By Jaideep Singh
Sr. Vice President & Business Head, INS, Viacom18 Pvt. Ltd
The best career graphs are defined by rigorous training - whether in the professional arena, or life. The Indian Army became my mentor and guiding light for both. Soon after my graduation, my desire for adventure and sense of patriotism took me to the armed forces. I had a great six years in the Army - golf, polo, tanks, guns and the battlefields of Kargil and Siachen made every moment a cherished and memorable one.
As I look back at the years spent in the services, the learning I derived has left an indelible mark on my way of looking at life and my profession. When you begin to wear your life, literally, on your sleeve, no risk is too great if methodically thought out. When I took the mandate of setting up Integrated Network Solutions at Viacom18, the market had no other broadcasting company producing its own integrated properties. With well-defined priorities and a clear strategy in place, everyday battles on the desk could be overcome just as on the battlefield. In the competitive and grueling world of entertainment, the ability to troubleshoot translates into infinite confidence and pride for the organization one serves. One learns to take on responsibility not only for one’s own actions but also take the team along and achieve a singular common organizational goal.
The identity of a fauji will stay with me forever. Integral to this identity is the respect for time, people and processes - whether it is preparing to manage a tank squadron or a team of managers. Pooling in individual strengths towards each milestone is a talent that was honed while with the Indian Army and it now comes in handy.
In an industry that derives strength from creative individuals, my ability to assimilate with a variety of personalities in turn instilled in me infinite curiosity and the thirst for learning. I was presented with opportunities for the dogged pursuit of my interests. My intent to pursue a post-graduate management course as well as biking both evolved from this elite institution.
For me, heading INS has been challenging as much as satisfying. The inception of the division itself is rooted in the idea of creating new, impactful and experiential properties which are multi-dimensional and cater to a multitude of demographics. These ethos continue to drive me to raise the bar of excellence for my organization and achieve every benchmark with utmost integrity.
Feedback: Jaideep.singh@viacom18.com
