The phrase “work as if you didn’t need the money” may sound counterintuitive at first glance. After all, most of us work precisely because we need the money to sustain ourselves and our families. However, there is more to this statement than meets the eye. The idea behind it is that when we work with a sense of purpose, passion, and commitment, we are likely to be more productive, creative, and fulfilled than when we simply go through the motions to collect a paycheck. In this article, we will explore what it means to work as if you didn’t need the money and provide some real-life examples.
To work as if you didn’t need the money means to approach your job as if it were a calling rather than a chore. It means finding a way to align your work with your values, interests, and strengths so that you can derive a sense of meaning and fulfilment from it. It means pursuing excellence, not just for the sake of recognition or rewards, but because you believe in the intrinsic value of doing your best. Also, it means treating your colleagues, customers, and stakeholders with respect, empathy, and generosity, not just because it is good for business, but because it is the right thing to do.
Through the life stories of four exceptional individuals, we will understand the influence of the phrase “work as if you didn’t need the money.”
Dr. Devi Shetty
The first example of working as if you didn’t need the money comes from the life of Dr. Devi Shetty, a renowned cardiac surgeon and healthcare entrepreneur from India. Dr. Shetty is the founder and chairman of Narayana Health, a chain of hospitals that provides high-quality, affordable healthcare to millions of patients across India and other developing countries. Dr. Shetty’s journey to becoming a successful doctor and businessman began with a deep sense of purpose and compassion for the less fortunate.
As a young medical student, Dr. Shetty was deeply moved by the plight of poor patients who could not afford expensive medical treatments. He decided to dedicate his career to finding ways to make healthcare more accessible and affordable to all. After completing his medical training, Dr. Shetty worked in several hospitals in India and the United Kingdom, gaining valuable experience and insights into the challenges of healthcare delivery.
In 2001, Dr. Shetty founded Narayana Hrudayalaya (now Narayana Health) in Bangalore, with the mission of providing world-class healthcare at affordable prices. He leveraged the power of technology, innovation, and economies of scale to drive down the cost of medical procedures without compromising on quality. He also introduced several innovative practices, such as a telemedicine network that connects doctors and patients in remote areas, a medical insurance scheme that covers the cost of treatments for the low-income people, and a medical training program that trains doctors and nurses from underprivileged backgrounds.
Dr. Shetty’s approach to healthcare has been shaped by his belief that healthcare is a basic human right, not a privilege for the wealthy. He has often said that he works as if he didn’t need the money because his true reward comes from seeing his patients recover and lead healthy lives. In an interview with Forbes India, Dr. Shetty said, “Money is not the motivation for me. The satisfaction of seeing someone walk out of the hospital with a new lease on life is what drives me.”
Ratan Tata
The second example of working as if you didn’t need the money comes from the life of Ratan Tata, the former chairman of Tata Group, one of the largest conglomerates in India. Ratan Tata is widely regarded as one of the most visionary and ethical business leaders in the world, who transformed Tata Group from a traditional steel and textile company into a global conglomerate with diverse interests in technology, automotive, hospitality, and more.
Ratan Tata’s approach to business has been shaped by his commitment to social responsibility, innovation, and excellence. He has often said that his goal is not just to create wealth, but also to create value for society and improve the quality of life for people around the world. He has also emphasized the importance of ethical leadership, transparency, and accountability in business.
One example of Ratan Tata’s commitment to social responsibility is the Tata Nano, a small and affordable car that was designed to provide safe and comfortable transportation to millions of people in India who could not afford a car. The Tata Nano was a ground-breaking innovation that challenged the conventional wisdom that cars had to be expensive and luxurious to be desirable. Despite initial setbacks and criticism, Ratan Tata persisted with his vision and launched the Tata Nano in 2009, to widespread acclaim.
Another example of Ratan Tata’s commitment to excellence is the Tata group’s acquisition of Jaguar Land Rover, a luxury car brand that was struggling to stay afloat in the wake of the global financial crisis. Ratan Tata saw the potential of Jaguar Land Rover as a premium brand with a rich heritage and innovative technology. He invested in the brand, streamlined its operations, and fostered a culture of innovation and creativity. Today, Jaguar Land Rover is a thriving global brand that represents the best of British engineering and design.
Ratan Tata’s approach to business is a testament to the idea that when we work as if we didn’t need the money, we are more likely to achieve success, not just in financial terms, but also in terms of personal satisfaction, social impact, and professional recognition. By aligning our work with our values, interests, and strengths, we can tap into our full potential, unleash our creativity, and make a meaningful contribution to the world around us.
Arunachalam Muruganantham
The third example is the work of Arunachalam Muruganantham, a social entrepreneur from Tamil Nadu who invented the low-cost machine for making sanitary pads. Muruganantham was inspired by his wife’s experience of using dirty rags during her menstrual cycle, which led to infections and other health problems. He realized that millions of women in India and other developing countries faced similar challenges, due to the high cost of commercial sanitary pads and the social stigma associated with menstruation.
Muruganantham set out to create a solution that would be affordable, hygienic, and socially acceptable. However, he faced numerous obstacles, including a lack of funding, technical expertise, and social support. He was also ostracized by his community, who viewed his work on menstrual hygiene as taboo and shameful.
Undeterred, Muruganantham continued to pursue his vision and spent several years experimenting with different materials and designs for his sanitary pad machine. He even wore a sanitary pad himself, to better understand the experience of menstruation and the challenges of developing a suitable product.
Finally, in 2006, Muruganantham successfully created a low-cost machine that could produce sanitary pads at a fraction of the cost of commercial products. He also developed a network of women entrepreneurs, who could operate the machines and distribute the pads to local communities.
Today, Muruganantham’s machines have been installed in more than 27 countries, and have helped to improve the health and dignity of millions of women. His work has also challenged the social stigma around menstruation and has empowered women to take control of their own menstrual health.
Muruganantham’s story is a powerful example of how working as if you didn’t need the money can lead to transformative social change. By prioritizing the needs of others over his own financial gain, Muruganantham was able to create a product that has improved the lives of millions of women and has challenged entrenched cultural attitudes around menstruation.
Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw
The fourth example is Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, the founder of Biocon, a biopharmaceutical company that is focused on providing affordable and high-quality healthcare solutions. Mazumdar-Shaw started Biocon in 1978 with a modest capital of Rs. 10,000, and today it is one of the largest biopharmaceutical companies in India, with a presence in over 120 countries.
Mazumdar-Shaw’s philosophy of “work as if you didn’t need the money” is rooted in her belief that business should be driven by a sense of purpose and passion, rather than solely by the pursuit of profits. She has been a vocal advocate of the idea that businesses can create value not only for their shareholders but also for society as a whole, by addressing pressing social and environmental challenges.
Under Mazumdar-Shaw’s leadership, Biocon has developed several breakthrough products, such as insulin and monoclonal antibodies, which have helped to improve the quality of life of millions of people around the world. The company has also focused on developing affordable healthcare solutions for diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and HIV/AIDS, which are prevalent in developing countries.
Mazumdar-Shaw’s commitment to social responsibility is also reflected in her philanthropic activities. She has set up several charitable trusts and foundations, which focus on areas such as healthcare, education, and environmental conservation. For instance, she founded the Mazumdar Shaw Medical Foundation, which aims to provide affordable and accessible healthcare to underserved communities in India. She also established the Biocon Foundation, which focuses on promoting education, healthcare, and environmental sustainability.
Mazumdar-Shaw has been a vocal advocate for corporate social responsibility and has called on businesses to adopt a more sustainable and socially responsible approach to their operations. She has also been a strong supporter of women’s empowerment and has encouraged more women to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.
Mazumdar-Shaw’s approach to work has earned her numerous accolades and awards, both in India and internationally. She has been named one of TIME magazine’s 100 most influential people in the world and has received the Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri awards, among others.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the examples of Dr. Devi Shetty, Ratan Tata, Arunachalam Muruganantham, and Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw demonstrate that working as if you didn’t need the money is not just a lofty ideal, but a practical and effective approach to work.
India is a country of contrasts, where extreme poverty and wealth coexist, where tradition and modernity clash, and where innovation and tradition intersect. In such a context, it is crucial to find ways to create value that benefits everyone, not just the privileged few.
By prioritizing purpose, passion, and social responsibility over financial gain, these leaders have been able to create innovative solutions, make a positive impact on society, and inspire others to do the same. We can all learn from their example, and strive to integrate our values and aspirations into our work, to create a more fulfilling and meaningful life for ourselves and for others.
