"The key is to remain flexible and open to relocating for career growth. If your current location doesn’t offer the right opportunity, you shouldn’t hesitate to move elsewhere."
One of the main challenges I faced in the beginning was the lengthy commute that is common in big cities, which often consumed 2 to 4 hours of my day. This left me exhausted, with little time left for family or personal health. Another significant hurdle was maintaining a work-life balance. I had to miss several family functions and social gatherings, and the decision of what to attend and what not to was always tough. Though people eventually understood, it was something that weighed on me. Additionally, building a strong network took me some time to learn and adapt to, especially in a fast-paced, competitive environment.
Q. There is a stereotype which suggests that there are more opportunities in big cities for the ambitious. Is that true?
I believe opportunities exist everywhere, both in big cities and smaller towns. The key is to remain flexible and open to relocating for career growth. If your current location doesn’t offer the right opportunity, you shouldn’t hesitate to move elsewhere. For instance, if you’re based in Mumbai and get a promotion that requires relocating to Indore, it’s worth considering. You can gain valuable experience in a new place and later move again if further opportunities arise. The focus should always be on the growth opportunities, and if they happen to be at your current location, stay and make the most of them.
I believe opportunities exist everywhere, both in big cities and smaller towns. The key is to remain flexible and open to relocating for career growth. If your current location doesn’t offer the right opportunity, you shouldn’t hesitate to move elsewhere. For instance, if you’re based in Mumbai and get a promotion that requires relocating to Indore, it’s worth considering. You can gain valuable experience in a new place and later move again if further opportunities arise. The focus should always be on the growth opportunities, and if they happen to be at your current location, stay and make the most of them.
Throughout my career, there have been a few significant challenges that have shaped my journey. The first challenge was the difficulty of striking a healthy work-life balance, particularly in the initial years of my career. The long hours and demanding nature of the job often left me with little time to spend with my family. One of the most poignant struggles I faced during that time was being unable to play a pivotal role in my daughter’s development. As a parent, this was something that always weighed heavily on my mind. I missed many important milestones and experiences that I had hoped to share with her, which made me question my priorities at times.
On a broader scale, managing a balance between personal life and professional commitments was tough, especially when I had to forgo social and family events that I would have loved to attend. It’s never easy deciding which events to participate in and which to skip, but it became a necessary part of the lifestyle I was leading. Over time, I learned to cope with this challenge, but it didn’t come without its internal conflicts. The emotional toll of balancing a demanding career and personal obligations was significant in the early years, though I’ve come to appreciate the lessons and growth that emerged from these experiences.
Transforming an average team into high performers is a process that requires clarity, commitment, and leadership. First and foremost, understanding the business and the key deliverables of your team is crucial. This involves making sure everyone knows the purpose of their work and how it contributes to the larger organizational goals. Once you have that clarity, it’s important to break down each task into specific activities and ensure that there is no ambiguity about who is responsible for what.
Creating a structure that fosters accountability is key. Everyone on the team must understand their roles clearly, and there must be no room for confusion. Accountability goes hand in hand with empowerment, as each member needs to feel that their work is important and that they are in control of their area of responsibility. I believe in selecting my team carefully, considering the specific skills required for each role. People need to be in the right positions for them to thrive, and it’s essential that everyone has the tools and resources they need to succeed.
Regular feedback is also a vital part of team development. It’s important to acknowledge progress and provide constructive criticism where necessary, but this must be done on a one-on-one basis to maintain openness. As a leader, I always encourage people to share their challenges and achievements in team meetings, creating an environment where learning from each other is the norm. Encouraging regular communication and collaboration within the team helps to break down silos and strengthens trust.
One aspect that’s often overlooked is the importance of having a stand-in for every person on the team. If someone is absent, it’s crucial that another team member is prepared to take over their responsibilities. This ensures that the team continues to function smoothly without disruption. I also avoid micromanaging, as it undermines the autonomy of team members. Instead, I make it a point to trust my team to handle their tasks, while remaining available for support if needed.
Lastly, I’ve had to navigate some difficult situations, such as downsizing or reducing the size of the team. In these circumstances, it’s important to build trust by preparing both the team members who will leave and those who will stay. For those who remain, I make it clear that they are valued, and I ensure that they know they are integral to the team’s success moving forward.
Q. What characteristics should one have to ace in any industry in the corporate world?
In the corporate world, success often comes down to a few key traits. The first is the ability to choose a good boss. This might sound a little unconventional, but finding a leader who aligns with your values and goals is critical. By supporting your boss wholeheartedly and helping them achieve their goals, you are not only contributing to the team’s success but also positioning yourself for growth. A good leader will see your dedication and potential, and their success will naturally lead to yours. This principle applies across industries—understanding how to be a supportive and strategic member of a larger team can have a lasting impact on your career.
Another important characteristic is to be self-aware about your strengths. In the early stages of your career, it’s easy to get caught up in the idea of jumping into roles that sound prestigious or high-paying, but the truth is that choosing a job profile that plays to your strengths is the key to long-term success. When you’re in a role that suits your natural abilities and interests, you’ll be more motivated, engaged, and effective. It’s not just about what you can do, but about what you enjoy doing, which will make you better at it and more likely to excel.
Lastly, staying flexible and adaptable is crucial in a rapidly changing corporate world. New challenges, opportunities, and technologies are constantly emerging, and being able to adjust and learn quickly is an essential skill. Being open to change, learning from feedback, and continuously growing are characteristics that separate those who thrive from those who don’t.
I start by clearly defining the problem and then listing all available solutions. I create a comparison chart for each solution, considering various parameters, and assign a weight to each one. This helps me evaluate which option scores the highest. While doing so, I also give significant weight to emotional factors, as they play a vital role in decision-making.
Q. In future, do you see Ujjain being the Headquarter to various MNCs?
While not immediately, I believe that in the next 5 to 7 years, Ujjain could emerge as a favorable location for MNCs, considering the investments being made by the government and its proximity to Indore. It’s likely to become an attractive option for businesses looking to expand.
Q. What inspires you to work every day?
The opportunity to meet with my team and socialize a little at the office is a big draw for me. I also find motivation in the small yet valuable learning moments that come with everyday work. Staying productive and active through work is essential for keeping a healthy mind and body.
The opportunity to meet with my team and socialize a little at the office is a big draw for me. I also find motivation in the small yet valuable learning moments that come with everyday work. Staying productive and active through work is essential for keeping a healthy mind and body.
If I could share one piece of advice with readers, it would be to become financially literate and strive for financial independence as early as possible. In today’s fast-paced and uncertain world, financial independence provides security and freedom. It gives you the ability to make decisions based on what’s best for you, not just out of financial necessity. It’s important to understand money management, investments, and how to build wealth over time. Start early, educate yourself, and make informed decisions.
Another tip is to use your time wisely. Time is one of the most valuable resources we have, yet it’s often wasted in unproductive meetings or tasks that don’t align with your goals. If you’re attending meetings where you have little to contribute or they don’t serve a clear purpose, it’s better to reconsider your participation or even propose more efficient alternatives. Be mindful of how you spend your time—it’s one of the few things you can never get back.
Finally, I would recommend learning the art of storytelling, especially when presenting any topic. Storytelling is a powerful tool for engaging your audience, making complex ideas easier to understand, and creating emotional connections. Whether you’re pitching an idea, giving a presentation, or leading a team, the ability to weave a compelling story can make all the difference in how your message is received and remembered.
BIO :
Chandra Kodwani is currently serving as the Head of Governance in Software Support Services in the Mobile Network Division at Nokia. His professional journey includes a tenure as the Vice President of NLD/ILD Operations at Reliance Communications. Prior to that, he held the position of Deputy General Manager at Indian Telecom Services of India.
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