friend's victory. You rock brother!!
None of them has earned me a penny or a PPI. But, each one has taught me something or the other. Some sweet, some hurtful. But, being a part of such activities makes you a wiser person.
Quoting Swami Vivekananda:
“Take Risks in Your Life. If You Win, You Can Lead! If You Lose, You Can Guide!"
Giridhar Gopal
PGDM Candidate-2020
SPJIMR, Mumbai
Chat
Comments