My first paid assignment was that of an Emcee. I had to engage an audience of around 150 merry people across different age groups. There was pressure and nerves, but I did well. The appreciation from the audience said it all. A gentleman walked up to me and said he didn’t expect me to do so well. I was 18 then.
Around the same time, I gave a singing performance for a live audience. This one went well too. From an early age, I wanted to be a professional singer. Hailing from a family of musicians, this was a logical desire.
From these two performances, I realised I had a talent to hold people’s attention and get them to listen to me. I became a professional Emcee and worked in the field for a few years too. I picked up certain invaluable lessons on this job which I still apply at the workplace.
I learnt the art of people management, the importance of having a sense of humour, and most importantly, patience.
At AirAsia, I interact with employees from different departments — pilots, ground staff or technicians. My people management skills help me understand their needs.
I was expecting a meagre payment for my first Emcee job. Instead, the organiser paid me much more than I expected. When I expressed surprise, he told me an interesting thing — never undersell yourself. This is a lesson I still hold on to.
I also nurtured my passion for singing, giving live performances. Some of the performances have been dissected by critical ears. I’d sometimes look at my fellow competitors and marvel at their ability. On such occasions, I would question my own. Seeing them, I would feel diffident. However, I was quick to learn my lesson. That it does not help to look over the shoulder. You have to set your own pace and have to compete with yourself and try to improve as a professional and a human being every day.
There was also a time when I wanted to become a cricketer and used to practise at the MRF Pace Foundation, but nothing came out of it.
I am a Chartered Accountant. However, my plan was to study management. It was my father, a charted accountant too, who suggested I try accounting. I cleared my CA in the first attempt as a rank holder.
From the way I got my first job and how I hopped from one pursuit to another, I realise it’s necessary to try out various things in the initial stages of your career. And it’s perfectly fine to be confused at that stage. The confusion and restlessness will lead you to your true calling.
As told to VIPASHA SINHA
(Vijay Gopalan, 34, is the CFO of AirAsia India. He has worked with the Compass Group and Ernst & Young.)
