“To be successful, you need to do your homework. At the same time, you have to have a knack and an aptitude for applying yourself logically.” This is the conviction that drove Satyen Parikh towards success.
After graduating (in Science and Statistics) from Mithibai College, Bombay University, in 1982, Satyen landed at HCL as an Installation Co-ordinator. Talking about the stint, he says, "HCL was looking for freshers at that point of time, and luckily I was selected. I was neither an IT person nor an Engineer. It was sheer hard work there; I realised that if you are committed to your job, then your efforts are recognised. For instance, I was in charge of demonstrating the use of machines."
In 1985, he joined Hinditron Computers while also equipping himself with a Diploma in Marketing Management from NNIMS, Bombay (in 1987). Parikh has more than 20 years of Sales and Marketing experience in the IT industry as well as expertise in numerous markets (including India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, Maldives and Bhutan). Prior to joining Borland, he was with Onward Novell Software India Ltd. as Executive Director, India sub-continent. And before Novell, he was with Onward Network Technologies as Group Marketing Manager.
When asked about the decision to join Borland, he explains, "When Borland started its operations in mid-2000, it was a new entrant and hardly known in India. Still I decided to pick-up the challenge. I believe that if you initiate things, there's no stopping you. And people who are self-driven and motivated, can do wonders."
{{/usCountry}}When asked about the decision to join Borland, he explains, "When Borland started its operations in mid-2000, it was a new entrant and hardly known in India. Still I decided to pick-up the challenge. I believe that if you initiate things, there's no stopping you. And people who are self-driven and motivated, can do wonders."
{{/usCountry}}His career profile seems quite interesting. At HCL, he had the experience of launching the PC. At Hinditron, he had to look at domains existing in the country. "I learnt the way business was handled right at the grassroots level.” In fact, the experience in all these years (exposure to the Indian sub-continent market and meeting different people) has made me mature and improved my decision-making process."
But was there any ‘big break’? Yes, "The first was getting the HCL job. It helped me get a foothold in the IT industry. The opportunity of working with Harish Mehta and Nandu Pradhan was also a rewarding experience."
So, for Parikh the mantra is — positive thinking and faith in God.
Interviewed by Shelly Anand