From Traveler to Winner | The Unplanned Speech That Sparked a Journey of Fearlessness | Global TV
In the silent coastal town of Udupi, a young boy grew up under the loving yet strict observation of his father. He was a man of tough discipline. He believed and outlived adversity that had shaped his character. He wanted his son to be nothing less than a brilliant success. More than that he had the responsibility of his three girl children to be taken care by his only son. That could be the reason he was in a strict disciplinary mode always when it comes to his son.
The boy took it very sportively. Must not be knowing about the nuances of taking things in that spirit, but it had happened in that way. Sheshagiri, now a man of 55, often recounts how his father’s punishments was during his school days. Those moments of strict discipline had turned to become the great transformation in his life. When I was punished for my poor performance in studies, I took it as a challenge; he recalls with pride. “That mindset shaped who I am today.”
Graduating from Lal Bahadur College in Sagar in 1988, he faced a crossroads common to many young men from similar backgrounds. He had to address the pressing need to support his family. His sisters were still studying, and the weight of responsibility pressed heavily on his shoulders. That was but something that he would love to take on his shoulders. What disturbed him was the interreference and interpretations of irrelevant people around him on his future plans.
People had a habit of poking into others’ prospects without any logic for it? Insults over insignificant matters wounded his sensitive nature, driving him to seek a place where he wouldn’t have to endure humiliation. “I didn’t want anyone to insult me again,” he asserts. “So, I moved to Mumbai.”
Life in Mumbai was a whirlwind of challenges and opportunities. The bustling city, with its relentless pace and boundless energy, demanded more than just hard work. The city was demanding endurance. “I decided and I was sure that I would outwork everyone,” he says. “While others clocked out at six, I worked till ten, even on Sundays.” This relentless effort paid off, setting him on a path to success.
During those early years, he had the rare opportunity to interact with one of India’s most iconic industrialists, Dhirubhai Ambani. “People don’t believe me when I say I interacted with him almost daily,” he laughs. “I was in my twenties, and he was in his fifties. But those interactions taught me that growth has no limits if you dare to dream big.”
Despite his growing success in Mumbai, the routine of daily commuting and the city’s chaos began to take its toll. “I realized I was wasting precious hours just traveling,” he reflects. For a better work-life balance, he returned to Mangalore, a move that surprised many but proved to be a turning point in his life.
Back in Mangalore, he quickly established himself in the media industry, joining The Hindu in 1998 after a brief stint of less than a year with Canara Times. His role came with its own set of challenges. One of the turning point was around Metro, a supplement with The Hindu that had zero revenue. “Everyone had written it off,” he recalls. “But I saw it as an opportunity.” With innovative ideas, he made it a revenue model, bringing in Rs. 35 lakhs within a year.
His achievements did not go unnoticed. Awards and accolades followed, but he remained grounded, attributing his success to the lessons instilled by his parents. “My father always said that punishment should be taken positively,” he smiles. “When I became successful, he was proud that I had turned those moments of adversity into stepping stones.”
A Serendipitous Challenge: The Birth of a Motivational Speaker
Beyond professional triumphs, he found joy in meaningful interactions and community service. His involvement with the Junior Chamber International (JCI) led to an unexpected challenge. “I was just passing by when I heard about an on-the-spot speech competition,” he recalls. “Before I knew it, someone had entered my name, and I was being called to the stage.” Despite the surprise, he delivered a speech that won applause, proving once again that challenges, when embraced, can lead to unexpected victories. Let us watch the story minutely again.
It was an ordinary afternoon in 2004, the kind when life unfolds without much drama or expectation. Walking down with nothing in mind, a faint announcement sizzled over the speakers, calling for participants for an on-the-spot speech competition. He paid no heed to it, assuming it was meant for someone else.
The world of spontaneous public speaking was unfamiliar territory, and he had no intention of stepping into it. Suddenly, he heard his name being called. Startled, he looked around, confused. “That must be someone’s mistake,” he thought. “I didn’t give my name.” But the announcer was persistent, urging him to take the stage.
Someone, a well-meaning stranger perhaps, had submitted his name without his knowledge. A rush of panic set in. He hadn’t prepared a single word. As he hesitated, the crowd watched expectantly. “I haven’t thought of anything,” he muttered under his breath. But something within urged him forward.
As he ascended the stage, his mind raced. The topic was announced: “Speak about software-connected companies.” The theme was intimidating at first, but then a glimmer of hope surfaced. He recalled reading about Infosys, Wipro, and other tech giants in the newspapers. “I know this,” he told himself.
Taking a deep breath, he began speaking. Words flowed effortlessly, surprising even him. What had initially seemed impossible became a ten-minute speech that captivated the audience. He spoke confidently about India’s IT revolution, the global impact of companies like Infosys, and the rapid transformation of technology. When he finally concluded and stepped off the stage, a wave of relief washed over him. “At least I survived,” he thought with a nervous laugh.
What followed was even more surprising. He won first prize. The unexpected victory was more than just a moment of triumph. It ignited a spark within him, awakening a newfound confidence. “That moment changed everything,” he reflects. “It made me realize that I could speak on the spot, without preparation.”
This serendipitous challenge marked the beginning of his journey as a motivational speaker. He started receiving invitations to speak at colleges, organizations, and events. With each speech, his confidence grew, and so did his passion for inspiring others. Today, he is a sought-after speaker known for his ability to captivate audiences with spontaneous insights and stories of persistence. “That day was a turning point,” he says with a smile. “If I hadn’t taken that unexpected challenge, I might never have discovered this gift.” Life, he believes, often presents opportunities disguised as challenges. And sometimes, all it takes is the courage to step onto the stage.
Today, he stands with a broad smile and a positive mindset to take on to anything that pose a challenge over to him. His journey from a small town to the heights of professional success is shaped by challenges both big and small. All these stories offer a compelling narrative of triumph. “Success,” he says thoughtfully, “isn’t just about business achievements. It’s about taking care of your parents, meeting people, sharing ideas, and helping others grow.
Life is a mix of so many things. You cannot isolate a component and present them to show what makes life truly fulfilling.
