Ajay Phatak's Story
The Journey So Far:
I started at a sales engineer with Alfa Laval, then moved into engineering and then into highly technical software development for simulation - then to technology management and then started as an entrepreneur before taking on an exec role after my company Jopasana was acquired in 2007.
Job Profile:
I currently wear two hats. As a Vice President I focus on the Embedded Systems business within the Embedded and Telecom business unit. I am also responsible for keeping the Pune Center for Symphony Teleca Corporation "healthy" as a Pune Center Head. I support business acquisition thruto execution
Career Profile:
Considering, I am now part of a much bigger transnational organization, the whole paradigm of operation is different. The role demands intense internal and external communication and working your way through the internal systems. In the past as an entreprenuer, you would be make ALL the decisions.
Degrees That Matter:
A fundalental degree in technology followed by a masters in computer science has worked well for my career. However, I do not believe that a particular background is must for a particular career. Adaptability, interest in learning and some strong fundamentals will help young gen build careers.
Working Life Management:
I sincerely attempt to keep sustantially away from the gadgetary. I use a bicycle most of the time including riding that to the offcie to achieve multiple objectves in available time. Delegation works well as well and setting the right expectations at home and work is the real key to achieve balanc
Done Differently:
As an entrepreneur, I would have been slightly more educated in various aspects of business. I would probably be much more clear about relationship of business with natural environment and hence try and be in business which would have minimum negative impact on the environment and ecosystems.
Plans For The Future:
I hope to spend more time in the area of "integrated sustainable economics' the way I perceive it. I will also spend more time teaching and work on changing towards sustainble economic model. I hope to continue on the learni path anyhow.
Prized Accomplishment(s):
Being myself in most situations and still been accepted by various individuals and groups as a positive contributor in their respective areas of work and focus is what I would be proud of.
Changes In The Professional Environment:
Things have certainly changed over time. The pace of business has increased, technology is moving much faster, time has become very scarce. The professional environmenet is "flattening". it is beocming similar world over. Having said that, regional differences due to culture differences are imp.
Growth Strategy:
I believe growth is about growing as a person. developing ability to understand ever broader issues through broadening your perspective of looking at situations and challenges. Improving ability to listen better has been a key to developing as a leader. I read a wide variety of books to this end.
Other Thoughts:
The Journey was exciting and taught me many things that are important as also things that I could have avoided. The mistakes help in learning however. My stint at doing a software product company and then a product engineering services company made me a person with broader perspective.
Required Reading:
This is a rather hard question. Simple reason is I keep my self current via my interaction with peers than any other means. I read Fritjof Capra, Herman Daly, I.J. Simmons, Joseph Stigltz, Richard Dawkins, Bill Bryson, Matt Ridley as some of the Authors otherwise.
Role Model:
There are few role models including Mahatma Gandhi and Swami Vivekanand who have provided me inspiration. One of the crucial state that I would like to reach is satte of being "egoless". While it is hard to achieve, I believe that is a state where you create enormous ability to keep moving!
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