Alumni Author: Sixty is the New Assassin – Shesh, PGP 1988

In this engaging interview, we are thrilled to speak with Shesh (Venkatraman Sheshashayee), an alumnus of the PGP 1988 batch of IIM Bangalore, and the author of Sixty Is the New Assassin. This thrilling first book in a 12-part series introduces Ishmael Dollah, a retired CEO turned assassin, navigating a world filled with dark humour, suspense, and strategic intrigue.

Shesh draws inspiration from his corporate background and personal experiences, including the influence of his wife, Radhika, in crafting a character that is both complex and compelling. Throughout the interview, Shesh shares insights into the creative process behind the novel, his approach to blending suspense and humour, and the lessons from his corporate life that shaped Ishmael’s mindset.

Looking ahead, readers can expect more gripping action and a deeper exploration of Ishmael’s journey as the series progresses. Join us as Shesh takes us behind the scenes of his debut novel and teases what’s to come in the next instalment.

My wife, Radhika is my muse. And, to continue to impress you with my mastery of Greek, also my nemesis.

Two years ago, when I asked her what she wanted for Christmas, she said, “a full length novel with a plot that I haven’t come across before”. Given that she is a voracious reader, this was a near impossible task, I thought. However, at around the same time, I was wondering what CEOs should do after retirement with their wealth of experience and networks. Putting two and two together added up to Sixty (Is The New Assassin).

I am a first time author, with little training. I did not have a plan when I began. I thought my first book would be my last. However, after reading the first book, Radhika insisted on more. The next books then flowed naturally. I had few problems with continuity because Ishmael Dollah’s life and views are quite stark and simple.

Any story must be leavened to make it digestible. Just like multiple ingredients combine to form a tasty dish, stories must be multi-faceted. Just suspense or just humour numbs the palate over time. Also, what use a CEO who can kill but cannot laugh at the vicissitudes of life? How will he be appreciated and loved?

The corporate world subsumes a wide spectrum of thought and approach. I have always been fascinated by the amorality and ruthlessness that darken one end of the spectrum. Where owners and CEOs will do anything it takes to win, to gain, to succeed. In my opinion, destroying livelihoods for a bump in the bottom line is not so much different than ending lives for a feeling of relevance.

One learning that influenced Ishmael’s modus operandi is that planning and preparation trump everything else. Measure twice, cut once, I learnt when I was young, and that eased my path to the corner office. Ishmael, too, plans and prepares obsessively, which helps him achieve his ends (and those of his victims).

Mentoring has helped me in myriad ways. It has opened my mind to a proliferation of ideas and concepts that I would never have come across. It has put me in touch with so many passionate, committed people. Most importantly, mentoring has taught me much more than I have taught anyone else. It made me realise that just because I had been a CEO, I did not know everything. That even a 25 year old could teach me a new and better way of doing things.

One word – Radhika. (Remember ‘nemesis’?)

I have always been writing, since I was in my teens. However, I was prey to imposter syndrome and only shared these articles and stories and poems with my family and close friends. So, there was no real transition. Even Sixty Is The New Assassin was originally meant only for internal consumption.

I am not sure if writing these books has caused me to grow anything other than embarrassed to be congratulated as a published author.

My sojourn in IIMB were two of the most wonderful years in my life. It shaped me in every way possible. It gave a blinkered engineer a multi-hued perspective of life and the world. It gave a gauche young man a sense of self and belief. It gave me amazing friends who made my life worthwhile.

(If you have ever delayed the submission of end-of-semester OD or HR assignments, you will surely understand how storytelling is critical for success. 😊)

Our son, Abhimanyu, is a published author. His first book was launched when he was just short of 20 years. He is a far better writer than I. He is my inspiration.

Also, when our children were young, they loved listening to stories, especially those Radhika and I made up around them as central characters.

More killing, for one. 😊

Seriously, Ishmael soon realises that being a solopreneur assassin was not conducive to continued success. Assassination needs a team armed with different skill sets. But how is Ishmael to build one without advertising on LinkedIn?

Book 2, “Assassins Are Our Greatest Assets”, introduces another major character – Julia Binti Shafiq, a police inspector, who wants to ensure that Ishmael pays for his sins. Her dogged determination doesn’t bode well for Ishmael’s future.

Shesh’s transition from corporate leadership to fiction writing showcases his passion for creativity and growth. As the Sixty Is the New Assassin series unfolds, readers can look forward to more thrilling twists and unforgettable characters.