- Any Questions?
- 080-4710-6006
- [email protected]
By Vinay Shenoy – Director, Global Head of Strategy & Operations at Youtube
Let’s delve into the insights and experiences shared by Vinay Shenoy, Director, Global Head of Strategy & Operations at Youtube. He boasts an impressive career with over two decades of international experience in sea-level strategy, CXO engagement, and global sales operations. Before this, he held prestigious positions, including Country Head for Customer Success Acceleration at Google and a significant role in corporate strategy at HP. Beyond his professional achievements, what sets him apart is his adventurous spirit and willingness to embrace calculated risks. This particular blog is relevant for aspiring product managers seeking to become more customer-centric as it will shed light on finding the right skill set and navigating through career transitions.
Before delving into the intricacies of the career, let’s take a closer look at Vinay’s inspiring journey.
Vinay highlighted his career journey to be a fascinating mix of professional growth, calculated risks, and relentless pursuit of knowledge. He spoke about how his striving to give his best along with seeking additional avenues for learning and growth helped him throughout the journey.
He began his career with roles at Infosys and SAP, embracing the demands of continuous learning and adaptation in the ever-evolving tech industry. Exploring roles beyond his domain then led him to SAP’s Labs, where he was able to delve into product management and strategic operations. Further with securing an MBA, he transitioned to corporate strategy at HP and Emphasis. At Google, he navigated new dynamics and became the Country Manager for the UK and Ireland, successfully delivering on sales and product targets. Hence, embracing change and seeking growth became the key factors in shaping his journey.
However, after a few years, he noticed the presence of a glass ceiling hindering his further escalation. Therefore, he reflected back on his past journey to identify areas of improvement.
As the popular sayings by Steve Jobs goes:
“You can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backward. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future…” –
As a result of this introspection, he decided to pursue further education to refine his analytical skills, which motivated him to undertake additional studies. His journey also made him understand that growth and comfort cannot coexist. It’s essential to move out of your comfort zone and take on new challenges in order to grow both professionally and also as an individual. Let’s explore this factor in a bit more detail.
Growth and comfort are incompatible partners, and this truth is evident in various aspects, particularly in larger firms. In one of the major firms like Amazon, the mantra is ‘Every day is day one,’ hence we must instill an entrepreneurial mindset that constantly challenges the status quo and embraces change. On the other hand, at Google, a slightly different philosophy prevails – being at your best when you’re ‘uncomfortably excited.’ The use of the words ‘uncomfortable’ and ‘excited’ implies that there is ample room for personal and professional growth, encouraging individuals to embrace challenges and push their boundaries.
Vinay’s journey has been marked by pivotal shifts, each path distinct but fueled by an intrinsic thirst for continuous learning and a resolute willingness to leave his comfort zone. As Charles Darwin’s quote on the world’s rat race, “Survival of the fittest,” reminds us, it is adaptability, not merely intelligence or strength, that fosters thriving. The ability to embrace change and adapt becomes the cornerstone of survival and achievement in life.
Though his transition was made smoother because of the various options available as well as a supportive network of people guiding him along the way. These factors significantly influence the way one navigates through transitions. Let’s explore a few more major factors that could help one in their transitions.
To successfully pivot careers, several key requirements come into play, acting as stepping stones in your journey of growth and transition, which include:
1. Growth Mindset: Embrace a growth mindset, the unwavering drive to constantly learn and develop throughout your career journey. This mindset fuels your desire for knowledge and improvement, propelling you to seek new challenges and opportunities. Hence one must commit to ongoing self-improvement, skill development, and staying abreast of industry trends, ensuring you remain relevant and adaptable in a rapidly evolving job market.
The importance of lifelong learning can never be subsided as emphasized by the quote “Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at 20 or 80. Anyone who keeps learning stays young – Henry Ford
2. Frustration with Current Role: Often, career pivots are prompted by a sense of frustration or stagnation in your current role. Recognizing the need for change is the first step towards exploring new avenues and taking a leap into the unknown.
Vinay highlighted how his frustration with the current role made him explore more than just technical aspects and look for assignments slightly outside his domain. This eagerness to learn and broaden my skills ultimately was what led him to SAP’s Labs in Bangalore, and further skyrocketed his career.
3. Networking: Building a strong network is essential for career transitions. However, rethink the concept of networking to focus on what you can offer others, rather than solely seeking personal gain. Genuine interactions, where you listen and understand the needs of others, can lead to valuable connections that advocate for you in your journey.
4. Support System: Pivoting careers requires support, and this often comes from a network of family, friends, mentors, and managers. Your support system can be a valuable resource, offering guidance, encouragement, and opportunities that can make a significant difference in your path.
5. Manager as Coach and Sponsor: Your relationship with your manager can be pivotal in your career pivot. Aim to establish a rapport with your manager and, over time, turn them into a coach and mentor who helps you identify areas for growth and supports your aspirations. A sponsor is someone who advocates for you, even in your absence, opening doors and providing opportunities.
6. Taking Calculated Risks: Successful career pivots often involve taking calculated risks. You may need to step out of your comfort zone, forgo certain opportunities, or make significant life changes. Calculated risks, backed by a clear vision and dedication, can lead to fruitful outcomes.
7. Transferable Skills: Identifying and leveraging transferable skills is essential when venturing into new domains. These skills, honed throughout your career, can be assets in various roles and industries, enabling you to adapt and excel in unfamiliar territories.
The impact of these factors varies depending on your career approach, whether you perceive it as a sprint or a marathon journey.
When it comes to careers, the analogy of a Sprint or a Marathon can shed light on two distinct approaches and mindsets that individuals may adopt in their professional journey. Let’s explore the concept through the examples of legendary Formula One drivers and iconic cricketers.
In the world of Formula One, Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher are revered for their exceptional talent, both having secured seven world championships each. However, there’s another driver, Nico Rosberg, who deserves attention. Rosberg achieved a remarkable feat by defeating both Hamilton and Schumacher in the same car, a rare occurrence in Formula One. Despite his impressive talent, Rosberg couldn’t sustain his success over time.
Similarly, in cricket, we have the famous duo of Tendulkar and Kambli. While Tendulkar went on to have a stellar and enduring career, Kambli, though equally talented, couldn’t sustain his success in the long run. Kambli once described his journey by saying, “Sachin took the elevator, I took the stairs,” emphasizing that his rise to fame took longer but lacked the sustainability of Tendulkar’s career.
Drawing from these analogies, it becomes evident that there are two contrasting approaches to careers: the Sprint and the Marathon.
1. The Sprint Approach: Imagine your career as an 18-month sprint, where you relentlessly push yourself, especially during the early stages of your profession. Embrace the mindset of giving your best effort in every role, treating each opportunity as a chance to shine. Whether you’re a fresher or aiming for a promotion, approach each challenge with vigor and dedication. However, it’s crucial to watch for signs of burnout and know when to pull back, maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
2. The Marathon Approach: The career marathon is about pacing yourself for the long haul. While it may take longer to gain recognition and success, the idea is to sustain growth and progress steadily. Avoid rushing and be patient in your pursuit of excellence. This approach emphasizes the power of consistently putting in that extra one percent effort, leading to significant compounding benefits over time.
Both the Sprint and Marathon approaches have their merits, and individuals must find the right balance that aligns with their ambitions and personal preferences. Here are some essential considerations:
a. Self-Awareness: Understand your working style, strengths, and preferences. Assess whether you thrive in intense sprints or prefer a more measured, consistent pace.
b. Environment Fit: Seek a work environment that resonates with your values and goals. If you find yourself struggling to thrive in a particular setting, explore opportunities that align better with your aspirations.
c. Perseverance and Adaptability: Embrace the notion of not giving up, but also be adaptable to recognize when a change is necessary for your career growth.
Whether your career is a Sprint or a Marathon, the key lies in finding the right balance between pushing yourself to excel and maintaining a sustainable pace. Recognize the journey as a continuous process of learning, growing, and discovering new opportunities. By being mindful of your aspirations and adjusting your approach accordingly, you can chart a successful and fulfilling career path.
Vinay Shenoy – Director, Global Head of Strategy & Operations at Youtube
Institute of Product Leadership is Asia’s First Business School providing accredited degree programs and certification courses exclusively in Product Management, Strategy, and Leadership.
Talk to a counselor today and embark on your journey towards becoming an exceptional product manager.
Whether you’re seeking advice on career paths, looking to enhance your skills, or facing challenges in your current role, our counselors are ready to provide valuable insights and actionable strategies.
