Exhilarating Life Knowledges of Venkat Changavalli
Born
in a Tiny Dot, Serene and Quaint Audipudi Village
By
Vanam Jwala Narasimha Rao
Autobiographies, Coffee-Table
format or general, if they are free and frank experience sharing Books of ‘Exhilarating
Life Knowledges’ coupled with intellection of the Author, similar to ‘BL
2 BM (Benchless to Benchmark)’ authored by Venkat Changavalli, then they will
have a lasting value. In fact, Venkat writes in the book that, ‘the genesis
of this book demanded meticulous preparation. The canvas of my journey was
painted not just by corporate roles, but also by the vivid strokes of personal
life-lessons from family, mentors, and cherished encounters.’
The ‘Inspiring Story
in BL 2 BM (Benchless to Benchmark)’ of Venkat Changavalli, with whom I had
the privilege of working for about four years in Emergency Management and
Research Institute (EMRI), the content of which starts with the Chapter ‘Through
Innocent Eyes’ and closes with ‘Family My Driving Force,’ portraying
in a perfectionist manner the ‘Uncommon Journey of a Common man’ stimulates
the reader in unequivocal terms. In his Foreword that preceded the first
Chapter, Venkat Changavalli mentioned that, from ‘humble beginnings to
extraordinary heights, his life has been a memorable journey of success and
contentment.’ He expressed the hope that ‘his story unveils to the
reader the secrets behind achieving fulfillment.’ A great message to the
present-day generation.
Reminiscing his
childhood, he wrote about fetching water with Kavadi, village temples,
modest meals, nights’ gentle breeze, ‘Benchless Primary Schooling,’
scorpion bite, his learnings of patience, focus, humility, balancing,
helpfulness, resilience etc. In conclusion, Venkat Changavalli decently revealed
how his life has been ‘shaped and enriched by the unbreakable bonds’ of
his family. ‘My story, while filled with personal achievements, would be
incomplete without acknowledging the unwavering support, love, and inspiration
that my family provided throughout this roller coaster journey’ Wrote
Venkat. He enlightened about his father, mother, brothers, sisters, wife
(Padma), two sons, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, and even about future
family members, sincerely acknowledging his ‘family members’ constant source
of strength.’
Venkat Changavalli was
thrilled when he topped the entrance examination and secured admission in 6th
class in Chirala Municipal School. In the chapter ‘Ignition of Knowledge
from Chirala to IIM’ he paid his respects to his teachers and the way they
taught him, and how he utilized playground, as well as about his friends.
Interestingly he did not hesitate to mention about absence of toilets in the
school despite its enormous infrastructure. Securing third rank in SSLC in his
school, was his pride instant.
At the age of 15,
Venkat joined in ‘Andhra Loyola College, Vijayawada’ which he credited
with creating successful Engineers and Doctors and where despite the rigorous
schedule, his college life was enjoyable. He made a special mention to his
Telugu Teacher there. However, on getting admission in REC Warangal, Venkat
joined there in 5-year Chemical Engineering Course. In addition to the help
from the ‘faculty and his peers in shaping his character,’ by mingling
with students with different mother tongues, and coming from different
cultures, Venkat learnt to ‘adapt to various situations’ an essential
quality for ‘Leader in Making.’ He says, he imbibed the ‘Core Values,
Empathy, Simple Communication and Warmth’ in REC.
Venkat acknowledged
that the opportunity he got to pursue PG in management at IIM-A and the
resulting experience laid a solid foundation for his future endeavors. In fact,
he was in ‘Transient State’ during the night, not willing to believe
that he got admission there. He narrated about the courses and about the
eminent professors there, as well as different forms of teaching. His
specialization was Finance and Marketing. His summer internship was with ‘New
India Assurance Company,’ for two months, in Mumbai.
On completion of Course
at IIM-A, Venkat was in a dilemma, at the time of his placement, in deciding his
career, whether to choose a ‘PSU with more salary or a Startup Company with
less salary’ but on his father’s ‘Right and Timely Advise’ he chose
the latter, which became a ‘Bedrock for the coming Milestones, that he
achieved in life.’ Venkat humbly mentioned here that, ‘IIM-A taught me
Analytical Skills, Being Systematic, Challenging the Status Quo, Discipline,
Evidence-Based Decision Making, Focus, Infective Enthusiasm, Innovation, and
Interpersonal Relations.’
Venkat’s ’Career-Climbing
the Corporate Ladder’ began with ‘Lupin’ a Pharmaceutical Company
with Rs 1000 Salary in 1977, as a Management Trainee, soon to be confirmed as
Assistant Manager. He continued his connection with it even after he left in
1980. Next, he joined ‘Patel Road Ways’ as Zonal Manager. Working there had
enriched him to ‘Develop Business Focus, Customer Centricity, People
Orientation, Metrics, and Bottom-Line Mindset.’ He mentioned that ‘Success
stems not merely from business degrees, but from unwavering commitment and
business acumen.’
Venkat’s next
assignment was with ‘Star Industrial and Textile Enterprises’ as Manager
Corporate Finance, in which capacity he had the ‘freedom to explore, and
also had the opportunity to thrive in the realm of his job.’ During his
stint of 21 months there, he ventured in to the ‘world of numbers and
strategies, with significant accomplishments in several areas’ which he
listed proudly. From there he moved to ‘Swiss Giant, CIBA-GEIGY’ as
Assistant Manager Planning, where he learnt that, ‘Planning is Conscious,
Futuristic, and Visioning Exercise.’ He acknowledged that his experience
there was one of ‘Growth, Friendship, and Learning.’ He later moved to
the domain of Marketing in the same organization.
His next role was in ‘Drachem
Specialty Chemicals’ where his ‘Initial Boss proved to be Cocktail of
Incompetence and unprofessionalism’ from which experience he carved a
roadmap of what not to do when at the helm. When he was shown the door, Venkat
was welcomed as Senior General Manager in ‘Roffe Construction Chemicals,’
and as he stepped in there, a ‘Journey of Transformation’ awaited. On
invitation, soon he stepped in to ‘Symrise (DRAGOCO India)’ as Inaugural
CEO, and his success there was an ‘Orchestra of Strategy, Dedication, and
Exceptional Teamwork.’ After over a decade, as CEO in that ‘German Multi
National Company’ Venkat ‘Closed the chapter there carrying with him
lessons in Leadership, Growth, and the Art of Creating a Lasting Symphony’
to join the first ever Successful Public Private Partnership (PPP) Model, EMRI
founded by world famous Satyam Computers Chairman Ramalinga Raju.
Destiny had something
best stored for him. During a Management Event in Chennai, Chief Guest Ramalinga
Raju instantaneously recognized the potential of Venkat’s Leadership Qualities,
abilities, and extended an offer to be CEO of EMRI. His offer led to a
momentous decision by Venkat to ‘Relinquish his Lavish Lifestyle and Substantial
Salary in favor of the opportunity to give back to society.’ He recalled
that ‘Raju and I worked Synchronously, each contributing our unique
strengths to a shared Vision of saving a Million Lives Each Year.’ Then he
narrated his efforts for stabilization of 108 services in erstwhile AP and for
expansion to 12 states during his time as CEO, in PPP model, which he described
as a ‘Game Changer.’ After serving for six years, he had to quit the
job.
On his 60th
Birthday he honored 60 extraordinary Souls who enriched his life, primarily Jagadguru
Shankaracharya of Sringeri. ‘In the Realm of Public Service my journey took
a new direction as I ventured in to the dynamic world of Academics, Board
Directorships, Consultancy and Advisory Roles, Leadership Development etc.’
revealed Venkat. Besides being Advisor to Six State Governments, namely, UP, Haryana,
Meghalaya, Telangana, AP, and Assam; MD of AP Government Brahmin Welfare
Corporation, and Member of various committees of IRDA, Venkat lent his
expertise, to about ten organizations in Corporate Sector.
‘BL 2 BM’ by Venkat
Changavalli, Champion of Management and Leadership, and his ‘Cumulative
Learning Points’ at every stage of his life’s journey is ‘Simply The
Best’!
Hearty
Congratulations Venkat Changavalli.
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