TheCconnects: Can you tell our readers a little about your professional journey and how you came to your current role/position?
Dr. Nagendra Kumar Yellanki: My journey has not been smooth or easy. I faced many challenges and obstacles along the way, but I decided to persevere and give my best at every stage. After completing my undergraduate degree in science, I found myself at a crossroads, deciding on my career path. I resolved that my career should not be by chance but by choice. This thought motivated me to pursue HR as a profession. I earned an MBA and took up a job as a Sub Editor at a newspaper to support myself, with the firm resolve not to rely on my father’s earnings.Year after year, I honed my HR skills by working additional hours after my regular job. Over 32 years of dedication and hard work, I have built my career and achieved the position I hold today.
TheCconnects: Who has influenced you the most in life and why?
Dr. Nagendra Kumar Yellanki: At different stages of life, different individuals have influenced me. In my early years, Swami Vivekananda’s words inspired me to lead a disciplined life. Later, cricketer Kapil Dev’s dedication left a strong impression on me. Once I entered my professional career, Mr. Ramesh Gelly influenced me significantly. Sri Swami Sukhabodhananda of Prasanthi Trust Bangalore inspired me to pursue a career in training. Lastly, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam served as a guiding light with his integrity and sincerity, which I strive to emulate.
TheCconnects: What are the biggest challenges you have faced in your life, and how did you overcome them?
Dr. Nagendra Kumar Yellanki: I faced three major challenges in my life: Education: During my intermediate studies, my father had high hopes for me, but I failed to meet expectations. I struggled to pass my exams and eventually cleared them with modest marks. However, this setback motivated me to work harder and later earn my degree. Career: I joined Bharatiya Reserve Bank Note Mudran Limited (a subsidiary of RBI), but my son’s asthma posed a significant challenge. Since emergency medical facilities were far from where we lived, I had to prioritize my family’s well-being. This led me to resign from the job and refocus my career. Health and Resilience: The decision to leave BRBNML was a turning point, but I accepted the circumstances as a challenge and rebuilt my career with determination.
TheCconnects: What lessons have you learned from your professional career?
Dr. Nagendra Kumar Yellanki: In simple terms: Challenges are common, but victories take time.
TheCconnects: What do you see as the biggest challenge for training in the digital era?
Dr. Nagendra Kumar Yellanki: During the COVID-19 pandemic, online training became the norm. While it served the need of the hour, many participants found it challenging to stay engaged over time. Online training often became a formality, with outcomes falling short of expectations.
Digital tools can enhance training, but they can never replace the effectiveness of in-person, one-on-one interactions. The personal connection and human touch in physical training sessions are invaluable for achieving meaningful outcomes.
TheCconnects: Does your training address the pain points of your customers?
Dr. Nagendra Kumar Yellanki: Most of my training participants are industrial employees or students dealing with complex challenges and behavioral issues that often go unaddressed. My training focuses on experiential learning, one-on-one interactions, and personalized solutions. By addressing individual doubts and providing practical advice, my programs effectively resolve the real-world problems faced by employees and students.
TheCconnects: What do you do in your free time?
Dr. Nagendra Kumar Yellanki: To be honest, I rarely have free time. My thoughts are usually focused on planning and improving my next training program. I often reflect on how to engage participants from different organizations and colleges effectively. When I do find time, I read books to gather real-life stories for my training sessions. These stories help participants connect theory with real-world scenarios, preparing them to handle similar situations in their professional lives. Additionally, I create and share videos on my YouTube channel.
TheCconnects: Do you have any advice for aspiring entrepreneurs or C-Suite executives?
Dr. Nagendra Kumar Yellanki: For aspiring entrepreneurs, my advice is to minimize costs and keep investments as low as possible during the initial stages. Focus on necessities rather than comforts to ensure financial sustainability. Once your business reaches the break-even point, you can gradually enhance infrastructure and amenities. Above all, never underestimate the power of smart work—it is essential for sustained success.
You can connect with Dr. Nagendra Kumar Yellanki on LinkedIn here
