Johnson Monohar Manickam

If I think about what has changed in me over time, the biggest shift has been in my perspective on work. Early in my career, I focused mainly on my own responsibilities. My approach was simple—I focused on completing the work assigned to me properly and didn’t pay much attention to the rest of the team’s work. 

But as I moved into leadership roles, I realized that leading a team requires a different mindset. It is no longer just about individual tasks; it is about the team’s work and the company’s goals. Over time, my thinking naturally shifted in that direction. 

This change helped me understand the importance of working together. Since then, I have believed that whatever we do should be done properly as a team. 

During my college days, I discovered that I was good at programming. When I first joined college, I didn’t know much about it, but over time I started excelling in programming. In fact, the college once formed a small team of five students to build software for another firm, and I was one of the members selected for that team. That experience strengthened my interest in programming and helped me realize that this is where I belong. Being in this field today makes me feel that I am in the right place. 

Many people have inspired me throughout my life—starting with my parents, my wife, and my in-laws, as well as certain spiritual leaders and a few managers I’ve worked with. I tend to observe people closely and learn from the positive qualities each of them brings. Because of that, it’s difficult for me to point to just a few individuals. In different ways, many people have played a role in shaping how I think and grow. 

I also have someone whose leadership qualities I truly admire. He is simple, highly knowledgeable, and very thoughtful, yet remains approachable despite all that he has achieved. By observing him, I’ve learned how to stay calm, handle situations with clarity, and maintain a healthy work–life balance. In challenging moments, I often pause and think about how he might approach the situation. That perspective helps me respond thoughtfully rather than react immediately, and it continues to guide me in many situations. 

Personally, I compose music, and many of my compositions have been appreciated, which has been very encouraging. Professionally, positive feedback from customers has also been very rewarding. Such recognition always brings happiness because it shows that the effort we put in is valued. At the same time, I don’t take it with pride—I simply see it as a joyful moment that motivates me to keep moving forward. 

To me, success means giving my best and creating work that positively impacts others. I focus on putting in my best effort, and when that effort results in something meaningful and valuable for others, I see that as true success. 

One thing I take pride in is the way I manage relationships in my family. I believe in understanding people, taking responsibility, and treating everyone with respect. I try to carry this approach into my roles as a father, husband, and son. 

At home, I focus on creating a friendly and open relationship with my family, including my children. I also believe in giving people their space and respecting their freedom. When I disagree with something, I share my perspective and keep the conversation open. If someone offers a viewpoint that makes sense, I’m always willing to accept it. For me, building relationships based on respect, understanding, and openness is something I truly value. 

Looking back at my journey, I’ve learned that not every opinion will align with our own, and that’s perfectly fine. What matters is understanding what is meaningful and helpful for us, and moving forward with that clarity. 

I also believe that people shouldn’t be judged only by their negative traits. Every person has something positive we can learn from. Focusing on those positive aspects has been one of the most valuable lessons in my life.