Cultural expectations surrounding the elderly are being challenged today, and with good reason!
While it was the norm to slow down and retreat into a quieter life post-retirement, more men and women are finding purpose and joy in doing the opposite.
WisdomCircle honours such men and women by shining light on their journey through an inspiring series called “Wisdom Stories”. These people have successfully smashed stereotypes, and their stories remind us that life should be lived to the fullest, no matter what age or stage.
A major turning point in my career was joining Pepsi in the early ‘90s. I was one of their early hires and went on to have an enriching 13-year stint, moving through roles and geographies while being a part of many “firsts”. This experience stood out as the company was a global leader in a start-up mode. As a Sales & Marketing professional, I knew that I was building a best-in-class business, and I was proven right when Pepsi went on to re-write the rules of marketing in India. When I was given the opportunity to lead the “Non-Cola” business, I was initially disheartened. The buzz after all was around the “Cola” business. However, it played out rather well for me as the pesticide controversy broke out shortly after and adversely hit our Cola business. On the other hand, the health and wellness movement gained traction which fueled growth for the “Non-Cola” business, and it went on to capture 70% of revenue under my leadership.
Mr P M Sinha and Vibha Rishi have had a deep impact on my professional career. Mr. Sinha, the erstwhile Chairman of Pepsi, led from the front and built a values-based culture, where integrity was at the heart of business decisions. Vibha, who I reported to, taught me the importance of soft skills in leading teams without direct control by empowering and rewarding the right people at the right time. Anil Sardana, who was my boss and CEO at Tata Docomo, backed his team with conviction, even in the face of opposition. These lessons have helped me leave a legacy that I hope is greater than any business impact.
In 2015, I was selected for a professional program at London Business School, where I was introduced to the concept of “The 100-year Life”. This has four pillars – to keep one physically and mentally agile, plan for the financial future, reinvent yourself professionally by learning new skills consistently, and change your cohort, to keep meeting people outside your echo chamber. This realization changed my thinking and prompted me to quit HP in Singapore and come back to India, where I eased into the “portfolio life”.
Today I am involved with 18 start-ups as an investor/mentor/operating partner, and I am a limited liability partner at a Fund. I also sit on the Boards of 7 companies and write two opinion pieces every month for leading news publications. I am learning new skills every day and keeping myself engaged and relevant to the world at large. I think I am ready for the 100-year-old life challenge.
– Lloyd Mathias
Photo & Interview Credits – Saonli Bedi of WisdomCircle
