Could you walk us through your career journey, from your early beginnings to where you are today? What inspired you to pursue a career in your field, and what challenges did you encounter in securing your first job?
My journey in the oil and gas industry began at Cairn India Ltd. in Gurgaon, where I started as a Petroleum Engineer. It provided an exceptional platform for me to kickstart my career, exposing me to diverse aspects of the industry in a short span. Cairn empowered me with autonomy to execute projects, fostering a strong sense of ownership and job satisfaction. After over eight years, I embraced an international assignment in Oman as a Planning & Design Engineer. Intrigued by project management, I pursued an MBA specializing in Project Management from the USA. Upon returning to India, I transitioned industries and served as a Project Manager in GSK Pharma. Additionally, I had a notable stint collaborating with Mr. Sonam Wangchuk, the inspiration behind “Phunsuk Wangdu” from the movie 3 Idiots, on Sustainable Tourism in Ladakh, igniting my passion for environmental consciousness. Now, back in the oil and gas sector, I focus on product development aimed at enhancing operational efficiency, reducing time, and fostering better coordination among industry professionals, driven by the principles of Environment, Sustainability, and Governance (ESG).
Your experience spans across various industries, from Oil & Gas to Pharmaceuticals. How have you leveraged your expertise in different sectors to drive business development strategies at Manan Oilfield Services Pvt Ltd?
Each role and company I’ve been part of has contributed significantly to my professional growth and leadership development. At Cairn India Ltd., as a Petroleum Engineer, I delved into various facets of the industry, from engineering and operations to inventory management and tender evaluation. My stint in Oman broadened my perspective, teaching me the value of teamwork and collaboration across diverse cultures and viewpoints. Pursuing an MBA in the USA marked a pivotal moment, where I honed my skills as a team leader, leveraging diverse ideas to drive performance. This experience proved invaluable during my tenure as a Project Manager in the pharmaceutical sector. Recognizing the potential to contribute more structurally to the oil and gas industry, I joined Manan Oilfield to spearhead product development and service enhancement initiatives, driven by a solution-oriented mindset and enriched by my diverse experiences.
You collaborated with Mr. Sonam Wangchuk on a Social Entrepreneurship Experiment in Ladakh. Could you share some insights into this initiative and how it aligns with your vision for sustainable development?
Tourists often overlook the delicate ecological and cultural balance of the places they visit, whether it’s mountains, beaches, deserts, jungles, or villages. This imbalance was recognized by Mr. Sonam Wangchuk in the valley of Leh, Ladakh, where the influx of tourists during peak season creates traffic chaos, littering, and strains local resources. To address this, Mr. Sonam proposed the concept of homestays, where tourists stay with local Ladakhi families to experience authentic food, art, and culture while alleviating congestion in cities. This initiative not only enhances the tourist experience but also uplifts the socio-economic status of the region by providing additional income to households. It exemplifies sustainable, responsible, and experiential tourism, ensuring a harmonious coexistence between tourists and the environment.
As a Project Manager at GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals, you led complex projects in procurement and regulatory compliance. How do you approach project management in highly regulated industries, and what challenges did you encounter during your tenure?
Both the Oil & Gas and Pharma industries operate under stringent regulations due to their significant impact on natural resources and public health. My experience in audit proved invaluable during projects at GSK Pharma, as compliance with government regulations was paramount. Government projects often come with strict deadlines, leaving no room for delays. Therefore, thorough planning and stakeholder engagement are crucial to ensure timely completion. Additionally, effective team coordination and cooperation are essential to meet these deadlines. With the support of senior leadership, I successfully completed every project on or before the deadline, highlighting the importance of regulatory compliance and effective project management in these highly regulated industries.
Your book, “Not Every IITian is Successful, Not Every Successful Person is an IITian,” has garnered attention on Amazon. What inspired you to write this book, and what message do you hope readers take away from it?
Kota, once hailed as an educational mecca, now faces scrutiny due to a disturbing rise in student suicides, exposing the dark underbelly of its hyper-competitive atmosphere. Institutions like IIT and NEET, while prestigious, are often portrayed as miraculous pathways to success, instilling unrealistic hopes in students and parents alike. Media narratives glorify the lucrative salaries and triumphs of IIT alumni, ignoring the harsh realities of academic pressure and mental health struggles. As an IIT graduate with over 16 years of corporate experience, I’ve navigated the grueling journey of exam preparation and faced the weight of societal expectations. Yet, in hindsight, I realize that these accolades and degrees hold far less significance than they’re made out to be.
My book delves into the psychological toll of academic pursuits and the disillusionment of corporate life, offering a candid exploration of overlooked narratives. I aim to convey the message that while education plays a role, it doesn’t dictate one’s worth or determine their career trajectory. By challenging the notion of success defined by degrees and titles, I hope to inspire a shift in perspective and encourage individuals to embrace their unique paths to fulfillment.
As someone who has ventured into entrepreneurship with Wooden Toys Manufacturing, what lessons have you learned from this experience that you apply to your other professional pursuits?
Having your own business and being your own boss sounds great, but it’s not easy. Many people dream of it, but not everyone takes the leap because there are a lot of uncertainties in business. You have to deal with ups and downs, and there’s always a fear of losing everything and going bankrupt. Luckily, I had the support of my wife, who encouraged me to pursue my dream. I teamed up with a friend from school, and we started a toy business during the COVID-19 pandemic. With kids stuck at home and schools closed, we saw an opportunity to keep them entertained with toys. At first, we just sold toys from other companies, but then we decided to make our own wooden toys, which fit with the “Make in India” theme.
Unfortunately, after a few months, my partner had to leave the business for family reasons, leaving me to handle everything on my own. It was tough because I had to take care of everything – manufacturing, logistics, inventory management, marketing, and selling. I tried to find a new partner to share the workload, but I couldn’t find anyone suitable, so I had to sell the business.
The biggest lesson I learned from this experience is that you shouldn’t try to do everything yourself. It’s important to share responsibilities with others. Also, finding the right business partner is crucial, just like finding the right life partner. And finally, being an entrepreneur means managing risks and expectations. If you can do that, you can succeed in business.
Outside of your professional endeavors, what hobbies or activities do you enjoy that contribute to your personal development or well-being?
In today’s busy world, balancing work and family can be tough, leaving little time for personal well-being. But after gaining experience in different places and working with inspiring people like Sonam Wangchuk, my outlook on work has changed. Now, I don’t chase corporate titles or status. Instead, I focus on learning new things and growing intellectually. To explain, it’s like our cultural goddesses – Laxmi, Saraswati, and Durga. Laxmi represents money, Saraswati represents knowledge, and Durga represents emotions. Each is important at different times in life. While studying, knowledge is crucial, and in the early career, money matters. Emotional well-being is important throughout life’s ups and downs. For me, learning is a priority. I enjoy listening to biographies of famous people and their adventures. I also love traveling, exploring new places at home and abroad. And soon, I plan to share my experiences with others through my own YouTube channel.
Given your diverse experiences and successes, what advice or suggestion would you offer to the current generation, particularly those aspiring to carve their paths in dynamic industries like Oil & Gas, entrepreneurship, and social entrepreneurship?
We’re fortunate to live in an era where everything seems to be at our fingertips, thanks to technology. When I started my career, there weren’t as many professional options available. But now, the opportunities are endless, and if you’re passionate and dedicated, you can succeed in almost anything.
In just 20 years, the world has transitioned from offline to online, and knowledge has become incredibly valuable. Data is now considered the new oil, emphasizing the importance of staying informed and adapting to new technologies.
My advice to the current generation is not to simply follow in the footsteps of previous generations when it comes to career paths or titles. There’s so much more to life than just chasing money. Follow your passions and interests, and you might find success in unexpected places. For example, platforms like Instagram offer opportunities to monetize your interests and talents. So, don’t limit yourself to traditional career paths – explore, innovate, and carve out your own unique path to success.