Amit Vashisht

Amit Vashisht - Assistant Vice President- Jackson

As I continue my "20after20" series, reflecting on two decades in the IT industry, I want to focus on two critical aspects that have profoundly shaped my career: the importance of networking and relationships, and the value of developing others.

The Art of Networking: Building Bridges, Not Just Connections

In my 20-year journey, I've learned that success isn't just about what you know—it's also about who you know and, more importantly, how you nurture those relationships. Networking isn't merely collecting business cards or LinkedIn connections; it's about building genuine, mutually beneficial relationships.

1. Quality Over Quantity: Focus on building deep, meaningful connections rather than amassing a large network of superficial contacts.
2. Give Before You Take: Approach networking with a mindset of how you can help others, not just what you can gain.
3. Consistency is Key: Regular check-ins and staying in touch, even when you don't need anything, helps maintain and strengthen relationships.
4. Diverse Networks: Connect with people outside your immediate field. Cross-departmental, cross-industry insights can spark innovation and open unexpected opportunities.

Remember, every interaction is an opportunity to learn, grow, and potentially shape your career path. The coffee chat you have today could lead to your next big break tomorrow. But, don't network with the primary goal of securing that big break. Network with the genuine goal of knowing the other individual.

My takeaway: Handshakes open doors

Developing Others: The Ultimate Win-Win

One of the most rewarding aspects of my career has been the opportunity to develop and mentor others. It's a responsibility that comes with experience, and it's also a powerful way to grow personally and professionally. But before I dive into the importance of developing others, I want to acknowledge the profound impact that mentors have had on my own journey.

Throughout my 20-year career, I've been fortunate to have incredible mentors who have guided, challenged, and inspired me. Right from my earliest school teachers, my father who showed me the value of perseverance, my college professors and my superiors. Their wisdom, support, and occasional tough love have been instrumental in shaping my professional growth. The lessons I've learned from them – both in terms of technical skills and leadership qualities – have been invaluable. It's because of their investment in me that I truly understand the transformative power of mentorship.

Now, as I find myself in a position to pay it forward, I'm even more committed to developing others. Here's what I've learned about the importance of nurturing talent:

1. Share Your Knowledge: Don't hoard your expertise. The more you share, the more you solidify your own understanding and often gain new perspectives.
2. Create Opportunities: Look for ways to involve junior team members in challenging projects. Their fresh outlook might surprise you.
3. Embrace Reverse Mentoring: Be open to learning from those you mentor. This is extremely important in the current times. In today's fast-paced tech world, newer entrants often bring valuable insights on emerging trends.
4. Foster a Learning Culture: Encourage curiosity and continuous learning within your team. It creates a dynamic, innovative environment that benefits everyone.
5. Be Vulnerable: Share your own struggles and failures. It humanizes the mentorship experience and helps mentees understand that growth often comes from overcoming challenges.

Developing others isn't just about being altruistic—it's a strategic move that enhances your leadership skills, expands your influence, and contributes to the overall growth of your organization. Moreover, it's a way to honor the mentors who have invested in you by continuing their legacy of support and guidance.

My Takeaway: Lifting others as we climb

The Synergy of Networking and Development

What I've found most interesting is how these two aspects—networking and developing others—often intertwine. The relationships you build through networking can open doors for those you mentor. Conversely, your reputation as someone who invests in others can significantly enhance your network.

As you progress in your career, strive to be the node that connects people, ideas, and opportunities. Be the person who not only climbs the ladder but extends a hand to help others up as well.