Gaurav’s Transition From Corporate Leadership to Self-Employment in Austria
- Marta Srebrakowska
- Jun 2
- 7 min read
I first met Gaurav in 2024 on one of our meetups for the self-employed in Austria in Vienna. He immediately struck me as a very experienced and knowledgeable professional, so I was excited to finally sit down together and learn everything about his path and his recently published book.
From a small village to a global career
Gaurav’s story begins in a small town in Northern India. One of the first in his family to secure a corporate job, he graduated in Computer Science in 2004 and was hired by Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) as one of the few fresh graduates that year from his college. He soon found himself managing IT systems for a large Fortune 500 company in the financial services industry, moving from Mumbai to Germany in 2007. Over the years, he grew his team from 4 to 35 members, spread across 9 cities across the world.
Fulfillment over function
While he had climbed the corporate ladder, something shifted in 2013 during a guest lecture he gave at an engineering college in Central India. Speaking to students from a background similar to his own left a deep impression. “I realized how fulfilling it was to give back and guide others,” he reflects. That moment led him to pivot into a more human-focused role within TCS, leading university alliances and partnerships across central India.
From 2014 to 2018, Gaurav worked with over 100+ colleges and institutions, facilitating skill-building programs, internships, technical campus events, and conversations about industry-academia collaboration. Later, in TCS’s innovation arm, he coordinated global research projects and industry-academia collaboration with institutions like MIT and Yale, and supported global B2B startups in collaborating with large enterprise customers of TCS. He then moved to his group’s head office to work in the Innovation team to further build and nurture the global academic research partnerships for Tata group companies and also support open innovation initiatives.
Relocating to Vienna
In 2023, his wife, a scientist, was appointed to a senior role with the UN. The family relocated to Vienna, and Gaurav took a sabbatical to focus on family and reflect on his next steps. “After years of moving and working with global teams, I wanted to slow down and find a different kind of meaning,” he says.
He began exploring new professional ideas and eventually formalized his self-employment in 2024 with support from Self-Employed in Austria (SEA).
Marta: What inspired you to write Career Heist?
Gaurav: The inspiration came from the many conversations I had with professionals who felt stuck or uncertain about their career paths, including colleagues and students I mentored over the years. Alongside my co-authors, Lochan Narayanan and Apoorv Bamba, we wanted to create a book that not only identifies the root causes of career dissatisfaction but also offers practical, research-backed strategies to help people reclaim control over their professional journeys. We explore how technology, globalization, and changing workforce dynamics are transforming careers and what individuals can do proactively to navigate this evolving landscape.
Marta: The book is titled Career Heist. Why that name?
Gaurav: The title captures the concept of “stealing back” your career from outdated norms and limiting beliefs. Too often, people feel trapped by organizational hierarchies or societal expectations. Career Heist encourages readers to be intentional architects of their futures—to challenge the status quo, develop new skills, and pursue meaningful work that aligns with their values. It’s about empowerment and reclaiming agency in a world where the definition of “career success” is rapidly shifting.
Marta: What’s your definition of “career success,” especially after your transition from a large corporation to self-employment?
Gaurav: For me, career success has evolved beyond the traditional markers like salary, title, or company size. After years in the corporate world, I realized that true success means finding fulfillment and meaning in what you do every day. It’s about aligning your work with your values and passions, and having the freedom to grow and adapt as your life changes. Each person has to find their own definition of success, which aligns with their values and life circumstances.
In self-employment, success also means embracing flexibility, continuous learning, and building authentic relationships with clients, mentors, and the community. It’s less about comparing yourself to others and more about defining your own version of success that fits your unique journey. Ultimately, it’s a balance between personal satisfaction, making a positive impact, and sustaining a livelihood that supports your life goals.
Marta: How was your experience publishing the book?
Gaurav: Publishing was a significant learning curve. Initially, we considered self-publishing to maintain full control, but partnering with Westland brought invaluable editorial expertise and access to a wider audience. Navigating the publishing process, draft revisions, market positioning, and distribution taught me the importance of patience, collaboration, and adaptability. The support of the publisher and marketing team helped the book reach readers across India and beyond. Publishing in 2025 was a proud moment, and the positive feedback has been very encouraging.
Marta: What services do you provide as a self-employed professional in Austria?
Gaurav: As a self-employed professional, my work centers around empowering individuals and organizations through career design, cross-cultural collaboration, and strategic storytelling.
I offer Career Transition Mentoring to help mid-career professionals identify and design meaningful next steps aligned with their values, life stage, and evolving market trends. These sessions are available in both 1:1 and group formats, and focus on clarity, confidence, and actionable planning.
In my Startup & Innovation Advisory, I consult research-led businesses and startups, particularly across the Austria–India corridor, on building international partnerships, refining their narratives, and scaling strategically.
I also regularly deliver Workshops & Talks on topics such as career pivots, global transitions, and personal branding. These are tailored for universities, corporations, embassies, and literary festivals.
Another key area is LinkedIn Consulting & Advisory—where I support individuals, startups, and SMEs in using LinkedIn strategically to grow their brand, engage audiences, and unlock business or career opportunities.
In essence, my work combines mentoring, consulting, and speaking, tailored for a globalized, fast-evolving professional landscape.
Marta: How did you navigate the transition from a corporate career in India, Germany, and Canada to self-employment in Austria?
Gaurav: Transitioning was both exciting and challenging. The biggest hurdle was adapting to Austria’s cultural and business environment, which differs from India, Canada, and Germany.
Rebuilding my professional network here took time and deliberate effort. Platforms like TopMate and organizations like Vienna Business Agency - Expat Club, Internation,s and SEA were instrumental—they provided community, resources, and a sense of belonging. Another challenge was shifting my mindset from being part of a large corporation to managing every aspect of my own business, from client acquisition to marketing. But the trade-off is autonomy and the ability to align work with my personal values and lifestyle, which is very rewarding.
Marta: What role has the Self-Employed in Austria (SEA) community played in your journey?
Gaurav: SEA has been an incredible resource and support system. As a relatively new self-employed professional in Austria, I found the community welcoming and practical. SEA and its Partners offer guidance on legal, tax, and social insurance matters, which can be overwhelming when you’re starting out. Beyond that, the networking events and workshops create opportunities to connect with like-minded people, exchange ideas, and find collaboration partners. For me, SEA was not just a platform but a community that helped reduce the isolation that comes with self-employment, especially in a new country.
Marta: What advice do you have for someone feeling stuck in their career or contemplating a major change?
Gaurav: Firstly, don’t underestimate the power of reflection. Take time to understand what’s causing the feeling of being stuck—is it the work itself, the environment, or your personal expectations? Then seek out mentors or career coaches who can provide an objective perspective and help you identify actionable next steps. It’s also crucial to redefine success on your own terms—money and titles aren’t the only indicators of fulfillment.
Lastly, be patient and open to experimenting. Career pivots rarely happen overnight; they involve continuous learning, resilience, and sometimes multiple smaller shifts before finding the right fit.
Marta: How do you manage balancing your professional work with family life in Vienna?
Gaurav: Vienna offers a quality of life that supports work-life balance, which was a big factor in our decision to relocate here. I have a daily routine that includes journaling and meditation to stay grounded. Structuring my day with clear boundaries between work and family time helps me stay productive while fully present with my loved ones. Being self-employed also means I can tailor my schedule to accommodate family needs, which is a privilege I deeply appreciate.
Marta: The last question that I ask everyone. What tools or platforms do you use to manage your self-employed work and stay productive?
Gaurav: Given my diverse roles, I rely on a mix of digital tools to stay organized and efficient. For client meetings and coaching sessions, I use Microsoft Teams and Google Meet. To schedule and manage appointments, TopMate has been invaluable—it allows clients to book sessions seamlessly, which simplifies my workflow. For project and task management, I use Notion; it helps me keep track of different projects, deadlines, and collaborative work. For professional networking and marketing, LinkedIn is crucial—not just for presence but for community engagement. Lastly, I also use Canva for organization and visual storytelling.
Transitioning from one career phase to another can feel overwhelming and uncertain, especially when you feel stuck. Gaurav’s story shows that this is a natural part of growth. He advises embracing these moments as opportunities to reflect deeply on what truly matters to you and to seek mentors who can help guide and support you.
From our conversation, I’ve learned that feeling stuck isn’t a dead end—it’s a sign to pause, reevaluate, and explore new possibilities with patience and openness. If you’re navigating a transition, take small steps to connect with communities like SEA, invest time in understanding your strengths, and redefine success based on your personal values.
Remember to connect with Gaurav! Here’s how:
Website: https://www.gauravgandhi.com
Topmate Mentoring Page (1:1 Sessions around career mentoring, startup mentoring, LinkedIn, and for first-time authors): https://topmate.io/gaurav_gandhi_mentor
LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gauravgandhiaustria/
