Case Study : A Timid executive became tenacious over cruel treatment

Posted on September 06, 2024 by Rajesh Raghavan, One of Thousands of Family Coaches on Noomii.

Krishna’s story is one of those remarkable journeys that leave you wondering how quickly life can turn around when the right steps are taken. He was an IT professional with over a decade of experience, navigating through the complexities of the corporate world. On paper, Krishna seemed like a solid, reliable professional. But reality painted a different picture.

Krishna’s job was becoming increasingly stressful. The firm he worked for had started missing salary payments—weeks turned into months, and with each delay, Krishna’s anxiety grew. He had a family to support, and his financial cushion was thinning out rapidly. To make matters worse, the firm had begun silently laying off people, trimming the workforce in a way that spread fear like wildfire. Krishna knew his turn could come any day.

Then it happened. He received the pink slip—without notice, without severance, and without any of the back pay he was owed. The shock of being let go, combined with the financial strain, left him completely rattled. Krishna was at a crossroads. He didn’t just need a new job; he needed a new mindset.

When Krishna came to me, he wasn’t just looking for career advice—he was looking for a lifeline. In our first conversations, I could see the toll the situation had taken on him. He was a man on edge, fearful of what might happen next. He wasn’t just worried about himself; he had a family, and that responsibility hung over him like a dark cloud. More than anything, Krishna needed a transformation.

During our coaching sessions, I took the time to understand Krishna’s strengths and weaknesses. He was immensely talented, not just in IT but also in law. This rare combination was a potential game-changer, but Krishna was unaware of the power he possessed. Years of working in environments that didn’t value his skills had eroded his confidence.

He was diligent, responsible, and thorough, but there was a critical gap in his character—he lacked boldness. Krishna had always been the quiet one, someone who did his job but never asserted himself. He had risen to a senior position through sheer hard work, but he had never commanded the respect his title deserved. This lack of assertiveness had allowed his employer to take advantage of him, and now, it was threatening his livelihood.

As we discussed his situation, it became clear that Krishna’s story was about more than just losing a job. It was about losing control over his life. The pink slip was a symptom of a deeper issue—a lack of self-confidence that had been holding him back for years. My role wasn’t just to help him find a new job; I had to help him rediscover his courage.

The first challenge was to reclaim what was rightfully his. Krishna hadn’t been paid for months, and his company was refusing to settle his dues. They’d offered him a deal: sign a declaration waiving any further claims, and they’d release his back pay. Tempting? Sure. But I knew this would be a mistake.

“Krishna, if you sign that document, you’re giving up your power,” I told him. “This isn’t just about money. This is about standing up for what’s right.”

Krishna was hesitant. Confrontation wasn’t in his nature, and the idea of taking his employer to the Labor Court terrified him. But I kept pushing. This was a pivotal moment. If Krishna could muster the courage to fight, it would change his life.

Finally, Krishna agreed to take action. He drafted a strongly worded email demanding his unpaid salary, severance, and leave encashments. When the company refused, he took the matter to the Labor Commissioner. And then, something incredible happened.

The ruling came in his favor. Krishna won. His employer was ordered to pay every rupee they owed him. But this victory wasn’t just financial—it was psychological. The timid man who had walked into my office weeks earlier was gone. In his place stood someone who had discovered his own strength.

With his newfound courage, Krishna started searching for a new job. This time, he wasn’t willing to settle for less. He aimed high, and within months, he landed a new role in a better company—with a 40% hike in salary. The man who had been struggling to make ends meet was now thriving, both professionally and personally.

Krishna’s gratitude was profound. On Guru Purnima, a day when people honor their mentors in India, he sent me a heartfelt testimonial. While I was humbled by his words, I knew the real credit belonged to him. He had found the courage to fight, and that had made all the difference.

But Krishna’s journey didn’t stop there. Possessing a great heart, he started helping others who had been similarly mistreated, encouraging them to stand up for themselves. Together, we helped more people reclaim what was rightfully theirs, empowering them to fight back.

Krishna’s story isn’t just a feel-good success tale. It’s a powerful reminder of the potential within us all. We often believe we’re stuck with the traits we’ve always had, but with the right guidance and effort, even the most ingrained characteristics can change.

Krishna proved that. He started as a man who thought he had no choice but to accept what life handed him. But through our coaching sessions, he realized he had the power to shape his destiny. It wasn’t easy—he had to face his fears and step out of his comfort zone. But once he did, the rewards were beyond his wildest dreams.

If you take anything from Krishna’s story, let it be this: You are not defined by your circumstances. You have the power to change your life. No matter how timid or weak you feel right now, with courage, effort, and a little guidance, you can become the hero of your own journey.

Krishna did it, and so can you.

A limiting belief ties you down.
You are an eagle, soaring the skies on your own.
Everything is possible with the right push.
You can rise above—believe it.