Venkataprasad Subramani

One thing that has always stayed with me is my curiosity. From my school days, I enjoyed noticing details, finding patterns, and exploring topics that genuinely interested me. Once something caught my attention, I naturally wanted to understand it in greater depth, and that habit continues even today. 

At the same time, my mindset towards learning has changed significantly. Earlier, if something felt difficult or outside my comfort zone, I would assume it was not for me and avoid exploring it further. Over the past few years, I have consciously moved away from that thinking. Today, I believe that most things can be learned with enough effort and willingness to improve, and that change has helped me approach new challenges with a more open mind.

For me, handling tough situations often starts with taking a step back and giving myself space to think clearly. When I become too involved in a problem, it can start to feel overwhelming and make it harder to see things objectively. Instead of adding more pressure, I take a short break, shift my focus, or do something simple like going for a walk or reading. This helps me reset and approach the situation with a fresh perspective. 

I also try to acknowledge the situation without spending too much time worrying about what went wrong. Once I accept it for what it is, I focus on understanding what needs to be done next. I then break it down into smaller, manageable steps, whether that means learning something new or seeking guidance from others. Over the years, this approach has helped me navigate difficult situations more effectively and continue moving forward.

One value I strongly believe in is taking responsibility for my actions and being genuine in my intentions. In my work, this means approaching things with a sense of ownership. When I take responsibility for something, I make sure I understand it clearly and handle it with care rather than simply trying to complete it as quickly as possible. 

The same principle influences my personal life as well. I value people who are sincere in their intentions, and I do not judge someone solely based on small mistakes. At the same time, I believe in maintaining clear boundaries. If I feel that our core values do not align, I prefer to step back rather than force a relationship or situation that does not feel right.

I have been inspired by different people at different stages of my life. Growing up, I admired Sourav Ganguly for his leadership and confidence, while A. R. Rahman inspired me with his humility and continuous effort to improve. I also look up to Roger Federer for his calmness and grace, and Virat Kohli for his discipline and strong mindset. These influences have shown me that leadership can come from both calmness and intensity.  

In my professional journey, Davis sir has influenced me with his consistent approach to handling situations. Even during escalations or team discussions, he focuses only on the work and what needs to be done, without bringing in personal judgment. This creates a sense of trust and allows the team to focus on solving problems without unnecessary pressure. 

Another strong influence has been Rajadurai, who stands out for treating everyone with equal respect, regardless of experience, and creating an inclusive environment where people feel valued. Together, their approach has had a lasting impact on how I think and work today. 

I believe that leadership begins with self-awareness. Once you step into a leadership role, success is no longer defined by individual achievements alone, but by how well your team grows and succeeds. To support others effectively, it is important to understand your own strengths, weaknesses, and emotions. This awareness helps you stay composed, approach situations with clarity, and provide feedback in a way that encourages growth without affecting confidence. 

Along with this, empathy plays an important role. Understanding people, their perspectives, and their challenges helps in building trust and creating a positive environment. I also believe that a leader should empower the team by giving them the freedom to learn, make mistakes, and improve, while being available to guide them when needed. 

In the long run, I feel that leadership is not just about achieving results, but about building strong teams, nurturing future leaders, and creating a culture where people feel supported and motivated to grow. 

While motivation is important, I do not believe it is always present or reliable. Instead of depending on it, I focus on creating the right environment and routines that help me stay focused and move forward consistently. 

Another mindset that helps me is treating every day as a fresh start. No matter what happened the previous day, whether it was a success or a setback, I see each day as a new opportunity to begin again. This helps me stay grounded and focused on continuous improvement rather than dwelling on the past. 

Together, these simple approaches have helped me maintain balance, keep learning, and continue moving forward over the years. 

Outside of work, I focus on simple activities that help me unwind and stay balanced. One among them are keeping my space clean and organized is something I enjoy, as it brings a sense of clarity and helps me reset mentally.   

Apart from it, reading has also become an important part of my routine, where it gives me time to slow down and reflect. Occasionally, I like to travel alone, or with my close friends which helps me recharge and look at things with a fresh perspective.