About

Throughout my career, I have often struggled to meet conventional societal standards, interpersonal communication norms, and, above all, to express my emotions (though those of you included in this message have witnessed my vulnerability firsthand). I am sending this communication for two reasons: one mission critical, the other personal.

 

The personal one is that each of you is among my most trusted comrades at Microsoft and beyond.

​

The mission critical reason for this message as a group: each of you embodies the core principle of "Mission, Men, and Me." You remain unwaveringly loyal to the objective — by 'mission,' I do not mean DEX alone. When assigned a task, you execute with discipline and honour. Your integrity and precision are rare assets — qualities that define the highest calibre of leadership, comrades, and a team.

​

First, my formal apologies to the three of you who have reported to me. I regret that I was unable to secure command recognition of your true merit (details follow). My inability to deliver more for you, as a unit and as individuals, is a burden I will carry beyond my tenure at Microsoft.

​

Now, for the positive part — my gratitude to each of you. With the exception of Jagadeesh and Neha ma’am, I address you in alphabetical order.

​

Jagadeesh

My first attempt at information gathering was to discuss your management outlook with Kirtar, and he told me, “He gives credit where it is due and is a good manager.” While Kirtar’s words are true, they are partial.

​

Thank you for inspiring me to be a better team leader. Under your command, I observed honesty, integrity, unwavering mission focus, and a commitment to relentless improvement. Only with your leadership did we execute purpose driven operations —such as IB, Green Voyage, TaHu, to name a few. You taught me to foster a secure, innovative environment while maintaining operational discipline. Not once did I hear you speak unprofessionally of anyone — a rare and commendable trait. You focused me on the success of the unit while navigating the complexities of the workplace. While I may not have executed perfectly, I carry these lessons forward.

​

You inspired me to be "old school"—in a world full of fakes and influencers, you uphold the code of honesty and mutual respect. You ensured the team functioned as a tight unit, covering each other's flanks and overcoming challenges as a squad. It's easy to say "don't be driven by rules and processes," but without embracing core fundamentals, we risk mission failure.

​

Thank you for inspiring me to hold the line for what I believe in—this is mainly from our private conversations and one occasion when you said, “Yes, you must stand your ground, Parth. If not, what’s the point?”

​

Thank you for guiding me as an individual, as a team lead, and, above all, as a professional. Whenever a challenge arose, I reported to you for direction, to assess the situation, and to receive your guidance on the best course of action.

 

You are the unsung hero this unit needs but does not deserve.

​

​

Neha ma’am

Thank you for helping me gather the pieces - when I returned from paternal leave, you single handedly enabled me to function. It is impossible, yet it has the greatest impact on my ability to succeed. You were simply awesome, and you should get all of the credit for RedZOne. This exemplifies an important quality you possess: making your team and team leads successful. It’s selfless and honourable.

​

Thank you for being "dependable": This is a rare distinction, and I was honored when I earned it. Being dependable means you have the confidence to turn your back in the heat of battle, knowing your comrade will handle the onslaught. The other way I could explain it is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S6V2DCE74TA.
 

There is one point that stands out in all my interactions with you, and that is not accepting something but understanding why and changing the status quo. (Based on our conversation about respecting elders). It helped me recall an important essay and quote - stand up for what you believe in, even if it means standing up alone :)  

​

Thank you for being awesome, even if you drive an automatic transmission.

​

​

Thank you for being mission-critical in every operation—your performance has been formally recognized in Connects and now here. Your unwavering work ethic and reliability mean you can be trusted with any assignment, no matter its complexity. You never take shortcuts; you always deliver with excellence and precision.

​

Thank you for serving as the unit’s quality officer, maintaining rigorous standards for every task that crosses your command. You never hesitate to call out anything less than the best, always working to lift the team’s performance. Regardless of your position—individual contributor, team member, or team lead—your commitment to excellence strengthens the whole unit.

​

Thank you for always helping. And, to be specific, you’ve been the individual who's always helped me, from access to new team members who joined. Your warmth and hospitality as a friend and colleague go beyond those of a normal person

 

You made me happy by the way you take care of your car, and made me forget that people who don’t drive their own car but other people's car.

​

Thank you for being an overwatch.

​

​

Venu

You inspire me to earn respect - When we “Team Jaja” first interacted with DEX-H, it was odd. It was two different teams which were very tight (team bonding was strong) but weren’t lucid with each other. The scene of the entire DEX-H group in a single room still confuses me. But from there, the team opened up, they accepted the Jaja team, and I witnessed the best collaboration at DEX. All of it had you at the centre. You - Venu enabled teams to bond. You ensured everyone from DEX-H understood us. It was a show of leadership. You had others' respect, and you used it to create a lasting bond. Thank you for inspiring me to earn the respect of others around me. I’ll never forget the words “Venu is the most respected person on the floor” - I second that.

​

You always learn and push others to perform better - in all of our conversations, you pushed me to be better both at DEX and beyond. You were critical of my failures and constructive in giving ways out of it.  This is a wonderful quality you possess where you are  invested in the success of your peers - a catalyst to their success.

​

You always put the team above yourself—even in the toughest times. Your selflessness and guidance have been a beacon for me through challenging operations. I am honored to have served alongside you. Thank you for your exemplary leadership.

​

You inspire me to be a better friend, and this is from a single event where you gave me the opportunity to drive your car. It was sacred for me, although my next point may negate it. From that act to the ones with Vasu and others, you showed what friendship can be, even if it started in the workplace. I still owe you a couple of promises and hope that we undertake those soon :)  

 

Thank you for being awesome and owning a manual transmission car, but it's demeaning to drive other people's cars just because yours is larger and other nonsensical reasons. Totally lost my respect. I should have bumped your car into a stationary object on the day you gave me, but I am not as good as others in this cohort at hitting a stationary object. Super talented.

 

I end my email of gratitude with two statements.

 

All of you (and a few who have left) are the most wonderful people a team, company and colleague could have - hence I wrote this email in a group (I will send individual copies out)

 

I owe it to all of you and carry the debt of your help. It would be my honour and freedom to repay it.