Life is a roller-coaster ride. Though, I am afraid of getting into a real roller-coaster, I really enjoy the ride of my life!
Life gives me surprises, thrills and unexpected twists sometimes.
The past few days has actually given me such a feeling. Many things happened, which actually may appear quite fictional ,but its real.
September 25th , 2012 – I met this great man for the first time during a press meet. I heard him speak about his achievement very passionately.
September 26th , 2012 – I met him again – celebrating his success. Every newspaper and channel carried this news.
September 27th , 2012 – I met him again and interviewed him.
October 5th , 2012 – I met him again and this time , he interviewed me.
October 6th, 2012 – I joined him in his pursuit for higher success.
Ok.. I am not giving too much of a suspense. Let me give the story now.
The man I am talking about is none other than Mr. Jose Thomas (JT), the Chairman of Choice Group of Companies.
As an RJ at AIR, I was invited to attend the Press meet for the launch of Choice Paradise – South India’s tallest building – 40 storied marvel, envisioned by JT five years back and made into a reality now. I have heard about this interesting man and really wanted to see him in person. One thing I noted during his speech was that he was truly passionate in his words.
I attended the launch event on the next day- which showed his capability as an organizer, leader and yes as a loving host. The event was one of a kind in the history of Cochin- bringing in the best artists , guests and glamour.
The next day, amidst all his busy schedules , he came to the AIR studio for the interview. But, the moment he entered itself, he told that the interview shouldn’t last more than 15 mins, as he has to get back to office before 5pm. However, as the chat show, “Moments with Rainbow”, progressed, he got interested. Or rather, should I say , my questions made him eloquent and forget his time!! Unbelievable it may seem, but the interview went on for almost two hours and we forcefully winded up the program. To my great surprise, while the interview progressed and was nearing completion, JT asked me straight, “ You seem to be smart. Why don’t you join Choice?”. I was shocked for a moment. However, I smiled and continued with the interview. At the end of the show,JT enquired about my profile and then, told“You did the interview very well. I would like to have people like you in my team"!
The next day, I got a call from the PRO of Choice (who is also a good friend of mine) , asking for my resume. I was stlll doubtful or rather perplexed. “How can someone offer so bluntly for a job, without knowing who and what I am?”. It was as if, a boy proposing a girl in the first meeting!!
Anyhow, I sent my resume which detailed my entire multitasking professional experience. I never thought that I would be getting a job in the corporate world, because I lacked focus (According to them!). I mean, I can equally handle HR, Training, Teaching, Research, Media, Advertising,Marketing etc. To top it all, I have a “not so fruitful” entrepreneurial experience too.
Coming back to the remaining story :
Thanks to “Moments with Rainbow”(the show which I present) I could also convince JT to request Shri. Mohanlal. who is a good friend of JT, for an interview.
On October 2nd, We went to Choice house for the first time- to get the interview of the great actor, Shri.Mohanlal. Lal cooperated with us because his best friend JT requested him.
On October 3rd, I sent a “Thankyou” message to JT for helping us get an interview of Mr. Mohanlal.
On October 4th, I sent an SMS to JT , saying , “Sir, I have sent my resume to PRO. I would like to get interviewed by you”. (Still doubtful whether my resume will cater to the corporate profile of a manager)
On October 5th,I had my interview with JT. The first statement that he made when I entered the room was that , “I never thought that I will be interviewing you”. I said , “Sir, that’s what we call as destiny!”. Then the interview proceeded for almost an hour, where I explained my career, my family, my ambitions, my successes, failures, my strengths, weaknesses etc. I thought that, he wouldn’t be interested , if I say that my ambition is to “become an entrepreneur” . But, to my great surprise, he was really impressed by my vision, my dreams and my passion. He said, “I was impressed by the way you did my interview and today, I am impressed by you.” He offered me four different types of jobs. Yes, One interview and Four Jobs.
Well, today, as I write this article, I have already joined the Choice Group of Companies, in their corporate office and would be assisting JT directly in business and expansion matters. I admire JT for his vision, power, ambitions, knowledge and the people oriented style of functioning. I believe that, I will be able to learn so much under his mentorship. He has also given me a good platform to showcase my capabilities and I also expect that I can reach great heights in life. Even, within just one week of joining, I have learnt so many things, which no management textbook can teach.
This turn of my life was something so unexpected and hence I said, “life is a roller –coaster ride”. While when some people may think that ,I was “Lucky” to get this offer, I think I actually “achieved” this offer, because of what I am and what I have gained through the years.
My experiences –especially my failures, my difficulties and how I overcame all that…My passion towards whatever I do…My willingness to go an extra mile to reach my goal…Above all , each and every little job I have done.. All these made me what I am today... My crude but different kinds of experiences is what attracted JT- the entrepreneur with a difference.
Life is a roller- coaster ride. It has many surprises, ups and downs. But one thing is for sure – You move on in a Fast pace. And yes, I always believe, “Whatever happens is for Good and if not, its for better”.
Now, having taken up a very important role in an organization which is fast expanding, I pray to the almighty that I should be able to do full justice to the responsibility to the role I have been given and in return, learn and develop myself as a good management professional.
I love to quote Steve jobs here. He said that ,”Life is all about connecting the dots. At the end, whatever you have done in your life will have some meaning, though you may feel that its useless at that point of time”.
Its my previous dots that made me what I am and it is these present dots, that will make me what I would be in future!
Hence I always followed one policy- Do whatever you do NOW with passion and your full capacity. You never know when this experience will help you!
J
CeeVee
P.S: you can visit my boss's blog to know more about him . www.josethomas.in
