‘Be Organised And Focus On Priorities To Succeed’
Sanjay Kapoor, director and CEO, IRIS Corporate Solutions Private Limited shares his first job experience…
Neha Singh Verma, TimesJobs.com Bureau
My first job: My first assignment was as a marketing executive in December 1984; I was assigned the
responsibility of marketing software packages for the company.
My experience: Although I had a coding background, I landed up as a marketer. Shaking myself from initial
inhibitions, I resolved to prove myself in a domain which was alien so far. I found it intriguing when I got the
opportunity to work with a team that developed software applications for astrology. It gave me a chance to find
similarities between ancient science and modern applications. It occurred to me that if marketing was what I was
destined to do, why not foray into B2B. I ventured into data processing which now carries the title of
BPO. Thereafter, there was no looking back. Launching of a.o.k In-house BPO Services Limited in 1992 was
something which put me in a different orbit. Iris Corporate Solutions Private Ltd. was a natural offshoot, which is
now being nurtured by me and my team.
Things I learnt: My first lesson was not to take anything for granted. It is important to have a goal, but you must
not turn back if you fail at the first attempt. Perseverance, will to succeed, and self-conviction are what taught me
that there is no easy road to success. Blaze your own path and don’t look back, except to learn from your
failures.
Skills I acquired: I suppose the best skill I have learnt is to empathise with my team and my clients. Listening
more and talking less gets half my jobs done. The other half is achieved by focusing upon what I have
listened. Building great relationships is a skill that I have developed by listening to people, not judging them.
My Manager’s teaching: He told me to be organised, so that I can focus on my priorities. A person who is
methodical exudes a more positive business image and is more likely to succeed, according to him.
My journey so far: A B.Com graduate with a Marketing Diploma, I have diversified from coding to marketing to
backend support for prestigious companies. The journey was paved with hurdles, but I have reached a stage
when I can go only forward.
Turning point in my career: Entrepreneurship was not a common route taken by salaried people when I took
the plunge. It proved to be a landmark decision which has catapulted me to where I am today.
My most crucial step/assignment: It was a real challenge to become part of end-to-end confidential
examination processing activities. The processing services made me enthusiastic, more confident and aspire for
higher roles. It also opened the floodgate for assignments which were beyond the realm of the ordinary, and
which I had craved for just a few years ago. I now look upon each client as a PR opportunity. If I can deliver, my
company moves up a few notches. The transition from marketing to being a service provider has been the most
crucial step I have taken.
My advice: Do not lack self-conviction in what you do. If something does not turn the way you intended, own up
and take corrective action.
neha.verma3@timesgroup.com