The Mentor Who Taught Me to Lead Before I Became a Leader

Some teachers enter our lives through classrooms. Others appear at critical moments in our careers and quietly shape the professionals, leaders and human beings we eventually become.

Ashok Kumar Mishra, popularly known as AK, is one such teacher in my life.

Today, AK is the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Innodata. He is responsible for more than 20 global delivery locations, with an emphasis on continuous improvement and human-machine workflows.

My early days at Innodata

When I joined Innodata, I was coming from a very different organisational culture. The transition was not easy.

AK’s guidance helped me understand that professional success is not only about technical competence. It is equally about observation, communication, cultural sensitivity, accountability and trust.