Sana Shams’ Post

🌟 From XLRI Delhi-NCR to PepsiCo : Lesson Learned from my interview prep🌟 As I reflect on my journey from B-School interviews to securing a spot at PepsiCo, I can't help but appreciate the valuable lessons learned along the way. With incoming juniors gearing up for their own B-School interviews, I wanted to share some insights that proved instrumental in my success: Research, reflection, and authenticity aren't just buzzwords—they're the foundation of a successful interview process. Just as I took the time to understand PepsiCo’s values, mission, and culture, B-School applicants should delve into the ethos of the institutions they're applying to. Are their values aligned with yours? Does their approach to education resonate with your aspirations? These are crucial questions to consider. Trust in yourself, do your homework, and approach each interview with authenticity and enthusiasm. The right opportunity awaits! P.S. - Here’s the new PEPSI logo that debuted worldwide on 1st March 2024. #mba #xlri #xlridelhi #xlrijamshedpur #pepsicoproud #pepsico #peprisers #pepsi #bschool #interviews #xat2024

Our company changed my mindset using a very simple approach towards its employees. Ever since I have joined Jindal Stainless, I have been told by everyone here that if I have a problem, then I should come with its feasible solution. I initially went blank when my manager said this to me on the first day of joining when I came upto him with a problem. However, the same day after reaching hotel, I thought about a feasible solution and next day discussed it with him. The problem immediately got solved as he implemented my solution since he found it to be feasible. I liked this approach and decided to use it for my daily life issues. It’s been almost two months since I joined this company and today, I have all the feasible solutions for my daily life and company related problems. Now that I look back at it in hindsight, this has been one of my biggest learnings till date and has changed my mindset completely. By consistently finding feasible solutions to challenges, I have been able to foster resilience, enhance my problem-solving skills, and boost my confidence which has ultimately helped me in leading improved decision-making, stronger relationships, and personal growth. I would love to know your views on it 🔻

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AND IT'S A WRAP - of a fulfilling, enriching, valuable, memorable 14 Yrs of my time with Procter & Gamble India From the day I walked in dreamy-eyed, I've grown up a second time all over again, evolving into the individual that I am today. Blessed with immense opportunities all through - 10 different assignments, 10+ countries, 5+ categories, 2 functions - the experience has been incredible. Apart from the rich professional development, I'm also grateful for the employee-centric policies & support systems that have always enabled me to find the balance I wanted to, in meeting my personal-professional expectations. I do believe that it is not possible to have it all, at all points in time. But it is indeed possible to have different things at different points in time depending on HOW & WHAT we prioritize. For me, every time I prioritized a personal need, P&G stood by me rock-solid on the professional front, supporting my choices - a long maternity break, an International stint, a sabbatical at a time of dire personal need among many others - ensuring these choices don't impact my career progress. And this is a true testimony to Equality & Inclusion, giving the ambitious-me wings to fly. Thankful to each of my mentors, managers, career sponsors, peers and my teams without whose support none of this would've taken shape. Each one of them make P&G what it is. And these relationships I have built over the years, is the biggest treasure I take with me into the future. I move on with GRATITUDE, RESPECT & PRIDE for the Organisation (it's People) that has made me what I'm today. PS: Taking some down time before exploring the next phase. More on it soon.

Friday marked my 34th year with General Mills. Thank you for all of the well wishes that I received on my LinkedIn page! I also chose Friday as my retirement date. I am excited about this next chapter of my life. Below are my parting words to my colleagues. GMI Family,   Today marks not only my 34th service anniversary – a milestone I’ll always cherish – but also my last day as a full-time General Mills employee. Many of you have already offered kind words, and I’m deeply grateful for each and every one, as I enter the next chapter of my life, post-retirement. Reflecting on my last day, four key takeaways stand out --- Throughout my career, one phrase has resonated deeply: "It's ALL about the people; the rest is just details." This is especially true at General Mills, a company built on its incredible people. Recruiting the right talent and fostering a culture of belonging – that's the key to our success. Food safety and quality are paramount. A single negative experience overshadows any marketing campaign or technological advancement. Our commitment to delivering consistently high-quality products is the bedrock of our success. A piece of wisdom I received from a mentor: "Whenever you feel undervalued, remember that others might feel the same. Find them and let them know they matter." This has guided me, and I encourage each of you to extend that same care and support to your colleagues. Leadership is a privilege, not a right. As a leader, your primary responsibility is to the individuals you lead. This requires careful consideration of each person's unique needs and strengths. Because teams are diverse, effective leadership demands flexibility and adaptability to support the success of every team member. Above all, be a vocal advocate for your team, actively seeking out and amplifying the voices of those who may otherwise go unheard. Thank you for the incredible journey. I'll miss you all. Warmly,    Chris Majors

I turn 35 this year A lot of people congratulate me for things I have achieved But for every success, there are many failures in my name Here’s my failure resume: - Low Confidence made every conversation in early school life tough 😥 - Wanted to get into one of the Top IITs but couldn’t make it 🏫 - During undergrad, tried joining a club - they laughed me out 🫣 - Organised a Model UN in college but failed miserably 📉 - Interviewed with 6 firms during college - all of them rejected me 👎 - Planned a big launch for a product in Tata Motors but it turned out a flop 😨 - Feeling confident, left my job at Tata only to feel quite lost in life for a year 🚶♂️ - Started my own business but made heavy losses for 2 years straight 💸 - Lost customers left, right and centre when I tried to expand rapidly 👋 - Couldn’t support my team enough and attrition went to 30% 💼 - Planned investments I deemed good blew up in my face 🤡 - Started writing my book but failed on the first attempt ✍️ - Launched my first workshop. No more than 10 people joined 🤐 And yet I am very happy where I am right now! You know why? Because failure doesn’t define you. Failures only try to 👇 push you down, 😓 make you fall, 💔 and break your spirit. But when you pick yourself up, 💪 you learn to push harder 🏆 and rise higher.

What are your reasons for quitting a job or staying longer in a role? Mine have been oddly clear: 🚫 Lack of rewards? Not the reason. 🚫 Unfavorable location? Not the issue. 🚫 Challenging leadership? Not a problem. 🚫 Difficult year for the organization? Not a deterrent. My reason to stay longer or quit has been: ✅ Whether my work contributes to the larger goals of the organization? One memorable instance was during my tenure at The Coca-Cola Company : 🎯 As part of the #INSWA FP&A team, I was thrilled to see how my work directly impacted our major milestones. 🎯 I participated in planning scenarios, market drives, and months of preparation for a single milestone. 🎯 On 15th Nov 2019, Coca-Cola India became the fifth largest market as it reached the milestone of selling 1-billion-unit cases. ➡ Sharing this #achievement as a team and witnessing our collective efforts come to fruition was truly special. ➡ Mapping my work to the company’s success and celebrating this #milestone brought a deep sense of purpose to my role. ➡ That sense of #purpose continues to connect me to the organization’s success, even today. ✅ Research indicates that employees who find meaning and #significance in their work are more likely to stay #engaged and remain with their organization #long-term. ✅ Studies highlight that employees who feel their work contributes to organizational #goals are more satisfied, which is a key factor in employee #retention. 🌟 So next time you evaluate your career choices, consider this: 🌟 🌟Are you able to contribute to your organization’s larger goals? 🌟 #TeamSuccess #CareerFulfilment #Milestones #LongService #1Billion

From Resignation to Reinvention: Balancing Work and Learning on My Path to Growth On November 15, I made a significant decision to resign from my role as a Customer Support Associate due to personal reasons. While it was a difficult step, it was necessary for me to focus on my priorities and aspirations, particularly my goal of mastering Full-Stack Development. Shortly after, a job opportunity opened in my hometown of Nizamabad for a Packer role at D-Mart. However, the working hours from 2 PM to 11 PM conflicted with my study schedule. Knowing that learning and growth are essential to my long-term goals, I made the tough decision to decline the offer. A few days later, on November 23, I embarked on a new chapter by joining Pizza Hut. My current role has evening hours, from 5 PM to 2 AM, which perfectly complements my study schedule. I now have ample time in the mornings to focus on learning Full-Stack Development, dedicating 10 AM to 4 PM exclusively to honing my skills. This balance between working in the evenings and studying during the day has become my way of life. It’s a journey of perseverance, time management, and relentless dedication to personal and professional growth. As I navigate this phase, I’m proud of the choices I’ve made to prioritize my education while fulfilling my responsibilities. Every challenge is a stepping stone, and I’m excited about what lies ahead. #CareerJourney #LearningAndGrowth #TimeManagement #FullStackDevelopment #nxtwave #ccbpian NxtWave

Respect at Work: Secret unrevealed Starting my corporate journey, I was fortunate to have Mr. VK Gupta, now CEO at Jindal Poly Films Limited, as my first reporting manager. He shared a piece of wisdom that has stayed with me: "If you know how to do your work and have the right intent, your boss will always respect you." Within just two months of joining, he was transferred to another group company. The uncertainty of working under a new reporting manager was daunting, especially when the equation with your manager matters most. But Mr. Gupta's words remained a beacon: *“तुम्हें काम करना आता है और काम करने की नीयत भी है तो सब तुम्हें चाहेंगे - तुममें ये दोनों बात है तो घबराना क्यों है।”* (If you know how to work and have the right intent, everyone will respect you—since you have both, why worry?). For those embarking on their careers, this advice is gold. You might face uncertainties but remember—competence and intent will earn you respect. Embrace this mindset, and let it guide you as you navigate your career path with confidence and purpose. #CareerAdvice #Motivation #CharteredAccountants #Leadership