Wisdom from the top

One person. That’s all it takes for someone to achieve what was once considered unachievable. History is full of such examples. Chanakya molded Chandragupt Maurya into King Chandragupt Maurya. Rishi Vishwamitra transformed his disciple Parshuram from a Brahmin into an undefeatable Kshatriya. General Sam Manekshaw's strategic brilliance led to the surrender of 93,000 Pakistani soldiers. Kapil Dev inspired India to win its first cricket World Cup. Arthur Howard helped Milkha Singh become the Flying Sikh. Narjit Singh guided Mangte Chungneijang into becoming Mary Kom. And JRD Tata mentored a young American architect, shaping him into the remarkable businessman we know today as Sir Ratan Tata.

Our development is greatly influenced by the people we surround ourselves with. We tend to emulate their behaviors over time. Our first heroes are typically our parents. We don’t choose them; they shape our understanding of what’s right and wrong. Through them, we learn that dishonesty and arrogance don’t suit us, even if they seem fitting for cartoon characters. They teach us respect, the value of hard work, and that while not every desire is fulfilled, striving for improvement can turn many of our unspoken wishes into reality. As we mature, we gain the privilege of choosing who we associate with.

What I believe is that a single person can create change far more profound than any collective group. You might have guessed that today’s blog is about heroes. Although I've emphasized the impact of individuals, it was actually four heroes who have profoundly influenced my life. Yes, I call them heroes—not merely because they are some of the smartest people in the world or because of their wealth, but because they embody a level of class and integrity that I deeply admire. They have taught me that choosing the right heroes is as essential as having a cup of tea in the morning. The heroes we choose reveal much about ourselves and our futures. My heroes have shaped me into a better person, influencing everything from how I spend my time to how I approach life. It brings me immense joy to write and speak about them. Without further ado, let me introduce you to my heroes.

The story of how I came across my first hero is quite fascinating. As an expelled student, I was driven to prove people wrong. While reading about Ford Motors, I stumbled upon an inspiring tale of an Indian businessman who, motivated by a sense of revenge, acquired two luxury brands from an American giant. This man, who transformed his insult into a powerful comeback and created one of India’s safest and most iconic auto companies, was Sir Ratan Tata. His dedication to making a fully Indian car, the Indica, resonated with me deeply. His story and achievements have profoundly influenced my life. Although I have not met Mr. Tata personally, his lessons and stories have been instrumental in shaping who I am today.

Mr. Tata taught me that not every insult needs a response; the sweetest revenge is success. He showed me that trust is the cornerstone of long-term relationships and businesses. He demonstrated that a clear motive and a clean business approach can lead to unparalleled success. He also taught me to listen to my flaws, to manage my emotions, to embrace risk, to build a strong team, and to face rejection gracefully. Most importantly, he instilled in me the attitude of never giving up, no matter the challenges.

My second hero came into my life by chance. During my research on the 2008 financial crash, I discovered that an elderly man made around $12 billion during the turmoil. Intrigued, I delved into his story and found my second hero: Mr. Warren Buffett. Buffett’s lessons in investing early, living minimally, and understanding compounding have been transformative. His advice on surrounding oneself with better people, maintaining a trustworthy reputation, and living with minimal regrets has been invaluable. His friendship with Charlie Munger, whom I regard as a polymath and a sage, has been particularly influential. 

With all due respect, reading about Charlie Munger is almost equivalent to reading the Bhagvat Gita. I am not kidding. If a gene ever grants me a wish to have dinner with someone who is dead, it will surely be this guy. Charlie was an experience in himself. He was the father of all polymaths out there. An architect, a mathematician, a physicist, an investor, businessman, lawyer, company chairman, board advisor, real estate enthusiast, philosopher, philanthropist, and a teacher. His wit was inimitable. His sense of humor was unmatchable. He had what Buffett would call "the fastest 30s brain." A man with 99 years of experience had seen everything under the sun. Charlie would always lead by example. 

His son's leukemia story taught me to be resilient and to never fall in the trap of self-pity. His eye story taught me the importance of determination and willpower. His being a polymath taught me the importance of reading. Just so you know, Charlie used to read around 20 books per week. That sums up to 1080 books every year. He did this since the age of 12. He died at the age of 99, which rounds up to around 93,000 books. If that's what it takes to become a billionaire, so be it. His story about his first divorce taught me the importance of choosing the right partner and to always attach your assets with a trust. His friendship with Warren for 70 years taught me the importance of the right people in your life. His openness in every annual meeting and his speeches taught me the importance of being yourself and to never be afraid of saying the truth. All I have to say is that Charlie, you will always be my greatest strength, my closest friend and my favorite hangout buddy. Thank you for everything. May your soul rest in peace. 

My last and the only mentor who I have met in person is the man who I work with. 1st April 2022 is the day I meet him, and since then, my life has changed drastically. If you were to ask me the most important day in my 21 years of life, it has to be the day I meet him. I won't name him because he never likes when someone praises him. Just like my 3 other mentors, he likes to live a humble life. Whatever little I know about the Indian stock markets is only because of this one person. Me joining his firm as an intern for 2 years was actually an MBA. I can't say that officially, but unofficially, I already have completed my MBA. He introduced me to a completely different side of the Indian stock market, which many of you might not have even heard of. He introduced me to some of the most intelligent businessmen and working professionals out there, whom I have the privilege of calling my friends. He taught me to always accept life as it is and to keep working, irrespective of what she has to offer. I remember it was my 3rd month, and we closed a big client. For him, it was just an ordinary business transaction, but for me, it felt like I was on top of the world. 

When we were returning from the meeting, he tapped my shoulder and said, "Only a sane person, a person who treats triumph and defeat the same, can sustain in the stock market." He did kill my joy but ended up imparting a lesson worth a billion. As my father said, "one learns more while observing,"  I learned the importance of connecting and increasing my contacts, not to use them when I need them but to celebrate and to gain knowledge from one another. I can bet Rs 1,00,000 if you could successfully mention an area, a district, a city, a state, and, to an extent, a country as well where this man does not have connections. His attitude of solving any problem with a big smile taught me to not crib about small things in life. His ability to read anyone like a piece of paper is flawless. He is the coolest person I have ever worked with. He has always treated me like a friend. We literally have had moments when we were thinking about the same thing. I doubt I would ever have that kind of connection with anyone. His philanthropic endeavors always challenge me to do something for this country. His support and guidance are the reason behind my confidence.

Reflecting on my life, I attribute my significant growth to these four remarkable individuals. If I have not conveyed the depth of my gratitude and admiration for them, it is only because words fall short. A life without them would be lacking. I am deeply thankful to have encountered them and lived during their time. My greatest fear is disappointing them, as I am keenly aware of the responsibility their expectations place upon me. I am committed to upholding the values they have taught me and living a life that honors their influence. As Bob Proctor rightly said, "A mentor is someone who sees more talent and ability within you, than you can see in yourself, and helps it bring it out to you". 

Happy investing, and I hope you find your mentor. Those of you who already have one, please do cherish them and let them know how much they mean to you.