Up close and personal: Rajkiran Rai, MD, Union Bank of India

Are you superstitious?
Yes, I believe in horoscope. When I was young, several people had predicted that I will take on a leadership role.

Ray of hope
For 13 years at Central Bank of India, I did not get promotion and remained a Scale 1 officer. When all hopes died, in 1999 came a surprise with a promotion.

Favourite book
Jack Welch’s Winning. I admire his leadership style. He specifically writes about candour and differentiation, which I strongly feel are essential for creating a successful business organisation.

One thing you would do differently if starting all over again...
I wanted to be a doctor, but I ended up being a banker. I tried for medicine, did not get it, so ended up doing agriculture.

Unfulfilled desire
After completing BSc in Agriculture, wanted to do post-graduation in bio-technology to at least become a scientist, if not a doctor.

Moment that made you cry
When my father died after living a frugal, balanced life as a school teacher.

Best childhood moment
Getting a pencil box as gift for ranking first in the class in the 8th standard.

Worst ever advice
When I became a general manager, people began talking about how I should work hard differently towards becoming ED and then MD. But I continued to work in my own way and things happened.

Favourite holiday destinations
Ooty and Mysore are favourites.

One advice to youngsters
Bounce back. You will have ups and downs, but come back with force. Don’t lose hope.

Life after retirement
Retire in Western Ghats and travel. If I write a book, it would be on bouncing back, like the waves in the sea.

Elated when...
Holding my new-born son in arms after three years, after all hopes were lost.

A terrifying moment
When my wife had ectopic pregnancy and she was critical. Half way through the operation, doctors gave up and said they are not equipped to complete the operation. She was packed and moved to another hospital 30 km away in another city.