Can you think of a person whose very being somehow has the invisible ability to change the atmosphere and energy in the room to one that is tangibly soothing and positive? I had the pleasure of meeting such a person a few years ago – her name is VJ Manickam.
She’s had many roles at EMC since joining in 2002. I met her when she worked in our Massachusetts-based headquarters in Human Resources’ Information Systems group. Today, she is a Lean Six Sigma and “Total Customer Experience” Change Agent working out of her home country of Singapore for EMC’s Asia Pacific Japan (APJ) & Centers of Excellence business functions.
Her story is one of taking charge of her career, appreciation of mentors, hard work, world travel, self-less giving to others, intellectual excellence and award-winning contributions to EMC. (Just before I posted this story it occurred to me to ask her if she had any career tips to share. One of her answers surprised and delighted me as it came from such a humble person. Read on to find out what she said.)
I’m delighted to introduce to you the wise and kind soul of VJ Manickam:
What do you like to do in your spare time, outside of EMC?
I recently worked in a variety of shelters that challenged me in different ways. I flew to Vietnam for a week to volunteer at a couple of orphanages and helped mentally and physically-challenged kids as well as street kids. The people in Vietnam are very hardworking and gentle. The international volunteers I met at the guesthouse I stayed in Ho Chi Minh couldn’t have been nicer. I came away more knowledgeable about these charities and now have special memories.
I also like to cook exotic dishes and bake, and host dinner parties for my friends. I love people and have friends from all cultures. It is so gratifying to see people of varied backgrounds, gathered together to celebrate each other’s uniqueness and enjoy the company.
Besides meeting people of all cultures, I enjoy traveling with no expectations. I love adventures and the unknown. Next stop – a culinary tour in Asia in August 2008.
What do you do to inspire and encourage your EMC team?
I’m a change agent. I instill a mindset for my team to do things in a pro-active manner, with a logical sequence. We go beyond providing adequate service – adequate is a “dirty” word because it’s not enough. We need to show our customers the “Wow” factor and go the extra mile, not be stuck in a silo.
I am surrounded by competent, outstanding colleagues who create the “Wow” factor! They don’t say to themselves, “What’s in it for me?” These colleagues have the natural DNA which has become second nature for them to “go beyond” in servicing our customers. This style eliminates frustration as well as develops a synergy which other functions understand; we’re better able to help each other. We don’t do things for instant gratification -- we expand our horizons. By helping others, we also develop ourselves as well as redefine who we are.
Another dirty word is “manage.” I do not manage people. I influence them. I roll up my sleeves and Walk the Talk.
Do you feel different about working at EMC than other companies you’ve worked for?
Certainly …the whole Lean Six Sigma experience has been a great journey for me as I’m learning about other businesses, and being able to work with people across different geos/divisions. I’ve had an incredible manager/mentor, Scott Casavant, whom I worked with, and who selflessly developed me over the years. It is the warmest place I’ve ever worked. My boss and colleagues are like my family.
The opportunities are present for anyone at EMC if one has the right attitude. The right attitude determines the altitude for career development at EMC.
How has the company supported your career development?
I take charge and drive my career, but I put in that effort. I have been so fortunate to have great mentors. I also don’t believe in luck; I’ve done the legwork and worked hard. Scott, my boss and mentor has been my teacher and strongest pillar of support.
Would you recommend working at EMC to a friend?
Absolutely! At EMC, the sky is the limit – it’s like “help me to help you.”
What inspires you about EMC? What keeps you here?
I continue being effective because EMC let me spread my wings into this global, strategic position. I like variety, and love people on all different levels. The opportunities to expand your horizon are boundless. But you have to be working at the right aptitude with the right attitude; if you don’t go beyond with the “Wow” factor, you don’t go.
What is one “cool” thing you’ve worked on recently at EMC?
I helped transform the APJ Partner Support Center team to improve business processes to create higher levels of customer satisfaction, quality and productivity and was awarded the Partner Support Center MVP Award for Q1 08.
Do you have any career tips for others?
- Take Risks: if you win, you will be happy; if you lose, you will be wise. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
- Branding: Talent is not enough. Focus on raising one’s profile. Start looking outward.
- How are you perceived?
- What is the value you bring to your organization?
- How aware are others of this value?
- What mental pictures/perceptions come to mind when your name is mentioned?
- How do you raise your profile without overshadowing? - Leverage your strengths in order to move from successful to extraordinary.
Before EMC: VJ grew up in Singapore and dedicated her early years to helping raise her two sisters and put them through college (today, one is a lawyer and the other is a lecturer.) She has worked as a Social Worker with the Singapore Children Society; an orthopedic surgery Research Assistant at the National University of Singapore; an Air Traffic Controller at Singapore Changi Airport; and a Guidance Counselor at Canadian International School. She paid her own way through Ryerson Polytechnic University in Toronto, finishing her undergrad in 3 years. She finished her graduate studies at Clarkson University in New York in 1 year.
She currently maintains a home in Worcester, Mass and in Singapore.
PHOTOS: 1) VJ at a School for the Blind during her recent vacation 2) VJ with International Volunteers in Vietnam 3) At a school in Ho Chi Minh for girls 4) Singapore's Skyline 5) On a boat to Mekong Delta
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