Vijay Raja 

Throughout my career, Anandakumar and Balaji have been two mentors who influenced me in different ways.

When I worked with Anandakumar, I was often impressed by the clarity and perspective he brought to challenges. Watching how he handled responsibilities made me reflect on how I could develop those qualities myself. His guidance went beyond work, and many of the lessons he shared later helped me when I took on leadership responsibilities.

Balaji influenced me through his leadership style and the way he worked with people. He was always open to new ideas and approaches, and I admired how he kept his teams motivated and engaged. Observing him taught me valuable lessons about leading people, building trust, and creating a positive team environment.

More than their words, it was their actions that inspired me. The way they handled challenges, supported their teams, and carried their responsibilities left a lasting impression on me.

Travel is a big part of my life and one of the things I enjoy the most. Whenever I get the chance, I like taking my bike and heading out, often with friends, to explore new places. I also enjoy creating travel vlogs, as they allow me to capture and relive those experiences.

I have always been drawn to nature, especially mountains and waterfalls. There is something peaceful about sitting quietly, enjoying the view, feeling the breeze, or spending time near a waterfall. Those moments help me slow down, clear my mind, and recharge.

When I am not travelling, I usually spend time on YouTube exploring topics that interest me. But if given a choice, I would almost always choose to be on the road, discovering new places and creating new memories. For me, travel is more than a hobby—it is a way of experiencing life and seeing the world from different perspectives.

To me, leadership is not just about managing work; it is about helping people grow. A good leader should guide the team through challenges, create confidence, and provide the support needed to succeed.

I believe leaders should lead by example. When difficulties arise, they should stay resilient, take responsibility, and help the team move forward. The way a leader responds during challenging times often shapes how the team responds as well.

A leader should also provide a clear vision and help people understand where they are heading and why their work matters. When there is clarity and purpose, teams become more engaged and motivated.

Above all, leadership is about building trust. When leaders take a genuine interest in their people, support them through challenges, and stand by them when it matters most, they create stronger relationships and inspire confidence within the team.

My advice to young professionals is to stay curious and never stop learning. There is a Tamil saying, “Kattrathu Kai Alavu, Kallathathu Ulagalavu,” which reminds us that no matter how much we know, there is always more to learn. Keeping that mindset will help you grow throughout your career and life. 

At the same time, do not let work become your entire world. Spend time with family and friends, travel when you can, and create memories along the way. These experiences bring balance and help you stay grounded. 

Most importantly, take care of your health and finances. They are two of the strongest foundations in life. When they are in place, you can face challenges with confidence, pursue your goals with clarity, and enjoy the journey along the way. 

When I think about the moments that made me smile, my mind immediately goes to the team outings and events we used to have every few months. Those occasions were always filled with games, singing, dancing, and plenty of laughter, making them something everyone looked forward to. 

I particularly enjoyed organizing games and activities during these events. It was rewarding to see people relax, have fun, and connect with one another beyond their day-to-day work. Bringing people together and keeping the energy high was something I naturally enjoyed. 

What stays with me most is the sense of togetherness we shared during those moments. The laughter, conversations, and experiences we created as a team have become some of my fondest memories, and they still bring a smile to my face whenever I think about them.