Subhashish Roy graduated from BITS Pilani (Pilani, '77) is a distinguishable professional engaged as a leadership coach, travel blogger, and entrepreneur based out of Kolkata. 

He completed his Master of Management Studies (MMS) and M.Sc. (Hons) in Biological Sciences from BITS Pilani in 1983 and now divides his time between his coaching venture Leadership Edge Coaching, traveling, blogging as traveltimes for his travel blog 'Travels with Passion' and managing his AI-powered travel booking platform, Travelwisesr Holidays.

With a lens focused on the nuances of leadership, the interview takes us through the challenges and triumphs encountered in startup environments, media ventures, and the realm of leadership coaching.

How did your time at BITS Pilani shape your career path as a Performance Facilitator and Travel Blogger?

Our integrated education system always encouraged us to think outside the box, and the freedom to decide our future with no attendance criteria certainly helped us inculcate discipline and focus in our day-to-day life. Under the visionary leadership of Dr. C. R. Mitra, the best passionate and caring teachers, a team of efficient administrators, and opportunities to pursue our passions—whether it be music, drama, debate, photography, or sports—were available.

The best facilities, including messes that served awesome food, always provided comfort, and we hardly ever ate out. An abundance of good human beings around, in the form of rediwallahs, mess employees, and shopkeepers in Connaught, Nutan, etc., helped us stay grounded and relate to the common man.

Probably, all these factors together shaped our character to be what we are today and helped us achieve success in our chosen fields. After three decades in the corporate world, I decided to follow my passion.

How did your peer group shape your life at BITS?

During our days, students from all around the country used to be here in Pilani, providing a real opportunity to experience India right on our campus. Our communication was mostly in English, which helped those not too fluent to master the language as well, moving forward. It was our friends who helped broaden our knowledge, vision, and the culture of learning from each other, shaping our attitude of togetherness and inclusivity—attributes highly applicable to the corporate world and life in general. Our awesome seniors quickly turned into friends, and many of us are still connected even after five decades. Bonding is what we learned from our peers and seniors.

What extracurricular activities did you pursue in BITS, and how did that help you later in life?

Was a part of Music Club and also sang a few times on stage in the first few years including Fresher's Night. It certainly helped in getting over stage fright which is always so useful as you grow in your career. 

What was that one professor or course at BITS that defined your career or had a lasting impact on you?

Dr. T. S. Ravishankar, our professor for Math 1 in the first semester, had the biggest gallery classrooms with students packed on the stairs, and many would be standing behind throughout the class. People would even bunk their other classes to attend his lectures. I, too, loved Math and would marvel at his style and delivery. He would explain complex concepts so simply and beautifully. Without my knowing, I probably had picked up the skill that it is not only important what you say or how you say it; it is the end result, the impact of your communication, that matters the most. This skill has been so very useful in my leadership coaching journey over the years.

How have different organizations impacted your growth, and how do you adapt to their variations?

I always wanted to work in startups and have done so for most of my career, providing the opportunity to master different skills simultaneously through exposure to multiple departments and the freedom to build my own teams. Recruitment, people management, team development, and team motivation have always been the primary focus areas for me throughout my career.

In new organizations, you are involved in building a culture. In larger organizations that you join, it is crucial to be stricter in following the laid-down norms, understand the mission and vision of the organization well, and focus on playing your part in achieving them. Being assertive in your communication when dealing with people is essential. Change management is critical to success, and engaging in self-talk is one of the best ways to deal with it.