❓ What was the defining moment in your career❓ This was the question posed to me at a recent AMA session with Expleo Group employees. It’s a tough one—choosing just one moment that stands above the rest. But as I reflected, one experience came to mind. It happened even before my career truly began. After earning my bachelor’s degree, I was set to pursue a master’s in robotics and neural networks at Purdue University. With all my documents in hand, I traveled to Mumbai to collect my visa. While there, I bumped into an old friend, and we decided to catch up over tea. During that brief moment, my briefcase—containing every document I needed including my passport —was stolen. Everything I had worked for seemed to disappear in an instant. In 90s India, replacing those documents and securing another visa was nearly impossible. My plans for Purdue were shattered. It felt like my life had fallen apart. But in that moment of despair, I learned to pivot. With my original plans derailed, I decided to join Infosys as a software engineer. That decision marked the start of a career that eventually led me to become a President at the company and, years later, the CEO of Expleo. The lesson? Life doesn’t always follow our expectations. External events, often out of our control, will shift our path. When we resist these changes—clinging to what we thought our future would be—we create unnecessary friction with life. This friction manifests as frustration, disappointment, and a sense of loss. But when we learn to accept life as it unfolds, we begin to move with it rather than against it. Acceptance isn’t about giving up on our dreams; it’s about adapting and finding new possibilities within the reality we face. In my case, losing my dream of studying at Purdue opened the door to an entirely different journey, one that shaped me in ways I couldn’t have imagined. Life is unpredictable. The moments that feel like setbacks often carry the seeds of transformation—if we let them. So, what was the moment that changed everything for you? How did you navigate the unexpected? I’d love to hear your story. #CEOThoughts
Your story and lessons learned are one of kind, as the hair style from then!
Rare instance when many are thankful to a thief!!! Thanks for sharing Rajesh Murthy,the para starting ‘ the lesson’ is absolute truth & gem. Acceptance & adaptation to the situation you are in- gets the best cohesive force of yours & your ecosystem, rather than ruing and having friction! scores of folks like me have been influenced deeply by you, your leadership style & approach in general. Been a privilege- you touched so many lives positively including mine- thanks to the path you took. I still recall my first phone call to you long back , i was trying to introduce myself and you cut me ‘ Come on, i know you Vivek’. This was not usual- this was a statement , a class of leadership! Teams are lucky and at their best , When leaders are so humane, grounded & have the spine to own your successes & genuine failures.
2012, 11pm an evening, walking on Leblon Beach in Rio. I had taken an 8 months break from Infosys to travel, with a small guitar on the back offered by my friends. On that beach I dreamed awake and saw myself surrounded by musician, playing socially in a bar, even a famous French singer Jean-Jacques Goldman was at the back of the room and came to play with us. Every time I thought of this, even days after, I felt emotional. On my way back, I left London and joined the Parisian branch of Infosys, while starting a small side project called Jam’se at the time, now Le Buff - Facilitation Musicale. While I was gathering people regularly for social jams, I learned more and more about people, facilitating organicly moments with many people, created many different formats. A few months ago I decided it would be my main focus for now: Faciliting through collective intelligence and music so we give people and organisations human tools to prepare and live transitions. To be fair Rajesh Murthy , I remember as well the time I joined Infosys in London in 2006, and how I had never heard of this huge company, it was so weird and appealing to see a new world opening in front of me. Life gives us clues on where to search for oneself. 🙏
Resonated wel!! There were a couple of take away from that CEO connect session. One of them that stood out was this story of yours for me. This also resonated with one of my mentors and a person I look up to who always used to say ‘Adversity is the SOIL that Berths Greatness’ #Victim Vs #Victors mentality
I can’t pinpoint just one defining moment in my journey. Instead, it’s been the power of meritocracy and the guidance of inspiring professional mentors that have shaped my choices and career path #WomenInLeadership #CareerGrowth
Heartfelt, my dear friend. I've had my own share of defining moments in life. One of them was a phone call I made to you from Brisbane many years ago. A phone call that would leave an indelible mark on my journey. You've touched countless lives with your light, Rajesh Murthy, including mine. #keepshining
Rajesh Murthy thanks for sharing. It reminds me the quote Mr Bachchan talks about his father - ‘If thing happens according to your wish it’s good, but if it does not, it’s even better’
This is very impressive, and it’s a valuable lesson in our life. You have not stop your journey never gave up and have proven your talent and hard work in reaching this position today. Warm regards
Thanks for sharing Rajesh Murthy. My defining moment was deciding to leave the UK and go to study abroad. I left my home, my friends and family - but it was a crucial decision as I look back on my life today.
Very inpiring!! Pivots are pivotal in career and life! Amazing journey you have had. Wish you continued success sirji!