Ravi Punjabi
Mumbai, India

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Carving new inroads in my industry

Ravi Punjabi

I graduated as an electronics engineer from the Mumbai University. I had dreams of working, earning money, and being recognized in my industry. In my work, I started to believe that it was not easy to lead people and that sharing your ideas could be risky, since many people do not easily subscribe to new ideas. Even if they believe in the idea, making it happen is often time consuming. And, if you fail in the execution of the idea, then some people never forgive you for the failure.

When I did The Landmark Forum, I realized that I had cultivated these limiting beliefs over a period of time. I could live within a comfort zone and not worry much about failing. I realized that I was holding back from “being a leader” because I perceived that I did not have the capability to lead. Though I always dreamed of being recognized as a leader, I didn’t know how to get there.

I have worked for customer support departments of information technology (IT) organizations for the last 14 years. In the past five years, I began working in the area of service logistics, a specialized area within customer service that includes everything from spare parts planning, spare parts movement, warehouses, associated IT systems, and distribution networks. This is a very challenging field given that service logistics is not simple to execute in a developing country such as India.

I checked in the industry for information and realized that there were no organizations or associations which actually deal with service logistics development in India. I saw how important this need was and how a solution could make a difference in the progress of the country. I also saw this as an opportunity to become a leader. I came up with an idea of starting an "Association of Specialized Logistics – India," where logistics managers from service critical organizations could meet and discuss important ideas regarding this field.

When I participated in the Landmark Self-Expression and Leadership Program, fulfilling on my idea became the focus of a project. I created an organization called ASL India. ASL India had its first successful conference in January 2002 at the Hotel Taj Westend, Bangalore. Participants agreed that it made perfect sense to take this purpose ahead. Today, the association is registered and has a planned timetable for future meetings. The association has 15 member companies, including some leading global players, such as Cisco, DHL, Expeditors, EGL, IBM, and Hewlett-Packard. Among the many things the association plans to do, we plan to work in partnership, guide, and liase with the Indian government authorities to develop the service logistics infrastructure in India.

As we set up the association, I was recognized within the industry for the initiative. Today, I have a great set of associates and colleagues and the power to plan and fulfill on our vision for this industry.

To contribute, to learn, to coach and be coached, to share, to trust and to grow is part of the new lifestyle I designed for myself out of participating in Landmark’s education. I got in touch my leadership skills – which I had never explored – and got in touch with how I could empower that same skill in others.