We always see you working very hard, 24x7. How does it feel to work 24x7?
Wow!!. You do.
I will take that as both a compliment and exaggeration. I am a human, I can't work 24x7. However as I work with both the US and Indian teams, you probably feel I work around the clock. I must accept it is exciting, but sometimes tiring
Usually encountered challenges in Project Management.
Many!!!
Deliveries, Aggressive deadlines, Scope Creep, Lack of manpower could be a few. Initially when we started, STAM was more people dependent. We realized that organizations flourish only when they are system dependent. We worked relentelessly to make STAM one.
How do you manage time for yourself and at the same time work with great stability?
Sleep at 3am and wake up at 8am (Laughs).
Assume complete ownership of tasks
Make the right delegations
And Obviously Party hard and go on long drives when I find time
Would you like to tell us about a few situations in which your work was criticized?
Why Few?. There a lot of such situations.
Being responsible for 50 odd resources and close to 7-8 projects, subjects you to continuous criticism. But the very catch is you need to have the wisdom to absorb what is needed and discard what is not needed. I think I have learnt to do that
What motivates you to do your best on job?
Rich experience, inclination towards my job, learning from past experiences and and being a part of ever growing company.
Tell us something about working under pressure.
I would say it is a blessing in disguise. Have you heard of “Adversity is the touch stone of character”. When you are under pressure, the best in you comes out. Remeber !! Life is not a bed of roses.
What steps would you like to give your colleagues to improve their creativity
Organization grows along with the people. Technology, Infrastructure, Facilities are all supporting aids. It is the people who make / break any organization. We need to nuture a culture of knowledge sharing, team work, commitment and most importantly task discipline even in absence of supervisor.
What are the different steps you would like to take up to uphold the organization and motivate the team to work creatively and more efficiently?
Organization is investing in employees for its own growth and this will happen till we grow to an extent. We need to keep ourselves abreast of the latest happenings and see to it that we pass on the best practices to all our peers.
What do you think about the company’s operating policies? Should they be stable or flexible?
Both, rigid and flexible. Flexible for employees and rigid for core ethics of company. There is no standard rule for operating policies. You always fine tune your approach to attack challenges that come your way.
Would you like to share your hobbies and interests?
Cricket, Snooker, long drives (or rash drives).If not Project Manager in STAM, what would you like to be?Huh.. Never actually thought about it!!. I have been here for 8 years. I initially started my career in Sales and Marketing. Today I am where I always wanted to be , Project Management. If not here, I would be Project Manager elsewhere in the e-learning industry.
Your motto in life.
“Live life King size”.
Tell us about your journey from 7 member organization to 50 member one.
I was working with Lanco Global Systems and STAM Multimedia was our client. I was only a Support group there. Jayant had approached me with an idea to start a full fledged multimedia company. Even I wanted to take a break. We had a modest beginning, worked on 50 odd projects. It also worked out well because of good personal relations. Over all it was eventful and memorable one.
What is your view of job satisfaction? Are u satisfied with the way its going on now?
It’s the bridge between you and the organization, personal and organization aspiration, There is nothing called job satisfaction. It is purely subjective and perceptional. In my case, I would say “ YES”. Four and half years is quite an amount of time.
What is the most difficult situation you have ever come across
Each day you face. All through out. These are pains of growing organization.Do you like to compete? If yes, what way? Compete with others or yourself.There is no existence without competition. It is among equals. It brings out the best of you. For me, scenario of equals has not come here. I compete with my past experiences and learn.
In your work experience, what have you done that you consider truly creative?
Building STAM Multimedia.
Difference between success and strength. How would u relate them both?
Success and strength go hand in hand. Inner strength is responsible for your success.
How would you take up a most important suggestion or idea given by any junior employee? Have you ever received any?
Yes, numerous. Always from everywhere. Everybody is learning everyday. One person can’t absorb everything. Suggestions duly considered, all suggestions from TLs , ELs , from everyone.
After a big tiring day, how would you handle stress and get refreshed.
Very passionate about driving, long drives 5 days a week.
Do you believe in hard work or luck?
75% Smart work and 25% luck.Which of the two played an important role in your career?Both played. They are like your two hands. I would say smart work is your right hand.
Any suggestions to the new joinees?
Own up the job you do and be proud that you are a part of a growing industry and growing company. While most of your friends in other industries have already seen what success is, you are yet to unwind the suspense of success. This should push you to be smarter and harder and most importantly, never wake up dumber than the day before.
What is your mother tongue?
I am a true example of National integration. My mother is a Bengali and father is a Tamilian and I can’t speak any of these (Laughs aloud)
What language do you speak at home?
Hindi ( Again Laughs)
Interviewed by Sravanthi and Amrutha
Sravanthi is an Instructional Designer at STAM. She is an ECE Engineer from Srinidhi College of Engineering and Technology . STAM is her first job and she is on the editorial board of STAMania
Amrutha works with the storyboarding team. She is an ECE Engineer from Aurora’s Scientific and Technological Research Academy College. She is a member of the editorial board of STAMania.
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http://www.stamhost.com/STAMMANIA/JUNE/takehome.html
