The Rise of Ravi: A Corporate Journey

In the bustling heart of India, Ravi grew up in a modest household, filled with dreams and aspirations. Like many of his peers, he aimed to secure a stable job in a reputable company. After completing his engineering degree, he landed a position at HINDOSYS, a well-known IT firm that promised long-term career growth.

The Early Years

Years 1-5: Building Foundations

Ravi's journey began with hard work and determination. He was not the most technically gifted coder, but he had a knack for communication. His ability to articulate ideas and build relationships quickly earned him the favor of his managers.

In his first five years, Ravi learned the ropes, working diligently on various projects. He made it a point to praise his manager, often highlighting their contributions in team meetings. His efforts paid off when he was given the opportunity to work onsite at MyPhone, a prominent IT company in the US.

Ravi embraced this chance, spending two years in the States. While he was average in technical skills, he excelled in networking. He returned to India with valuable contacts and a renewed sense of purpose.

The Sweet Talker

Years 6-7: The Art of Flattery

With seven years of experience under his belt, Ravi was back in India, eager to make his mark. He immediately began buttering up his manager again, spinning tales of his successes with clients during his time in the US. He exaggerated how he had impressed the client and how much they appreciated his work.

This charm offensive worked wonders. Once again, he found himself in the good graces of his manager, who entrusted him with leading a team of exceptionally talented coders, including the brilliant Bill, the sharp Mark, and the diligent Riya.

The Subtask Strategy

Years 8-9: Divide and Conquer

Ravi understood the importance of keeping his cards close to his chest. When assigned a new project, he broke it down into subtasks and discussed these only with individual team members. This approach ensured that no one had the complete picture, allowing him to take credit for the entire project later.

Bill, who was eager to prove himself, created a comprehensive roadmap that greatly impressed Ravi. However, instead of sharing this roadmap with his manager, Ravi presented it to the client as his own idea. The client approved the plan, and Ravi informed his manager that he would need Mark and Riya on his team to execute it.

The Rise to Power

Years 10-15: Taking the Lead

As Ravi managed Mark and Riya, he continued to excel in presenting their work as his own. Mark, who was incredibly capable, delivered excellent results, creating a proof of concept (POC) that won client approval. Ravi again took this POC to the client manager, requesting another onsite opportunity to present their findings.

Once more, Ravi was sent to the US, this time with Riya, whom he believed would impress the client with her presentation skills. Meanwhile, Bill, who had been a victim of Ravi's tactics, found himself promoted to a senior position at a larger company.

The Final Moves

Years 16-20: The Master Manipulator

Ravi's career was on an upward trajectory. He continued to orchestrate scenarios that painted him as the hero. He convinced Bill to join TruePhone, claiming that MyPhone was facing financial issues. Bill, eager for onsite experience, took the bait and left, thinking he was making a wise choice.

Back at MyPhone, Ravi spread false narratives about Bill's performance, leading to escalations from the client. Seizing this opportunity, he proposed a maintenance contract, showcasing his deep knowledge of the project.

With the client left with no choice, they awarded Ravi a $200 million contract for five years, with him at the helm. This marked a significant milestone in his career.

The Director's Chair

Years 21-30: A Comfortable Retirement

As the years rolled by, Ravi climbed the corporate ladder, eventually becoming a director overseeing multiple maintenance projects. He was now the go-to person for MyPhone, credited with 20 years of experience.

Despite the chaos he often sowed within projects, he managed to avoid blame, cleverly increasing the complexity of issues to ensure continuous billing and contract renewals.

Ravi's reputation for being loyal to the company—never asking for raises, knowing he was well-compensated for his US assignments—ensured his longevity.

Finally, after a fulfilling 30-year career, Ravi prepared for retirement having US Passport and kids after their education well settled in some decent companies, while his wife Radha works in a Healthcare company. He had successfully navigated the corporate landscape, while many of his former colleagues like Bill, Riya, and Mark had come and gone.

As he looked back on his journey, he felt a sense of accomplishment. He had mastered the art of communication, built a network, and maneuvered through the corporate world with finesse.

Happy Retirement, Ravi!