Difficult Challenges? Grab Them!

“Release these payments for the purchases from Australia,” said my boss, Mr. AA (renamed to hide identity) one of the three directors, who was respected in social and business circles in the Middle East.  It was a transaction of a few hundred thousand US Dollars.

I did not release the payment.  It wasn’t that the funds weren’t available. We were purchasing a quantity way out of proportion to actual requirement. I was not convinced, especially since these were food products that bore expiry dates.

I was the purchases and finance manager. We had set-up a system for placing orders.  Normally, the quantities for a re-order were based on a review of movement of product for the last four months, stock in hand, orders in transit and the seasonal demand.  That’s how a healthy inventory was maintained without a strain on cash flow.

Each of the other directors had their own individual group of companies, other than this company. I had to be loyal to the interest of the company and not to individuals. I insisted on approval of all the directors.

The above order was large and hadn’t gone through the laid down procedure. Most importantly, it was abnormally excessive.  The goods had arrived at the port and the payments had to be made immediately. Fortunately, the order was not in our company’s name.  The other directors considered all aspects and did not approve this purchase.

Mr. AA was upset and had to make alternate emergency arrangements.  On his return to the office, I was called in. I carried my resignation letter with me!  I was expecting to be relieved of my job.

He said, “Will you join me as Chief Purchase Manager and Financial Controller of my Group of companies”.  I realised discipline pays!  I said I needed a week’s time to think it over.  This was in 1981.

Within the week, I got all possible information about Mr. AA’s group.  The information I collected revealed that every day when they closed stores for the day, it wasn’t sure whether they would open the shutters of the business next day morning. Even the staff salary was in arrears for a few months. The financial position was absolutely critical.

After a week, I went to him:

Me: AA, I accept your proposal, if other partners have no objection to it.

AA: I will convince the other partners. Have you given this a good thought?

Me: Yes, I have.

AA: What would be your terms and salary expectations?

Me: It is not relevant.  If I perform, remuneration will follow by itself.

AA: Do you know the financial status of my group?

Me: Yes.  I Know.  Business may close down any day.

AA: You are in such a healthy company. Here, in my group, you are not sure if you’ll get a salary.

Me: Yes.  I considered that.  We have to create a position where everyone gets paid.

AA: I am surprised.  Why?  What makes you join my group?.

Me: Challenge!  It is the challenge which is tempting me to accept this responsibility.  The present company is healthy and wealthy and has systems which will not allow it to collapse.  This can be managed by anyone. But to revive a group like yours would be a real challenge to my abilities.

AA: You are risking your career.

Me: Yes, but I am confident of reviving the company.

I joined the group.  I had the support of a very capable CEO and jointly we resolved the problems.  After a year or so of revival, there were a few from known business circle to seek advise to revive their sick businesses!    I was with them for 5 years till the day I decided to return to India, to start my own business! I thank AA for giving me an opportunity to resolve very complicated problems and learn many lessons which otherwise, I would have missed!  It was a rewarding experience.

If you see a difficult challenge, grab it. It gives opportunities to learn.

Experienced and Written By: Badri Baldawa

Edited By : Meeta Kabra

 

This entry was posted in Biography, Business, Challenge, Financial Discipline, Morals and tagged , by badri. Bookmark the permalink.

About badri

As I approached 68 (2013), my son, Anand insisted that I had proven enough in my 45-year long career and it was time I took life a little easier; enjoy traveling (that I love) and social life. Yet, I somehow wanted to contribute positively and was exploring my options. My son-in-law, Navin suggested that I should write and share my experiences, “being a self-made man, you should tell the next generation how you overcame various obstacles to reach this position, in both, business and social circles.” He pointed out that while I was sharing my experiences with family and friends, as they approached me, a blog had the potential to take your voice to many, many more. He also insisted that I start mentoring youngsters who were new in their businesses. I was convinced. I offered my services pro bono, as part of a Guidance Program. Also, I started writing on this blog, bringing out figments from my memory as experiences that might be of value to the readers here. My daughter Meeta is sweet enough to spare her time to edit what I write. As a youngster, I thought one meal a day, one set of school uniform a year, a public place to study, lack of finance and basic shelter would keep me from achieving my dreams. To compensate, I started giving 110% of what was normally expected. Yes, 110% even in bad deeds! This worked. The very limitations started inspiring me in different phases of my life – meritorious results in studies; strength to shoulder family responsibilities; satisfied employers; establishing a successful business of my own; and in my adventure trips and other travel plans. Having done what I wanted to, I agreed it was time for me to expose myself! I felt, through this blog, I could and should share my expereinces. Hopefully, readers would find some bits useful and if not, they’d enjoy reading. Look forward to interact with you. Happy Reading, Badri Baldawa

5 thoughts on “Difficult Challenges? Grab Them!

  1. what a wonderful businessman you are. Good lesson, pleasant reading, made my day after voting to right candidate today !
    Thanks for posting

  2. your blogs r inspiring & shows ways tomove up inlife.I have made my sons to go through your blogs & learn how to live life.Hats off.Keep bloging & keep inspiring.

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