I find these 3 words the best sum up of my MindTree India Immersion Experience. Being a management major, the first thing that attracted me to apply for this programme was the values that MindTree advocated. After reading "The Making of MindTree 1", it reassured me that i should give this a shot. True enough, this experience had exceed my expectations and surprises me in many ways. These 3 weeks has taught me more about organisation structure, management, motivations, values, mission and vision, social enterprises, energy issues, innovation, friendships, communication, India, asking the right question and attitude, as compared to many modules that i have done in school.
I am inspired by the people that i met; their attitude, thinking, character, that kind of organisation, country and world that they aspired to build, their visions and aspirations. The list includes Subroto Baghi, Sanjay Shelvankar, Venky B, Head of Selco Research Lab and even some of the SMU friends whom i have met during the trip.
Subroto Baghi, COO of MindTree, The LegendWe spent about 4hours with him in total when we were in Bangalore and a full day in Chennai for our presentation. I am amazed by how he "predicted the future" by building MindTree based on the "soft" aspect of the company when most of the start ups companies 10 years ago where focusing more on process, product and managing their people. He and his 9 other co-founders chose to build MindTree base on CLASS value (Caring, Learning, Achieving, Sharing, Social Sensitivity).
During the course of our visit, I was shocked that everyone is talking about the same stuff (values, culture and vision) when we interacted with the MindTree Minds (aka their staffs). To be honest, at one point it was quite scary when the thought that everyone are being brainwashed crossed my mind. However, after talking to Subroto Baghi, i am convinced that it is indeed possible! For his strong belief in what needs to be done and his foresight, not forgetting his charisma that will charm anyone off their feet and his knowledge that will awe you.
He sees Asia and the world as one collaborative effort and how MindTree and himself can do to promote such interaction. This immersion programme is just one of the many steps to foster such understanding and collaboration. He sees the world as one and not a zero sum game. This is good stuff!
Sanjay Shelvanker, Head of Talent Recruitment, the cool-dad-husband-boss-friendI have the priviledge to spend 2 days of travelling time with him in our vehicle and several sense-making sessions with him. My group is also honoured to meet his wife and daughters and had dinner at his dining table. This man sees so much hope and future in us that it overwhelmed me. (sometimes even i myself question about what i might become) But for him, he has so much faith and you can see/feel/hear through his eyes and voice. This leader leads by his heart and soul. When i look at him, I felt that i have so much so much more to learn.
Not forgetting that he actually remembered i love Ambassador (this really old car by Hindustan company) and he managed to get one to come to our guesthouse (which is way in the outskirt of Chennai) and took us for a ride. Sanjay, if you're reading this, i am really thankful, you've made my final night in Chennai super special and i will always remember that! Thank you for having so much faith in us, stay in touch!
Venky B, One of MindTree's Project Leader, the funny, caring, giving oneA day and a half with him is definitely not enough. He has such a bubbly personality that always bring laughter and joy to people around him. I admire his way of bringing the team together and that kind of connection that he created among his team. He has demostrated the CLASS values to the fullest! How he care for his employees, his open and learning attitude that always willing to take feedback, believing in his people, understanding and satisfying customers requirements.
Venky B, thats for sharing your "tips" and being such a good guide!
Head of Selco Research Lab, the-one-i-want-to-give-my-namecard-toThe way that he speaks, it is filled with passion; you can see his face lighted up and eyes glowing! Although i dont know what he is talking about sometimes, but i am pretty certain that he knows what he is doing. I am exploring the possibilities to go back and work with him for a few months next year if the time permits.
Chen LuYou taught me how to talk SLOWLY and THINK THOROUGHLY! When you speak, i listen (seriously). I think you have what it takes to be the greatest professor or whichever profession you choose to be. How i wish i could have just half of your thought process!
Eugene You are such a motivation for me to start taking risk and do something of my own! You desire and boldness inspired me. Remember to remind me to start my own social entreprise in 5 years time when i should be really caught up with the rat race! ; )
Despite of the screwed up with airfare that i ended up paying 120 bucks more that what i need to pay, the ubber expensive visa, this trip is all worth it! For the lessons that i have learnt and the people that i have met and the experiences that i had.
