When he quit his high paying job at a large MNC in the leadership team to start his own business venture at 40, what did he expect?
Apart from that thing called ‘follow your passion’ that was buzzing in his head, he didn’t had much going in his favour. His decision to leave the security and stability of a salary at the end of the month along with a bright career received no support and encouragement from people he considered close to him. They not only criticized and rejected his decision some even mocked it.
He had only his passion, hard work, experiences of life and the will to make it big. And with all these he plunged into the big unknown world of entrepreneurship.
Within a year, the same friends and acquaintances started giving him, ‘we told you so’ looks. Yes, his start-up didn’t take off as per his expectations. They didn’t believe that it takes time to set up and establish a business! But the critics and setbacks didn’t stop him, because failure was not an option for him.
He didn’t let the lack of experience in this new field or the naysayers intimidate him. With a thirst for knowledge and willingness to dirty his hands literally and figuratively, he began to carve out a new entrepreneurial path for himself. From power dressing and review meets in board rooms he had moved to the growing and nurturing plants and livestock on a farm. It was a BIG change!
He met the farmers, the consultants and the specialists and learnt from their experience and knowledge. He experimented, he learnt. The journey was not easy, there were obstacles both big and small and a LOT of hard work as he pushed himself forward with an unwavering commitment to his dream and to his family.
While people suggested that he need not work hard and should just supervise on the farm, he believed in learning by doing along with the farm-hands and getting first-hand experience. He believed that these hard years will pave the way for great years ahead. The weather was harsh, the winters were extremely cold and in summers the regular temperature was around 45ºC. The terrain was tough with wild animals, bugs and insects frequenting the farm, frequently. He braved it all.
Like any other work, some days were bad days and things just wouldn’t work the way he wanted. The sick animals, the infested plants, machinery breakdowns, intense heat waves, low funds, fluctuations in the market were some of the issues that impacted him. People would quietly advice him to get back to corporate world. But, something kept him going despite the obstacles, for he always found a way to move around the obstacles. It was an inner drive, an inner hunger to prove to himself that impossible is nothing. Staying positive and believing that if he keeps trying, the answers will be forthcoming, sooner than later.
Anyone else in his place would have given up long ago, but not him. Each struggle, each setback made him tough and strong as he fought and overcame it. Perseverance and seeking excellence became his mantra. He still has a long way to go in his chosen field but he has started seeing the fruits of his labour.
Do you know who is this person #madeofgreat? He is none other than KG, my best half. He is undeniably #madeofgreat. He is a winner who is driven by self belief and the desire to excel and conviction to win. And am I proud of him?
The #madeofgreat campaign is confluence of two global brands-Tata Motors and Lionel Messi. Tata Motors has a DNA of trust, authenticity, reliability, simplicity, and innovation and Lionel Messi has talent galore with conviction and is trustworthy, reliable, pioneering, simple and driven by self-belief.
Here’s question for you, “What do you think of Tata Motors’ association with Lionel Messi?” The best comment for this question gets an Amazon Voucher worth Rs 750/-
26 Responses
And kudos to you for supporting him throughout the struggles! Appreciate you sharing an inspiring story about your loved one.
As for my thoughts on the question, I feel Lionel Messi and Tata Motors are the kith and kin of the same team (leading international players), share similar goals (long-term international growth) and thus their partnership is here to stay for the long run.
Firstly, he’s my hero for his unwavering dedication and perseverance to his dream of planting in spite of the many obstacles. And to his family – all kudos to them for believing in him and their support! KG, your example will encourage others. As for the Tata collaboration – both have energy and drive! From small beginnings to greater outcomes.
You two are blessed to have each other, Shilpa! It’s not an easy life, but worthwhile. Your KG provides a good example for those struggling to find their way in the world against the sea of naysayers.
Wow! Indeed he is an inspiring personality. So good you both have each other. Thanks for sharing Shilpa. This also tells me so much about you as KG’s best half 🙂
the road might not be an easy one but the destination wil definitely be a happy one…..best wishes to KG and you too! 🙂
Shilpa you must be one proud lady 🙂 His story shows like many others who followed their heart that there is no substitute to tenacity 🙂
This is so inspiring Shilpa. Best Wishes to KG for following his dreams. What about you? Did you also drop everything and followed your man? Surely, another post is needed here.
Wow, cool. Nice to know 🙂
Destination Infinity
Awesome choice for the post. Was impressed when you told me the day we met at your place. 🙂 I admire people who follow their heart, and persevere to carry on their journey along that route. Wishing you guys the very best. 🙂
What a great story! Your hubby is truly Made of great, best of luck to him and you.
Wow! This is truly fantastic. Respect for both of you. I am sure when KG and G meet, they will have a lot to discuss about farming. 🙂
Who better than one’s better half to admire when it comes to greatness?
His ventures are truly inspiring, Shilpa. May God bless you both.
As for the expression of views towards the question, I would like to answer through a stanza or two of verse:
—
‘What drives us from within is what makes us great’
Belief in oneself, the zeal to put up a brave face,
In the face of adversity, to stand strong against fate,
That’s how life is – it’s an excellent goal to chase!
To create a name for oneself, from the soil your feet dampen,
To let critics enhance your effort, not let your spirits dampen,
It’s the journey that counts, more than having scaled the peak,
To persevere so that it’s your actions that have the loudest shriek!
—
To sum up, I feel that this age-old adage rings true whenever I think of this beautiful alliance of an Indian Global Brand – Tata Motors and a Global Argentinian Sportsperson – Lionel Messi
“Our Similarities bring us to a common ground; Our Differences allow us to be fascinated”
That realization is truly #madeofgreat. 🙂
Such an inspiring story, Shilpa. He truly is #madeofgreat. And so are you! As it takes a very strong woman to stand with him through all this. Wishing you both the very best and every success in the future. 🙂
What an inspiration he is! He is indeed #made of great! The fact that he stood his ground without giving up when the times were trying, shows his determination and grit! And yeah..behind this very successful man is his woman, whom we are proud of too!
Wow that was quite something. Kudos to both of you. It takes courage to step out of one’s comfort zone and an equal amount of courage to lend unflinching support to such a person.
That is truly inspiring. Walking the path in which your whole is tested and the only way to make it is to persevere and prevail through thick and thin is something not many take upon themselves. As I read this I got a sense of how this story is one of those that exempifies the dude’s greatness. We could all use more of such inspiration.
As for their tie up, I think both, one as an individual and the other as a group of individuals, personify a similar level of greatness and toughness that the world watches in awe and respects.
Wow! shilpa 🙂 I am amazed at this post, truly very motivating and passionate, loved reading every sentence and congrats to you; for believing in his dream and supporting him to follow his hearts desire…. yes hard work, perseverance, and conviction from within all matters, also enjoyed watching the video, thanks for sharing and all the very best to you and KG in our life.. wishing you Gods abundant blessings !
It sure needs lot of guts to drop a cushy job and start farming which needs not just hardwork but depends on so many unreliable and unpredictable factors. He sure is gutsy and this i am sure would’nt have been possible with your support. To me, you both are #madeof great. May you both prosper and flourish as great new age farmers!
Regarding, Tata motors and Messi, both are synonymous with simplicity, performance and reliability but i still would have preferred an Indian icon with the same traits for an indigenious brand like Tata.
sorry typo shilpa, it should read *without your support
Tata Motors’ association with Lionel Messi spells a significantly notable alliance that will steer the company towards favourable benefits. I always acknowledge Tata Motors as a distinctive name in Auto industry, which will not let the success ‘larger-than life’ elude from its fate now with a timeless guild with iconic figure Messi. I don’t see this union of Tata Motors as an aspirational effort for garnering some quick publicity and evoke specific reaction from myriad crowd with Celeb branding, but is rightly an embellished handshake for keeping up the pace to get to the pinnacle of success graph. To sum things up, I am joyous to see the brand and the star uniting for ‘One in a Million’ #madeofgreat power-packed drive ahead 🙂
Do share your views on my post as well http://maliveandkicking.blogspot.in/2015/11/holiness-of-character-is-key-to-be.html
Great person indeed….Those who dare to follow their dreams without paying heed to the obstacles that lie ahead are true winners. You are a winner too for being with him….Congratulations…!
Hi Shilpa
Indeed a nicely written post. I wish you good luck for the contest
Here is my answer
The association of Tata Motors with Lionel Messi is that of two greats. Lionel Messi has been exceptionally talented who with his hard work, determination and sacrifices has got better and tougher in his chosen sport so is the Image, reputation and quality of TATA Motors that have transformed brilliant ideas into masterpieces of engineering and created a brand and products that we are so proud of as Indians. Lionel Messi has transformed his body and the mind body co-ordination into a masterpiece of precision and excellence it would not be wrong to say that Lionel Messi is the TATA Motors of sports where as TATA Motors is the Lionel Messi of vehicles both giants in their own spheres driven by the drive to excel and lead by example. So Lionel Messi is the best choice for becoming the brand Ambassador for TATA Motors
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Your post defines #madeofgreat to the hilt. Goodluck for the contest
My answer is:
Authenticity, reliability, simplicity, as well as its commitment to innovation are the pillars of strength on which TATA have built a brand that has put India on the global map. It is a brand that has stood the test of time just like Lionel Messi who tackles opposition on the field with his skill,agility,strategy,brilliance and raw power to reach and score a goal so has been the track record of TATA motors who has become a brand leader and a global giant. These qualities make TATA Motors and Lionel Messi perfect partners who stand for the same set of values thus Lionel Messi is the perfect brand ambassador to represent TATA Motors.
Hope my best to be a winner here; do contact me for the prize at [email protected]
fingers crossed
Your post describes #madeofgreat so well that it has winner written all over it. Good luck for your entry.
Here is my answer.
Like minds think and act alike looking at the track record of TATA Motors it has stood the test of time and built a business that was built using bricks of hard work on a foundation of trust. Authenticity, reliability, simplicity, as well as its commitment to innovation are the trademarks of brand TATA Motors. These same qualities are present in Lionel Messi who with his immense talent has made a mark for himself on the international football field .Facing all hardships he has worked hard toiling on the fields and in training sessions facing injuries and pressure to come out trumps and be a winner. Thus these two greats Lionel Messi and TATA Motors are made for each other .There association is a bond of two legends
In case you pick me a winner my email id is : [email protected]
Fingers crossed 🙂
Your post defines #madeofgreat in a awesome manner.Very well written and interesting post indeed.
My Answer
Tata Motors is a brand that makes durable vehicles, with its MADE IN INDIA mark makes every Indian proud. It is a brand seen globally as Trusted, Reliable, Innovative and at the forefront of technology. In its journey since inception it has overcome all odds, competition, and adversities with grit and determination. These same qualities are associated with Lionel Messi who was very talented and hardworking from a very early age. With each game that he played he kept improving his skills and built a career to become one of the best player of professional football. There qualities make both TATA Motors and Lionel Messi giants who perfectly compliment each other and Lionel Messi the right and perfect Ambassador who stands for the same values that TATA Motors does.
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Yours is a very well written post your .Its is a very nice description of #madeofgreat
TATA Motors is a brand associated with performance, endurance and excellence. These words are also synonymous with Lionel Messi who plays as a forward and weaves his magic on the football field.Just as Lionel Messi is considered the best footballer in the world ,TATA motors which is Indias premier automotive manufacturer gives wheels to the people of India with its wide range of vehicles. Both believe in excelling in whatever they do and set examples for others to follow. They compliment each other as both are reliable trustworthy and leaders thus Lionel Messi is the natural choice as the brand ambassador of TATA Motors
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