Vasant Gujarathi
Beyond the 9 to 5 – Finding fulfilment in life’s bigger picture
Tell us about the time you joined the firm?
The number of years I spent with the firm have been the most encouraging, whether it was the learning phase or the turning points of various remarkable achievements in my life.
I joined the firm’s Dubash house, Ballard estate, Mumbai office, on 2 August 1976 as a junior qualified assistant (JQA). The office was not too big but was well maintained. We had a staff of not more than 30, which included two partners.
The work environment was very cordial, in a disciplined way. Wearing a tie was compulsory for the men.
The essential mindset of every senior employee, director, and partner of the firm was to take ownership. This meant that each person identified with the firm and its interests, initiatives and actions. The firm’s biggest asset is its talent, and it is wonderful to see back then and today, how the employees stand by the firm to help it become the firm of the future.
During my tenure, I spearheaded the transition to larger office spaces in key locations including Shivaji Park, Bandra, Pune and Ahmedabad. Notably, the Shivaji Park office, situated by the iconic seashore, is something I will always take pride in securing for the firm.
Who were your mentors during your time at the firm – those that left an indelible mark on you and your career?
In my initial years, my then manager Shanker Kirpalani and partners D G Rajan, B S Trivedi, and T V Tyagarajan were heading the firm’s operations. By working with these three on various assignments, I learned a lot in my professional career which allowed me to elevate myself to the Partner position in April 1991.
What's one interesting or unexpected skill you developed that people might not know about?
My confidence levels soared while handling professional assignments or communicating with senior clients. Gaining confidence was an unexpected skill that I developed while working with the firm.
If there is a mantra to a successful career and a content life, what will it be according to you?
A mantra for a successful professional career should be: Commit to growth, lead with integrity and balance ambition with well-being. Here’s why these three are important pillars for personal and professional growth.
- Commit to growth: In a dynamic environment, staying adaptable and skilling continuously is key. Seek opportunities to grow your skills, stay ahead of industry trends, and invest in personal development.
- Lead with integrity: Trust and ethics are cornerstones of a professional’s success, particularly in a firm like PwC which upholds strong values. Make decisions that align with your principles and prioritise transparency and honesty in your work.
- Balance ambition with well-being: While aiming high and pursuing success is important, remember that a content life requires balance. Focus on your health, relationships and personal happiness, ensuring you do not lose sight of the bigger picture.
This mantra reflects both professional success in a high-performance environment and a holistic approach to personal fulfilment. Success at work is not just about individual achievement. Strong professional networks and collaborative teams are essential to thriving in such a competitive environment. Cultivate relationships of mutual respect, mentorship, and support. Additionally, give back through mentorship, community involvement or contribute to a greater cause because it adds purpose to your career and enriches your sense of fulfilment. Success is not just what you achieve for yourself, but how you impact those around you.
In short -- Pursue excellence with integrity, while fostering balance and meaningful connections.
How do you stay connected with your former colleagues and friends?
I largely stay connected with my former colleagues and friends on social media like LinkedIn and WhatsApp. We also meet at regular intervals at certain locations. It is also my practice that whenever I visit other countries, I do personally visit my colleagues and friend living there, where we catch up for a meal.
What advice would you give young people on taking career risks?
Embrace calculated risks as opportunities for growth, but always align them with your long-term goals and values. Taking risks early in your career can open the doors to new experiences and rapid learning but it is important to assess the potential impact and ensure it aligns with where you want to go. Be willing to step out of your comfort zone but remain grounded in your core principles and adaptable to change.
A message for our readers?
Life should be about more than just work because true fulfilment comes from experiences, relationships, and personal growth that go beyond your career. Balance allows you to nurture your well-being, pursue passions, and create meaningful connections that enrich both your personal and professional life.
