Setting people up for success is a superpower — it’s far more difficult than being successful — Prashanth Prakash #JeenaIssiKaNaamHain

Have you worked with a leader who plans your vacation itinerary and even opens his doors to you?

Well, I am privileged to have Prashant Prakash in my life, doing exactly that!

I was with Accel at that time and was planning a family vacation to Bangalore. When Prashant got a whiff of this, he went to great lengths to plan my itinerary and work out the minutest detail to ensure my family and I have a memorable experience. We covered four destinations — Bangalore, Mysore, Kabini and Nandi Hills. And Prashant meticulously planned our trip point to point, made bookings, and even opened his doors (his property in Kabini). With his hospitality and guidance, we could explore and discover places which we wouldn’t have been able to do otherwise. My kids, who were quite young back then, remember and talk fondly about the experience, even to this day.

Prashant has a big heart and takes care of his friends. He puts in a lot of effort to make people feel comfortable and is detail-oriented, so he leaves almost nothing to chance.

I think it was 2015 or ’16 when I met him at Freshworks’ fifth anniversary event. I was with iSPIRT at that time and had applied to Accel for a job. Pankaj Mishra, a common friend, had spoken about Prashant to me. With a firm handshake, Prashant greeted me and spent more than 30 minutes getting to know me beyond my professional sphere. It was a very engaging conversation that left a positive imprint on my mind. What struck me was his earnestness in wanting to know people — and I mean, really knowing them.

I got the job eventually. After a few months, I started to travel regularly from Delhi to Bangalore and also interact with him more regularly. That’s when he came to know of my vacation plans, and one thing led to another.

The initial months at Accel were challenging for me. It was an altogether different industry, and I struggled to carve out my space. In such times, one needs a sponsor who can also be a mentor and set the individual up for success. And that’s exactly what he did for me. He helped me make connections and navigate, so I could equip myself for the new world.

He also gave me the first break at Accel.

I organized their Badminton Championship, which was a runaway success and helped establish my credibility with other stakeholders. It was a critical time, and if he hadn’t stepped in at that juncture, I wouldn’t have been able to contribute meaningfully later. Those who help others to set them up for success have a superpower which scores over everything else. Of course, it’s fashionable to talk, but few actually make that happen.

Even later, he would set up time regularly and make that extra effort to see that I was comfortable. In many ways, he has been that special well-wisher whom I always leaned on. Alas, when I left Accel, I could sense his disappointment.

We all change with time. I mean, change physically.

However, Prashant hasn’t changed one bit in the last ten years, which is a fairly long time. He remains committed to fitness; he is well-dressed and dapper, without a wrinkle to vouch for his long and immensely successful years, for which he has earned tremendous goodwill. And like most highly successful individuals, he is blessed with an elephantine memory. He still remembers to wish me on my birthday every year.

After moving on from Accel, our meetings were sporadic, mostly at events. I usually call his office once in 6 months to connect with him.

I met him recently and shared my journey at SaaSBoomi. He was quite generous with ideas and shared insights on what I should be doing as a leader in the age of AI to build more cohesive communities. As usual, I listened with rapt attention.

I have also started a fitness regime which insists on a ruthless diet plan. I told him about it. He is one of the Founding Patrons of Longevity India, a not-for-profit organization which pioneers research to extend healthspan through understanding of ageing biology unique to Indians. Naturally, he has become encyclopedic about healthy living. Taking the cue, he advised me on my protein intake and explained to me the importance of whey protein consumption. The other aspect he touched upon is strength training. A cardio-obsessed world often overlooks this aspect of life.

Prashant Prakash has lived extraordinarily well. He embodies Jeena Isi Ka Naam. Today, he can go a little easy, but he chooses to double or even triple his engagements. He is socially active in Bangalore and is driven by the idea that he wants this world to be a far better place for the next generation. Every waking hour is spent making this vision a reality.

He has always gone out of his way to help people and set them up for success, so I guess this vision is just an extension of who he is. I remain forever indebted to him for helping me reach out to other leaders at a time when I was struggling to find my feet.

Being successful in life is relatively easier than setting people up for success. That’s a superpower only people with giant-sized hearts have.

The likes of Prashant Prakash have a special place in our lives. They catalyse our journey so we can reach our full potential.

I wish him great success for his new initiative and a long, healthy life ahead. Thank you for being the special well-wisher whom I could lean on. You made life a lot easier for me!