My name is Shivaram Kumar and after two and a half decades of working with people from every conceivable race, religion, ethnicity, language, nationality and orientation, empowering them with self-belief and confidence, my wife Anjali and I know for sure that words make all the difference. The words we listen to, and the words we speak.
The aim with this blog is to make people aware of the power of words, because once we know how to surround and program ourselves with the right words, we can collectively increase self-esteem in society. Looking forward to get with you on our exciting journey called life and benefit from our stories and experiences.
Let my words play a small positive role in your world.
My Recent Book
Say Yes When They Say No
During the late 1950s, a young man in his twenties found a job as a stenographer in a small Bombay (now Mumbai) company called Fassalboi. The namesake and owner was a visionary, and was trying to introduce fluorescent (tube) lights and transistor radios to rural India. His slick salesmen returned empty handed, saying that bad electricity and fear of “black magic” from a little box not connected to anything were respective deterrents.
The stenographer offered to step up to the task. Mr. Fassalboi liked the attitude, and gave the boy some money to buy a suit, and sent him off to his village in Palakkad, Kerala. On the first day, the young man’s excitement generated a lot of interest in the tube light, but the transistor radio was still off limits. Voices from a little box spooked everyone in the village. The next morning, he was able to bring divinity into the picture when he discovered a radio station that played religious hymns. Everyone in the village followed him around like he was Pied Piper. They were sold on the new gadget.
He got a promotion upon his return to Bombay. For unrelated reasons, Fassalboi went through some troubled times, and the stenographer turned sales representative bailed out and found a new job. For years, he would regret his move, because Fassalboi prevailed and was bought over by a giant radio & appliance company, and prospered. I would have become the President of the company, he would say.
K.V.S Ramakrishnan was his name, and they called him KVSR. He was my father. He ended up working for the government for over 40 years, but the entrepreneur in him surfaced a couple of times. The first time was in the seventies, when he and his brother started a mattress foam (U Foam) business which closed down before it really took off. Then, in 1998, as our business expanded into India, my parents joined us. Before he passed away in 2007, my father was able to realize his dream to become a successful entrepreneur. My parents got respect and recognition from thousands of people in India, as they appeared on stage on a several occasions. It was exhilarating to be able to witness the standing ovations they received.
On the day before he was admitted to the hospital for the last time, my father climbed two floors in Chembur, Mumbai, in the process of booking a venue for a weekly business meeting. He was relentless.
My father did not have a mentor or a guide for the most part. He relied on his optimism, sense of humor and a “why not” attitude. Of course, he had my mother’s unconditional support, and together they lived an energetic life and worked hard so their children could have a strong future.
Blog Bites
You may have heard that “NO” stands for “New Opportunity”. Every challenge comes with an opportunity. A “why not” attitude opens doors to a world of unlimited possibilities. My father taught me never to feel “old and weary”. We never heard him complain about his age or health.
“Every morning, wake up with the feeling that you are just getting started in life, no matter your age. Be grateful and happy”. He never actually said these words, but he lived them.
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17 Responses to “Say Yes When They Say No”
What an awesome story. So much to be grateful for. I can draw so many parallels with my dad and what I am today is a result of so many of those influences. I am extremely grateful for the “mentorship” that I have access to through people like you.
Great story of a “WHY NOT” attitude man .Fortunately I saw him last day and I seen that attitude percolate through you. Kumar real We are blessed with your great Mentorship not only in Amway business but also in whole life.
What a great story Kumarbhai !!! In all the 17 years whenever I talked with you on phone or on skype or in person , I have found you very energetic and enthusiastic with a attitude of just started and lot can be done .
Blessed to be part of your LOS.
Thanks for taking out time for such a vlauable blogs
kumar, being at a geographical and cultural distance these insights are precious and helpful. Learning to build bridges better with team. my mentors are Nardones, many years. thanks for helping us all, H
Thank you. Amazing and inspiring story
This is incredible true story that motivated me to keep on keeping on even in the midst of worst storm in my life. It inspired me to be a great example for my children
Moved by the flashback
The brand name of the transistor was EKCO (National Ekco)
After initial resistance from the villagers our house veranda was filled with them to listen to Tamil filmSongs for 1 hour at 4pm every day from Ilangai Vaanoli Oliparappu (Radio Ceylon)
It is so great to see a comment from my father’s youngest brother- K.V. Ganesan. My sisters and I call him Kunjappa (literally means “Small Daddy”). Kunjappa, I didn’t know you were following my blog. Only after seeing your comment did I realize that you were still in grade school when Appa showed up with the radio and tube lights. You even remember the brand name- Ecko. Now I am thinking that the film music must have been a bigger “pull” than the religious hymns!
I can proudly say that the first open meeting I attended was on 2001 at ghatkopar n uncle had invited me, thru landline phone call. That was the first time I saw n met him. A man with +ve attitude. Thnx Shivrm uncle.
– Raja, pune.
It is so great to see a comment from my father’s youngest brother- K.V. Ganesan. My sisters and I call him Kunjappa (literally means “Small Daddy”). Kunjappa, I didn’t know you were following my blog. Only after seeing your comment did I realize that you were still in grade school when Appa showed up with the radio and tube lights. You even remember the brand name- Ecko. Now I am thinking that the film music must have been a bigger “pull” than the religious hymns!
Very inspiring. Listening to your talks and reading your blog articles , it is so refreshing to cherish the same genuine simplicity nature of you – Kumar .
Very inspiring…!!!
Kumarji,
From first meeting I am admiring you and that admiration is increasing day by day after your each talk, every CD and now every blog. Thankful to God for putting YOU in my life.
Awesome Story, quite inspiring. Reminded me the entrepreneurs spirit of my dad.
Thank you for taking the time in posting it.
Truly inspiring , i am one of fortunate to have close association with him , very out spoken , always stood by principles , fearless man .
he loved me , i loved him .
Hats off.. What a touching story.. Really motivational to current generation too.
Wowwww! No words to say. I am so blessed to read this story 🙂
He used to call us to ensure our growth and well-being of biz and life. We are really blessed.