After nearly 44 years, I leave the corporate life, where I worked with companies that touched billions of lives across the globe—HUL, Colgate and Nestlé. Of these, 26 years were spent working with Nestlé across five markets, finally serving as the chairman and managing director of Nestlé India for 10 years. This transition into retirement marks a significant moment in my life, and I firmly believe it is essential to grace out on one’s own terms, embracing the next innings with intention and purpose.
During my tenure at Nestlé, its ‘purpose’ formed the compass, to which we turned to in good and bad times. Rather than being placed as a parchment in the corridors, ‘purpose’ is meant to run in our bloodstream, in every action we take, in every decision we make.
Drawing from my experience, I am reminded of the teachings which emphasise the cyclical nature of life and the concept of dharma. Each individual has a limited time on this earth, and fulfilling one’s dharma—one’s duty—forms an integral part of this lifecycle. You grow up, gathering knowledge from books, people and situations. You use that knowledge as a vocation to fend for the family. Then you practice the retreat, before you give it back to society. This principle of duty resonates deeply with me, particularly as I reflect on my role in shaping future leaders and nurturing talent during my time at Nestlé India.
Imaging: Denilal/Ai
I was recently travelling with Soniya Ojha, from Chhapra, who is now a sales officer. Throughout our car journey, she was talking nineteen to the dozen about her story of moving from a small village to working in one of the largest food and beverages companies in the world. Her enthusiasm was infectious, and she innocently asked me, ‘Mein kya bahut baat kar rahin hun… aap bilkul papa jaise ho’. [“Am I talking too much? You remind me of my father”]. This interaction highlighted the importance of mentorship and the impact that guidance and support can have on the next generation.
At Nestlé India, I was committed to creating future leaders and mentoring teams. As I prepare to write my next chapter, I aspire to continue this mission by teaching students and sharing the knowledge I have gained throughout my career. I believe that education is a powerful tool for empowerment, and I am eager to inspire and nurture young minds as they shape their own leadership journeys.
In a world where change is constant, I am reminded of my experiences with teachers—different in their approach, but united by their intent and efforts to raise people who would go on to make the world a better place. I am reminded of my Hindi teacher Mishraji at Rishi Valley School in Bengaluru who introduced us to value-based leadership through Kabir’s Dohas. I am reminded of the autobiographical novel by E.R. Braithwaite—To Sir, With Love—which dealt with mentoring students amidst political and social turmoil. I am reminded of Shah Rukh Khan’s Kabir Khan in Chak De! India, who moulded a bunch of talented, but unruly individuals into world champions. I am reminded of Emmanuel ‘Mike’ Agassi, Andre Agassi’s father who made him hit 10,000 backhands every day, since he was four, making him the icon he is today.
As I bid farewell to the corporate arena, I carry with me invaluable lessons and experiences that will guide me in my future endeavours. The journey has been rich and fulfilling, and I look forward to contributing to the development of future leaders, with a sense of purpose, and fulfilling my dharma in this new phase of life. The next chapter awaits, and I am ready to embrace it with open arms. Till then:
Aanewala Pal Jaanewala Hai
Ho Sake To Iss Mein Zindagi Bita do
Pal Jo Yeh Jaanewala hai [The moment that is coming is about to pass. If possible, live your life in it. Because the moment is about to pass].
Narayanan is chairman & managing director, Nestle India