Impact and Story

The Journey of Shailesh: From Village Life to the CEO’s Chair

Shailesh was born and raised in a small, close-knit village in India, where life was simple but rich in values. From a young age, he was taught the importance of hard work, resilience, and humility. Despite the comforts of village life, Shailesh’s dreams extended far beyond his surroundings; he envisioned a world filled with possibilities. At just 17, driven by the desire to create a better future, he took the bold step of moving to the UK. However, his journey was anything but smooth.

Arriving in the UK alone, Shailesh faced the harsh reality of life in a foreign country. He barely spoke English, had no connections, and soon found himself working minimum-wage jobs to make ends meet. From kitchen shifts to warehouse and construction work, he toiled for as little as £2 an hour, tirelessly saving to send money home while trying to build a life of his own.

Language quickly became his biggest barrier. Determined not to let it stand in his way, Shailesh found creative ways to learn English. Armed with library books and free classes, he also adopted an unconventional teacher—Homer Simpson. Watching episodes of The Simpsons, Shailesh picked up phrases, practiced intonation, and even mimicked Homer’s iconic “D’oh!” with spirited enthusiasm in front of the mirror. Slowly but surely, his English improved, giving him the confidence to communicate with others, even if his early vocabulary leaned towards Homer-esque expressions. Soon, he could carry conversations with ease (though a Homer-ism occasionally slipped out).

Shailesh’s dedication didn’t go unnoticed. His colleagues and employers began to see his drive, commitment, and potential, recognising the tenacity he displayed in overcoming the language barrier. With each new role, he took on more responsibility, demonstrating a knack for understanding people and solving problems creatively. As he progressed in his career, he developed a natural leadership style rooted in empathy, hard work, and integrity.

Over the years, Shailesh climbed the ladder, moving from entry-level roles to management positions, and finally into the executive sphere. Through determination, honesty, and innovative thinking, he ultimately became the CEO of a thriving business. Today, Shailesh is a champion of diversity and opportunity, passionate about opening doors for others who come from disadvantaged backgrounds, just as he did.

Shailesh’s journey—from earning £2 an hour to becoming the CEO of Orbus—stands as a testament to the power of grit, resilience, and a little bit of Simpsons humour. His story inspires countless others, proving that with hard work and a good sense of humour, it’s possible to overcome even the toughest challenges.