I didn't prepare much on that day, rather didn't get the opportunity to prepare. Whole day I was doing some stupid work of printing out letters (which I already did on Saturday as well for four hours); I was angry, headache was just about to start. Overall, a pathetic condition to attend any interview. Took a nap at Sunil Sir's cabin for around 20 minutes and after that I started feeling better at around 5-00 PM.
Sachin came online at 6:03 PM. No other person was with him; also he was attending from a cubical type setup as I saw some people walking behind him. He explained he would divide the conversation into three parts- what I do as consultant, then he would have some questions and at last I can ask questions.
Sachin Bansal, the poster boy of Indian startups was in my front. I was humbled and excited. I did not let go the opportunity of voicing out that excitement. After his first question, I told, "before I answer your question, I want to say a few lines. For last 5-6 years I always heard your name as an inspiring figure of India. I am so excited today and its a privilege to talk with you". I didn't observe whether that has any affect- he laughed. But I genuinely wanted to appreciate him without expecting anything.
I answered the first question as I prepared. I ended by saying I have sent his name as speaker for GCCS, however did not mention the fact that Flipkart can be a sponsor for GCCS. To be frank, I did not think he found my current work impressive.
If I remember correctly, the second question was on any example of project where there were multiple challenges and I found my way out. I didn't think of preparing for such questions. I started explaining the university workshop projects. Lot of stakeholder, no policy, multiple ministry etc. I could have been more focused in the answer. My answer didn't impress him much, I felt.
His next question was based on a previous point I made on influence/compulsion of 'power centre' in the government sector. He asked me to give examples (without mentioning names) where you are forced to act under compulsion- how you overcome etc. I told him how verbal recommendations come while selecting agencies, how clauses are modified to prefer specific companies etc. But I supplemented the answer by telling there are enough checks and balances in government (executive, legislature, RTI, e-office, CAG) and it is not easy to influence if someone does not want to get influenced. From this answer on-wards, I think he became bit positive.
He again asked, suppose Flipkart is launching a food delivery chain- how should they reach out to govt? I should given more methodical answer, by I didn't. I played it down- Government is very open, a piece of paper and the government relation guy can simply walk into. Ultimately, the private company should create value. I think he bought my answer in this case.
Then he tried to remember any questions for about half a minute. He did not find any and asked me to ask question. I asked the one I thought - whether Flipkart founders dream to create a world class company, because the media is obsessed with salary, investment and discounts.
Sachin answered positively as expected. He again asked me for questions. In fact, he expected more. And, somehow nothing came to my mind. I again did wrong. I should have asked, as I did have many questions. I somehow told- I don't have question that time.
It was 6-30 PM that moment. He thanked, I thanked, he told - it was useful, very good, someone from Flikart will get back etc. Then I hanged the hangout.
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Romy did get back a day later !
My second conversation was scheduled with Mr Sanjiv Saddy,
Senior Vice President and Head of Corporate Affairs in Flipkat. I told Romy
that I would be happy to travel to Gurugram for a face to face meeting and the
sooner is better. She gave a time window 4 hours after our telephonic chat;
however, finally we decided on 11 August, 10-00 AM at the Jabong office in
Gurugram. In those two days between our conversation and actual interview, one
big event happened- Flipkart raised $2.5 Billion from Softbank’s Startup vision
fund.
Kailash explained me the location and I decided to travel via
Metro. I reached the office at 9-30 AM after starting at 8-15 AM from home. I
texted Sanjiv at 9-54 AM and then he rang directing me the exact meeting room
named Prada. While I reached the meeting room being escorted by the security
guard, he was sitting and waiting for me. Sanjiv would be around 50 years old.
I was also wearing only formal pant and shirt, no suit-tie. The reason- my suit
is at Agia and traveling via metro/auto with suit-tie is not at all
comfortable. Also, I thought this would be more of a conversation that an
interview.
Sanjiv began by asking whether I found difficulty in
locating the office. I answered in negative; the metro and autowala took great
care of me. I tried to observe how he digests the fact that I came via auto and
metro; didn’t make out much from his emotion. He asked for tea/coffee, and I
opted for green tea. I had no idea what interview etiquettes say on beverage
offering; but I was thirsty.
Then he brought my resume to front where he had circled
around 8+ lines. He started asking me one by one. Let me tell you here that the
conversation lasted for full two hours. Hence, it is not possible for me to pen
down all the points. I will try to simply write certain points that I remember
and think interesting.
I kept answering all his resume questions- the publications,
award on Fuzzy Mathematics, BJP’s election manifesto contribution, forming
India team of Business Intelligent group in Microsoft, role of Big data as
mentioned in my Summer project report in McKinsey, my contribution in GeM,
what’s in the name Blavatnik etc. For every question, after my answer, he would
add some points, I responded again, then he would again share his experiences,
and conversation went on. For example, in case if GeM, he explained how he and
Sachin gave the idea of marketplace to Amitabh Kant along with Makemytrip
founder, what is SPV, why DGSND to be dissolved etc etc.
Sanjiv shared many of his experiences of dealing with
government, mostly negative experiences. I kept pushing my optimism for
government. He put me in some of his scenarios and asked for comment. I was unable
to make out what he wanted to hear. Should I confront him? I continued with my
ideology of pro-government, pro-common citizen and kept pushing.
Sanjiv takes lot of pride in the Tata brand (he was
previously with Tata Communications) and also told he is passionate about
Flipkart to such an extent that he won’t even talk to an Amazon guy sitting
next to the table. He even said mild Behensood once in the heat of argument. He
also asked whether I know about the future responsibilities of this role. By
looking at the JD provided to me by Romy and the words uttered by Sanjiv
(particularly the fire fighting thing mentioned in the JD which I found very
awkward), I guess Sanjiv might have given input for drafting the JD. He also
once mentioned he wanted to meet Modi to tell he is one of the highest tax
payers of the country and should be given an opportunity to suggest a few ideas
for implementation.
The conversation had really two way traffics all the time
and I can’t recollect the discussed points chronological order. Once he told
the first thing he wants in a person is honesty. Then he kept on looking at me
and went into silence. I didn’t know what to say. Giving arguments how I am
honest would be ridiculous, I thought. He also told he has never been late in
life. I thought of saying ‘being on time’ is the most important asset I have.
But I didn’t say anything; hope my attendance today would be enough proof for
him. But while writing this, now, I think I could have spoken one or two lines
on his above two comments.
At one point, he appreciated Sachin and Binny and told their
simplicity & diligence inspires him; Sachin still travels via economy class
in indigo plane etc. Also, during course of discussions, he asked whether I
would be open for Bangalore and Delhi at one point of time. He also mentioned
how Smriti Irani requested him for something on World Handloom Day and why he
said no.
One point of time, I did mention about Sachin’s call for
protectionist policies and how we can pitch for innovative stuffs like engaging
with think tanks, promoting FFS as angel investor for Govt of India. He
repeatedly told this role would not be easy since government is complex. I
wanted to tell him government complexity is something I learnt to enjoy in last
2 years.
He asked me to ask anything to him. First I asked when
Flipkart would come out of the ‘startup’ tag. He wished Flipart culture never
comes out of that tag, however, there is plan for IPO etc in 2-3 years. Whether
Flipkart has plans to go abroad- he told, he thinks positive, but the
management thinks differently on this. I asked sellers should be given more
importance along with customers, where he had a different point of view. The
last question was in similar line what I asked Sachin. Sanjib asked me to
repeat the question and answered Indian media is managed by Reliance.
It was 12-00 PM. He dropped me till reception. While walking I
asked whether he sits whole day in Gurugram. He answered half of the day in
Gurugram, the other half in Delhi. If I get inducted, he will explore whether
the eBay office in CP can be used since the show is happening in Delhi only.
Overall, it was a positive discussion. But with a seasoned
player like Sanjib, it was very hard for me to read the face or emotion. 2-3
words from him was very positive. I
could have asked him about his current reportees and responsibilities – I
missed that.
-----------------------------------------------------
Today is 21st August- 10 days after I had the conversation with Sanjiv. So, what do you think the result would be?
I was very positive, much more than I were with Sachin Bansal. I started creating dreams. I even brought the suit-tie from home just to attend the B'lore part of Flipkart story. And, everything collapsed like a pack of cards today.
The long silence from Romy's side was an indication, but I pushed for clear words today via telephone, SMS and email. Finally she called at around 5-00 PM. She told Sanjiv did not find me fit for his requirement. He needs a ruthless executioner (now I think his stand on bribery was a test, maybe) and I quite don't fit into that. I was not expecting this, to be frank! I felt sad.
I was happy with my 19 L package and preparing to leave Delhi. The way Flipkart chapter started, I thought there is a reason behind. But no, it is the unfortunate Manjit Nath and his bloody luck. If this has done anything, that is the disturbance of knowing how much my batch-mates (eg- Ashish Vijaywergiya) are earning. Compared to them, I earn in peanuts.
Why God does this to me? Still, I am trying to console myself everything happens for a reason and for a good reasons. Do I think the 17 L package that AMTRON is offering is for a good reason too? Bull shit!
I feel like cheated ! I am not even 1% enthusiastic to go to Assam now. But, I have no choice.
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