Surajit Roy
Former Civil Servant | Corporate Leader
Subject Matter Expert in Apprenticeship & Skill Development
Surajit has thoroughly enjoyed most of his work-life journey despite the usual troughs and has only recently let go of formal employment (after nearly 40 years of work).
He shares his experiences and learnings as an ex civil servant and corporate honcho with young professionals who have just about got started with their careers or those in their mid-careers, who find work a challenge and Monday mornings all blue!
Surajit advises both the employed and self-employed as work-life throws up a lot of issues which are common to both.
He also advises corporates on how to run happy organisations with the entire team fully synergised and feeling a part of the larger growth story.
Surajit is a subject matter expert in apprenticeship and skill development. He helps companies roll out initiatives on any of these two subjects, both of which are very critical in India’s context today.
Background
Surajit comes from a humble middle-class background.
Thanks to his parents he got to study in the best of boarding schools in India including Welham’s and Mayo. He did his graduation and post graduation in social sciences from St Stephens College, Delhi.
Surajit has had an exceptionally wide career exposure.
He was in the civil service for nearly 25 years then took voluntary retirement to experience the “other side” i.e., the corporate world. He has handled both the development and regulatory sectors and has work experience across different types of organisations – Govt., Corporate and Social sectors.
Surajit has served in:
- Metro cities like Delhi and Kolkata
- Remote Andaman Islands where he commissioned a fish processing unit in the back of beyond
- The UN in Cambodia during the times of Khymer Rouge
While serving in the DDA (Delhi Development Authority) he brought the retail malls into Delhi – including the Saket and Vasant Kunj Malls.
During his stint with the corporate Surajit:
- Headed DLF Homes for East and Central India
- Worked with Ansal’s – overseeing the Ansal Institute of Technology & Sushant School of Architecture in Gurugram
Surajit then moved into the Joint sector and developed expertise in skill development and apprenticeships at the NSDC (National Skill Development Corporation).
As a Mentor
Mentorship is something which comes naturally to Surajit. He has mentored and stayed in touch with many of his officers and subordinates who worked with him over the 4 decades of his career.
He continues to mentor many of them on how to work well, find meaning in their jobs and feel involved and happy about it and about themselves.
All of what Surajit has to offer is based on his personal work-life experiences and not out of any book. Hence, all of this is about the real and not the ideal; about being authentic and not perfect.
Surajit will be happy to share more with any of you who are interested in learning with him.
Testimonials
Best Boss
You are the best boss I have worked with.
Prof Vijita Singh Aggarwal
Prof of International Business Environment
Director International Affairs
Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University
Surajit sir’s mentoring gives one an edge over their peers
“The mentorship under Surajit sir has been instrumental in me identifying the right type of job for me. I have learnt work ethics and have imbibed the right attitude towards my job. This mentorship is actually set-actualising and has helped me, both in my professional and personal life.
I handle each task with the right attitude, structured approach, and defined outcomes. All this put together gives one an edge over their peers and they’re bound to become top performers in their field!
Whomsoever picks up his book on work-life will not regret doing so. It has seeds of his understanding and experience strewn all over.”
Vasu Sharma
Director, Growth & Partnerships
Hero Vired
I owe my major professional milestones to Surajit Sir
“Surajit Sir has been a mentor to me for more than 10 years and I owe my major professional milestones to him. What makes his mentoring style unique and credible is that he guides you basis his own life experiences.
The book, ‘Say Goodbye to Monday Blues’ he has written is a practical guide to professionals about how to connect with their jobs. It makes for an easy read and is him inside out.”
Inakshi Walia
Chief Minister Urban Leader Fellow,
Government of NCT of Delhi
I thank my stars to have Mr Roy as my mentor in life
“A totally dedicated and dynamic coach/mentor/manager who has extensive knowledge and experience in the development and policy field.
Mr Roy has been an extremely supporting guide throughout my professional journey in National Skill Development Corporation. His encouraging managerial style has allowed me to grow professionally.
From mentoring new team members to counselling employee’s personal issues, from supporting colleagues unconditionally to helping those facing workplace blues, I really thank him for showing that no matter how hard bosses crack the whip, they need to have a strong human side to their leadership.
His persuading nature and leadership qualities have made us more productive and brought the best in all of us. He has been a very amazing and kind manager throughout. And the best thing about him is that he leads by example.
I thank my stars to have had him as my mentor in life.
Without any doubt, he will excel in all the projects he takes up in his life. Wishing him all the best for all the future endeavours.”
Pangkhuri Borgohain
General Manager, NSDC