Ramesh Raghavan's Story
Job Profile:
I am currently part of the Pre-Sales team for global IT Infrastructure Outsourcing. I handle the entire Solution Architecture for large bids which are USD > 100 Million. I also engage with partners, eco-system providers and Innovation forums; which helps me play my role better.
The Decisions That Matter
Key Career decisions have been clearly taking up varied facets of Business within Wipro. Also in the past lives; have constantly challenged myself with logical extension of the role that I was playing. That has made me a well-rounded professional.
Career Profile:
My responsibilities involve working on large proactive and reactive Bid process. This role is quite different from my previous role where I was operating at bottom line & here I am influencing the top line. In both roles it all converges into one area which is non-linearity "doing more with less"
Degrees That Matter:
Yes; I definitely want to get Harvard based certification program. Was selected for it but could not continue due to my official commitment. Secondly would like to get another Masters from top B-School
Working Life Management:
I strongly believe that there is nothing called "Work Life Balance". In my view if you let work seamless into your life and vice versa; you find it offset happening automatically. I work crazy hours and mostly travelling. That said when I am back home I spend good and satisfying time with family.
Done Differently:
I would have invested early on building strong network of people there by possibly invested in the right domain skill.
Prized Accomplishment(s):
I am proud of some of the accomplishments. But it’s important to mention the support of my Parents, Wife & extended family that made it possible. I achieved my Master’s Program in Industrial Operations, my efforts & affinity towards social cause, my beautiful house & my new role at Wipro Field Sales
Changes In The Professional Environment:
Its changed quite radically changed from the time I joined industry. In those days (being my satirical self) we were 200% committed to the job. We would at times work 70 hours at a stretch & felt good about it. Today it’s all about “instant gratification”. GenY are bolder & seek more challenges.
Growth Strategy:
Keeping myself abreast on Technology, trends and Macro/Micro economics. I make it a point to meet someone with a completely new profession during my long haul flights or during a social gathering. This gives me a 360 degree view and a sense of where different industries are headed.
Required Reading:
Some of the interesting books that I have read are Enchantment & Reality Check by Guy Kawasaki; Great by Choice by Collin and Hansen; A calmer you by Sonal Kalra; Who will cry when you die by Robin Sharma. Some of the usual suspects publications are Gartner and Forrester. Guy kinda stuff is GQ mag
Advice For New Professionals:
Whilst the word Advice doesn’t Gel-Well with professionals entering the workforce today; my two cents is pick your areas of strength early on and play the cards accordingly. Secondly "Stay hungry stay foolish" that’s the only way you can graduate from Professionals to Entrepreneurs.
Role Model:
Venture capitalist and former Apple evangelist Guy Kawasaki for his success and awesome books. My Father for being a self-made man and his go-getter attitude and Deepak Chopra an Indian-born, American physician, public speaker, and writer who is an spiritual role model for me.
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