The Teachers Behind the Expertise: Why No One Builds a Career Alone

There’s a moment in every career where we look back and think, Wow, I actually know what I’m doing now. It’s a great feeling. The years of effort, late nights, and hard-earned expertise finally come together, and suddenly, people are looking to you for answers.  

And that’s when the ego sneaks in.  

Our ego wants to claim authority over everything we do—to believe that we alone are responsible for our success, that our expertise is self-made, forged from sheer brilliance and raw talent.  

But an aware ego knows better.  

Because the truth is, whatever we are today—whatever expertise we’ve built—isn’t just ours. It’s a mosaic of lessons, insights, and wisdom passed down by mentors, teachers, and colleagues who shaped us along the way.  

So today, instead of talking about personal branding, job search strategies, or how organizations can build kick-ass teams, let’s talk about the people who made it possible for me to even have these conversations.  

S.S. Bhat – Crafting Code and Crafting Minds  

Back in India, I spent three years working under S.S. Bhat, the CTO of IMISoft which was later acquired by Ramboll group. Here’s the thing—titles meant nothing to him. While people in corporate circles desperately claw their way toward C-level status, he was simply focused on building great engineers.  

I remember our long C++ coding sessions, where he patiently walked me through the artistry of writing great software—not just functional, but elegant, efficient, and beautiful.  

And it worked. We built real, working software—a system that helped construction companies design transmission and microwave towers. It wasn’t just about writing code. It was about understanding the craft.  

Years later, when I moved to the USA, I gave him a gold ring as a thank-you. Not because he needed it, but because mentorship like that deserves acknowledgment.  

Mr. Vishwanath – The CEO Who Created Connection, Not Followers  

IMIMobile’s founder, Mr. Vishwanath, stood out in a world where every startup CEO wants to preach their vision like a tech prophet searching for disciples. He was different.  

Instead of trying to convert people into believers, he focused on creating real human connections. And in those connections, his company grew.  

Even after I moved on in my career, a simple message from him congratulating me on my journey was one of the most meaningful messages I have ever received.  

Dr. Gregory Guthrie & Dr. Ralph Bunker – The Intellectual Architects  

Moving to the USA, I had the privilege of studying under Dr. Gregory Guthrie, the Dean of Computer Science at the Maharishi International University. He built the intellectual foundation I needed to navigate the shift from India’s tech industry to the American one.  

Then there was Dr. Ralph Bunker—a man with an extraordinary story. As a young kid, he was shipped off to Vietnam before he even had a driver’s license. He returned, became a professor of computer science, and taught students not just how to write code, but how to think about it.  

He drilled into me the importance of intellectual discipline, the necessity of understanding what you’re building at a deep level, and the critical role of attitude in shaping success.  

Mr. Raghavan Kalkunte – The Master of Building Teams  

For 4 years in the USA, I had the honor of working under Mr. Raghavan Kalkunte, who taught me everything I know about hiring and building teams.  

This was a time when HR wasn’t the powerhouse it is in the corporate world today. Back then, workplace culture, team dynamics, and even recruitment were often handled directly by engineering leaders.  

And he was a master at it.  

From North Carolina to California, from Beijing to Bengaluru, he taught me how to build teams across geographies, integrate cultures, and create resilient workplace ecosystems.  

Everything I understand today about hiring, culture, and team-building? The credit goes to him.  

Dr. Valérie Gauthier & Dr. Charles-Henri Besseyre des Horts – The MBA Perspective  

At HEC Paris, Dr. Valérie Gauthier, a professor of language and cultures, introduced me to the human dimension of business—not just as an abstract concept, but as something deeply embedded in the way people think, interact, and make decisions. Through her, I learned how languages and cultures shape perspectives and perception, influencing everything from leadership styles to how trust is built in organizations. She helped me see that understanding business isn’t just about numbers and strategy; it’s about understanding people, the way they communicate, and the cultural contexts that define their worldviews. 

Dr. Charles-Henri Besseyre des Horts, an HR legend, provided the structured understanding that helped me refine my approach. His insights introduced me to frameworks and methodologies that transformed how I understood people and organizational dynamics. Through his guidance, I learned to navigate complex organizational structures and design people strategies that are both culturally aware and strategically sound. His perspective reinforced a fundamental truth: at its core, business is always about people.

Ms Luana Brandão – The Heart of Brazil  

At the University of Brasília, Luana Brandão, professor of Portuguese language and Brazilian culture, helped me understand Brazil and Latin America. She introduced me to the concept of "viver de coração"—living from the heart.  

And that is fundamental to both life and business in Latin America.  

Acknowledging the Collective Wisdom  

If there is anything of merit in this blog—if my thoughts on talent acquisition, employer branding, and personal branding resonate—it is because of these extraordinary teachers and mentors.  

The wisdom belongs to them. The flaws and shortcomings? Those are mine.  

Your Expertise Didn’t Arrive in a Vacuum  

So, if you’ve built a career, if you’ve developed expertise in any field, take a moment. Ask yourself:  

- Who shaped your journey?  

- Who took the time to mentor you?  

- Who invested in you before you even knew what you were capable of?  

Because no one builds a career alone.  

And recognizing that doesn’t make us less accomplished—it makes us more aware, more grateful, and, ultimately, better leaders.