"Be not afraid of life. B elieve that life is wor th living, and your belief will"
Dedication
This biography is dedicated, first and foremost, to my beloved parents—whose unwavering strength, boundless love, and deep-rooted faith built the foundation of my life.
To my father, Joseph Jacob Nellissery—your life was a quiet testament to dignity, commitment, and endurance. Though your voice may now live only in memory, your principles continue to echo in every decision I make. You taught me to stand tall, work hard, and never let challenges blur the clarity of integrity. I walk in the light of your values every single day.
To my mother, Celine Joseph—your compassion and resilience have been the soul of our family. You have been my first teacher, my moral guide, and my constant source of strength. Your prayers, your sacrifices, and your unwavering belief in me gave me the courage to persist, especially when the road ahead was uncertain. You are my forever anchor.
To my loving wife, Ancy Poulose—thank you for being the calm in every storm, the steady hand behind every step I’ve taken. Your strength has quietly powered mine. Through every career milestone and personal trial, your faith in me never wavered. This journey would not have been possible without your grace, patience, and partnership. Your presence makes every success more meaningful.
To my children—Agnel, Bijoy, and my youngest daughter—your lives are my greatest joy and proudest achievement, your wisdom and gentleness inspire me, your energy and curiosity keep me young at heart and your light and warmth complete our family. Each of you carries within you the best parts of our legacy. My greatest hope is that my life gives you the strength and faith to pursue your own dreams with conviction and courage.
This work is also a tribute to my larger family—my uncles, aunts, and extended relatives—whose presence has created an irreplaceable sense of belonging. Though we may live apart, the love we share during our gatherings and celebrations reminds me of the richness of our roots. Your blessings have carried me forward.
To my colleagues, mentors, and friends across India, the UAE, and beyond—your collaborations and companionship have shaped the professional journey documented in these pages. You’ve helped transform challenges into growth and work into purpose. Thank you for walking with me and believing in what we could build together.
Phase 1 : The Power of Family Bonds
Do what you can, with what you have, where you are – Theodore Roosevelt
Born on April 4, 1969, in Neyveli, Dr. Poulose Joseph Nellissery entered the world as part of a large, affectionate family whose values of connection and unity would serve as the bedrock for his personal and professional journey. Though his familial circle extended broadly, comprising grandparents, uncles, aunts, and cousins, each member remained close-knit despite living separately. For Dr. Poulose Joseph Nellissery, family was never just a term to describe blood relations; it was a way of life, a sacred thread of togetherness stitched through shared experiences, responsibilities, and heartfelt moments.
Growing up, he was surrounded by a nurturing environment where traditions were held in high regard. His family never missed an opportunity to gather for significant life events, be it celebrations, rituals, or milestones. And even in instances where he could not be physically present for a major occasion, Dr. Poulose Joseph Nellissery would make it a point to visit the elders of the family during his trips back to his hometown. These moments weren’t just casual visits; they were meaningful reconnections that reminded him of the values he held dear.
This unwavering commitment to family was not only about shared meals and laughter but extended into deeper realms of responsibility and care. Dr. Poulose Joseph Nellissery has always taken great pride in ensuring the well-being of his loved ones. Whether meeting their needs, shouldering responsibilities, or simply offering his presence as a source of comfort, he views these roles not as duties but as cherished privileges. His joy is deeply rooted in the simple yet profound moments, be it a shared story with a relative, a family prayer, or a quick phone call to check in.
While deeply connected to his roots, Dr. Poulose Joseph Nellissery is equally known for his fun-loving and jovial personality. He believes that the richness of life lies in its everyday moments, those often overlooked but deeply meaningful times with family and close friends. For him, laughter over a family meal or watching a child achieve a new milestone holds far more value than any grand occasion.
His spirituality forms another strong pillar in his life, providing direction and strength during trying times. A devout Christian, Dr. Poulose Joseph Nellissery dedicates time every week to attend church services and prayer meetings. His spiritual discipline is not just routine; it is a conscious effort to remain grounded in faith while navigating the complexities of life. He is known for his punctuality in attending weekly mass and his active participation in prayer gatherings, where he finds not only spiritual sustenance but also a social camaraderie that enriches his life.
Phase 2 : Making of a Resilient Learner
Life is 10% what happens to us and 90% how we react to it – Charles R. Swindoll
For Dr. Poulose Joseph Nellissery, education was not merely a means to a degree, it was the beginning of a journey that shaped his intellect, resilience, and character. Born and raised in Neyveli, his academic journey began in the heart of this industrious township. His schooling years were filled not just with textbooks and classrooms but with the vibrant experience of balancing academics with a deep commitment to sports and character-building activities.
As a student, Dr. Poulose Joseph Nellissery displayed a natural aptitude for learning and discipline. However, it wasn’t just the curriculum that interested him; it was the entire process of growing through knowledge, pushing personal limits, and learning the value of consistency. His formative school years provided the first real taste of balancing priorities, excelling in academics while also being passionately engaged in sports. This dual pursuit became a blueprint for the rest of his life.
Sports played a significant role during his school and college days and proved to be a powerful teacher. From as early as 7th grade, Dr. Poulose Joseph Nellissery immersed himself in athletic activities, participating in events like the 800 meters, 1500 meters, high jump, and long jump. These pursuits were not casual; they were fueled by passion and a supportive environment. NLC’s dedication to promoting sports meant summer camps and access to athletes who were national record holders. It was here, without any formal coaching, that he discovered his natural talent, particularly in long-distance running and jumping events.
His transition to more serious athletics came with focused coaching. Under professional guidance, he honed his skills in the triple jump, a discipline that would become his specialty. His dedication bore fruit when, in Grade 10, he qualified and placed among the top eight at the National Open in the triple jump.
Unfortunately, his rising trajectory in sports was halted due to a leg injury during his second and third years of college, an incident that brought his competitive athletic career to an early end. But true to his character, he didn’t let this setback define him. Instead, he redirected his energy and focus toward academics, scoring an impressive 79%, the second-highest score in his college, an exceptional feat that reflected his intellectual capability and determination.
The conclusion of his undergraduate education marked not the end but a stepping stone to his lifelong commitment to learning. As he matured personally and professionally, Dr. Poulose Joseph Nellissery recognized the growing importance of formal management skills. With a desire to expand his capabilities and align them with the evolving needs of the corporate world, he pursued an MBA in Project Management, gaining both strategic and operational insights essential for leadership roles in business and technology.
Phase 3 : Career in the World of Banking and Technology
Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter
The career journey of Dr. Poulose Joseph Nellissery began in December 1989, not with grandeur, but with quiet determination in Mumbai, India. Taking his first professional steps as a Sales Executive at Varun Electronics, he was introduced to the fast-paced world of technology through the sales and implementation of video equipment and the early days of Dish TV networking in Kerala and Karnataka. These initial experiences laid the groundwork for what would become a dynamic and transformative career in the intersection of banking, finance, and digital technology.
From his first job onward, Dr. Poulose Joseph Nellissery demonstrated a relentless work ethic, a readiness to learn, and a keen eye for innovation. His potential quickly found the right platform when he joined Diebold HMA Pvt. Ltd. (now Diebold Nixdorf India Pvt. Ltd.) in September 1991 in Chennai. Over the next eight years, he rose to the role of Senior Manager – Systems, leading implementation projects for ATMs across India. Here, he not only mastered the intricacies of ATM hardware and software but also developed expertise in integrating ATM systems with core banking infrastructure. This role shaped his understanding of large-scale deployment, customer service, and the fine art of managing technical complexity in a real-time financial environment.
In February 1999, his next move took him to OPUS Software Solutions Pvt. Ltd. in Pune, where he worked as the General Manager – Support for Payment Switch and Payment Gateway projects. Over three and a half years, Dr. Poulose Joseph Nellissery spearheaded project implementation for EFT (Electronic Funds Transfer) switch solutions. His responsibilities extended to both pre-sales and post-sales functions, showcasing his ability to navigate both the technical and business sides of financial technology. By now, he had found his niche, automated transaction processing and payment systems within the banking industry.
The trajectory of his career climbed sharply when he joined First Gulf Bank (now First Abu Dhabi Bank) in July 2002, in Abu Dhabi, UAE. As Assistant Vice President – Alternate Channels, Dr. Poulose Joseph Nellissery led some of the most cutting-edge projects in digital banking at the time. His portfolio included ATMs, Cash & Cheque Deposit Machines (CCDM), Debit Card Switch systems, IVR services, Call Centre operations, and the early implementations of Internet and Mobile Banking. His leadership and execution during these years helped define how the bank interacted with customers in a 24/7 digital world.
However, the road was not without its trials. In 2008, personal family issues forced Dr. Poulose Joseph Nellissery to make the difficult decision to leave his job—a moment that marked one of the toughest phases in his life. Yet, his resilience and faith carried him forward. By the grace of God, he overcame this period, using the setback as a pivot to realign his professional path.