BOOK REVIEW
The Scrapper’s Way: Making It Big in an Unequal World, by Damodar Padhi, Harper Collins Publishers, Gurugram, India (2024). ISBN 978-9-3569-9993-0, 252 pages
As a young boy growing up in rural Odisha, Damodar Padhi once struggled to understand how an indoor toilet worked. Used to open fields, he found the enclosed space unfamiliar, even unnecessary. On the very next day, confused and unsure, he relieved himself in a playground instead. This seemingly small incident, narrated with humor in The Scrapper’s Way, captures the essence of Padhi’s journey as he adapts to new environments, learns through trial and error, and constantly pushes forward despite challenges. His memoir is a story of resilience, hard work, and the ability to make the best of difficult circumstances.
Padhi’s credentials make him a strong voice for a book like this. His career spans over three decades in industries ranging from aerospace to Information Technology (IT) consulting, giving him a broad perspective on leadership and talent development. His work as Chief Learning Officer at Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) highlights his credibility in discussing mentorship and professional growth. Beyond his professional achievements, his life itself embodies the principles he writes about. As S. Ramadorai, former Chief executive officer (CEO) of TCS, notes in the preface, Padhi’s leadership was defined not just by strategic thinking but also by his ability to connect with people at every level. Ramadorai recalls how Padhi, despite his humble beginnings, tackled complex assignments at TCS and led a joint venture with General Electric with remarkable ease. These anecdotes reinforce the idea that Padhi is not just writing theory, but he has lived through these experiences, making his insights both relatable and practical.
Padhi structures the book across twelve chapters which can be grouped into three broad sections, each marking a key phase in his life. The early section (Chapters 1 to 5) takes readers through his childhood in a poverty-stricken village, his schooling at Kantapada, and his transition to Ravenshaw College and later Regional Engineering College (REC) Rourkela. His struggles with finances, adjusting to new cultural environments, and his relentless focus on education form the backbone of these sections. The book then moves into his career (Chapters 6 to 8), including his time at Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur, his first job at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), and his rise to leadership positions at TCS. Through personal stories, he emphasizes the importance of adaptability, perseverance, and learning from experience. The final section (Chapters 9 to 12) focus on fatherhood, and self-reflection, offering insights into balancing professional ambition with personal fulfillment. His argument is simple; success in an unequal world is possible with resilience and purpose, and one's background should not define one’s future. Each section is connected by the central idea that learning never stops, and every experience, whether good or bad, adds to one’s growth.
Padhi’s memoir makes important contributions to discussions on leadership, personality development, and work-life balance. His leadership style, particularly at TCS, emphasizes empathy, employee advocacy, and continuous learning. One of the most striking examples is his decision to invite a stranded new employee to stay at his home for the night when no accommodation had been arranged. In another instance, he reflects on how he guided his team at TCS-GE (General Electrics) joint venture, where he focused on empowering employees and creating a strong learning culture. These stories make the book highly relevant for business professionals, leadership researchers, and even young executives looking for insights on how to navigate corporate environments.
Some aspects of the book might spark healthy debates. Padhi presents the idea of The Scrapper’s Way, which is the belief that anyone can succeed with perseverance and grit. While this message is encouraging, it also raises questions about the role of systemic barriers. Not everyone has access to the opportunities that Padhi did, such as strong educational institutions and supportive mentors. His argument, while inspiring, leans heavily on personal effort without fully addressing the structural challenges that often shape career paths. Similarly, his emphasis on relentless hard work may lead some readers to question the balance between ambition and well-being, particularly in industries where overworking is normalized. These discussions add depth to the book, making it an engaging read for those interested in workplace culture and career development.
Compared to similar books, The Scrapper’s Way stands out for its personal, reflective storytelling. It differs from Knight (2016), which is centered around entrepreneurial risk-taking, and from Sandberg (2014), which is more prescriptive in its career advice. Padhi’s book is not a corporate strategy manual, nor is it focused on building a business empire. Instead, it is a deeply personal narrative that balances inspiration with practical wisdom. In style, it is closer to Hsieh (2010), which also blends personal experiences with leadership lessons. However, Padhi’s focus is broader, touching on not just professional growth but also family life, self-discovery, and the intangible qualities that define success beyond wealth and status.
The book also has strong relevance to positive psychology. Padhi’s life aligns with Martin Seligman’s PERMA model, which identifies Positive Emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishment as key to well-being (Ecclestone et al., 2005). His ability to find joy in small moments, such as learning to make kites with his father or engaging in friendly pranks during his school years, reflects the role of positive emotion. His deep friendships and mentorship experiences illustrate the importance of relationships in personal growth. Additionally, his story connects to Grit Scale (Duckworth & Quinn, 2009), as he repeatedly demonstrates perseverance and passion for long-term goals. His reflections on gratitude, particularly in moments like tracking down a benefactor years later to invite him to his wedding, mirror common gratitude interventions in positive psychology. The book provides real-life examples that could serve as valuable case studies for researchers studying resilience, motivation, and personal growth.
Ultimately, The Scrapper’s Way is more than just a career memoir; it is a testament to the power of persistence, learning, and human connection. While some of its arguments may invite debate, its core message remains compelling: success is not just about where you start but about how you navigate the road ahead. The book leaves the reader reflecting on what success truly means beyond titles and wealth, and how one can shape a life that is both meaningful and fulfilling.
Disclosure of interest
The author(s) confirm that there are no financial or non-financial competing interests.
Statement of funding
No funding was received.
References
Duckworth, A. L., & Quinn, P. D. (2009). Development and validation of the Short Grit Scale (GRIT–S). Journal of personality assessment, 91(2), 166-174.
Hsieh, T. (2010). Delivering happiness: A path to profits, passion, and purpose. Grand Central Publishing.
Knight, P. (2016). Shoe dog: A memoir by the creator of Nike. Simon and Schuster.
Sandberg, S. (2014). Lean in. Random House.
Ecclestone, K., Hayes, D., & Furedi, F. (2005). Knowing me, knowing you: The rise of therapeutic professionalism in the education of adults. Studies in the Education of Adults, 37(2), 182–200.
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Mayukh Mukhopadhyay
Executive Doctoral Scholar
Indian Institute of Management Indore
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