Babu Jain's Story
The Journey So Far:
No matter which company I worked for, I always thought best for the company. I was clear that my growth will only come from company's growth. Most of the time I was right and there were couple of instances where it did not work but this motivated me to become an entrepreneur, which was my dream.
Job Profile:
I founded the company and developed initial technologies and concepts. Now I manage the company with primary focus on business development and R&D. I have experts running operations of the company. I intensively work with investor community as technology startups always need funds for rapid growth.
The Decisions That Matter
Most important career decision was to join Siemens Semiconductor in Singapore as a senior design engineer. I had alternative option to join a US MNC as a design manager. My choice was driven by the innovation culture, committment to R&D and strong people development focus as against salary or title.
Career Profile:
Previously I was an executive in a large company. As a VP engineering, one will concentrate on the developing products and technologies. You do get involved in business but you do not make decisions. Today I make business decisions. Building company has its own challenges compared to a job.
Degrees That Matter:
BITS Pilani experience is not only Engineering degree related but for a villager to learn from so many friends from diffrent parts of the country. Then I did MBA in Singapore with a class of international colleagues. The internal management trainings within Siemens/Infineon was most helpful.
Working Life Management:
At this time I am all work and no life. In a start up, it is difficult but kids being in college and wife having her own business, I was able to dedicate more time to work. We now have a professional management team and thus hoping to get some life back though it is still expected to be imbalanced.
Done Differently:
If I were to restart my career again, I would have founded a power system products company in India for global market soon after my college. India has capability to be a major power system products Supplier if local market rejects low cost, low quality products.
Plans For The Future:
I would like to share my experiences with young entrepreneurs. I am thinking of best ways to achieve that but at this time there are no fixed ideas. I am deeply involved in building the current company which is my mission for some years.
Prized Accomplishment(s):
I am proud of many achievement in life which of course would not have been possible without sacrifices made by familiy, friends and teachers. For a person born in a small village, its an accomplishment to live in 4 continents, manage global teams and run a global technology company.
Growth Strategy:
I learn from a very young and dynamic team who I cherrypicked from all over the world. I attend conferences and seminars which I find are the best places to learn and build relaionship with subject matter experts who will advise you on specific situaions. Reading and watching movies are my favorites
Other Thoughts:
I want to send a message to bright stdudent in low income families in rural area. " Do not set any limits to yourself. You can reach any hights if you are determined and get moral support from family and friends".
Required Reading:
I prefer to go for seminars and workshops. I have adopted "seven habits of highly effective people" in my life. I loved debono's " six thinking hats". I read wall street journal, solar energy magazines and several news letter which provide you latest and greatest information on the market.
Role Model:
I watched the movie "Guru" which I could link to Dhirubhai Ambani's business acumen. I admir him how he built Reliance thru his clear vision and execution skills.In my later years I would like to role model Bill Gates. His philantrhophic work and simplicity despite having so much wealth is exemplary
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