Sandeep Mall
@SandeepMall
The year was 1994. Our first American customer had placed an order for 6,000 parts worth $5,400. My first export order. A dream come true for a small manufacturer in India. We promised delivery in 2 months. It took 9. I sent fax after fax with excuses.
Then came the shock: 300 parts failed in-house inspection. I neither had the money nor time to make more. With the invoice already sent for 6000 parts and lies piling up, I made the worst decision of my career. I asked my team to mix the defective parts with good ones and ship them.
As it was to happen the entire lot got rejected. My entire capital of $5,400 was at stake. Under strict FERA laws, no payment within 6 months meant government blacklist. My third failed career. The path back to parents home seemed certain.
Rock bottom. I picked up the phone and confessed everything. The mixed parts. The desperation. The fear of failure. I begged for payment, promising to compensate someday, somehow.
His response changed my life: 'Sandeep, this is my investment in your learning process. Never compromise on quality of your product.'
He paid for those parts. He saved not just a business deal, but a dream of a career in manufacturing. That product line from 6,000 parts, we hit 100,000/month in 2 years. He remains our partner today. Thats the power of second chance
There are numerous similar stories around the globe in sports, politics, corporates or relationships.
Success stories hide countless failures. Behind every achievement stands someone who gave a second chance. I run a successful manufacturing business now, but I never forget that day in 1994.
Look around your workplace. Someone needs a second chance today: A team member who failed A supplier who defaulted An employee who made a mistake
Your second chance to someone might be their last hope. Your forgiveness might save a dream. Your trust might build a future.