Kiran Kalpande

DESCRIBE YOUR EXPERIENCE AT FOCUSU

My experience so far has been very enriching in terms of learnings from the work and projects that I work on. These have not been limited to my role. The culture here just makes you step out of your comfort zone every day and try on something new. Every team member is an embodiment of the culture here and it just feels great to get up and come to office every day. Being in the Learning industry, we practise what we preach – to keep learning everyday.

WHAT IS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE ENGAGEMENT SO FAR?

My most memorable engagement so far is getting to do a small fun activity in front of a large group. Having struggled with stage fear throughout my life, this was a challenging task for me. My teams’ support and their trust in my ability gave me the confidence to pull it off effectively. I had fun too 😊

WHAT NEW SKILLS HAVE YOU DEVELOPED AT FOCUSU?

As I started my corporate journey with FocusU Engage, I have developed many new skills over the years here. Mainly, people management, leadership, negotiation and presentation skills.

WHAT DIFFERENCE DOES IT MAKE TO WORK AT FOCUSU?

The workshops that we do plays the role of a catalyst in the learning journeys of our participants. The fact that we can touch the lives of so many people and bring in a positive change in them inspires me to do the work that we do. Through our CSR Workshops, we are able to help the people in need and bring a smile on their faces and make a difference in their lives.

WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO CHOOSE FOCUSU?

Rakesh Balachandran, the co-founder of the company. In the interview process, I was amazed by his humility in contrast to what I had expected from the co-founder of a company. The interaction was enough to give me a glimpse of the culture of the company and hence the decision making was easier 😊.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE FOCUSU CULTURE?

FocusU Culture is where everybody wants you to grow as a professional and as an individual also. The culture encourages you to be open and challenge things if its for the benefit of everybody – We Before Me!

WHAT HAS SURPRISED YOU THE MOST ABOUT BEING HERE?

The support that you get from your colleagues inspite of being in a competitive function like Sales. The approachability of everybody right from the CEO to answer every question/every doubt of yours related to work (and at times not related to work also :P)

WHAT KEEPS YOU HERE?

The passion and the drive of people to be a better version of themselves every day. There is no dull moment. The attitude of making things possible and the overall optimism and the positivity in the team. It kind of sticks with you. This keeps me here.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE BEST ABOUT WORKING HERE?

Celebrating everything – from small wins to greater milestones. I just love it when even the smallest of effort from my end is recognized and appreciated.

WHAT ACCOMPLISHMENT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF AT FOCUSU?

Getting the ‘Hungry Kya’ award for having the hunger to learn new things

IS LIFE AT FOCUSU WHAT YOU EXPECTED?

Much more than what I had expected. Really proud to be a part of this organization.