Meet Sidhant Bawa

Ahead of National Inclusion Week, we caught up with Sidhant Bawa, National Account Executive, as he spoke to us about about his career journey so far, his experience of moving to the UK from India and what it’s been like adjusting to a brand-new culture…

Sidhant Bawa, National Account Executive

Sid, tell us a little about yourself and your background

I moved to the UK in September 2022 to pursue a Master’s degree in Marketing from the University of Birmingham. Before making this leap, I honed my skills for four years as an Account Manager at Zomato, India’s leading food technology company, where I managed key accounts like Subway and Baskin Robbins. Following my graduation, I joined Greene King as a National Account Executive in the Off Trade team, diving deeper into the world of management and sales. Beyond my professional life, I am an avid traveller, having explored 44 countries (and counting). The excitement of discovering new places and meeting new people is a driving force in my life. I am also passionate about sports, having competed as a national-level swimmer and having a keen interest in cricket and football. Whether it’s cheering loudly at a game or being the life of the party with friends and family, I thrive on energy, enthusiasm, and new experiences.

What has it been like trying to adjust to a completely different culture?

Adjusting to a new work culture in the UK, especially after spending four years working in India, has been an eye-opening experience marked by distinct differences that were immediately apparent. In India, the work environment is often characterized by a fast-paced rhythm, quick decision-making, and a strong focus on rapid growth and execution. The urgency to deliver results often translates to swift turnarounds and a more direct style of communication. By contrast, here in the UK, particularly within a heritage company with a rich history like ours, the approach is far more measured and deliberate. There's a profound emphasis on due diligence, meticulous planning, and a structured process that ensures every detail is thoroughly examined.

Another nuanced yet significant difference is the shift in units and measurements—something that might seem inconsequential at first glance but can be quite jarring when it becomes part of your daily routine. Coming from India, where the metric system is the norm, I had to recalibrate my thinking to adapt to the UK’s blend of metric and imperial units. Conversations that involve referencing millions instead of lakhs, discussing pints instead of liters, or calculating distances in miles rather than kilometers might appear trivial but represent a deeper, almost unconscious adjustment to the way one processes information and communicates effectively.

However, what truly defines this transition is not just the recognition of these differences but how one navigates them. It took me some time to fully acclimate to these changes, and I am immensely grateful to my colleagues, especially the OffTrade team, for their patience, understanding, and support. They created a welcoming environment that allowed me the space and time to settle in, adapt, and ultimately thrive. It is this spirit of inclusivity and encouragement that transforms the challenge of adapting to a new culture into a rewarding journey of growth and discovery.

What impact are you hoping telling your own story will have?

The reason I feel compelled to share my story is because I know that many others, like myself, have embarked on the journey of leaving their home country to work in a foreign land. This experience often comes with its own set of challenges, and it’s not uncommon to feel a sense of anxiety or uncertainty. I want to remind those who might be going through similar struggles that these feelings are a natural part of the human experience. It’s easy to feel isolated, as though you’re the only one navigating these emotions, with no one to turn to. But I want to challenge that notion.

It’s perfectly okay to feel lost at times, and it’s important to recognize that you are not alone. What truly helps in these moments is opening up, reaching out to your teammates, or connecting with others who may be in the same situation. The UK is an incredibly diverse and vibrant country, enriched by people from various cultures and backgrounds. This diversity is what makes this country unique, and it’s something we should all embrace and celebrate.

For anyone reading this, especially those who may be part of a minority group or who are new to the UK, I encourage you to reach out to others, and for those who are already settled, take a moment to check in on your colleagues who might be feeling out of place. It may seem like a small gesture, but to the person on the receiving end, it can make a world of difference. By sharing our stories and supporting one another, we can foster a sense of community and belonging, making the transition into a new culture a little easier for everyone.