Many successful executives have humble beginnings, but the story of one Indian-American leader at a $270 billion company is particularly inspiring. He once worked as a waiter to make ends meet, a period that instilled in him invaluable lessons about customer service and perseverance.
Speaking with Humans of Bombay in July of this year, the executive, Patel, recounted a difficult childhood, revealing that he and his mother escaped from India to the United States when he was 17. An uncle initially helped them. In the U.S., Patel took on typing jobs and waited tables to survive. Despite facing moments of wanting to give up, he remained determined to build a better life.
Patel deliberately chose a customer-facing role as a server to overcome his introversion and stutter. He told Fortune that he quickly realized that providing excellent service and engaging with customers directly impacted his earnings. This understanding fueled his drive to succeed.
This hunger propelled him to roles at Doculabs, EMC (now Dell), Box, and eventually Cisco. He joined Cisco in 2020, after a career spanning over two decades. Patel believes in the importance of seeking help and collaboration, stating, "There's no such thing as a self-made person; we live in an interconnected society where humans depend on humans". He encourages others to "stand on the shoulders of giants" to achieve greater heights and believes that with determination, any goal is attainable.
In related news, Amol Kohli, another Indian-origin entrepreneur, has also seen remarkable success in the restaurant industry. Kohli's journey began in 2003 as a $5-an-hour waiter at a Friendly's restaurant in Philadelphia. He performed various roles, including cooking, dishwashing, and ice cream scooping. On July 22, 2025, his investment group, Legacy Brands International, acquired Friendly's, along with its parent company Brix Holdings and six other restaurant chains. Kohli had spent most of his life with Friendly's and continued working there during college, learning the business. After graduating with honors in 2011, he chose a regional manager role at Friendly's. Kohli later took over a closing franchise location, marking the start of his franchising career. He aims to revive the struggling brand by modernizing it and attracting new franchisees. Kohli also wants to redefine food service jobs as long-term career paths.
These stories highlight the potential for upward mobility in the service industry and the impact of hard work and determination.
