Yentsao (Yen, in short) is an epitome of perseverance. Devoting two decades in the corporate sector – in one company is no small achievement.
My contemporary, our best memories were playing cricket together in Wokha. It gives me much pleasure to see my friend grow and do well for himself. He is also an example for young Nagas who wish to explore the corporate world and do well.
Yen is currently posted in Genpact, Manila, Phillipines. I caught up with him for a short email interview.
1) Tell us about your early days in Nagaland – education, interests etc. Did you grow up like a normal Naga boy? How did you get started with Genpact?
I grew up as normal and as raw as you can imagine. Completed my 10th and 12th from Wokha (SMBE and Bailey) and graduated from Baptist college Kohima. I Played all kinds of sports…if there was a grade system in sports activities, I would have certainly ranked much higher than all my academic scores combined! (LoL) .
I got hired from Kohima in one of the recruitment centers – back then it was GECIS, now Genpact. Amongst the 7 or 8 lucky candidates selected, I was one of them.
2) You have spent almost 2 decades in Genpact, how has the company shaped your outlook?
In terms of my skills and career – I owe everything to the organization and all the wonderful mentors. But my outlook has not changed much after all these years– ‘do the very best and don’t mind about the outcome’ I still live by it. What you sow so shall you reap…how can it be wrong? Not even a single word from the book has gone wrong.
3) You are currently posted in Manila, how is the culture of the people and their mindset? What positives we can learn from them?
Countless similarities in terms of our Naga culture and Filipinos– religion, love for music, food, creativity, kindness and so on. Attributes I admire the most and they stand out from us – Sincere and works hard with dignity irrespective of the nature of job, and much more respectful to each other.
4) Corporate life is tough but is it rewarding? As an Assistant Vice president in the company what is your main responsibility?
Absolutely! After all you work with the best of the minds across the globe and every day there are new dynamics to learn.
By the way, I also don’t know many jobs that are easy – be is artists, politicians, pilot or a doctor. Every role/job has its own set of challenges. What matters is how one overcomes, turn those obstacles into learning opportunities- keeps it going, successful and and remain contented.
As AVP, I lead operations for few Global clients.
5) Advice for Nagas wanting to work in Multi National Companies?
You may have heard the line – ‘if you want to be successful, find a job you love/like the most’. I am an outright non believer of that particular statement. If someone has such job…Great! But in my view, job can be an acquired test too. What’s important is to find the motivation deep inside…why? When you are able to figure that out…you can make any job turn into a career, be successful and inspire many. I have seen many people give up in the same industry, not because of skill/talent but because they lack motivation, purpose and misconception of looking for easier job.
Nagas aspiring to work in MNCs….if I can, YOU can do far better. No excuses – go for it.
From my vault of experience, three advice for assured success– be open and persevere to learn, commit to outperform and have fun with your team…they are your family!