Thy Alum, thy teacher

Last week, I was reminded of a notion that I grew up with. That we may have many good teachers, but it’s the platform that we are a part of that truly shapes us. They have, for me, to this day.

My first was the household. It taught me extreme frugality: classic middle class like. Save all for a rainy or a glory day. The pain of today was merely an investment for tomorrow.

My second was the school and colleges of Cuttack. That the only (possible) way to go to the top was education (or learning, broadly). You were good at it, people knew you.

Third was Kharagpur. Learnt the power of the underdog (Kgp was always so in its peer set). Being an underdog, no one watches you. You could always spring a surprise, always the best weapon in battle.

Then came the world of ITC. Simple learning was that the world of tomorrow will be built by the youth of today.

Then ISB. Life always gives you one (more) shot at greatness, albeit in a small window. It’s for you to encash it.

And McKinsey. Learnt that people at the top were beings after all, like you and me. All was achievable.

Then was my last week’s alum, Z47 (inset pic from Singapore last week). Learnt to negotiate, influence and win over – mostly by hook, sometimes by crook . Outcome was some very deep personal and professional relations.

Those institutions are the bedrock of what we practice at OfBusiness and Oxyzo today (along with what others learnt as well). I am sure we all have our alums and learnings, and the upcoming festive season maybe a great time for that rememberance.

Once an OFBIan, forever one:

Asish Mohapatra

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