Every day brings its share of surprises and lessons, but some days leave an indelible mark on our hearts, shaping us in ways we never imagined. One such day in my life was April 30th, 2007—my first day at work at my father’s office. I had spent countless hours at the office as a child, chatting with colleagues, observing my father’s leadership, and witnessing the growth of the company. However, stepping into the business as a full-fledged member was a whole new experience, one that would mark the beginning of my entrepreneurial journey.

The memories of my childhood visits to my father’s office are still vivid in my mind—the casual chats with colleagues, the laughter, and the leisure time I spent there. However, stepping into the business as a full-fledged member was an entirely different experience, one that marked the beginning of my entrepreneurial journey. I was filled with a mixture of excitement and nervous anticipation, yet I knew this was a defining moment in my life.

The Ideal First Day—The Myths and Realities

When you hear stories about second-generation entrepreneurs stepping into the family business, there’s often a picture painted of an easy transition. The assumption is that the first day involves settling into a new office, getting acquainted with the high-level workings of the business, and maybe even receiving a set of visiting cards. For me, my first day wasn’t about stepping into a polished, well-defined role—it was about diving straight into the roots of the business.

My father, a man whose guidance and leadership had shaped much of who I am today, drove me to the office on my first day. As we approached the building, I asked him about what my tasks for the day would be, eager to know how the day would unfold. His response was simple yet profound: “Just enjoy your day.” At the time, I couldn’t fully grasp the meaning behind his words. However, as I look back now, I realize that this was the first of many leadership lessons I would learn from him.

My First Leadership Lesson

When I walked into the office, I quickly learned that there was no room for idle time. My father didn’t give me the ease. Instead, he encouraged me to immerse myself in the business from the ground up. The goal wasn’t to rush to the top, but to understand the very essence of the business, which begins with knowing every single department and process.

My first task wasn’t sitting in a meeting or getting a briefing on the company’s strategic goals. Instead, my father sent me to a client packing site, where I was asked to stand alongside the crew and observe their work. It was a scorching summer day, and I found myself standing in the heat for hours, watching the packing process for a client who was relocating to Mumbai. It was tiring yet rewarding. When I returned home, my father asked how my day went. I answered with a smile, reflecting on the experience, knowing that the hard work I had witnessed was just one piece of the puzzle that made the business run smoothly.

The next day, my father sent me back to the site to observe the loading process. I now understood the significance of these tasks, and how each small action played a crucial role in ensuring the success of the business. It wasn’t just about moving items; it was about making sure each item was handled with care and transported securely, and that the team worked cohesively to ensure everything went according to plan.

Learning from the Ground Up

That first day was eye-opening. It made me realize that real leadership isn’t about titles, office spaces, or status. It’s about understanding the day-to-day operations, learning from the ground level, and respecting every individual in the company, no matter their position.

By the end of the day, I had gained a newfound respect for the people who were the heart and soul of the business. Their hard work, attention to detail, and commitment to ensuring everything was packed and moved safely became clear to me. I understood that leadership is built on empathy, respect, and a deep understanding of what every team member does. This was the first step in my journey to becoming a better leader.

Understanding the Hardships of the Team

My father had always spoken about the importance of leadership through service and respect for others. Now, I was learning it in real time. The work wasn’t easy. The heat, the long hours, and the physical demands were just some of the challenges the crew faced every day. But what stood out the most was the pride they took in their work. They weren’t just moving boxes—they were helping families transition to new chapters in their lives, and they understood the importance of their role.

Returning to the site the next day to observe the loading process allowed me to understand the full scope of the job. It wasn’t just about packing—it was about every detail, from organizing the loading of items to ensuring everything was securely transported. It was in these seemingly small tasks that the foundation of great service was built.

The Beginning of My Journey

That day marked the beginning of my journey in the family business. It was a day filled with lessons—some small, some profound—that shaped the way I would approach leadership and entrepreneurship. I learned that leadership wasn’t about being handed a title or a fancy office. It was about understanding the business, building strong relationships with your team, and respecting the work that everyone does, no matter how big or small their role.

It’s easy to overlook the importance of the ground-level work when you’re thinking about leading a company. But my first day taught me that leadership is built from the ground up. It’s about respect, empathy, and learning from every experience, no matter how challenging.

As I continue my journey in this business, I carry with me the lessons from that first day—the value of hard work, the importance of understanding every aspect of the company, and the role of leadership in shaping the future of an organization. And, every time I face a new challenge, I remember the courage, the excitement, and the belief in my eyes that helped me sustain myself through my first day and beyond.