Attitude Defines Your Altitude II

This is a brief follow-up to one of my previous post that many of my readers enjoyed. I generally prefer a professional style where I avoid criticizing others. I respect everyone and everything and tend to ignore those who do wrong.

However, I've recently come across Bhavish Aggarwal, CEO of Ola. He's certainly made a significant impact in India in recent years. However, I've been taken aback by some of his recent posts. Let's examine a few of Bhavish's recent tweets.

1. Ola's Kutrium developed its own mapping platform, similar to Google Maps. Following this, Google Maps lowered its pricing to match competitors. In response, Bhavish posted:

Dear @Google, too little too late! Reducing prices for @googlemaps, 'offering to price in ₹' after #ExitGoogleMaps. Don’t need your fake generosity! 

I comprehend his competitive spirit and the influence he's exerting. However, the demeanor he displays in this post is incongruent with a leader. Those who have interacted with Sundar Pichai are well-acquainted with his temperament. He is remarkably serene, composed, and grounded. His eloquence instills a sense of tranquility in others. Regardless of the pressure he faces, he remains humble. Has anyone ever observed an extravagant post from Sundar, unlike his counterparts such as Elon? Satya, Microsoft's CEO is similarly modest.

2. Let's consider another example. Ola Electric has had a disastrous debut in the Indian market, selling substandard scooters that have provoked numerous complaints against the company. Kunal Kamra tweeted:

Do indian consumers have a voice? Do they deserve this? Two wheelers are many daily wage workers lifeline… @nitin_gadkari is this how Indians will get to using EV’s? @jagograhakjago any word?Anyone who has an issue with OLA electric leave your story below tagging all… 

To which Bhavish replied: 

Since you care so much @kunalkamra88 , come and help us out! I’ll even pay more than you earned for this paid tweet or from your failed comedy career. Or else sit quiet and let us focus on fixing the issues for the real customers. We’re expanding service network fast and backlogs will be cleared soon. 

Undoubtedly, there are numerous Bhavish fanboys who will vehemently disagree with my assessment. However, despite being an IIT alumnus, like Sundar Pichai, and having built Ola from the ground up, Bhavish has exhibited a certain level of arrogance. While success is undoubtedly influenced by factors beyond personal control, such as luck, he has been fortunate in many respects. Yet, he maintains an unwavering ego. Kunal Kamra, known for his critical approach, remained composed in his interactions with Bhavish, while the latter responded with a degree of arrogance.

To be candid, Bhavish seems primarily concerned with business and profit, rather than social welfare. Those who genuinely care about social causes typically do not boast about their philanthropic endeavors or seek validation on social media. Bhavish's strategic use of patriotism and a perceived leadership style resonates well with the Indian populace, which often idolizes figures without critically evaluating their actions. This 'fanboy' culture contributes to his popularity.

Patriotism is the last refuge of the scoundrel - Samuel Johnson

Success teaches one the importance of humility and sharing. It fills one with empathy for others and a renewed sense of morality. As a result, one lets go of ego and anger, and dedicates oneself to helping others. They feel a deep sense of purpose in serving others and are willing to sacrifice for other's well-being. They become more like a tree: quiet, generous, and providing for others without complaint or expectation.

I'm not invested in Ola's future, but I believe Bhavish is headed for decline if he doesn't change his approach. I remember him criticizing "western concepts" like work-life balance. His dismissal, especially given his privileged position, is a sign of a serious disconnect. It's hard to understand how a leader can be so lacking in empathy for others. Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. Is Ola not a "western concept" too?

I felt compelled to write this post because Bhavish is viewed as a leader in the Indian industry. I believe this attitude is not representative of what Indian industry should aspire to be. I expect much better. It's disappointing that some people idolize this behavior and contribute to an inflated ego.