I had a good 50 minutes of interaction with Mr. Rajiv on 13th of January.
Our interaction started with him enquiring about my professional background. On being asked about the critical decisions taken by him, Mr. Rajiv replied that in an era of technological disruptions, the most important decisions he has to take on a day to day basis is how to outperform competition and lead the market. Apart from that, he decides on matters like the positioning of the company, the methods to differentiate themselves from the competitors, proper leverage of technology, forging right partnerships, selecting right PR agencies. They also make strategies about hiring, developing and retaining the best talents and how to keep them motivated.
Mr. Rajiv’s journey throughout has been a really challenging one. One of the biggest challenges he faced was the changing needs and demands of people and adapting accordingly. People today want everything at lightning fast speed and the only way to do that was to go online. He faced challenges while convincing his colleagues for the idea of going online, but his constant persuasion and lucid articulation of his vision made the implementation a success and Karvy now creates and processes Demat accounts at a much cheaper cost, using much lesser workforce and at a very high speed.
Moving over to the people strategy, Karvy makes use of internal competitions to keep people motivated and to generate new ideas. They believe in tailoring their motivation strategies owing to the diverse nature of its workforce.
Mr. Rajiv also mentioned interviews as a very brutal means to judge a candidate’s skills and knowledge. So, he measures the capability of a person to learn and openness to change as a metric to differentiate individuals. Change has always been constant, different is the pace at which changes are taking today.
The discussion further moved towards his personal life where he mentioned about one incident that shaped his future. Switching over to Commerce from Science for Graduation, was a tough decision for Mr. Rajiv. One fine day one of his Professors, Mr. Basu asked him a question which he couldn’t answer and so throwing the duster at him, Mr. Basu said “Arey tu kab seekhega re, boka bihari”. This incident ignited the spark of motivation in him and he not only cleared that subject with distinction making his teacher proud, but also excelled in all other academic activities.
His career hasn’t been a smooth sail and experience for him. Mr. Rajiv has his own sets of lows that were during the financial crisis of 2008, where there were job cuts, and budget cuts etc. However, this did not deter him from being optimistic about the future. His capability of foreseeing the future and strong belief in it, is what kept him going. Likewise this predicament lasted only until 2012 and thereafter there was no looking back for him.
What is life without risks? – One of the greatest risks Mr. Rajiv took up was switching from being a UPSC aspirant to Finance, when 50% reservations were included in the UPSC examination. Professionally the greatest risk for Mr. Rajiv was switching from the comfort zone of support activities to highly agile marketing division where every day new targets need to be met. Another risk he mentioned was setting up the Advisory desk which was a huge investment and could have led to huge sunk costs. But with great risks come great returns, and this immensely increased the productivity of Karvy.
Mr. Rajiv is a passionate reader and he measures his days with his newly acquired learnings. He believes that reading gives a person new insight and keeps him updated. His latest readings include ‘Principles’ by Ray Dalio, and ‘Thank You for being late’ by Thomas L. Friedman.
Mr. Rajiv also quoted that one of the key qualities of a leader is the ability to take up the ownership of his work. People who are ready to take ownership of their work will make decisions more responsibly, carefully and thoughtfully.
The conversation ended with Mr. Rajiv giving his words of wisdom to the budding managers- “Always have an eye for details at the micro level and be as humble as possible.”
This discussion with Mr. Rajiv was indeed very enlightening for me. The fact that he made an effort to elucidate his thoughts with real life examples, in order to simplify my understanding, regardless of his high stature was pleasantly surprising. The key takeaways from this interaction were:
- It is important to catch the cues from internal and external environment to increase your preparedness to change and constantly evolve.
- Use your resources judiciously for you never know how things will take a turn.
- The key to gaining acceptance to novel ideas is to be able to clearly articulate the pros and cons of implementing the idea.
Comments
Sovit Satapathy
Great job
14 Jan 2019, 08.03 PM
+Read Replies (1)
Firdaus Khanam
Firdaus Khanam currently pursuing MBA-HR from XAHR-XUB, batch of 2018-2020.
Thank You Sovit for the appreciation!
18 Jan 2019, 02.17 AM |
Abhishek Upadhyay
Currently pursuing MBA-HR from XAHR-XUB, batch of 2018-2020. Prior to MBA, worked as Sr. System Engineer in Infosys Ltd. (SAP Unit) for 43 Months.
Very well conversed and written. Great job.
14 Jan 2019, 08.49 PM
+Read Replies (1)
Firdaus Khanam
Firdaus Khanam currently pursuing MBA-HR from XAHR-XUB, batch of 2018-2020.
Thank You Abhishek for the appreciation!
18 Jan 2019, 02.17 AM |
Deeksha Poddar
Student at Xavier University pursuing MBA(HRM)
Nicely written.
15 Jan 2019, 11.24 AM
+Read Replies (1)
Firdaus Khanam
Firdaus Khanam currently pursuing MBA-HR from XAHR-XUB, batch of 2018-2020.
Thank You Deeksha for the appreciation!
18 Jan 2019, 02.18 AM |
Jaskirat Kaur
Very well written! ❤️ Keep it coming.
15 Jan 2019, 11.25 AM
+Read Replies (1)
Firdaus Khanam
Firdaus Khanam currently pursuing MBA-HR from XAHR-XUB, batch of 2018-2020.
Thank You Jaskirat for the appreciation!
18 Jan 2019, 02.18 AM |
Khushbu Mohata .
Great insights!! Indeed a good read.!
15 Jan 2019, 11.32 AM
+Read Replies (1)
Firdaus Khanam
Firdaus Khanam currently pursuing MBA-HR from XAHR-XUB, batch of 2018-2020.
Thank You Khushbu for the appreciation!
18 Jan 2019, 02.18 AM |
Vivek Singh
Na
Very well written
15 Jan 2019, 11.54 AM
+Read Replies (1)
Firdaus Khanam
Firdaus Khanam currently pursuing MBA-HR from XAHR-XUB, batch of 2018-2020.
Thank You Vivek for the appreciation!
18 Jan 2019, 02.19 AM |
Darshana Sikidar
Well written.
15 Jan 2019, 11.56 AM
+Read Replies (1)
Firdaus Khanam
Firdaus Khanam currently pursuing MBA-HR from XAHR-XUB, batch of 2018-2020.
Thank You Darshana for the appreciation!
18 Jan 2019, 02.19 AM |
Vinnata Rout
MBA-HRM, Batch of 2017-19 from XaHR XUB (Previously HR-XIMB). BTech- Textile Technology, Batch of 2011-15 from CET-Bhubaneswar. Former Application Development Analyst (2015-17) at Accenture Solutions Pvt. LTD. Bangalore. Former Human Capital Intern at Arcesium India Pvt. LTD. Hyderabad. (2018)
Dwelled deep and nicely articulated. All the best!
15 Jan 2019, 12.08 PM
+Read Replies (1)
Firdaus Khanam
Firdaus Khanam currently pursuing MBA-HR from XAHR-XUB, batch of 2018-2020.
Thank You Vinnata!!!
18 Jan 2019, 02.19 AM |
Harini Chivukula
Nice work!
15 Jan 2019, 12.19 PM
+Read Replies (1)
Firdaus Khanam
Firdaus Khanam currently pursuing MBA-HR from XAHR-XUB, batch of 2018-2020.
Thank You Harini for the appreciation!
18 Jan 2019, 02.20 AM |
Anil Mohanty
IIM ASPIRANT
Well complied
15 Jan 2019, 12.44 PM
+Read Replies (1)
Firdaus Khanam
Firdaus Khanam currently pursuing MBA-HR from XAHR-XUB, batch of 2018-2020.
Thank You Anil for the appreciation!
18 Jan 2019, 02.20 AM |
Mansi Chopra
Very well articulated!
15 Jan 2019, 01.03 PM
+Read Replies (1)
Firdaus Khanam
Firdaus Khanam currently pursuing MBA-HR from XAHR-XUB, batch of 2018-2020.
Thank You Mansi for the appreciation!
18 Jan 2019, 02.20 AM |
Aakanksha Panda
Nicely articulated thoughts. All the best
15 Jan 2019, 01.49 PM
+Read Replies (1)
Firdaus Khanam
Firdaus Khanam currently pursuing MBA-HR from XAHR-XUB, batch of 2018-2020.
Thank You Akansha
18 Jan 2019, 02.21 AM |
Yogesh Patel
Good work...You bring out the best in other people
15 Jan 2019, 01.56 PM
+Read Replies (1)
Firdaus Khanam
Firdaus Khanam currently pursuing MBA-HR from XAHR-XUB, batch of 2018-2020.
Thank You Yogesh
18 Jan 2019, 02.21 AM |
Bhawana Tibrewal
Very well written..
15 Jan 2019, 01.59 PM
+Read Replies (1)
Firdaus Khanam
Firdaus Khanam currently pursuing MBA-HR from XAHR-XUB, batch of 2018-2020.
Thank You Bhawana for the appreciation!
18 Jan 2019, 02.21 AM |
Siddhant Kumar
Awesome!
15 Jan 2019, 02.07 PM
+Read Replies (1)
Firdaus Khanam
Firdaus Khanam currently pursuing MBA-HR from XAHR-XUB, batch of 2018-2020.
Thank You Siddhant for the appreciation!
18 Jan 2019, 02.22 AM |
khushbu shah
Good Work ! :)
15 Jan 2019, 02.08 PM
+Read Replies (1)
Firdaus Khanam
Firdaus Khanam currently pursuing MBA-HR from XAHR-XUB, batch of 2018-2020.
Thank You Khushbu for the appreciation!
18 Jan 2019, 02.22 AM |
Divash Mishra
Coordinator, Exemplar- The Competitions Committee, XIMB-XAHR
Nicely done. Kudos
15 Jan 2019, 02.27 PM
+Read Replies (1)
Firdaus Khanam
Firdaus Khanam currently pursuing MBA-HR from XAHR-XUB, batch of 2018-2020.
Thank You Divash for the appreciation and the support as well!
18 Jan 2019, 02.22 AM |
Pravakar Jena
Well written..
15 Jan 2019, 02.30 PM
+Read Replies (1)
Firdaus Khanam
Firdaus Khanam currently pursuing MBA-HR from XAHR-XUB, batch of 2018-2020.
Thank You Bhaiya
18 Jan 2019, 02.23 AM |
Pramodini Jena
Grt job... Sis
15 Jan 2019, 03.01 PM
ANIMESH KAR
Great...All the best
15 Jan 2019, 05.38 PM
+Read Replies (1)
Firdaus Khanam
Firdaus Khanam currently pursuing MBA-HR from XAHR-XUB, batch of 2018-2020.
Thank You Animesh!!
18 Jan 2019, 09.30 AM |
Shiv Taneja
Very well written.. all the best
15 Jan 2019, 06.55 PM
+Read Replies (1)
Firdaus Khanam
Firdaus Khanam currently pursuing MBA-HR from XAHR-XUB, batch of 2018-2020.
Thank You Shiv!!
18 Jan 2019, 09.30 AM |
Harmandeep Singh
Worth a read!
15 Jan 2019, 06.57 PM
+Read Replies (1)
Firdaus Khanam
Firdaus Khanam currently pursuing MBA-HR from XAHR-XUB, batch of 2018-2020.
Thank you Harman
18 Jan 2019, 09.31 AM |
Gourav Chatterjee
Well articulated !!
15 Jan 2019, 07.14 PM
+Read Replies (1)
Firdaus Khanam
Firdaus Khanam currently pursuing MBA-HR from XAHR-XUB, batch of 2018-2020.
Thank You Gaurav
18 Jan 2019, 09.31 AM |
Fraz Ahmed
M a student
Well composed
15 Jan 2019, 08.57 PM
swagatika sahoo
Good one....all the best
15 Jan 2019, 09.26 PM
Kajal Jena
Too good Keep writing♥️
15 Jan 2019, 09.50 PM
pranay ranjan senapati
Well written, grt job
15 Jan 2019, 11.37 PM
Chandan Mohapatra
Nicely articulated...great one
16 Jan 2019, 12.02 AM
Pratyasha Panigrahi
Very nicely crafted and expressed!
16 Jan 2019, 12.14 AM
Promodit Adhikary
Insight of these great personality impacts current generations a lot. Good Job
16 Jan 2019, 01.15 AM
Barsa Samal
Really great job
16 Jan 2019, 09.58 AM
Aradhana Acharya
HR-Recruitment Professional working with Cognizant.
Amazing work! You have penned down your conversation really well!
16 Jan 2019, 10.23 AM
DURGESH KUMAR
Great work keep it up.
16 Jan 2019, 12.54 PM
Shruti Warrier
Energetic, Versatile, empathetic Human.
Good read.
16 Jan 2019, 02.01 PM
Yasha Srivastava
Well writen Firdaus
16 Jan 2019, 02.11 PM
Sanket Das
Micro level planning, humbleness and risk taking always pays off
16 Jan 2019, 03.19 PM
Debarchana Sinha
Great article.
16 Jan 2019, 03.19 PM
Chiranjeevi Gajada
I'm infinity
Inspiring words by Mr.Rajiv Singh, learnt something new,really explained everything in detail,you have done a great job,good luck for the upcoming articles
16 Jan 2019, 07.40 PM
Stanley Chrestien
An ambivert by nature, firm believer in hard work, perseverance, coupled with informed risk taking.
Very well written !
16 Jan 2019, 09.51 PM
Rafat Sultana
Very well written.. Keep Up
16 Jan 2019, 10.28 PM
Anjan Kumar Acharya .
Very Well Written
16 Jan 2019, 10.42 PM
Aman Agrawal
Insightful. A must read for everyone.
16 Jan 2019, 11.05 PM
Rucha Sawant
Amazing article!
17 Jan 2019, 03.40 AM
Siva Sasank
Student of MBA - HR
Great Job. Well articulated.
17 Jan 2019, 06.16 AM
Subhasmita Dey
Very Well Written !
17 Jan 2019, 08.38 AM
ibsita Parichha
Inspiring and very beautifully written indeed!
17 Jan 2019, 09.47 AM
Akanksha Ray
Very well articulated.
17 Jan 2019, 10.15 AM
Subhasish Suar
Keep up the good work
17 Jan 2019, 05.42 PM
Sahir Abraham
I am doing my MBA from XAHR of Xavier University, Bhubaneswar
Well written. Very insightful.
17 Jan 2019, 05.48 PM
Swetashree Sahoo
Great!
17 Jan 2019, 05.50 PM
Bharat Kethireddi
Well written
17 Jan 2019, 06.05 PM
Monika .Sarangi
Well written!!
17 Jan 2019, 06.57 PM
Jagatjit Barik
Well portrayed. Really inspirational. Thanks for sharing. And I'm sure, one day someone will definitely write the story of Ms. Firdaus also. Best wishes
17 Jan 2019, 09.50 PM
Swayamprava Nayak
Nice write up..great insight...
17 Jan 2019, 11.02 PM
Rohit Kumar
Young, vibrant, ambitious.
Well done, good job. Keep it up
17 Jan 2019, 11.50 PM
Rachana Acharya
Great WorkKeep it Up
17 Jan 2019, 11.54 PM
Sunayan Sahani
A men with potential that get strengthen when challenges become tough.
The write-up is well written which shows his extroversion nature of that person.
17 Jan 2019, 11.54 PM
Sunayan Sahani
A men with potential that get strengthen when challenges become tough.
Nice write-up. Good work
17 Jan 2019, 11.59 PM
Mobinul Hoda
Well written & worth reading
18 Jan 2019, 12.04 AM
Aditya Parashar
Well written.
18 Jan 2019, 01.28 AM
suvam dash
I am a b.com graduate,and will be appearing for cat this year
Very well written.
18 Jan 2019, 01.34 AM
moynak dutta
Fabulous job Firdaus. It was really enriching and I gained valuable insights from your write-up. It also portrays your tremendous hardwork and genuine dedication towards this project. Keep it up and all the very best for your future endeavors.
18 Jan 2019, 01.41 AM
anuj awasthi
Well articulated!
18 Jan 2019, 01.44 AM
Arnab Panja
Very well articulated, worth a read.
18 Jan 2019, 02.14 AM
Sarthak Das
Indeed a great read! :)
18 Jan 2019, 03.24 AM
Deepak Mohapatra
Nice piece of article
18 Jan 2019, 08.01 AM
A. Dharini
Good job!
18 Jan 2019, 09.13 AM
Neeti Maitrey
Very well written, Firdaus. All the best!
18 Jan 2019, 10.03 AM
Asmita SARKAR
Interested in Jobs related to Market Analysis, Consumer Behaviour, Consulting and Sales
well written
18 Jan 2019, 11.17 AM
Rasmita Bastia
Great job all the best...
18 Jan 2019, 06.40 PM
Pritish Sahoo
Very well penned!
18 Jan 2019, 08.36 PM
Juweria Moin
GREAT!!!!!
19 Jan 2019, 12.26 AM
Aman Akhauri
Great!
19 Jan 2019, 12.28 AM
Sanat Das
Simplicity is what i stand for
Superb girl !!! Keep it up...
19 Jan 2019, 12.50 AM
Aayush Singh
Very well written!!All the best
19 Jan 2019, 03.18 AM
attila brave
me me me
Great
19 Jan 2019, 10.55 AM
Kesari Kumar
Well written
21 Jan 2019, 07.42 PM
Suzanne Khan
Well conversed and nicely captured.
22 Jan 2019, 01.14 AM
Vishal Pattanayak
Definitely worth a read
22 Jan 2019, 02.16 PM
Rashmi Jha
very well written.. great job
22 Jan 2019, 07.00 PM
Tapan Adhikari
very well written.
22 Jan 2019, 08.55 PM
Sree Ramya Mandapaka
Well written...
22 Jan 2019, 10.26 PM
Ankit Chatterjee
Great job Firdaus
22 Jan 2019, 11.16 PM
Amit Sharma
Vagabond
Aptly written, commendable content. Expecting few more like this in future. Keep going lady. May I know what is Vito Alter Ambition and how they helped you to meet him ?
22 Jan 2019, 11.33 PM
Mohammad Yunus
Such an insightful article. You have penned it down very well. Really helpful article. All the best !!
23 Jan 2019, 09.52 AM
Subhashish Das
Great work!!!
25 Jan 2019, 01.42 PM
BAIJAYANTA PANDA
Nicely written, worth reading.
25 Jan 2019, 03.20 PM
Antaryami Das
M hulk
Great job done
25 Jan 2019, 04.32 PM
JM Jayaprakash
m a guy
great job done..
25 Jan 2019, 04.46 PM
Bhubanmohan Behera
Beast
Great job done.
25 Jan 2019, 08.29 PM
bhumika barik
amazing writing dear.. keep it up
28 Jan 2019, 10.38 PM