I was born on June 15, 1972, into a lower-middle-class family in India, during a time when the country’s economy was still tightly controlled. Owning a TV, refrigerator, or telephone was considered a luxury. We lived in a modest colony called LIG Mahindra Colony—“LIG” stood for Low Income Group. There, a single telephone served about 250 residents, and everyone used it thoughtfully. It was a time when staying with relatives, even for weeks, was never seen as an inconvenience but rather a warm part of family life. Our 325-square-foot apartment was shared by 16 people, with one bathroom and toilet among us all.

My father, E. Gangadharan, was born in Kerala. He lost his father to a cholera epidemic while still in school his youngest sibling was only a few months old. The family endured severe poverty; there were days when they couldn’t even afford cooking wood. During his 10th standard exams, he fainted from hunger, and a compassionate teacher bought him tea so he could finish writing his paper. Determined to lift his family from hardship, he began working as a hotel boy while studying. Eventually, he moved to Mumbai the land of dreams where, through sheer hard work, he established himself. Over the years, he also helped many of his nephews and nieces migrate to Mumbai, supporting them until they could stand on their own feet.

My mother, Indira Gangadharan, has been my father’s steadfast partner since their marriage on May 7, 1968. A devoted homemaker, she not only managed our home but also cared for those my father brought to Mumbai in search of work. Our house became a shelter for many from job seekers to Gulf-bound workers in transit. Even today, in this era of digital connectivity, people fondly remember my parents’ kindness and generosity.

Perhaps due to his own struggles, my father developed strong leadership qualities and a deep sense of social responsibility. His most significant contribution was to the Mahindra Workers’ Union, where he worked tirelessly for the welfare of workers. Throughout his career at Mahindra & Mahindra, he refused promotions that would have taken him away from union work. His commitment to people went far beyond the workplace till the early 1990s, he remained actively associated with several community and social associations, dedicating much of his time to helping others.

Now, in his early 90s, age has inevitably taken its toll. His vision and hearing have weakened, and he has stepped back from active social work. Yet, the associations he once served continue to reach out to him for guidance and honor him during important events a testament to the legacy he built through compassion and leadership.

Life, however, has not always been kind. On February 19, 2006, my elder brother, Ramanunni (fondly called Babu), passed away from a massive cardiac arrest at just 36. From a young age, he was disciplined, responsible, and academically gifted never giving our parents a reason to worry. In 1987, he earned a scholarship to pursue his MTech in Moscow. After graduation, during the tumultuous transition from the USSR to Russia, he built a career there and later studied at Thunderbird, further shaping his global outlook.

As for me, my personality evolved in phases. During childhood, I was outgoing and social, but somewhere in secondary school, I grew more introspective and reserved. Ironically, life led me into a profession that demanded extroversion sales. Over time, with experience and conscious self-improvement, I found a balance between both traits. Confidence, empathy, and persistence became my guiding strengths qualities that have brought success, though a bit later than I once imagined.

Outside of work, I enjoy traveling, spending time with friends, listening to music, karaoke singing, reading (especially on politics), and running. I suspect there are still more interests waiting to be discovered.

The most defining moment of my personal life came during my college years, when I met my better half, Leena. We married on December 14, 1999. Like every couple, we faced challenges, but with faith and perseverance, we overcame them together. On May 5, 2007, we were blessed with our son, Shourya, who is now in his final year of school. After completing his schooling, he chose Commerce and is currently pursuing his degree along with ACCA.

Looking back, I feel my life has been a blend of struggle, learning, and gratitude. Success came to me later than expected but it came with deeper meaning. In 2023, I experienced a professional turning point. By changing my mindset, stepping out of my comfort zone, taking calculated risks, and believing in my own worth, I achieved a major career milestone a leap I had long envisioned.

However, what I thought was the peak of my professional journey turned out to be short-lived, as I soon faced another setback. Yet, I’ve never been one to retreat. Life continues to test me, but I carry an enduring appetite for challenge. I believe firmly that every obstacle is temporary and that, in time, I will rise again, stronger and wiser than before.

My Professional Journey: From Seeking Independence to Shaping Opportunities

I began my academic journey as an average student, ultimately graduating with a major in Economics from Mumbai University. At that stage, my primary motivation for completing my degree was simple to become financially independent. Yet, an underlying curiosity to expand my understanding of business and marketing led me to pursue a Master’s in Marketing from the Welingkar Institute of Management.

Over time, I realized that true education extends far beyond classrooms. The most valuable lessons come from our professional experiences and the diverse people we meet along the way.

The First Step: Chasing Financial Independence (1995) Financial independence was my top priority, and I was determined to start working immediately after my final graduation exam even before my results were announced.

An Unexpected Turn (July 1995 – October 1995): My first job was as a Medical Representative (MR) at American Remedies, which later merged with Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories. After a one-month crash course in Chennai, I was out in the field with a brown MR bag filled with product samples and folders. Earning a first-class local train pass reimbursement felt like a privilege back then.

The role, however, was short-lived lasting just four months. What came next was something I could never have planned: a call from the Indian Express. Whether it was my interview performance or my eagerness to take on a direct client-facing role, I got the job. Looking back, that decision became a turning point in my career.

Stepping into Media (November 1995 – February 1998) Joining Indian Express marked my entry into media sales a field that would define the rest of my professional life. With no formal training, I was tasked with selling classified ads.

Just two months in, I was challenged to make the classified section fully paid for the tabloid’s first-anniversary issue and succeeded. That early win taught me the thrill of achieving targets. When the market slowed post anniversary, I created new opportunities through special issues and tie ups with industrial exhibitions. This phase laid the foundation for my understanding of media sales and client engagement.

In the Right Place at the Right Time (March 1998 – February 2005) My stint at Indian Express opened doors to other media houses, and soon I joined CyberMedia, then India’s leading IT media group. This was during the dot-com boom an era when Indian IT was taking flight.

CyberMedia’s brands like Dataquest, PCQuest, Voice&Data, and DQWeek dominated their niches, giving me deep exposure to the IT ecosystem. Regular training sessions and hands-on experience helped me grow, and I soon earned my first promotion.

When the dotcom bubble burst, business slowed, teaching me an invaluable lesson the importance of diversifying revenue streams. After seven fulfilling years, I felt it was time to step outside my comfort zone and explore new terrain.

Starting from Scratch (March 2005 – July 2006) I transitioned to the infrastructure sector with Data Media Systems (DMS), where I was tasked with establishing their India presence from building a database to creating market awareness and driving subscriptions.

It was an uphill climb as I had to learn industry jargon and workflows from scratch. My efforts paid off when I was recognized with the “Best Rookie of the Year” award — a milestone that reaffirmed my adaptability and hunger to learn.

Entering the Corporate World (August 2006 – March 2010 Next came a major shift — joining ICICI Bank, India’s second-largest private bank. This was my introduction to the corporate world and the concept of Business Intelligence (BI).

As part of the alternate channels team, I worked closely with multiple product groups to improve customer acquisition strategies. I initiated a project to connect with customers within 24 hours, drastically cutting acquisition costs — from 2.5% per lakh for personal loans to just 0.85%. Within three months, this pilot expanded to five cities.

Venturing into Entrepreneurship (April 2010 – May 2011) After years in structured organizations, I decided to strike out on my own. Drawing on my media background, I represented overseas media houses like Terrapin, Penwell, ProEdit Solutions, and Aeropedium in India.

My focus was on delegate acquisitions, advertising, and content services. However, scaling further required additional publications and manpower — and consequently, funding. During this phase, CyberMedia re-entered the picture, seeking someone to head their Western operations.

Returning to the IT Sector (June 2011 – November 2017) Five years away from IT had transformed the landscape. Print revenues were shrinking, and B2B media was evolving into an event-led, solution driven ecosystem. I was chosen to lead DQ Week and DQ Channels, focusing on the IT channel ecosystem.

Soon, I transitioned into CyberMedia Services, the group’s digital arm and a Google-preferred partner for AdWords and AdSense. I led the sales for Social Media Marketing (SMM) and secured a major contract with MediLife, scaling their spend from ₹12 lakh to ₹30 lakh per month.

While I saw immense potential to scale the digital business further, it required significant investment in tools and talent. When the organization wasn’t ready to take that leap, I decided it was time to move on.

Networking is Key (December 2017 – June 2023) Fate had other plans. While exploring digital agency roles, I reconnected with old colleagues at Indian Express, one of whom I had started my career with two decades earlier.

They were relaunching CRN and needed senior leadership. Despite my initial hesitation to return to B2B media, I recognized the value of being part of a trusted legacy brand.

The relaunch succeeded, and soon I was entrusted with heading sales for the Western region. Under the restructured model, every region contributed to achieving both top-line and bottom-line growth.

My career graph resembled a rollercoaster but one I learned to navigate with confidence and adaptability. When the pandemic hit, it tested those traits once again.

Becoming Bolder (June 2023 – Early 2024) Turning 50 felt more like entering a renewed 40s with greater clarity and courage. I took a bold step, joining 9dot9 Media as National Sales Head, competing directly with my former organization.

After a short stint in sales, I transitioned into marketing at Lentra, a tech-driven lending solutions startup serving the banking industry. This move reconnected me with the financial sector and gave me a renewed sense of purpose a much needed accelerator to regain lost momentum.

The Year of Setback (2024) In early 2024, what I believed would be a long-term marketing opportunity turned short-lived due to restructuring. The severance package provided me a cushion to search for a suitable marketing role, but after several attempts, I found myself returning — not only to media sales but also back to Indian Express.

This time, however, I came back stronger with broader responsibilities, including overseeing the organization’s online business.

Reflection Looking back, my journey has been anything but linear but every twist and turn has contributed to my growth. From the streets of Mumbai as a young graduate seeking financial independence to leading national sales and digital initiatives, I’ve learned that adaptability, persistence, and an openness to change define long-term success.