Over a career span of 12 years, I’ve had the opportunity to work with industry stalwarts who have re-defined the professional mandate and grown exponentially.
I started my career with none other than the charismatic Prof. Uday Salunke who took Welingkar Institute from the 10 rooms in Ruia College to the magnificent campus that we see in Matunga today. With him I learnt to dream and strive hard to achieve the dreams. A step in the right direction got me associated with renowned architect Ratan J Batliboi at his design firm Eureka Moments that motivated me to learn new skills and commit to create great moments within the mundane. I learnt compassion and human services when I joined forces with the super-woman Sangeeta Jindal to execute a few of JSW Foundation’s sanitation projects in Tarapur; while working with the JSW Steel Corporate Communications department. Each of these managers and the numerous others I worked with, are exceptional leaders and forward-thinkers who help you achieve your chosen path of professional success.
However the person I want to talk to you about today may seem a little lost among the burden of these big names, he may seem unfamiliar amongst them. But he is my #madeofgreat. Emerald Sequiera, Head Corporate Communication at a pharmaceutical company; my immediate supervisor during my stint with the company. The one person solely responsible for so much I am today; in a competitive environment filled with mediocrity he shone through like a star.
As a leader he knew exactly how to mould young talent; I saw team-mates excel in their responsibilities, being awarded at annual functions and moving to explore better pastures. Over the three years I worked learnt from him, I didn’t realise how I moved from being average to a star performer. When I look back today I know Emerald was the person responsible who took me from A to Z, simply by giving me a lot of responsibility always backed by decision-making authority and burdened by accountability. His willingness to risk important tasks by delegating to a junior like myself gave me the much needed push to excel. The most important part of his teaching came from every instance he stood up for me, when I failed or faltered. Never the one to let any of us team members take the fall, he had our backs covered all the time; not to defend us but help us learn from our follies. Not only did he stress on the importance of professionalism but he also was a great advocate of the work-life balance. As I moved out of the company in 2009, I did ask him about how he manages to do such amazing things with newbies to which he simply said that he was paying it forward; leaving a legacy of us to take forward. An unassuming-brilliant #madeofgreat man inspired me to find my calling and strive to be #madeofgreat.
Early this year I coined a little (mini) sonnet about what I felt for him...
Anything I write, anything I say can never be enough for the impact he has had in my life. He is indeed #madeofgreat whose brightness is reflected in anyone he interacts with.
I’ve found my #madeofgreat and so has Tata Motors in their new Global Brand Ambassador Lionel Messi; an icon for the youth today; a trustworthy, reliable, simple and self-driven athlete. I've told you my thoughts about my #madeofgreat not you tell me what you think of Tata Motor’s association with Lionel Messi?
Until next time,
~ Heena
I started my career with none other than the charismatic Prof. Uday Salunke who took Welingkar Institute from the 10 rooms in Ruia College to the magnificent campus that we see in Matunga today. With him I learnt to dream and strive hard to achieve the dreams. A step in the right direction got me associated with renowned architect Ratan J Batliboi at his design firm Eureka Moments that motivated me to learn new skills and commit to create great moments within the mundane. I learnt compassion and human services when I joined forces with the super-woman Sangeeta Jindal to execute a few of JSW Foundation’s sanitation projects in Tarapur; while working with the JSW Steel Corporate Communications department. Each of these managers and the numerous others I worked with, are exceptional leaders and forward-thinkers who help you achieve your chosen path of professional success.
However the person I want to talk to you about today may seem a little lost among the burden of these big names, he may seem unfamiliar amongst them. But he is my #madeofgreat. Emerald Sequiera, Head Corporate Communication at a pharmaceutical company; my immediate supervisor during my stint with the company. The one person solely responsible for so much I am today; in a competitive environment filled with mediocrity he shone through like a star.
Yes, I'm going to publish your picture and embarrass you.
As a leader he knew exactly how to mould young talent; I saw team-mates excel in their responsibilities, being awarded at annual functions and moving to explore better pastures. Over the three years I worked learnt from him, I didn’t realise how I moved from being average to a star performer. When I look back today I know Emerald was the person responsible who took me from A to Z, simply by giving me a lot of responsibility always backed by decision-making authority and burdened by accountability. His willingness to risk important tasks by delegating to a junior like myself gave me the much needed push to excel. The most important part of his teaching came from every instance he stood up for me, when I failed or faltered. Never the one to let any of us team members take the fall, he had our backs covered all the time; not to defend us but help us learn from our follies. Not only did he stress on the importance of professionalism but he also was a great advocate of the work-life balance. As I moved out of the company in 2009, I did ask him about how he manages to do such amazing things with newbies to which he simply said that he was paying it forward; leaving a legacy of us to take forward. An unassuming-brilliant #madeofgreat man inspired me to find my calling and strive to be #madeofgreat.
Early this year I coined a little (mini) sonnet about what I felt for him...
Teachers I met and passed through,
But the only learnings have been with you.
Never a day dull at the desk as I knew,
It has left a mark, slowly as the days flew.
From a caterpillar to a butterfly I grew,
Shielding me from all the interest anew.
In fiery spirits, annual rebirths & moving on,
Working with you was the best bonus I’ve drawn.
Anything I write, anything I say can never be enough for the impact he has had in my life. He is indeed #madeofgreat whose brightness is reflected in anyone he interacts with.
I’ve found my #madeofgreat and so has Tata Motors in their new Global Brand Ambassador Lionel Messi; an icon for the youth today; a trustworthy, reliable, simple and self-driven athlete. I've told you my thoughts about my #madeofgreat not you tell me what you think of Tata Motor’s association with Lionel Messi?
Until next time,
~ Heena
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