By Laura Quickfall
With so many superstars working with us at Pollinate Group, it’s no easy task choosing individuals for our annual employee awards.
However, there were three stars who shone particularly brightly in 2018. We’re profiling these three individuals and hope you enjoy getting to know them as much as we enjoy having them in our team.
Meet Anwar Ali!
In our network in India we have roles that support sales in communities, called Pollinators. Recently the role has been transitioning to focus on providing support and sales experience for women entrepreneuers in communities.
Anwar Ali, Pollinator of the Year, is an exceptional member of our team. Murli Padmanabhan, Executive VP of Sales, shares:
“Anwar is an example of a person who has surmounted all odds to achieve greater goals and objectives. He is a goal oriented sales professional who excels at meeting and resolving relevant problems for our customers and builds long term relationships. He is also very friendly, takes initiative and loves to share his skills and expertise with other Pollinators to enable them to upskill and become more successful. He is a true role model for all Pollinators at Pollinate Group.”
Let’s get to know Anwar…
How did you first get introduced to Pollinate Group?
When I was eight years old I had an accident and lost my hand. Before that I was studying in a Madarsa School, run by leaders in the Islamic community but after the accident I changed to a normal school. When I was 23, I completed 12th grade and I moved to Lucknow to study a B.Tech in engineering, but I failed a subject and dropped out. I continued studying, preparing for entrance exams and I also took a three month workshop with Sarthak Foundation, a Certified Government Institute to help disabled people. It was here that I found out about Pollinate Group.
What do you think you would be doing if you were not at Pollinate Group?
I would be working at an information centre (Jan Sewa Kendra) back in my hometown, this is what role I was looking at doing before joining Pollinate Group.
What would you say that the role has given you?
The role has given me respect, not just within the community I work in, but also back at home too. Respect for the work I do and the company I work for too. It has also allowed me financial stability.
Why do you think you were chosen as Pollinator of the Year?
I work hard and I am dedicated, I go to work on time, I engage with my community and I stay for as long as needed. My hard work pays off and I get results.
What do you like about working for Pollinate Group?
Working at Pollinate Group is not like working for someone else, it feels like working with your family.
What is your advice for other Pollinators thinking about joining?
Pollinators need to be engaged within the community, they need to get out and meet new people. Often new Pollinators expect people to come to them, but they need to walk around and meet new people, if they make ten new connections they are on their way to success.
Where would you like to take your career?
I would like to become a Sales Manager with Pollinate Group, I really enjoy working for Pollinate Group, I will keep working here.
What do you like to do when you are not at work?
I am currently studying a mathematics course, but I also like to play football and cricket with friends.
What do your family and friends think of your work with Pollinate Group?
Everyone is always very positive about my work, they are proud to see me work for Pollinate Group and happy with my steady role and income. My father is always asking me ‘what is next?’ and ‘where is the role going?’ He always is pushing me forward.