When I left Citrix to start ActOnMagic, my title was “Software Development Manager.” However, to my parents, I became “jobless” when I transitioned to being the Founder and CEO of ActOnMagic. This “promotion” came with its own set of challenges, but it opened doors to opportunities I never imagined—especially in the enterprise world.
Think for a moment about your own position or job title. Could it get you a meeting with a CXO? For me, the title of “Founder” and the purpose behind ActOnMagic helped me secure genuine introductions. Positivity has a way of attracting help and resources, and in the whirlwind of startup life, that energy was a constant. As a founder, you wear every hat—something I’ve written about before.
A Red Carpet Moment
In 2018, when NTT Netmagic acquired ActOnMagic’s intellectual property (not the company, as our revenue was minimal), my partner Sumathi and I experienced a surreal moment. Despite the modest deal, we were welcomed with a red carpet treatment. This marked the beginning of a new chapter. I was tasked with launching their MultiCloud Business, an incredible challenge that had to be accomplished within a year.
The startup environment was fast-paced and agile. Our small team of 4–6 worked together in a single conference room, where decisions were made instantly, and every team member knew the pulse of the company. We released new features almost every week! By the time I joined NTT Netmagic, I had written over 100,000 lines of AngularJS/NodeJS code—not with the help of generative AI, which didn’t exist then! Those were hands-on days that I cherished and carried forward into my role.
The Nervous Wait
Before the acquisition deal was finalized, there was one gray area: my and Sumathi’s titles in the new organization. It was a nerve-wracking phase—I couldn’t ask HR directly what our roles would be. Having climbed the corporate ladder—from Software Engineer at HP to Senior Software Engineer, Software Analyst, and Software Development Manager—I had suddenly “promoted” myself to Founder and CEO (with no salary for 18 months).
When the offer finally arrived, I was delighted to see my new title: “Vice President – Product and Innovation.” It felt surreal. The transition from being CEO of a ₹2 crore company to VP in a ₹1,000 crore enterprise was immense. Yet, the core purpose remained the same: to contribute, excel, and make an impact.
Gratitude
I owe much of the ActOnMagic journey to the incredible people who made it sweet and memorable—Mr. Sharad, Mr. Sunil, Mr. Deepak, and Mr. Mulay. Their support and encouragement were invaluable.
Takeaways:
- Titles Matter, but Purpose Matters More: The right title can open doors, but the intent behind your work drives success.
- Stay Hands-On: Being involved in the nitty-gritty gives you an edge, whether as a founder or an executive.
- Embrace the Journey: From nervous uncertainties to red-carpet welcomes, every step is a lesson.
- Gratitude Is Key: Recognize and appreciate the people who shape your path.
This journey has taught me that every role, every title, and every challenge is a stepping stone to something greater. Keep contributing, excelling, and winning!
