Experiencing serious illness was the trigger for Ramesh Nair to pursue his long held passion to help others achieve.
What’s your story?
I am a former technology executive with 30+ yrs of experience who has previously led large business units to deliver large scale transformation programs for F500 organisations. Most organisations have focussed on up-skilling technical capabilities of employees but largely neglect the human aspect, which I view as important for long-term success. This made me focus on the human element, understand human complexities, mindset and nurture talent on my teams. On the personal front, my battle with cancer helped me develop resilience – leading to a thought of creating a living legacy. Thus I transitioned to a Leadership and Executive coach.
What excites you most about your industry?
I operate at the intersection of Technology and Human Capital. It is all about transformation – business transformation and human transformation. Our lives are being disrupted at a much faster pace and it is difficult for the human beings to adapt to these rapid changes. The times we live in, though challenging, can present new opportunities for individuals with the right growth mindset. That inspires me!
What drives you in your career to push beyond what other people consider normal?
Like most driven individuals, the combination of curiosity, competition, and the need to tackle pressing challenges has allowed me to push myself. On a human level, we all have an innate desire to make things better, whether it’s developing new technologies, finding more efficient solutions, or enhancing our lives. After what I consider to be a long and fruitful technology career, I want to share what I have learnt and hopefully make an impact in the lives of those whom I coach/mentor.
What have been the most useful skills you have learnt and applied in your journey?
The most useful skill that I have learnt over the years is to develop resilience and always have a “Chin-up” attitude. Despite facing setbacks or failures, I have always soldiered on to the best of my abilities. This attitude can be a powerful driving force in achieving success and overcoming challenges. I have been a primary care giver to 3 cancer patients in my immediate family and a cancer ‘thriver’, and have set my sights on running a full-marathon by 2023 end. The resiliency that I have developed has kept me going, in both my personal and professional life.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
The best piece of advice I received was when I started working in 1990. “Worrying about things that are beyond your control is futile”, leading to unnecessary stress and anxiety. If we go down that rabbit hole, we eventually try to control all outcomes, which is practically impossible. Outcomes are governed by multiple parameters – worrying about outcomes and not focussing on what needs to be done in the moment, will not achieve the goals we set out to achieve. We need to be more realistic and focus on what we can do and do the best we can.
Who inspires you?
Mahatma Gandhi has inspired me – his unwavering commitment to truth and integrity stands apart. Leaders can emulate Gandhi’s ethical approach (of truth and Integrity) by prioritising honesty, transparency, and social responsibility. He was an empowering leader, giving a platform for communities to take charge of their own destiny. Employees that feel empowered are by far more engaged, innovative and committed to the organisation’s goals. In all the teams that I have led, I have precisely tried to create such environments. Lastly his philosophy on conflict resolution and non-violence inspires us to have a more constructive approach to resolving our disagreements.
What have you learnt recently that blew you away?
Post my transition to full-time Executive Coaching, I have been interacting with a diverse group of individuals across industries and geographies and was quite surprised to find a common thread. Even at the highest levels of corporate and business, individuals such as CXOs are bound by people’s perceptions about them, which unfortunately act as an inhibitor and stifles decision making – they are prisoners of fear of external judgement. I felt they are looking for a sounding board to empower themselves and build confidence – this is something I did not foresee since we idealise CXOs as being perfect.
If you had your time again, what would you do differently?
I have always had a passion for coaching and mentoring professionals and students . Looking back, I feel that I would have had a better sense of fulfilment if I had transitioned to leadership and executive coaching earlier in my career. Every individual is unique – I wish more people are able to follow their passions as early in life as they can – my suggestion is to always keep developing your passion in addition to your day job. This should set you up to eventually walk away from a corporate gig should you desire it.
How do you unwind?
I love spending time in nature and enjoy hiking in national parks and forests and observing wildlife. When that is not possible, I take advantage of the fact that I live a mere 30mins away from some of the most sandy beaches and go for long walks with my wife. I also love the Himalayas and make it a point to visit at least once a year – the rugged snow clad mountain peaks really helps puts things into perspective. After an exhausting workday though, nothing better than sipping a glass of hot tea and listening to some 1980s music.
What is a major mindset change, belief shift or ‘ah ha’ moment that you’ve experienced in relation to your career?
I was diagnosed with cancer in Oct 2020 and underwent surgery followed by multiple rounds of chemotherapy and radiation. Even though my body took quite a battering, I was still able to find peace in eating, reading and sleeping, and for the first time, completely being able to disconnect from work emails and my phone. That’s when I realised how work stress has been insidiously acting on our bodies for decades without us even realising it. I did some soul searching and decided to call it quits on my corporate job and follow my passion.
Everyone in business should read this book:
Irrespective of the industry, I would recommend the following books for everyone: 7 Principles of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey, What Got You Here Will Not Get You There by Marshall Goldsmith, Freakonomics by Stephen J. Dubner and Steven D. Levitt, Thinking Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman.
Shameless plug for your business or career:
With vast experience in diverse stakeholder engagement, I understand that successful transformation requires embracing culture and fostering a growth mindset. As a coach, I guide clients through setbacks, feedback, and career paths with candor and vulnerability. I empower professionals to transform doubt into growth opportunities. My focus is on helping executives become conscious leaders with clarity, purpose, and conviction. As your thinking partner, I uncover obstacles, reconnect you with your values, and facilitate intentional choices. Let’s explore your strengths, overcome challenges, and map out your success together.
How can people connect with you?
I can be reached via LinkedIn. Please feel free to shoot me a message https://www.linkedin.com/in/rameshbnair/
Social Media Links?
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rameshbnair/
This interview is part of the CallumConnects series.