Look inward to find your role model

This is my first post and I was thinking through my leadership experiences and challenges, debating on what to write about: a deep dive into startups, what it takes to be a transformational leader, managing change, dynamic growth, cross cultural leadership, standing up to legends? My conundrum was resolved by a student who reached out to me on social media to let me know that my response to a question at a conference speech stayed with her for a long time and inspired her to do more. The question was simple; she had asked me, "Who is your role model?"

A simple enough question, however, this was a question I had unknowingly reflected on ever since I was a little boy. I have several sources of inspiration, from Mahatma Gandhi, George Soros, Steve Jobs, to the US Marines; but they were not role models. A role model to me is someone or something that I can relate to and visualise for myself. As a child who grew up in a boarding school since the age of nine, my parents were my early role models. I looked up to my parents in every way. Their journey in life has always been guided by a strict moral compass, which has had a profound effect on me.

Around the age of 14, my role model and my inspiration became my 'future self'. I had consciously made the choice to define who I wanted to be in 10 years and 20 years; and this 'future self' that I visualised became my role model. I subconsciously envisaged my future self to be a loving family man, principled and driven to change the world to become a better place for all those around him. At university, I made sure that I averaged at least 26 credits each term to ensure that I graduated with a triple major. While at university, I took on internship opportunities in Wall Street and London, I was also part of the varsity sports teams and took on part-time jobs as a fashion model and even worked in a car garage; I did all of this not because I had to, but because an opportunity arose and I wanted to experience it. Eventually, I started my own company when I was 19, became a GM when I was 24, ran a diverse region like Asia Pacific at the age 26, became a father at 28 and became the CEO of an airline at the age of 32. Heart of hearts I am an entrepreneur and there was never a time when in my mind I felt something was impossible. I believe entrepreneurs don't debate opportunities but rather take calculated risks and jump in head first and create more opportunities for their organisations and themselves.

Most people who know me ask me, "How do you squeeze in so much?" or "Where do you get the energy to keep going?" I believe it is easy when you genuinely carry an unsatisfied feeling and the belief you can do so much more. No accomplishment or target is quite enough.
The author is Mittu Chandilya, CEO, AirAsia India. Re-printed with permission.
Link: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/my-role-model-mittu-chandilya?trk=prof-post