The legend that is Raghu Pillai

My enduring image of Raghu Pillai will always be what I saw in a “war room” meeting in the run up to the first Reliance Fresh Store launch. The atmosphere was tense and reports on progress etc. were flying everywhere. There was intense pressure from the Reliance Leadership to get the show piece store up and running and as I remember it, we were way behind schedule. In one of the meetings, to use a cliché, you could cut the tension with a knife, that is until Raghu in the middle of it all rocked back onto his chair and broke out into the loudest hum you could imagine. It went on for atleast 5 seconds after which he broke out his trade mark smile and said “alright let’s do this”. The mood in the entire room just changed like someone had switched a light on. This to me epitomized the man and his legend in the retail industry, pressure never fazed him, and he was truly a leader of men.

I last met him two months ago at Chennai Airport. His trademark smile was bigger than ever. He asked about my work and family and we parted ways, as I was taking another flight.

The news of his passing was hard to digest. I pray that his family have the strength to deal with this tough time.

The legacy of Raghu Pillai will live on for quite a while, as he is as important as a Sam Walton or a Jack Welch in the annals of Indian Retail. I do foresee one day when I will tell my grandchildren, “Did I tell you the time I worked for the one and only Raghu Pillai?....... “.

Prashant Adurty worked directly for Raghu Pillai at Reliance Retail and is now the DGM- Supply Chain Optimization at Arshiya International Ltd.

RAGHU PILLAI – A Corporate Beacon

I overslept on the Sunday of April 10th and the first thing I heard on waking up was my husband telling me “there is some bad news…Raghu Pillai is no more”. After a stunned silence, I checked my phone to see the umpteen text messages all conveying and confirming the same shocking fact. I kept re-reading the messages, not willing to accept it as reality till the words got blurred in a haze of emotions.

I can confidently state that there would have been a virtual flood of emotions which swept through each and every person who has ever come in touch with Mr. Raghu Pillai. He was that rare business leader who was first and foremost a “People Leader”.

How does one describe a person like him? Words fail to do justice……

“a dream boss who was warm, caring, large-hearted, ever-smiling, accessible, approachable, concerned, forgiving, encouraging, inspiring, …..CHARISMATIC”.

He taught us to take quick decisions, based on facts combined with “gut feel. He taught us that a mistake is not the “end of the world” and taking a decision is any day better than taking no decision.

He taught us to try out new ideas at work, to take ownership, to have confidence in our decisions. He was that leader who made you want to excel, to scale greater heights, to improve the current way of working. He taught us to treat every individual with dignity. He made even the lowest person in the corporate hierarchy feel important.

Open door policy was not just some corporate jargon for him….he embodied this principle in his dealings with all employees. Despite his stature, no one ever felt over-awed to go up to him or speak out his/her mind. He was direct and honest with his opinion and expected the same from others.

He genuinely cared for his people and we would all have some instance or the other where Mr. Raghu Pillai would have gone “out of the way” to extend his help much beyond our expectations.

I have had the good fortune to be associated with Mr. Raghu Pillai twice in my career, first with Foodworld-RPG Retail and then again with Reliance Retail. Even though I had not been in touch with him for a few years after I quit Foodworld, when I met him at Reliance Retail next, he greeted me with the same warmth, the same huge smile that we all remember him by. He never failed to ask a person about his/her family. Even on the phone, one can “hear” him smile .People say if a person’s smile does not reach his eyes, it is not genuine….by this standard Raghu Pillai possessed probably the most genuine smile in the corporate world, particularly amongst people at that stature. This smile was also backed by a legendary sense of humour.

People flocked to work with Raghu Pillai, changing jobs just to work under his guidance and leadership.

I know of instances where employees have given up considering greener pastures only because “Raghu asked to reconsider”. That was the charisma of the man, the leader, the corporate beacon who will stay in our hearts and minds forever.

Madhumita Mohanty worked with Raghu at RPG Foodworld and at Reliance Retail and is currently  General Manager and Head-Merchandising at Reliance Jewels.

Jaantha hai mera Bhai kaun hai?

I have read the posts on this blog with deep gratitude and painful delight. As Raghu's sister I had little opportunity to 'know' him professionally. Raghu never carried his work home. Of course I was aware that he was doing pioneering work in the retail industry but the posts here and the conversations I have had with his colleagues during his funeral, have shown me a side of him that I may never have known had he not gone so suddenly-  leaving us all behind to share our stories of him as the only way to comfort ourselves.

What I would like to do is share some stories of a Raghu many of you may not have known - Raghu as a brother.

When I was around 13 - the archetypal bratty kid sister - I caught Raghu sneaking a cigarette on the terrace of our home in Delhi. 'Hey bhagwan! You're smoking!?' I screeched, my tone implying 'wait till I tell Mom and Dad'.

Raghu - then 16 - displayed a hint of the daring, speed and simple 'solutionism' that was evidently his hallmark as a professional in later years. Without missing a beat he said ' Shhh. Not so loud. Here want to have one?'

Did I want to have one? Of course I did. Anything my big brother did I wanted to do. So - in a flash - I lit one - and was transformed from a possible teller of tales into a willing accomplice - my lips forever sealed - in this case around a cigarette butt. Mission accomplished, Raghu sauntered off down the terrace with a sly grin.

If memory serves me right, that was the one and only time my brother Raghu encouraged me to do something that could get me into trouble. For the next 37 years he did everything he could to keep me out of trouble!

As the years passed and it became evident that his wild kid sister was not going to lead a typical 'normal' conventional life, my brother Raghu did not sit me down and give me a lecture. Instead, partnered by my second brother Madhu, ( yes I have two amazing brothers - how blessed can I get?),  he set about - quietly, efficiently, without any hue and cry - creating a big fat safety net beneath me and then proceeded to let me live my life my way. No questions asked.

The result?  Every time I fell - I fell into his arms.

Stranded penniless in Srilanka because I was silly enough to forget to reconfirm my return ticket? No problem. One phone call to Raghu and within half an hour an ex colleague of his rolls up, whisks me off to dinner, gives me money to pay my hotel bill for one more night and the next day I have Air Lanka calling me to ask when it would be convenient for me to come across and pick up a fresh ticket back to Chennai.

Hungry hostelite in Bombay? Not a chance. Not when Raghu makes the effort to squire my friends and me to Kwality's at Kemps Corner at least once every two weeks - where he sits back and endures a bunch of giggling girls stuffing their faces and forgetting to thank him at the end of the meal.

Need a local guardian to sign the railway student concession form for my ticket back home for the summer? The hell with the taking the train - here's an air ticket - just fly back home little sister. Raghu.

Suffering in a flea ridden motel while shooting near Panvel? 'Raghuuuuuuuu' I wail. 'My secretary will call in five minutes' he replies. She calls in three. A room has been booked for me at The Park in Panvel.  Ahh - air-conditioned, crisp white linened bliss.

Whining that I'm out of cigarettes at 3 in the morning in Hyderabad? Get into the car and cruise the twin cities until we find a chai kadai that's open. It took us more than an hour.

Grumbling that I can't find parking on MG Road? One phone call and I'm allowed to park everyday at a company's basement right next to my office.

I've lost count of the number of times I've staggered out of some pub at midnight after drinking with the office gang and banged on the locked gates of the basement, yelling to be let in so I could take my car out. And when the bleary eyed and understandably irritable watchman showed reluctance, I've hissed through the bars of the gate, 'Jaantha hai mera bhai kaun hai?'

And all of this is just a glimpse of the small stuff.

The big stuff? That's another lifetime of stories.

Suffice to say that through all the upheavals of an unconventional life, I've often had my friends ask me what keeps me smiling. How come, they have asked, nothing seems to break your spirit. My reply has always been a grin and an airy 'oh it's the whisky and cigarettes that keep me cheerful'. The truth is I should have said, "Jaantha hai mera bhai kaun hai?"

With Raghu for a brother - what was there to fear?

At his funeral Pradipto said to me 'He doted on you. Now it's your turn to be strong'.

If I could have forced the words past the lump in my throat I would have replied 'The source of my strength is gone - how can I be strong?'

But Pradipto was right.

The only way I can honor my brother's memory is to be strong.

He will never stop being the steel in my spine.

And the next time someone asks me the secret of my resilience I'm going to say 'Jaantha hai mera bhai kaun tha?'

Ms. Indira Pillai

Ideal leader for women managers

Raghu Pillai had a magnetic appeal to all types of people. We found comfort and confidence in his presence – a tiny smile, a slight nod of the head, one firm handshake, and a mild tap on the back was enough to galvanize and energize us and propel us towards the goal. I ran to him whenever I was at cross roads in my career. He guided, listened, supported and pushed me to do better.

He was always straightforward and never minced words to suit  the situation. As youngsters and junior staff we watched him from far and near. Many of his interactions have left indelible marks in our mind. These will stay with us forever and be the guiding posts in our future

I would like to bring another aspect which many of you may not  have felt or noticed. He was a ideal boss or leader for women managers. He was always respectful, never once made us feel odd or sidelined, never favored us unnecessarily or softened his stand just for women folk  but provided a culture in the organization were equal opportunities were provided for both men and women. It was  truly remarkable!

My heart goes out to his children. We had the good fortune of his mentoring and guidance and it will always be with us. The children are just spreading out their wings and I hope and pray to God to provide them with wonderful guides, teachers, leaders that their father was to me and many many others.

I wish to conclude with these words of Abraham Lincoln

Die when I may, I want it said by those who knew me best that I always plucked a thistle and planted a flower where I thought a flower would grow.”

Sir, you planted lots and lots of flowers! We bow our heads in reverence!

Geetha Mahadevan worked with Raghu in RPG Foodworld and Reliance Retail. She now handles Merchandising in ABRL.

The father of Modern Retail Trade in India

My mother asked me " Is it true that Dad's friend - Raghu Pillai is no more ?". My mother knows very few of my late fathers' (R S Venkataraman) friends and Raghu was surely one of them.

Raghu was known to our family since the days he joined RPG group - and he spent his initial days with my dad at ICIM Fujitsu. I still remember that when I was based in Chennai during my early days - dad used to ask me to meet Raghu sir once a while - for him to keep tabs on me. I even remember being asked by him then to join the Spencers retail chain - which he headed up - but I was chasing my own dreams.......We remained in touch off and on - directly and through dad, till I almost was out of his mind.

A surprise turn of events, and Raghu sir joined Reliance Retail in 2006 where I was given the responsibility of helping him settle into our company and taking care of his induction / on-boarding. I was not even sure he had placed me on the first day we met. I was to accompany him on his ride back to the airport from Nariman Point to catch up on the joining formalities etc. As we approached Bandra - and most of the work was almost done - he began his polite enquiries of my career & experiences at Reliance.

I was now sure, he had not placed me at all, and I played along. But the sharp person that he always was - he picked up my career threads and family details - and in his booming voice revealed his excitement to show he recognized me. His bear hug in the car was quite unexpected - but I was pleasantly surprised too. The rest of the short conversation was more like old friends - and I quickly gave him the phone number of dad who was then at Bangalore...

A few months later - I remember my family had come to our office at Nariman Point - to meet me in the evening - before we headed out for a movie. And as luck would have it - Raghu stepped out of the elevator, and met with us.He asked my 14 year daughter - Do you know who I am ? She politely responded with no recognition of the celebrity that she was speaking to  - Yes, my dad's colleague. To which he humbly added with a twinkle in his eye - " No my dear. I am your grandfathers friend - and now your dad's colleague. Ha Ha Ha.and swaggered away to his office" ....Dad had a good laugh at the episode, and said "Typical Raghu"

Dad passed away a few months later. And now Raghu sir.

As I think of him and the moments we shared, I recollect the surprised question that the car driver had asked me on that day we dropped him at the airport. " Saab, did you know this bada saab?" 

I reflect back on the moments we shared and bask in the pride of the truth - that yes, 'The father of Modern Retail Trade in India - Raghu Pillai, sir, knew me'

May his soul rest in peace.

R V Balasubramaniam Iyer worked with Raghu at Reliance and is now the Vice President - L&D, Reliance Industries Limited (R4G Business)

Doyen of Indian Retail

I have known Raghu for the last 5 years.. since the time he took my interview for joining Reliance Retail.... He is  of course a great manager, professional . doyen of Indian Retail , Inspiration to all, and an outstanding gentleman and human being... I had the fortune and distinct honour of working directly with him in 2009-2010 at Reliance Retail... when he was  the CEO  of Reliance Retail... I remember Raghu as an extremely Inspirational boss and mentor.... always being compassionate with people, extremely fast decision making... In fact I have been fortunate to have worked with Raghu, and  also spent  a year just in his next cabin... seen him in very close quarters... working very closely with him... I remember him for his extreme clarity of vision, fast decision making, backing his  team, and being an Inspirational boss and mentor .. 

      
I thought it may be worthwhile to share , one piece of professional anecdote ...

It was Early July 2009.... and typically 15th Aug period is Retail sales high which is planned by all Retailers.. I remember Raghu talking to all his direct reports of Value Format, including myself , into a large Cabin on 2nd floor, RCP.. explaining very clearly the Aug 2009 Big Daring Goal... and breaking it down  to each category, line.. and personally driving the  agenda... to ensure that Aug is  the High for the year... All of us, myself as the Marketing Head  , together with all Category Heads and Regional Heads worked with personal Inspiration  to ensure that we achieve a highest ever business till date in this month...

I remember his style  of  directly and Indirectly ensuring that his team excel  and perform at the best... and  not necessarily being Hands On 24x 7.....

I also remember the swiftness with which Raghu cleared our Marketing Communication Route : 5 crore satisfied Indians..... in a jiffy.....

     
We are shocked... and India and the Retail Fraternity will miss such an able CEO, Manager, Leader, Retail Guru and  a great human being... 

Peshwa Acharya worked with Raghu in Reliance Retail and is now the Senior Vice President - Marketing, at Reliance Communication

Raghu: The Braveheart

Every day, as I open the blog, I see so many memories of Raghu being remembered and shared by so many - it feels like a balm to the hurt of losing him. I too feel fortunate for his friendship and the many, many joys we shared for over 3 decades.

Raghu had started his career with Dunlop in late 70’s and I had joined in 1980. Dunlop those days was a blue chip MNC and a charming old world company. Raghu was never awed by any trappings and authority and was as always – questioning and inquisitive. He left a ripple wherever he went and learnt his lifelong lesson of – Work hard and play hard. He was soon seen as a “blue eyed enfant terrible” and went on to become one of the youngest ASMs. While Dunlop those days was a lifetime employment but restless Raghu left for newer pastures. 

After a couple of years we came together again (at Calcutta!) in 1991 in HMV-EMI which was then a sick company. I think it was Raghu’s first CXO assignment with a mandate to turn it around. He did it in 18 months I will not dwell on how, but it involved his acquiring some of the most successful music of that era like - Dilwale Dulhaniya Lee Jayenge - Adi Chopra’s first film; Hum Apke Hyan Kyon of Sooraj Barjatiya; Vidoo Vinod Chopra’s 1942 A Love Story; etc. I don’t think Raghu was a Hindi film buff and it was a completely new industry but his natural boldness and ability to take risk brought him success. 

In mid-90’s McKinsey was recommending Retail to many business houses. Spencer’s for RPG was the perfect vehicle for entry into retail. While Pradipta Mohapatra was the grand visionary – Raghu was the Creator. 

Though Raghu had been to IIMA and Harvard AMP but analysis-paralysis was something he had little time for. He was a natural. He was happier going by guts and logic and a “one-pager” - rather than research. I remember him closing the name “Foodworld” almost instantly as he saw it. Tarsus Reneke, our retail guru, gave us the mantra of - rice and sugar as the traffic driver & bright lights as the crowd puller – Raghu went full hog. Today, it looks a no brainer and easy – but in 1996 with no other supermarkets except Nilgiris, it required imagination and judgment. Which Raghu had tons of! 

Just the way most of us have affection for him, he must have been a favorite of Lady Luck, as well. Most times he looked infallible – he got 8 out of 10 right. Raghu went on to create Musicworld; Health&Glow and Giant, all hugely successful and pioneering work. 

He was a people’s man and for every project he first worked hard to put together the right team. He participated in the big decisions and thereafter he left you on your own. You could commit murder and he would stand by you provided your intentions –“ niyaat” were true. He managed multiple businesses but was the first one to leave office (many times early). He achieved all of this with his leadership hallmark of – speed; fearlessness and radiating positive energy. Though the enfant terrible became Retail’s Poster Boy, yet he wore all his success very lightly, without self consciousness. Always, gave credit to whom it was due.  

Naturally some stints of his were not a high point in his life. But the beauty is he was never bitter or regretted it or complained about it, even over cocktail conversation. He bore no grudge, never allowed anyone to bear a grudge. 

6 months ago when he got back to Future Group, it was like home coming, as he had many of us old colleagues and friends there. In recent months I know mentally, physically, personally and professionally he was in a very happy state of mind. He was gyming like a young man; his children were doing well; he was building a dream home . Future Group was looking forward to his leadership to take it to the next level of growth. Raghu was raring to go. 

However, the Unknown works in mysterious ways. Destiny had some very rude plans.

Most of us have good friends but to have a Friend who is strong, bold, honest and true is rare.

My life will definitely not be the same without Raghu. May Almighty Rest His Soul in peace and give strength to his family and friends.

Arindam Guha has worked with Raghu in Dunlop, HMV, RPG Retail and Future Group. He now heads finance at Future Group.

'Simplicity as its Best'

 ‘Raghu Pillai’, the man who had a lot of meaning in my life left for his heavenly abode on 10^th April ’11. There were umpteen no. of sms and phone calls exchanged with various people from Sunday morning to Monday evening.  It was really an extremely tough moment to go from the Ground to the 4^th floor of Shangrila Apartment in his Besant Nagar residence to watch the ‘Tiger’ in a standstill mode. The aura which this great man carried with him was truly amazing. Every moment was difficult to believe that he was no more with us. My mind was again and again taking me to all the time I had spent with him.  Looking at him and his family along with the large crowd of people who had come to pay their last respects to this great soul was by all means a challenging moment.

This day came as a landmark day for the lives of so many admirers like me who have always been his true followers. Although the last journey for our mentor got over, however the lasting impressions he had left in the life of many of us would remain etched forever. I consider myself to be extremely fortunate to have had the chance to work with him for 3 years at Reliance Retail. This experience has been both enriching and instrumental in shaping me to what I am today.  

My first interaction with him in May ’06 at Sahakari Bhandar, Matunga store was the beginning of my journey with him. I was extremely delighted to meet the man who was the creator of Modern Retail in India. Looking at him from magazine and newspapers to real time itself was an exposure. He asked me several questions and I was keen enough to answer and also understand his views. Later, I had the opportunity to join his office as one of the initial team members.

As Rajesh and Sriram pointed out, there were lots of unique things about him which not only differentiated him from others but also created a special place for him. Few of them are as follows:

• Lover of ‘Simplicity’ – this trait in him was outstanding in all areas. The art of looking at any document or write up was very different with him. 
•  He was ‘Visionary’– he had the skill to look and explore beyond the obvious. I along with Sriram had the chance to prepare multiple presentations for him and what used to come out exceptionally was the future of retail. It was always a pleasure to work on various such projects time and again.
• Lover of ‘Innovation’ – he was always keen for people to come up with ideas which are not run of the mill types.
• ‘Humbleness’ – his humble nature will always be missed by one and all. Respect for people was a trait he used to follow till the last word. Having observed him closely, I cant recall even a moment where he used to differentiate speaking to another CEO or the person serving coffee at his table. What was  different was the change in language from English to Hindi.
• Love for ‘People’ – He used to put in lot of trust on people. He would go out of the way to do anything for people whom he really loved. I have experienced various such situations in my own stint with him.
•  Great sense of Humour – There have been innumerable instances where he would switch a tough moment into an easy going one with his terrific sense of humour. Moreover, even during regular occasions, he used to create situations for people to enjoy.
• ‘Stress Free’ – Seeing him under stress was rare since he used to take complex situations in his stride.
• Problem is always a ‘Solution’ – He had the innate ability to convert problems into solutions. His ongoing guidance and ideas would always remain a benchmark in corporate circles.
• ‘Approachable’ – He was always approachable and people could always walk in to meet him without any inhibitions.
• ‘Personal Touch’ – He was truly a humane person. He always used to understand and appreciate the issues faced by an individual even in his personal life.
• ‘Charming Personality’ – He had a highly charming and magnetic personality through which he always used to attract people. He was more than happy to visit my house for dinner to meet my wife and parents and was open to share so many things with a very open perspective.

In the numerous interactions with this towering personality, there were lessons for me to carry forward throughout my life. Apart from the above what I also learnt is the ability to take risks with conviction and be accountable for the same. He was a voracious reader and used to implement various concepts time and again in real life. He was a lover of the concept from C.K.Prahalad’s – Fortune at the bottom of the Pyramid. He always advised me to read and learn newer things from others experience.

Listening to him in a public forum was always a delight since he was truly stupendous in sharing his thoughts and expressions.

The above are only be few of the impressions and learning’s. The irreplaceable vacuum will continue forever, however, the good times will be remembered every single day.

Vivek Khandelwal has worked with Raghu at Reliance Retail. He is now the Regional Manager – West for Hindustan Field Services.

RAGHU – THE TRUE THALAPATI & THE BORN LEADER

I had to convince myself innumerable number of times to write about Raghu post his demise since even while I am writing this I am unable to convince myself that our dear Raghu is no more with us.  When I heard the news last Sunday (early morning) I was shattered and could not come to terms with myself about the reality which I need to face after reaching Chennai. As I drove from Chennai airport to Shangrila I was still fighting with myself as to how would I manage to see the motionless Raghu. As I saw the DEMI-GOD, lying inside the refrigerated unit still, lot of times the following thought crossed my mind that Raghu would get up and say “KOI KAAM DHAAM NAHIN HAIN KYA?”.  Was just not being able to accept the fact that Raghu is lying still like a log. Alas, the next day afternoon when finally Raghu’s body was pushed inside the burning chamber, I could not control my tears and not surprisingly I was not the only one whose eyes became moist. That’s Raghu for all of us Ladies and Gentlemen . The strange factor with Raghu was irrespective of the length of association with Raghu, I find people only bewitched by his towering personality and his leadership skills.

Fortunately, I was privileged to work directly with Raghu as Vice President - Ops and Strategy in Reliance Retail for a solid 3 years.  In Raghu I found a person who carried a Larger than Life image, a leader who lead from the front, a human who would worry about my personal problem (though would not show it explicitly), a professional who is demanding as well as inspirational, a professional who believed in living life in his own terms and conditions. I came cold to Retail and within a few months the fact that I was into the thick of strategizing the Retail venture of Reliance , the credit goes to Raghu. The confidence which he used to infuse into each and everyone who came in contact with him is what one looks forward to a true leader. Raghu believe in creating Leaders.

Some of best qualities that I have noticed in Raghu is his incredible ability to spot talent and encourage them towards achieving more than possibly they themself would have believed in. His memory was simply an Elephant's memory. His grasp on numbers and capturing the big picture and setting a vision was unparalleled. I have never come across a Leader for whom so many able followers would die for.

I have had the honor of spending lot of quality time with Raghu during my span of 3 years with Reliance Retail. Whether its Bombay Gymkhana, or a roadside stall or a small Bar-cum-Restaurant near Reliance Corporate Park or Mahesh Lunch Home I cherish each and every moment that I spent with my Corporate Hero Raghu Pillai.

Just to add to what Rajesh has quoted in his piece, some of the trademark dialogues of Raghu which still vibrates in my ears are :-

1. “KOI KAM DHAAM NAHIN HAIN KYA”
2. SRIRAM MOTA MOTA BOL WHATS THE CRUX OF THE ISSUE AND WHAT SHOULD WE DO
3. MERE KO TU SIRF EK PANNE KA EXECUTIVE SUMMARY DIKHA. BAAKI ANGREZI BAKI SAB KO PADHNE KE LIYE DE DENA
4. “MY GOLDEN RETRIEVER CAN DO A BETTER JOB THAN THIS”
5. IN CASE OF ANY PERSONAL PROBLEM THAT ONE DISCUSSES WITH HIM, HE WOULD SAY –“LET ME APPLY MY MIND ON IT”

I can keep going on and on and on and as I keep writing I am getting more and more emotional.

Last but not the least – That majestic, hypnotic smile of Raghu…  Just cant get enough of Raghu… Oh God, what was the hurry??

Raghu – You were, you are and you will remain amongst the heart of all of us and each and every individual who has worked with you at any point of time, would surely try to live your values all through our lives.

May your soul rest in peace.

Sriram S. Mahadevan worked with Raghu at Reliance Retail and is now Executive Vice President – Uninor

Some Raghuisms

Mr. Raghu Pillai was a delightful contradiction of sophistication and simplicity as also all the wonderful things that others have written about. He was - simply put -  “One of a kind”. Guess God broke the mould after he made him. His ease of dining in a 5 star hotel was exactly the same when having vada pav from the roadside vendor outside the Nariman Point office.

He was a master at using the carrot and stick. The beauty was he would give away carrots most of the time and just had to wave the stick once in a blue moon. His nature made everyone want to ensure that the stick never came out and as others have mentioned, his smile was always in place.

Essentially he strove to simply things and make life easier and therefore increase the chances of good implementation and thereby success. His famous query to any outlandish or complicated ideas was to say “Pagal hain kya” (Are you mad).  In line with his approach of simplicity, he was well known for certain things in the corporate circuit, the central theme being simplicity and ease of execution. Some of the more memorable reactions by him are as follows and have taken the liberty of calling them ‘Raghuisms’.

• When presented with a complicated Excel working he would say “Stop this Excel gymnastics and tell me what it means and what you will do with it”. 
• His comment “English jhadna band kaar” (Stop spouting English) has been the

   guiding light to making crisp and meaningful presentations for many.
• The customer is always right was not mere words and he walked the talk by briefing the cashiers during any store launch to not argue about promotions with the customers. 
• His perspective of the larger picture and its components was amply illustrated when he told someone who was discussing compensation; “I don’t think a few thousands here or there will significantly affect the balance sheet of this company”. 
• The minute his attention was lost or he was bored or impatient to act, he would hum a completely off tune “Choon choon choon…..” That is a clear signal and one that I have witnessed often enough.

I am sure that these are only a few of the Raghuisms and there are many more which others might be able to recall and share.

Of course, the void he leaves behind as my mentor, guise, advisor and well wisher is not something that will be filled soon or easily. However, memories of all the interactions with him will go some way in filling the same.

V Rajesh has worked with Raghu at RPG Retail, Home Solutions and Reliance Retail. He is now a Retail Subject Matter Expert and author of “The INDIAN reTALEs”.

EYES THAT SMILED

I am not related to Raghu in any formal context – I have not worked with him professionally, nor have I had even a full conversation.

Have met him only twice, as a colleague of my husband, Rajiv. Yet on both these occasions, his presence had a niceness, a realness… devoid of the fakeness one witnesses with every second person round the corner. A gentleness that radiated of strength, eyes that smiled, an assurance of him being right there in front of you while you spoke, listening with a heart that cared...

What was it about this soft-spoken man, that brings out so many words in us. With no situation to narrate, I feel compelled to write about him, to join in the expressions of grief and regret...

 It must be immense grace and spiritual richness. Of course, that’s what must have radiated through him and touched so many of us. Once in a while, a soul like him comes our way, to remind us that life is beyond money, success, fame…. Its about love, compassion ,empathy…about reaching out, smiling with your eyes, listening with your heart and just being there.

You live on and you will always be there … in our hearts, and thoughts and prayers.

May the memories of his “being” continue to inspire and guide all those who seek , all those who care and all those who believe in angels !

Biju Rajiv is a professional counselor & children’s trainer. She met Raghu thru her husband Rajiv Nambiar

Raghu - Guid​e, friend & a BIG bro

I actually heard about Raghu only when I joined Reliance Retail & my first encounter with him happened during the first sales review of Home format way back in early 2007..

When i heard him first, i was immediately attracted towards his simple approach towards business... everyone spoke of GM%.... I still remember what he said to all... "GM% to bank lekar jaayega... Tumne apne liye kya kamaya hain?" although after a while but i understood that he is referring to RGM...

Such was the aura of this person that i never felt nervous or had any complex to ever approach him... i always felt it very easy to put across my thoughts to him which helped me great deal in establishing some path breaking products in our pvt label line... One fine day i informed him that we sold more towels than bread in a day at Reliance Fresh... He burst out laughing & said nothing but am sure he was happy that his cats were getting more sales aggressive. As a Manager he always wanted cats in his team & not herd of sheep's...

Yes! More than a big boss he came across as more of a guide, friend & a BIG bro personality... Under his shadow I was never afraid of doing new things as i was very well aware that "Apne piche Raghu bhai hain"

I somehow learnt one thing from him is to simply think BIG! & keep the business very simple.

Somehow this untimely tragedy took him away from us... but Raghu will always be remembered whenever I add milestone in my career path!

Shiv Nayak worked with Raghu in Reliance Retail as part of the Home Team and is now the Head-Merchandising & Buying at Reliance Home Store Ltd. 

RIP, Raghu Pillai

A few days ago I woke up to the newspaper giving me some sad news: that Raghu Pillai, a former senior colleague of mine who I admired, had died of a cardiac arrest in Chennai.

Raghu was a terrific guy – big, hearty, confident, precise in his words and an achiever. I had the opportunity to get to know him (all too briefly) when I did a short stint at Spencer & Co. Ltd, an RPG Enterprise, where he was a fairly senior guy running a lot of their most visible retail formats – Music World, Health & Glow, Food World etc. With his imposing personality, deep voice, loud sense of humor, cigar and half sleeved shirts, he was quite a toughie, but a classy and even nice one.

I left Spencers, and on and off kept hearing about his movements. His leaving Spencers was a big ticket news item. And then I wasn’t sure what he did but I heard he had joined Mukesh Ambani’s retail venture as its Head. Wow! That was a BIG ticket news item.

In between, I had the opportunity to interact with his wife Janaki, who ran the Ability Foundation for differently abled people. As Head of the HR Shared Services Centre of Standard Chartered Bank, I also managed recruitment for SCOPE International, and so worked with her to hire some of her wards. On and off, we used to chat about Raghu then, and that used to be my source of info about what was going on in his life.

Once I joined Caliber Point, since he was also doing the Mumbai-Chennai weekly trips like me, we often ran into each other in the airport. Raghu was truly a big man by now in Corporate India, but was still very approachable and cordial. Would always chat politely and catch up on small talk with anyone who came up to him. On occasion, we ended up seated besides each other in the flight and while he would use the opportunity to doze quietly (I recall him being usually tired and using every flying opportunity to catch up on sleep), we did speak about hs work, and I remember being in awe of the scale of the issues he was dealing with, and the magnitude of change and impact he was managing.

I didn’t realise he had left Reliance a few months ago to join the Future Group. Another big news item, it must have been, for sure. And by now, everybody in organised retail in India knew Raghu one way or the other. He truly towered over the retail industry like a colossus. But yesterday, he made big news for all the wrong reasons.

What was the hurry?

RIP Raghu. You made a difference.

R U Srinivas worked with Raghu at RPG Retail and is now the Chief Executive Officer of Caliber Point

Sher Khan

"Sher Khan " as some of us knew Raghu, was actually a mixture of childish innocence, curiosity, and freshness mixed with the guile, aggression and speed of an "earthy, warlord general" who, albeit had acquired the ways of the ''folks on the hill", but was quite comfortable in a genuine way, among the ranks of the front line. He always showed compassion towards problems of the frontline in a way that no one else did,not even the HR.

The sound of his footsteps were unique, and gait as majestic as the Sher Khan he was, but, his compassion and concern was actually in complete contrast to his persona.

A decade ago , on the premature demise of  KPR, our colleague and friend, he galvanized a campaign among friends and colleagues to bail out his family from an  financial abyss of loans, and even today KPR's
wife and two daughters (since well settled ) are ever grateful to their "God'"

Ashoke Bhaskaran worked with Raghu in RPG Retail and then again in Reliance Retail. He is currently VP in Relaince Retail Ltd

Raghu Pillai: INSPIRATION UNPARALLELED

As my flight took off from Chennai to Mumbai on the morning of April 12th, 2011, my eyes were beginning to flood. I felt very low. Raghu Pillai’s funeral had just gotten over the previous day. The image and profile of the numerous people who crowded to carry his body which remained rich in my eyes, was one more testimony to the greatness of Raghu Pillai, the Peoples Leader!

(I have chosen to use first name basis because I was always given the liberty to do so and relate personally. For me adding a ‘Mr.’ in front of Raghu would not only bring in a formal ‘distance’  but also not be the true depiction of the Raghu I experienced)

The sudden demise of Raghu two days earlier and his farewell from this world had me stumped. I am still going through a frustrating level of helplessness when I think that Raghu is no more.

It is not often that we find an open door and an open heart with unadulterated listening and compassion in an ‘agenda rampant’ corporate environment. Many people can claim to be success stories. But there are very few who will remember their journey and care for the lives that crossed their path once they reach the top. Meet the Raghu Pillai who’s no more!

Sitting in his massive but simple office in the Spencer’s building, with his shoes off and his favourite half sleeved black shirt tucked out, Raghu’s mind would be pre-occupied and anxious about whether the request for an ‘out of policy’ salary advance by a non descript clerk sitting in some obscure corner, to buy school books for her children for the new academic year, had been seriously taken and processed by his HR Head. Twice he would make his way to the HR head’s cabin (anyway a favourite lounge for him) and enquire. And the third time he would say, “bugger if you are not going to give her the advance today, I am going to pay her from my pocket”.

I have had the honor and privilege of reporting to Raghu twice in my career. He would want to know only the intent and implication on people, whichever subject I would take to him. Beyond that he would trust me to deliver the goods. And if I had a tough issue in front of me, he would say, ‘I’ll take care of that, you just get going’.

Raghu gave a lot of space and freedom to his team. One could begin on a positive footing beyond doubt, when working with him. He cared and he protected his people. He was honest and transparent. He liked things simple, honest and straight. There was never a question of ‘playing chess with people’.

In recent times, I did not work directly with Raghu. But the fact that he was on the 9th floor, three floors away from where I was sitting, was enough to give strength and solace, irrespective of whether one was working directly with Raghu or not. ‘Here is a man who is there for me’, the common feeling most toilers of corporate organizations touched by Raghu will share, was the same feeling I was deprived of with Raghu’s untimely going. It is irreplaceable. Raghu had the higher ability of carrying the burden of others pain and anxieties. More than once I’ve had opportunities to change organizations and Raghu would get very anxious about the size of the role and if I was being offered good money…. You could feel it in the man that he genuinely cared.

I remember the lunch sessions in Bangalore with Raghu when we would go out to a famous and nearby Andhra cuisine and Raghu’s standard order would be chicken fried rice and chicken 65. I used to joke about it saying that he must be the only one who would religiously go to an Andhra food restaurant and not order anything ‘Andhra’. It was during one such session when V.Rajesh and I engaged Raghu on his impending move to Reliance Retail. We indulged in a bit of ‘due diligence’. Raghu casually said something that I still remember clearly. ‘I usually think about something only for a while (meaning no beating the crap out kind of analysis) and if the ‘light’ goes on, I take the decision, no pondering after that!”. The light did come up and he moved to Reliance :-)

I had written a few lines to be read in the condolence meeting that was held in my current organization on behalf of those who had worked with Raghu. Unfortunately, it was missed out. I share the same here below;

“For all those who had the privilege of working with Mr. Raghu Pillai, Raghu will always be known as a very caring and endearing peoples leader. He was a man of few words, sharp business acumen and had a great sense of humour. His simplicity and compassion always stood out. He touched lives irrespective of stature or success. A true karta who would put people before everything else.  Raghu Pillai is a lesson in leadership. An even greater lesson in what it means to be human. We will miss him. We pray almighty to give strength to his loved ones in this moment of grief. May his soul rest in peace”.

My heart will continue to cry. My world will never be the same again and I have no one to go and talk to anymore! Maybe I don’t want to share anything anymore!!!

Rajiv Nambiar was with RPG Enterprises / RPG Retail /Home Solutions / Future Group (proud to have shared a piece of this world during Raghu’s time from end 2001 to April 2011). He is now the Chief People Officer - Talent Design, Future Group

A Friend and a Mentor

Mr Raghu Pillai has been friend and a mentor, it is difficult to digest that he is no more with us.

On Sunday when I saw him it was hard to believe that he left all of us ...still having the same charismatic smile on him.

My association and memories go back to 1996 when we relaunched Spencers to Foodworld from then on I am yet to come across a leader where in you could talk to your CEO so openly be it on a professional or personal  front. Unfortunately I cannot pen down  everything I have experienced.  I'd like to thank Mr.Raghu Pillai, For his helpful giving ways, For his generous heart and unselfish displays.

 
I won’t forget his kindness, his own style of inspiring all of us and leaving a positive impact for the the people around.

Whatever I am today, I owe my success to my mentor Mr.Raghu Pillai.

Sir, Even though you are not with us, I will always Cherish those memories ,experience, learning’s  are blended and imbibed in me.

May God rest your soul in peace and give courage to his family for to recover and cope up with the loss.

Srinath S worked with him as part of the RPG Foodworld team and is now Senior Manager, Pantaloon Retail (Central & Brand Factory).

Memories from Seattle

Raghu was an inspiration to all who worked with him. Bright and practical he was able to slice through to the core and get things right. He will be sorely missed by friends and colleagues alike, even those, like me on the other side of the globe. I am so happy we met in Seattle a few months ago. As always interesting and fun his insights invaluable.

 

Susan Bloch worked with Raghu at Reliance Retail and is now an independent business coach

Tiger Boss!

I had always admired the Tiger Boss (as I always called him and he knew it!!) for his way of talking and the speed at which he wanted things to be implemented. Spencer Travel was going through a slow development phase and was it 2002 that the Tiger took over as head of Travel as well. What a change that brought about. He just told us to go out and get new business and not to worry about the rest. The years under him were probably the best that Spencer Travel did with new accounts in the bag. I will always cherish the memory of having him, Rajakrishnan and Mr.Mohapatra coming into my cabin for their morning tea (we were the early office types). I always kept in touch with him after he left RPG and my only regret today is that I could never meet him in Mumbai since I moved here. RIP Tiger Boss....you will always be in my heart.

Dinesh Devidas worked as part of Raghu's team in Spencer's Travel and is now the Sales Manager - India,  Korean Air, GSA - Acumen Overseas Private Limited

Article in Business Line about "Brand Raghu Pillai"

Mr. P K Mohapatra who was associated with Mr. Raghu PIllai has penned a wonderful and very insightful article which delves into the man, mentor, leader and colleague named Raghu PIllai. His comments about Raghu being a hurricane is so very accurate and everyone who has been caught up in the force of that hurricane can testify to the life altering experience of working with him. Please click on the link below to read the full article.

- Brand Raghu Pillai

Guide, Mentor, Retail Guru and a Great Leader passes away

10th April 2011 dawned with the shocking and sad demise of Shri Raghu Pillai. A Retail veteran who has been one of the founding fathers of Indian Corporate Retail, he was also a Great Leader, Guide, Mentor, Advisor, Confidante, etc., etc., to so many people.

To say that he leaves behind a huge vacuum in the hearts of all those who have interacted with him is a gross understatement. 

The hope is that the stories of his presence and interactions with many people will continue to inspire and guide people for years to come and of course be a great memory of that great, yet simple man. 

May his presence continue to guide, inspire, motivate and mentor others.