INTERVIEW WITH VISHAL AWACHITE
Title: Beyond the Job: Unlocking Careers, Mastering Leadership and Growth
Author: Vishal Awachite
ISBN: 978-9363554771
Publisher: Evincepub Publishing
About the author:
About the Author Vishal Awachite is an inspiring corporate leader, software expert, skilled manager, and a socially conscious changemaker. Overcoming significant financial hardships, he built a successful career through sheer determination, perseverance, and hard work. With a strong foundation in computer engineering, he has made remarkable contributions to renowned organizations. At a young age, he has demonstrated exceptional leadership and currently serves as an Associate Vice President in a key role.
His professional journey spans across India, Germany, the USA, the UK, Europe, Denmark, Australia, Dubai, South Africa, China, Singapore, and many more, where he has worked with diverse clients and colleagues, leaving an impressive mark on the global stage. Driven by a passion for technology and innovation, he has successfully led multiple products and projects to completion. His expertise in software solution architecture, team management, and product development has helped businesses scale to new heights by integrating technical excellence with strategic business insights.
Vishal Awachite’s contributions have been recognized through numerous awards, including Vidya Bhushan, Employee of the Year, Best Multitasker, and Technology Champion. His outstanding leadership qualities also led to his selection for the prestigious National Young Manager Competition.
Beyond his professional achievements, Vishal is deeply committed to mentoring and empowering the next generation. He has played a crucial role in guiding students, job seekers, and young professionals by sharing his industry knowledge, technical expertise, and personal experiences. His dedication to social impact is evident through educational assistance programs for underprivileged students, as well as his contributions to technical skills development and career mentorship.
A dynamic speaker, Vishal frequently conducts technology-driven sessions, workshops, and leadership talks at engineering colleges and corporate platforms, inspiring young minds to dream big, work hard, and achieve success. His life journey reflects a powerful blend of resilience, humility, honesty, and social responsibility, serving as a beacon of motivation for aspiring professionals. He firmly believes that with hard work, confidence, and a positive mindset, anyone can achieve their dreams and make a meaningful impact.
Question – What inspired you to write Beyond the Job? Was there a specific moment or experience that made you want to share your journey?
Answer – The inspiration came after an interview conducted by my college when I became an AVP. During that conversation, someone remarked, “Your journey is truly inspiring — you should write a book to guide students coming from similar backgrounds.” That thought stayed with me. I realized that my story — filled with struggles, failures, and small wins — could offer direction and motivation to many aspiring engineers. That’s when I decided to write Beyond the Job.
Question – Your book talks a lot about real struggles and failures. Was it difficult to open up and write so honestly about your personal setbacks?
Answer – Yes, it was emotionally challenging. Sharing failures makes you feel vulnerable. But I knew that unless I was honest, the book wouldn’t be real. People relate more to struggles than success. If my story can help someone avoid the same mistakes or bounce back quicker, then it’s worth it.
Question – You come from a small-town background. How did your early life experiences shape your attitude towards career and growth?
Answer – Growing up in a modest setup made me value hard work, resilience, and resourcefulness. With limited access to guidance, I learned the value of self-learning and asking the right questions. That early struggle made me ambitious — not for titles, but for self-growth.
Question – You strongly say that getting a job is not the final goal. In your view, what does true career success look like?
Answer – True career success is when your work aligns with your purpose, you keep learning, and you create impact — not just income. It’s not about titles but about how much you grow and help others grow along the way.
Question – In the book, you speak about the pressure of choosing careers. What advice do you have for students who feel confused about which career to pick?
Answer – Start by knowing yourself — your interests, values, and strengths. Experiment through internships or short projects. Don’t rush into popular trends. Focus on finding what excites you and challenges you at the same time.
Question – You faced many rejections during job placements. How can young people build mental strength to handle rejection?
Answer – Rejection isn’t personal. It’s redirection. I always tell students — reflect on the feedback, improve, and move on. Build a circle of mentors or friends who support you emotionally. Also, build skills constantly — confidence grows when competence grows.
Question – You mention that leadership is not just about position. Can you explain what everyday leadership means in a corporate job?
Answer – Everyday leadership is about taking ownership — of your tasks, your growth, and helping your team succeed. You don’t need a title to lead. Simple acts like guiding a junior, solving problems proactively, or being dependable — that’s true leadership.
Question – You say preparation is more important than shortcuts. What are three skills every student should start building while still in college?
Answer –
Problem-solving mindset — not just technical, but real-world challenges.
Communication — written and verbal clarity is key.
Self-management — time, energy, and learning discipline.
Question – You’ve worked across multiple countries and cultures. How does one stay adaptable in such diverse environments?
Answer – By staying open and respectful. Listen more than you speak. Adaptability is not about losing your identity but about learning how others think and work, and finding common ground.
Question – How important are soft skills like communication and teamwork in comparison to technical knowledge?
Answer – They’re equally — if not more — important. You may get hired for your tech skills, but you’ll grow because of your soft skills. A great idea means nothing if you can’t communicate or collaborate to execute it.
Question – What kind of feedback have you received from readers so far? Any story that really touched you?
Answer – Many readers told me they felt like I was narrating their own story. One student from rural Maharashtra said the book gave him hope to dream again after a series of failures. That moved me deeply.
Question – If you could add one more chapter to the book today, what would it be about?
Answer – It would be about managing self-doubt. Even after success, it keeps coming back. I’d love to share how to recognize it, overcome it, and not let it control your decisions.
Question – You dedicated the book to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. How do his values connect with your ideas on leadership and growth?
Answer – His life taught us vision, strategy, courage, and empowerment. He believed in building people, not just forts. That’s how I see leadership too — with vision, values, and trust in your team.
Question – What is the one piece of advice you wish someone had given you when you started your career?
Answer – I wish someone had told me: “It’s okay to not know everything. Just stay curious, keep learning, and help others along the way.”
Question – If a college student picks up your book today, what is the one thing you hope they take away from it?
Answer – That your background doesn’t define your future. With the right mindset, skills, and efforts — you can shape your own career path. Believe in your journey and never stop growing.