“We wanted to be parents for a long time. Now that we’re here, with two kids, it feels like a milestone. A privilege, really.”
For Vishal Bhatia, life isn’t neatly split between work and home. Instead, it’s a tapestry woven from every role he plays: SAP consultant, public speaker, community builder, mentor—and perhaps most meaningfully, a father of two.
Fresh into the early days of parenting a newborn while raising a spirited older child, Vishal speaks with clarity and warmth.
“It’s not easy,” he admits. “But it’s a partnership. My wife and I help each other grow—at home and in life. We support each other in building the kind of life we want, and that partnership is what makes everything work.”
Growth—On Every Front
That same sense of partnership and continuous learning runs through his two-decade career in SAP. From India to Dubai to Australia, Vishal has led implementations, delivered results, and stood firmly as a people-first professional.
But Vishal’s story isn’t just about technical mastery. It’s about how life outside of work shapes the leader you become inside the office.
“Being part of a community matters. When I moved to Australia in 2018, I had to rebuild everything—friendships, networks, a sense of belonging,” he says. “And I realized how grounding that is. Even saying hello to your neighbor, having real conversations—it keeps you connected, human.”
That humanity shows up in his leadership style, too.
“Empathy makes you a better colleague, a better mentor. It’s not just about SAP knowledge. It’s about understanding people.”
Confidence, Community, and the Value of Voice
Vishal’s journey with public speaking began in an unexpected place: a Toastmasters club in Dubai, where his employer sponsored his membership. From there, he discovered not just the mechanics of public speaking, but the joy of storytelling—and the power of being heard.
“I’ve always been a bit chit-chatty,” he laughs, “so it came naturally. But even for someone extroverted, Toastmasters taught me how to structure my thoughts, how to hold space for others, and how to show up with confidence.”
When asked what advice he’d give to someone who doesn’t consider themselves a natural speaker, he says simply: “Start with Toastmasters. It’s a safe space to grow. And from there, just keep putting yourself out there. You learn by doing.”
Mentorship That Moves You Forward
Vishal doesn’t just speak—he listens. He credits much of his own growth to the mentors he’s had along the way, particularly during his time at SAP. “A mentor isn’t just someone who teaches you the technical stuff,” he explains. “They help you navigate real workplace challenges—how to give and receive feedback, how to conduct yourself in meetings, how to move forward when things are hard.”
And now, as someone who mentors others, Vishal encourages young professionals to stay curious, stay grounded, and stay kind.
“You won’t know everything. But if you keep learning, asking questions, and applying yourself, that’s how you grow.”
What Gives Work Meaning
With over 22 years of experience behind him and a career that’s spanned continents, Vishal could easily rest on his credentials. But when asked what still gives him meaning at work, his answer is simple: feedback.
“Meaning comes from knowing you’re making a difference. When someone tells you, ‘this was well done’ or even offers a suggestion—that’s gold. It’s how you learn. But feedback has to be delivered with care. It’s powerful, and it should help you grow, not shrink.”
A Journey Worth Telling
When we ask what the title of his ERP journey would be, Vishal pauses, then smiles. “Game of Thrones,” he says with a chuckle. “It’s full of friendships, challenges, and battles you overcome. It’s dramatic, but rewarding. You look back and realize how much you’ve built—and how far you’ve come.”
He quickly adds another title: How to Win Friends and Influence People. “That’s the book I’d recommend to anyone. It’s the kind of wisdom that shapes how you move through the world.”
And perhaps, that’s the heart of Vishal’s story. Yes, he’s a skilled consultant. But more than that, he’s someone who leads with intention—at work, in his home, and in every conversation he has.
Connect with Vishal on LinkedIn
