Our journalist had the privilege of speaking with Commander, a seasoned veteran with 24 years of distinguished service in Indian Navy. He comes with management qualifications from JBIMS, Mumbai University, and Symbiosis Pune. He has also worked with aircraft giants like Boeing, Ilyushin and Israel Aerospace. He is a certified Project Management Professional, with wide exposure in Revenue and Capital procurements and Product Management.
With a wealth of leadership experience, strategic acumen, and an unshakable commitment to excellence, he has successfully navigated the challenging transition from military life to the corporate world. In this candid conversation, he shares invaluable insights, practical advice, and hard-earned lessons for fellow faujis considering their next mission—thriving in the business world.
Fauji to Fauji: The Corporate Transition Playbook – An Interview
Interviewer: Welcome, Cdr Pasricha! There’s always a lot of buzz around military personnel transitioning to the corporate world. Many serving officers are on the fence about making the switch. What’s the most common question you hear from your fellow faujis?
Cdr Pasricha: Oh, I get a range of them! “Will I adjust to the new world order?”, “How is corporate life?”, “Is there stability at work?”, “What do I need to plan before leaving service?”—the list goes on. The transition can feel like stepping into uncharted territory, but trust me, it’s nothing a Fauji can’t handle!
Interviewer: That’s reassuring! But let’s be honest—military life is all about discipline, structure, and a well-defined purpose. The corporate world, on the other hand, is more profit-driven. How does this impact retired personnel?
Cdr Pasricha: Ah, the great shift in purpose! In the military, every mission serves a greater good—national security, saving lives, protecting borders. In the corporate world, success is measured by profits, market shares, and business growth. Many veterans initially struggle to find meaning in their work. The trick is to align yourself with roles that resonate with your core values—leadership development, consulting, or even CSR initiatives. Find your mission within the mission!
Interviewer: Well said! Now, the work culture is another massive change. In the military, hierarchy is everything—orders are followed, no questions asked. But in corporate life, collaboration and debate are encouraged. How do retired officers adapt?
Cdr Pasricha: You nailed it! In the forces, when a command is given, it’s executed—period. In the corporate world, questioning, brainstorming, and debating ideas are the norm. Initially, this can feel chaotic for veterans. My advice? Observe first. Soak in the dynamics. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll see that leadership here is more about influence than authority.
And here’s a pro tip: Instead of giving orders, ask, “What do you think?”—it works wonders!
Interviewer: That’s a gold nugget right there! Another big shift must be decision-making. Military officers are trained to take quick, high-pressure decisions. But the corporate world thrives on stakeholder consensus. Is that a tough adjustment?
Cdr Pasricha: Absolutely! In the military, a delay in decision-making can be life-threatening. In business, it’s all about buy-in from different stakeholders, endless meetings, and navigating office politics. Initially, the pace can be frustrating. But once you learn the game, you’ll see that your ability to make firm, informed decisions is a superpower. Just learn to balance decisiveness with diplomacy.
Interviewer: Speaking of adjustments, work-life balance is another big one. Defence personnel live in a close-knit community. But in corporate life, people clock out and go their own way. How does this impact retired officers?
Cdr Pasricha: Oh, this is a real shocker! In the armed forces, your colleagues are your family. You live together, train together, celebrate together. Then suddenly, you’re in a world where relationships are transactional, and weekend plans are personal. The key is to build new networks—join corporate clubs, alumni groups, or even veteran communities. Find your tribe, and you won’t feel alone!
Interviewer: That makes sense. Now, let’s talk money. The military offers a structured salary, benefits, housing, and medical perks. In corporate life, it’s all about negotiations. How can veterans ensure they get their due?
Cdr Pasricha: Negotiating salaries? That’s foreign territory for most of us! In the forces, our pay scales are fixed. But in corporate life, everything is negotiable. My advice? Do your homework. Know your market value. Speak to other veterans who have transitioned. And don’t undersell yourself—your leadership, discipline, and crisis-management skills are priceless.
Interviewer: What about career progression? In the military, promotions are structured. But in business, growth depends on networking and performance. How do retired personnel adapt to this?
Cdr Pasricha: That’s a mindset shift! In the armed forces, you rise through the ranks over time. In corporate, you must actively chase opportunities—network, take on new challenges, switch functions if needed. It’s more of a jungle gym than a ladder. My tip? Be open to lateral moves; they often lead to bigger roles down the line!
Interviewer: This has been enlightening! Before we wrap up, can you share some tips for faujis planning their corporate transition?
Cdr Pasricha: Of course! Here are my top five:
- Upskill yourself– An executive MBA, project management certification, or industry-specific training will make you job-ready.
- Leverage veteran networks– Connect with those who have successfully transitioned; they’ll guide you through.
- Embrace change– Be open to feedback, learn new skills, and adapt quickly.
- Play to your strengths– Leadership, crisis management, discipline—these are gold in the corporate world.
- Use specialized agencies– There are organizations that help veterans with job placements, resumes, and career counseling.
Interviewer: This has been an eye-opener! Thank you, Cdr Pasricha, for sharing your insights. One last question—would you say this transition is difficult?
Cdr Pasricha: Difficult? Not at all! Challenging? Yes. But show me a Fauji who doesn’t love a challenge! We’ve conquered tougher terrains—this is just another mission. Plan well, adapt fast, and march forward. The corporate world isn’t ready for the force that’s coming their way!
Interviewer: (Laughs) Well, that’s the spirit! Thanks again, Cdr Pasricha. Wishing all our veterans a smooth and successful transition!
Final Thought: For every Fauji considering the corporate shift, remember: You’re not just a job-seeker—you’re a leader, a strategist, and a problem-solver. The boardroom needs more of your kind. Go, own it!