In the realm of technology and business, few stories are as inspiring as the journey I have had at SYBYL, spanning over 18 years. What began as an opportunity to work in a growing IT company evolved into a long and fulfilling career filled with learning, leadership, and personal growth. Through dedication, teamwork, and perseverance, I have been fortunate to witness and contribute to the company’s journey toward market leadership. This story is not just about my career; it is about how SYBYL, a company I joined almost two decades ago, played a significant role in my personal and professional development.

The Beginning of a New Journey

My professional journey at SYBYL began in 2006, though my career in the IT sector had already started a few years prior. I was working at Infocom, an Internet Service Provider (ISP) that was part of Airtel at the time. Although I had only been with the company for a short period, a friend recommended that I consider an opportunity with SYBYL, then known as Computer Point. This was an IT company that was growing steadily, and my friend informed me that they were looking for talented people to join their team.

At that point, I had no idea how life-changing this recommendation would be. I submitted my application, not knowing what to expect, and was called for an interview shortly thereafter. The interview process was fairly simple, but it left a lasting impression on me. I was interviewed by the Managing Director, who is now the chairman, and the sales manager at the time. The interview was straightforward, lasting about 15 to 20 minutes, but what stood out was the confidence the MD had in my potential. I didn’t feel pressured or intimidated. Instead, I felt like I was having a genuine conversation about my skills and what I could bring to the company.

Two weeks after the interview, I received the call that would change my career trajectory. I was offered a position, and in January of 2006, I officially joined SYBYL. What made my entry into the company unique was the timing. Right around the same time, there was a significant turnover within the sales team. Several senior members of the team, left the company due to personal reasons. Their departure created an opportunity for new recruits like myself to step in and make a mark.

Early Challenges and Achievements

The first year at SYBYL was both challenging and rewarding. I was still learning the ropes of the company, but I felt fortunate to have a supportive team around me. One individual who played a pivotal role in my early days was the sales manager at the time (Jayalal PV) who had interviewed me. From the start, he seemed to recognize my potential and was very supportive. In fact, we developed a close working relationship that helped me navigate the challenges of being a new salesperson in the company.

By June of that first year, I had been confirmed in my position, and by December, I received recognition for my performance. I was named the best salesperson of the year, a significant achievement that gave me the confidence to push forward. It felt great to be acknowledged so early in my career at SYBYL, and it set the tone for the years to come.

The recognition I received was not just about hitting sales targets; it was a reflection of the strong team spirit at SYBYL. Even in those early days, it was clear that SYBYL emphasized collaboration and support. Sales were not seen as an individual effort but as a team endeavor. This culture of teamwork has been one of the company’s defining features throughout my time here.

The Evolution of SYBYL’s Sales Team

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of watching the sales team grow and evolve. When I first joined, the sales team consisted of about four to five people. Today, that number has expanded to around 15 individuals, and the growth is not just in numbers. The structure of the team has become more specialized, with a strong support system in place for each salesperson. We have account managers, product specialists, and a robust technical team that all work together to provide comprehensive solutions to our clients.

One of the things that set SYBYL apart from its competitors is the strength of our technical team. As salespeople, we are not just selling a product; we are selling the expertise and support of an entire organization. Clients trust us because they know that behind every sales proposal is a team of skilled technicians and product specialists who will ensure that the solution is implemented smoothly and effectively. This collaborative approach has been key to SYBYL’s continued success and market leadership.

Career Progression and Personal Growth

While my early years at SYBYL were filled with accomplishments, the road was not always smooth. For almost 10 years, I found myself in the same role, with little upward mobility. It was a period of stunted growth in terms of career progression, and there were times when I wondered if I would ever move beyond my current position. However, I remained patient and continued to work hard, trusting that my efforts would eventually be recognized.

Around 2018, things began to change. Management started to take notice of my dedication and the extra effort I was putting into my work. I had always believed in going the extra mile, whether it was staying late to finish a project or taking on additional responsibilities that weren’t part of my official role. These small acts of diligence did not go unnoticed, and eventually, I was given more responsibilities. It was a gradual process, but I began to climb the ranks within the company.

One of the things I’ve learned over the years is that career progression in our industry takes time. The IT and technology sectors are highly specialized, and it takes years to acquire the knowledge that allows you to take on leadership roles. In SYBYL, many of the senior positions are held by individuals with 20 or more years of experience. This long-term view of career growth has helped me stay grounded and patient, knowing that with time and effort, I would continue to progress.

The Role of Education in My Career

Education has always played an important role in my career development. I am a professionally certified Marketer from the Chartered Institute of Marketing (UK), which has been directly applicable in my role as an account manager. Having this qualification has not only given me a solid foundation in relationship management but has also helped me perform better at my job. The knowledge I gained from this course has allowed me to approach sales from a more strategic perspective, ensuring that I not only meet my targets but also provide real value to our clients.

In addition to my marketing certification, I also have an MBA from Edinburg Business School from Heriot Watt University. This advanced degree has been instrumental in helping me develop my leadership and management skills. As I take on more responsibilities within SYBYL, the lessons I learned during my MBA studies became increasingly relevant. Whether it was managing teams, setting strategic goals, or navigating complex business challenges, my education provided me with the tools I needed to succeed.

More Than Just a Workplace

One of the most remarkable aspects of my journey at SYBYL is the way the company has supported my personal development. For the majority of my working life, I have been with SYBYL, and the company has been there through many of my personal milestones. I bought my first car while working at SYBYL. I got married and started a family during my time here. The company has not only provided me with a career but has also been a significant part of my personal life.

SYBYL’s goodwill and support have been instrumental in my ability to achieve these milestones. The company has always been supportive of my goals, both personal and professional. I appreciate management for recognizing my potential, the constant support and guidance and then giving me the opportunities to serve in more senior roles within the organization.

Challenges or Opportunities?

Of course, no journey is without its challenges, and my time at SYBYL has been no exception. One of the biggest challenges we face as a company is maintaining our position as a market leader. SYBYL is a well-established player in the IT industry, but with that status comes a great deal of responsibility. Management has high expectations, and we are constantly working to ensure that we stay ahead of the competition.

The market has become much more competitive over the years. When I first joined, there were fewer players in the industry. Today, the competition is much fiercer, and customers are more knowledgeable and demanding. To maintain our market leadership, we have to work harder than ever before. This means putting in long hours and going beyond the typical 8-to-5 workday. It also means staying informed about the latest industry trends and continually improving our skills.

Despite these challenges, I believe that SYBYL’s culture of teamwork and continuous learning has been key to our success. The company places a strong emphasis on knowledge sharing, and we are encouraged to keep learning, whether it’s through formal certifications or on-the-job training. This culture of learning extends to both the sales and technical teams, ensuring that we are always prepared to meet the evolving needs of our clients.

Looking to the Future

At 44 years old, I feel that there is still much more I can achieve. I am currently in a leadership position, but I aspire to grow even further, whether within SYBYL or other opportunities that may come my way. My role in business development allows me to contribute directly to the company’s growth, and I am committed to ensuring that we maintain our market leadership and continue to grow our revenue.

One of the things I appreciate about my role in sales is that my performance is easy to evaluate. You either achieve the targets or not. This allows me to continually assess my progress and set new goals for myself. As long as I continue to perform well and contribute to SYBYL’s success, I believe that there will always be opportunities for further growth.

Reflecting on my 18-year journey at SYBYL, I am filled with gratitude and pride. The company has been a significant part of my life, both personally and professionally. From my early days as a salesperson to my current role as General manager sales, SYBYL has provided me the opportunities, support, and resources to succeed.

The challenges we face as a company are numerous, but they are also what drive us to be better. SYBYL’s commitment to teamwork, continuous learning, and innovation has allowed us to maintain our position as a market leader, and I am proud to have been a part of that journey. As I look to the future, I am excited about the opportunities that lie ahead and confident that SYBYL will continue to be a place where I can grow and contribute.