In 2023–2024, when I first met Ankur Warikoo, I noticed one thing that really impressed me about people who have built something big: they charge for their time. Their presence itself has value.
That made me think — why can’t I become someone whose presence is valuable enough that people are willing to pay for it?
So I decided that I needed to become so capable and valuable that I could offer something that not everyone could easily provide.
I started by practicing my communication skills. But soon I realised that communication was only a medium. The real question was: What value do I actually bring to the table?
Then I realised something.
As a software engineer, my years of experience are valuable. The lessons I have learned, the mistakes I have made, the problems I have solved, and the experience I have gained over the years — all of that itself carries value.
The next problem was: How do I get someone to invite me onto a stage?
So I started creating YouTube videos where I shared my experiences and what I had learned.
Honestly, my camera wasn't great. The audio wasn't great either. The videos were far from perfect.
But those videos still brought something amazing into my life.
I received a call from HDFC Bank inviting me for an expert talk for software engineers.
That was a strange and beautiful moment.
This happened in 2025.
It felt like one of those moments when you realise that what you continuously think about and work towards can eventually start finding its way back to you.
But when that opportunity comes, it is up to you to recognise it and capture it.
So, I am sharing one of those amazing memories in the form of this picture — from the expert talk at HDFC Bank.
Think big. Start doing big. You never know when life will bring those opportunities to you.
But there is one important thing:
Make sure you are capable enough to handle the opportunities you are asking for.
Because if an opportunity arrives before you are ready for it, it can easily backfire.
There are two ways I look at learning and achieving things faster:
Either go, get hit, learn from the experience, and move forward.
Or learn from the people who have already been there, prepare yourself, get your stage, and then achieve.
I personally use both approaches.
Because the longer you wait, the more time you spend in the “Should I?”, “What if?”, and “Maybe later” stages.
And honestly, doubt is one of the biggest wastes of time.
So think bigger.
Build yourself.
Become valuable.
Take action before you feel completely ready.
Because sometimes, the stage you were looking for is already looking for you.