Ashank Desai’s Post

I am deeply honoured to receive the Gold The Stevie® Awards in the 21st Annual International Business Awards for Lifetime Achievement. This recognition is not just a personal milestone but a testament to the collective efforts of the incredible team at Mastek. Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to work alongside some of the brightest minds in the industry, and together, we’ve built something truly special. This award is a reflection of our shared dedication to innovation, integrity, and excellence. Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this journey. Let’s continue to push boundaries and create a lasting impact in everything we do. https://lnkd.in/daSeZGQn The Stevie® Awards are the world's premier business awards. They were created in 2002 to honor and generate public recognition of the achievements and positive contributions of organizations and working professionals worldwide. In short order the Stevie has become one of the world's most coveted prizes. There are now nine Stevie Awards programs, each with its own focus, list of categories, and schedule. Together they receive more than 12,000 nominations each year. #TheStevieAwards #StevieWinner2024

Have you heard of the eternal student's journey? Let me explain the same with an example. Back in the day, when we opened our first Singapore office in 1985, it was a wild frontier. An IBM ES-400 mainframe greeted us, speaking a strange tongue called RPG that none of my programmers knew. But were we deterred? Of course not! We packed them off to Mumbai with manuals in hand. One week later, they emerged from their digital chrysalises as RPG experts, after devouring those techno-tomes like scriptures. I'd joke that by the time they landed, they had transcended into RPG gurus! That was the software industry in those days - a constantly reshaping landscape where you had to immerse yourself, adapt, and emerge renewed with each new challenge. And you know what? Not much has changed, except the pace of change has gone into hyperdrive. The half-life of technical skills gets shorter with every product cycle and disruptive innovation. What you mastered last quarter could be obsolete this quarter. It's a never-ending cycle of re-learning and upskilling. So I ask you, my peers who have weathered the storms of our industry: Are you ready to be an eternal student? To approach each day with a beginner's mind, hungry to absorb new skills and paradigms? It takes relentless commitment to personally grow and evolve as rapidly as the technology around us. Those who embrace the journey of continual learning won't just survive these exponential times - they'll thrive and shape the future itself. Are you an eternal student ready for the journey? Mastek Majesco nasscom Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad Indian Institute of Management Bangalore #EternalStudent #LifelongLearning #ContinuousLearning #EntrepreneurMindset #GrowthMindset

Gratitude fills my heart today, and I would like to thank the publishers of the book ‘100 Great IITians’ for featuring me and my journey. It's truly an honour to be recognized for the work I've poured my heart and soul into over the years. The well-written piece starts with my humble beginnings in Nagar Haveli and goes on to narrate my journey as an entrepreneur even before entrepreneurship was a buzzword. It beautifully encapsulates not just my career, but also the collective efforts of my team and the vision we share at Mastek. It has covered how I have helped shape and grow the Indian IT industry over years, especially, about my work with NASSCOM. It touches upon my Centres at India’s largest institutions: - The ‘Ashank Desai Centre for Leadership and Organisational Development’ at IIM Ahmedabad, which offers research, training and consulting services related to leadership development. - The ‘Ashank Desai Centre of Policy Studies’ at IIT Bombay to provide a fillip to the study of Public Policy. The piece also mentions my philanthropy work: - As the founder of NGO Avanshali Foundation that imparts leadership training to over 30000 low-income high school going girls, free of cost. - For non-profit PARFI, which trains 25000 poor high school dropouts for industry skills and AMM Nursing, in turn, assuring them jobs - As a Founding Board Member of NGO Avanti Fellows that has trained over 60000 disadvantaged students to get into IITs and other good colleges. - As the Chairman of WHEELS Global Foundation, India which was founded by US IITians to achieve rural transformation. I would also like to thank all of you who took the time to read and engage with the piece. Let's continue to inspire and uplift one another as we navigate the ever-evolving world of technology. Here's to a future filled with endless possibilities! Mastek Majesco nasscom Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad Indian Institute of Management Bangalore #Gratitude #Recognition #EntrepreneurshipJourney

The adage "love what you do" is often emphasized, but equally critical is understanding what you love. And, it is crucial to make it succeed. Success is not an elusive concept reserved for the fortunate few. It's a journey open to all those are ready to fight for their dream. These simple step should help you started and sustain your journey of discovery and the path to success. Learner forever In my previous posts I had elaborated on the need for life-long learning. An unending pursuit for knowledge should wake you up in the morning with gusto to learn something new that day. Domain, industry and socio-political knowledge lets you It’s Always About the Details Merely being infatuated with a subject without comprehending its intricacies can dilute one's potential for success. To truly excel, one must delve deep into the nuances of their chosen field, grasping its essence and inner workings. All in the Application  It’s not just about staying up-to-date with trends but being able to deploy them for growth and business results. It's essential to select a domain where one's skills and enthusiasm align with opportunities for meaningful impact. Those Six Years  Patience is paramount on the journey to success. It's a marathon, not a sprint. Dedication over a sustained period is crucial. Six years is often touted as the magic number, providing ample time for skill development, experience accumulation, and the realization of tangible outcomes. These three aspects should help you venture and explore your true potential. The path to success is a blend of perseverance, hard work, and intelligent decision-making. It's a journey open to all who possess the passion to pursue their dreams coupled with the knowledge to navigate the complexities of their chosen path. Mastek Majesco nasscom Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad Indian Institute of Management Bangalore #LoveWhatYouDo #SuccessMindset #PassionAndPurpose #SuccessTips

The notion that success can be attained in isolation is a fallacy. That’s where the ‘Win-Win’ ideology comes into play. It is a reminder that true success is in collective success. If you are in the process of building the ‘A-Team’ you need to exude certain qualities and attributes. Let me take you through the marquee traits. Nothing is left to chance. It is not about knowing the right decision but also knowing who will make them and how to make them. Systems are in place. A strong business team invests time in building strict processes and procedures aimed at success Well-defined set of decision-making procedures is prime. Everyone knows what they're responsible for and they take ownership of the outcomes. They work at achieving value; not just profit. Efficiently utilizing limited human, financial, and capital resources you can create value propositions that help you swim against the tide. You could also look at these four major areas: 1. A business plan that is well-articulated by the visionary and well-absorbed by the team.  2. Well-defined individual and functional roles  3. Conflict-resolution processes put in place and actioned at the right time 4. Collaborative effort built of great interpersonal connections We cannot forget that one of the hallmarks of the greatest team is continual improvement. It's also through collaboration that innovation thrives, problems are solved creatively, and breakthroughs occur. If you aim for success move from a solo endeavor to a collective journey. Mastek Majesco nasscom Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad Indian Institute of Management Bangalore  #WinWin #Success #TeamBuilding #CollectiveSuccess #CollaborativeInnovation

With the aim to provide practical and actionable strategies to drive positive change in the context of #diversity, #equity, and #inclusion initiatives, ADCLOD, Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad, Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad is organising a panel discussion titled "Crafting DEI Solutions: Actionable Strategies for Change". The event will feature Ms Leenika Khattar, Director of Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging at NASSCOM; Mr Bhushan Punani, Vice President at International Council for the Education of People with Visual Impairment; and Ms Kalpana Tatavarti(She/Her), Diversity and Inclusion Strategist, Founder, Parity Consulting; as the panelists, and Professor Arun Sreekumar, a faculty member in the Marketing area at IIMA, as the moderator. Register here to attend: https://lnkd.in/dBnvgqde   ADCLOD, IIM Ahmedabad #IIMA #IIMAADCLOD

Yesterday, we experienced another extraordinary moment at Mastek Foundation’s annual ‘Inspired’ fundraiser. This was the Tenth edition of the event. This event, originally envisioned by our former CSR head and VP of Corporate Communications, who is also our founding board member at Mastek Foundation, Sanjay Mudnaney, has evolved into a much-anticipated yearly gathering. It transcends the boundaries of our organization, inviting everyone, not just Mastekeers to contribute to meaningful causes. At Mastek, we’ve always believed in meaningful community engagement, not just ticking a box. ‘Inspired’ is a testament to this belief. It’s not just a fundraiser; it’s a celebration of shared commitment and compassion. Our unique approach combines entertainment with philanthropy, making giving back a joyous occasion. I am thrilled to announce that this year, we had a stunning performance by the renowned Bollywood playback singer, Sanjeevani Bhelande. The magic of Inspired 2024 was a joy to witness - how music, with its transcendent power, brought people together for a noble cause. The performances were truly captivating, and the energy at Rang Sharda was electrifying with a jam-packed auditorium! Thanks to Mastek Foundation team for making it successful. The energy and enthusiasm were palpable, and the generosity displayed was truly heartwarming. In just 3 hours, we raised an impressive Rs 50 lacs. We thank Ramesh Kacholia of Caring Friends for supporting our Donation drive. This amount Mastek will proudly match. Thus One Crore will be contributed to the three nonprofits… Snehalaya ,Vidyadhara Sahayyak Mandal (VSM) ,and Vicharata Samuday Samarthan Manch (VSSM).  As someone who loves singing, I couldn’t resist sharing a snippet of my performance – singing for a cause is always a privilege. I encourage each of you to find a cause close to your heart and contribute in any way possible. Remember, it’s through giving that we truly receive. Let’s keep this spirit of generosity alive! Mastek Majesco nasscom Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad Indian Institute of Management Bangalore Sanjay Mudnaney #Mastek #CommunityEngagement #Philanthropy #SupportingNonprofits #MakingADifference

Very sorry to hear about the sad demise of Shri Manohar Joshi. He served all the 4 legislature arms of India. He was the chief minister of Maharashtra and also the speaker of Lok Sabha in Shri Vajpayee government. I had a few opportunities to interact with him the first one was when Mastek was felicitated as a successful IT company in Maharashtra when he was chief minister.    But it was the later interaction that had a deep impression on my mind about what Shri Manohar Joshi was as a person. Joshi ji was reaching 75th birth anniversary and wanted to write a book on Marathi-speaking entrepreneurs so that it could inspire many more Marathi-speaking entrepreneurs to start new businesses and create jobs and prosperity. He considered me as one of the people to be covered in this book and I received a phone call from his office telling me about this good news. I was not sure, but I still asked his office as to where should I be coming and meeting him. I was hugely surprised when was told that he is going to come to our office in Mahape-New Mumbai and going to interview me! For some time, I could not believe such an accomplished person would take pains to come so far and spend time with me. However, that is what exactly happened! He did come to my office.   He was carrying a recorder and had set of questions regarding becoming entrepreneurs, what are the challenges, what it means to be a successful entrepreneur, how we can inspire more entrepreneurs, etc. But the important part is the way he came across to us. A very humble person with a real wish to understand the entrepreneurial journey. Coming across just as an author of the book rather than past Chief Minister and past speaker of Lok Sabha. That deeply touched me I couldn't believe such an accomplished person being so humble. This book was written covering around 15/16 Marathi speaking entrepreneurs and it was unveiled at his 75th birthday event where I was invited. I remained in touch with him later once in a while. I feel we have lost a real gentleman and humble politician.   May his soul rest in peace. #humbleleader

What does success mean to you?  A lot of us equate it solely with external achievements while overlooking the internal fulfilment. Material accomplishments may be ephemeral leaving us chasing more of it. On the other hand transcending societal expectations and creating a soulful life with genuine passion and personal growth is true success. To truly unlock our potential, we must transcend the confines of our fields and embrace a broader vision for success. First love never dies This journey starts knowing what is our first love. The one beyond our work. Start by noticing tasks and abilities that are meaningful to you. Put it into practice Once you have identified your first love you need to put it to play. Dedicate time to reengaging with your love and incorporate it in your schedule. It needs to be constantly at play for it to resonate with your core being. Juxtapose  The next step is to align it seamlessly with your skills and strengths. Notice aspects that fit well with each skill and capability. It has to compliment them. It's the sweet spot where proficiency meets fervour.  It's important to understand that success is not confined to a singular endeavour. You need to put the bits together to form your values. It happens when you: - Understand the interconnectedness of our pursuits  - Embrace the diversity that contributes to our personality - Constant analysis of our approaches, strategies and goals Success is not a one-size-fits-all concept; it is different for each, and hence, you need a vision that helps you succeed. In the end, your vision for success should not matter of what you accomplish; it’s about how you feel about what you do! Mastek Majesco nasscom Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad Indian Institute of Management Bangalore #SuccessMindset #RedefiningSuccess #PassionAndGrowth #PersonalValues #VisionForSuccess

Imagine a world where every high-school dropout not only dreams but also achieves. That's the vision that sparked the birth of PanIIT Alumni Reach for India (PARFI) - a trailblazing, not-for-profit organization on a mission to gainfully employ and elevate the income levels of the underserved. I have been involved as a Founding Board member with the initiative for over 9 years and we have empowered 25,000+ high school dropouts in rural areas. Today it stands as a beacon of hope for many disdained individuals trying to change their worlds around. Our Gurukul systems makes this program special and sets it apart from others. At these Gurukul’s training doesn't just happen in classrooms; it's a holistic journey. We have ex-servicemen from technical corps impart not only technical skills but also life skills. PARFI pioneers a revolutionary approach by collaborating with esteemed employers in India and abroad. We tailor our training to meet the specific needs of these organizations. Also, a unique feature of this scheme is that job is ensured for our students, as we only admit the students after we have tied-up with corporates for their job after passing out. We believe in self-sustenance, and hence, help the candidates receive skill loans through funds created for the purpose, fostering equity and commitment. This not only empowers the student but also ensures retention at the workplace, creating a symbiotic learning-earning ecosystem. Today it is important to have these Gurukul’s as it not only changes the life of the student but helps increase individual spending power and reduces the likelihood of dependence on social welfare programs. There are other factors of the program: - It adds diversity and potential talent to the workforce. - Creates a dynamic and adaptable workforce capable of meeting the demands of a rapidly growing job market which is in short supply of skilled labor -Contributes to the economic growth of the nation For a decade, we've been crafting success stories through vocational training, and turning dreams into reality. The ripple effect of these transformed lives of families of the Gurukul trainees is gargantuan – something that cannot be measured in numbers but in their smiles! Mastek Majesco nasscom Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad Indian Institute of Management Bangalore #PARFI #TransformingLives #SkillDevelopment #EducationForAll #PanIITAlumni