At Brilliant Read Media, it is our constant endeavour to identify and share some of the unique and compelling stories from the startup ecosystem. As part of this, we invited R Udayan Lahiry for an interview with Brilliant Read Media. To say further, R Udayan is an Entrepreneur, Leader and Co-Founded – Medica Hospitals Pvt Ltd. Let’s learn more about his background, inspiring journey so far and his advice for our growing community!
Excerpts from our exclusive interview with R Udayan:
Could you please talk us through your background and your journey?
My early days have left a deep impression on how I conduct business today. My father was a government servant and from childhood have heard him say “To be able to do well, you have to do well” Hard work has no shortcuts, and successes don’t come without failings but never quit. These have stayed with me throughout my journey and have proved to be a strong foundation for whatever I have been able to achieve.
How did you discover your passion?
I wanted to become a commercial pilot, but I found myself pursuing post-graduation in Hospital and Healthcare management. My teachers at IIHMR Jaipur introduced me to hospitals and principles of management while my mentor and leader Dr Col AK Singh introduced me to Hospital as a living organism and made me fold up my sleeves and go to the bottom of each and every department which made me understand the intricacies of running of a hospital and how I could help in patient care and help people without being a doctor or a clinical staff. Col Ak Singh, in his own way, described that to be able to run fast and fly high one needed the fire of hunger inside , like the one behind a fighter plane.
Despite the challenges, what keeps you going when things get tough?
Most people give in when they are about to reach their goal, most often this accomplishment of goal round the corner is not seen, as a result, people quit because of exhaustion, frustration or just tiredness. I believe that there has to be a way if there is a destination, and this has always helped me jump back and remain in the game.
When we were building Medica Hospital Kolkata, none of the founders had funds of their own to take up such an amazing and ambitious dream, we went to so many banks and individuals to fund our dream but it was a dead end everywhere but we kept at it believing that we were on a journey to make a better world.
From out of the blue, my family in the USA and their friends became our angel investors. There are many such instances where things happened for good when there was no ray of hope, just because we refused to accept situations.
No one promised us that there won’t be challenges or disappointments, one has to push barriers and that’s what defines successful endeavours from ones which fail.
What are the three most important lessons you have learned in your life?
1) Networking – one of the most important ingredient of a successful business; the ability to connect with people and maintain relationships While it came naturally to me as I genuinely like to meet people and forge strong bonds and relationships, if required, this needs to be inculcated by any budding leader.
2) Trust – one has to trust people and love them genuinely for one to get their support in making the business grow and flourish. I have also learnt the hard way that one should never trust blindly, one has to be extremely fortunate not to get into a spot.
3) Friends – wherever whatever phase of life one is in, true friends are people without whom one can’t get through this life. You need them to be your critics as well as be the boulder which protects you from any storm that comes your way. Having those few friends is a blessing who make your problems their own. I have been blessed in this respect, and each and every time I found darkness around me, I found them to be the torch bearers, so keep your friends close to you.
In your opinion, what are the keys to success?
a) Have clear goals which every team member understands
b) sharing accolades and the stage with colleagues
c) Standing up for the team and taking responsibility for setbacks
d) Honesty and hard work
e) Keep learning something new everyday
f) Don’t quit
g) It’s always ok to reinvent, re-strategise, relook at things, there is never one way to do things.
What advice would you give students and young professionals who want to have a successful career?
1) Work hard, there are no alternatives
2) Life also gives second chances, so take chances whenever you get them
3) No one could remain at the top for long if the path to the top was by trampling on and pushing down your colleagues.
4) Love what you do, if a place is choking you, get out
5) One person could not build Rome, be a team player, you will not be able to do everything alone
6) Do one good deed everyday, trust me, it helps
7) It’s important to learn, but also very important to unlearn a few things with time
8) Try to learn one new skill every day/month
9) Always be open to learn new things, and the learning comes from the least expected sources.
10) Respect not only your seniors but, more importantly, your juniors
Last but not least, what about your journey makes it satisfying/exciting?
For many it’s the recognition through awards, memberships etc but for me in my profession in last 27 years, reducing pain and suffering and seeing a smile on the face of my patient/patient family/my junior/security guard/housekeeper has been the most satisfying and fulfilling achievement that I could ever think of. And I had loads of it.
BrilliantRead is committed to bringing stories from the startup ecosystem, stories that reshape our perspective, add value to our community and be a constant source of motivation not just for our community but also for the whole ecosystem of entrepreneurs and aspiring individuals.
Note: If you have a similar story to share with our audience and would like to be featured on our online magazine, then please write to us at [email protected], we will review your story and extend an invitation to feature if it is worth publishing.
