“An opportunity lost is something you can't get back!” – Sidesh Pai’s move from Mumbai to Hamburg
It is not failure that haunts us but the 'what ifs' – the roads we never took. Sidesh Pai, Global Process Excellence Manager at Hapag-Lloyd, is one of the persons who took the leap of faith and jumped into an adventure which is probably one of the biggest in his life yet: moving from vibrant India to Hamburg. In this interview you will find out why he sees live like a circket game and what role Hapag-Lloyd plays within.
Hi Sidesh, winter is there! Your second one in Germany. Have you gotten used to the cold yet?
It gets better. It really took some time to get used to the weather, especially since it was completely opposite to my home country. In India, the climate is tropical, with temperatures often soaring around 30 to 35°C. But here, it was 0°C, 2°C, or 4°C, so it was a complete shift, a total contrast to what I was used to.
Life is a bit like a cricket match. You always feel better equipped in your home country, with better the conditions and better pitch. But when you go abroad, you need to adjust to a new climate and new conditions. It's a way of discovering more about yourself which I think is invaluable. You never know what is coming tomorrow. That is why I want to take the chances that I'm given.
How did you move to Germany?
When I started working for Hapag-Lloyd in 2019 I'd never have imagined I'd be working in Hamburg four years later. I joined Hapag-Lloyd in 2019 with the QSC team in Mumbai, India, focusing on migrating operations for the Middle East region. A few years later, I led a customer service team of 10-15 people. I worked on key projects, including a Salesforce pilot for Saudi Arabia. When an opportunity in Germany came up, I decided to apply, and after being shortlisted, the interview process went smoothly, even though it was a big decision to move. I was unsure. But then I thought: “Why not give it a try?”
What were your first impressions of living in Hamburg?
The first thing I remember is the snowfall. Culturally, I definitely felt that some things are run differently in Germany. In India people rush through the streets chasing a check or a dream. In Hamburg, everything moves slower, offering a quieter rhythm compared to the hustle of Indian cities. Things are easier to plan here. I learned a lot of discipline because you really need to be as punctual here. Things are more structured. What stood out to me most was Hamburg’s cleanliness and focus on environmental sustainability. The streets are well-kept, and recycling is routine – quite different from India’s vibrant, spontaneous atmosphere.
How did Hapag-Lloyd support you during your transition phase?
Hapag-Lloyd and my colleagues were a great support during my transition to life in Hamburg. Upon arrival, I participated in the Welcome Day program. This program gave me a deeper understanding of the company culture, workplace expectations, and local customs. My colleagues, especially in the Global Process Excellence team, were welcoming and eager to help. The team also shared information about social events, which helped me integrate into the community. Additionally, Hapag-Lloyd’s language classes were invaluable in adapting to life here – learning the local language is the first step to arrive in a different culture and made everyday tasks much easier and more enjoyable.
What I appreciate most about my team is the mix of people from all over the world. We have colleagues from Brazil, India, Africa, China, and other places, which brings a range of perspectives and mindsets. It's a unique environment that fosters understanding and collaboration, especially in areas like customer experience, where multiple cultural viewpoints come together effectively.
Do you ever miss home?
Of course I do! It would be strange if I didn't. I have been born and brought up in Mumbai. It's a city that never sleeps. Even if you go outside around midnight or early morning, you'll find people all around. In the middle of the night, people are willing to help you out. That is what I miss sometimes. But I never regret my decision. I'd rather miss home a bit than missing out on an opportunity that opens only to a few in life. It's as they say: An opportunity lost is something you can't get back!
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