Tell us about a time when you messed up, and what you learnt from the experience?
During the pandemic, we were operating cargo flights from India to various destinations. In July 2020, we had planned one flight from India-Dubai-India. To cover the freighter's cost, we had to plan at least 15 tons of cargo from India & Dubai each. I was supposed to share the planning with the Dubai team. By mistake, I shared the local time of India { which had a difference of 01:30 hrs}. Our operations weren't prepared for this in Dubai and they were not able to load sufficient cargo in the flight. There was a massive loss, and I was solely responsible for this. From that day, I started verifying all the details twice. I don't want to see myself in such an embarrassing situation again.
Tell us something about yourself that others may be surprised to know about you.
I usually wear loose clothes { Oversized } because of the comfort I get, huge eyeglasses frame, height 59 and low on energy - this description about me only portrays a very different side from reality. So when I meet the same individuals on the sports ground, they get surprised by my skills and swiftness I play football/ cricket/ table tennis. It may be the Halo effect!
What have been your two biggest successes in life? What did you learn from them?
1) Getting Selected into IIM-K: I was struggling with my CAT preparation in 020. I covered all the subjects and understood the concepts. Solved a lot of questions to assess my learning and I was getting most of them correct. But when I started giving CAT mock exams from May 2020, I wasn't able to get even 70percentile in mock exams. The same happened in June month as well. Was completely disappointed and had no motivation of continuing with the exam.After a counselling session with an expert. I started meditating, which relaxed my mind and assisted me in focusing for a long duration. That helped me in my mocks as well, it elevated my score to another level. In most of my mock exam, was scoring more than 90percentile and eventually in the final paper got 98.5 %ile. PATIENCE and CONSISTENCY is the key.
2) My first internship at the Coach Crew ( July-Sept2016), a platform where a student can find a suitable coach/ academy for his respective sport. I joined for business development. Initially, when I joined, there were 100 coaches listed on the website. In 2 months span, I got 400+ leads and converted 150 + coaches on the platform. Miles with Giles-Giles Drago, Iyer Tennis Foundation, Michael Phelps Swim School, Soccer School of Excellence and Prakash Padukone Badminton School were my biggest signings. It being my first internship where I was practically on the field, successfully negotiated with big sports academies and got a chance to work with like-minded people.
Professionally, what is your ideal image of yourself five years from now? Where do you see yourself?
I want to work in the aviation sector with the domestic carrier of India. The aviation industry is very vital for the success of any economy. I see myself as a manager taking an important decision regarding the route feasibility, lease, negotiating with airports and government for better rates and subsidy, improving the brand visibility globally of our carrier so we can compete with all the international carriers in terms of service.
What is the one skill or characteristic you possess that you are most proud of, and why?
Calmness. Staying calm allows you to think logically and take decisions accordingly. Clarity of mind is extremely important while you are dealing with problems. If your mind is free and relaxed, your clarity of thoughts shall provide the solution to you. Staying calm allows you to discuss things rather than fights and come up with better reasoning at the right time.
In your opinion, what skills or qualities does a successful manager possess?
Resilience-Great leaders with positive attitudes lead by example and rally their team no matter the circumstances. This inherent positivity helps react to situations calmly, collected manner, and focuses on solutions rather than on problems. For me, leading a group of 47 employees was very complicated in a lot of ways. Most of my teammates were double my age, so sometimes, it was tough to resolve the situation and instruct them. But gradually, people start accepting me and looked forward to my guidance.
Tell us about an ethical dilemma that you may have faced, and how you resolved it.
Right from childhood, we are being taught to respect our elders. But in a company with corporate culture- that rule is not followed completely. I was promoted as an Assistant Manager in 2020, and I was responsible for entire India cargo business. Having a huge portfolio to maintain gave me immense authority. Then, I was referring elder employees by their name and also dictating my terms if things weren't on the right track. I still regret what I was doing, but understand the importance and the requirement of that in corporate.
If you were the CEO of any company of your choosing, which company would you choose and what would your first action be as CEO?
As mentioned in the previous question, I want to work in the aviation sector; I prefer working in SpiceJet. I think the company has huge potential to be the number one airline- their network, fleet, partnership with other carriers, government support, and national presence are better than any other airline in India. But still, they struggle to make money, whereas other airlines like Indigo, GoAir, and Vistara do much better financially. In Q1 2021, SG reported a net loss of INR 731 CR even after their revenue doubled.So being the CEO of SpiceJet, I will take necessary measures to put the airline back on track.
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Check The List Of InsideIIM’s 50 Most Promising Incoming Students 2021 Here!
For the Class Of 2022, we are back with the 8th season of InsideIIM's Best 50 - India's Most Employable MBA Graduates - Class Of 2022! If you're graduating from a B-School in 2022, you're eligible to take part in this competition! Grab the chance to bring out your best side and impress your recruiters and peers. Take the opportunity to show the world why you are special, on your own terms.
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