The Journey ....
CL , Career launcher, CL Educate ltd or something else you
can call it whatever suits you. For me all these words represent 52 months of
my life. I spent almost half decade which is 1/6’th of my entire life in this
work place. That is why I feel bound to capture my journey which started as a
rookie trainer in 2008 to Training head- PAN India for PVET till today.
Today when I look back I feel more than blessed to be a part
of this phenomenon called CL. Honestly when I got a call from Payal (My first
boss in CL) in July’08 for an interview I had no idea what this is all about. I
was only passionate about trainings hence I thought I can do it. In no time I
was on board, not only on board of CL but also boarded Indigo flight on very
2’nd day of my joining to Mumbai. Taking 1’st batch for HUL.
I am proud of the fact that I never let my mentor down hence
somehow managed the 1’st batch and gradually got hold of the system. One thing
which was inculcated in me from the very first day was CL’s core values; I
think we both suit each other.
Time and my boss both moved on in 2010, suddenly I became
the face of training delivery for PVET. I didn’t know what and how to do but CL
showed and kept the faith me. This is my first learning & takeaway.
Few things that will always remain in me because CL
transformed me forever:
1)
Faith
You don’t know what ppl are capable of; you even don’t know
what you are capable of. This I learnt when suddenly I became training head for
PVET. Company had lot of reasons to fill the enormous shoes of Payal by getting
someone from outside but they didn’t do it. Believe in them, let them make
mistakes show your support and guide them if they are ready for it (BTW I was
always ready to learn). Handful of us created a giant project like ICICI bank
which gave whole new identity to PVET. It happened all because someone had
faith in me and few others. I have read somewhere “with faith you can move
mountains” fortunately I saw it happening with me.
So definitely faith in self and others I am taking away as
my learning.
2)
Entrepreneurs
When I was new in the system, I always looked for my boss’s
support for decisions and risks. To my surprise my mentors were never there
when I needed them. I left with no choice had to take my own decisions and be
responsible for them as I only took them. Later I realized nobody is an
employee here, ppl think like an entrepreneur. They give you complete freedom
to create what you want to create. Mentors were always present when they were
really required. Believe me my mentors stood by me in most desperate of times
and shielded me from many disasters. I also made my share of mistakes.
I am taking that entrepreneurship sprit with me.
3)
Passion
No micro management, no strict time keeping, no unrealistic
targets .Then what was it that was moving us forward. It was passion. Yes
passion for creating something new, something vibrant, something which till
that moment only existed in our minds. Passionate team was working under
passionate leadership. That was an amazing time. I have seen many mountains and
valleys during my tenure. Business was never constant but passion was always.
Not money not designation but Passion.
I was always passionate about trainings and making a
difference in people’s life. What I am taking away is passion for creation.
4)
Resilience
Management has always been generous to give us enough time
and space to bounce back or get back on our feet’s when we were down. Never cut
corners in haste. Believed in the entrepreneurs I guess long enough to turn the
tides and get things moving again. In last 4 years I have seen at least 3-4
times when their resilience was tested to the limit. Each time PVET came out
better than before. It’s like a rebirth which happened many times in this short
span. What is important for me is I learnt my lesson of resilience and will
always keep it with me.
I got an opportunity to work and learn from some immensely
talented and passionate thought leaders in CL like Sanjay shivnani, Arindam
lahiri, Arif shamshad , Amit Deskmukh, Nakul verma and many more.
Never interacted with satya but his mails and blogs are
enough to inspire someone and take charge of his life. I will surely miss his
mails and thoughts.
During this journey I made many friends from all corners of
the country which I will always cherish.
Then WHY move on:
If everything has been so good then why moving on from here
is a valid question.
Life is like water. What happens to water when it stands
still at one place? Water has to flow forward to be fresh and fulfill its
destiny. Similarly I believe I have my destiny to fulfill and challenge myself
continuously –Otherwise how will I know what all things I can accomplish and
capable of. Today when I look back I feel satisfied where PVET has reached in
terms of Training delivery capability and reach. I have only played my part with honesty and
dedication. I was lucky to come across brilliant ppl; be it full timers or
freelancers.
For me this is an emotional time where I am feeling jitters
in my stomach as on 1’Jan ’13 I will no longer be in CL. But CL will continue to be in me.
Finally I extend my heartiest gratitude to all colleagues,
seniors and every CL-ite for making this journey memorable and remarkable.
You can always reach
me at: Mail: aseem.gupta123@gmail.com (I am also on linkedin with same Id)
Mobile: 9810642773
I would appreciate if any one wants to share ,comment on my
blog. Pl feel free.
