1. What’s your leadership mantra in the fast-evolving tech landscape?
For me, leadership isn’t about a fancy title or a corner office—it’s about how you think and how you make others feel. I believe in loving what you do and doing it with heart. It’s about owning your actions, being open to change, and helping others grow alongside you. In tech, where things shift quickly, staying grounded, being flexible, and telling your story clearly really matters.
2. How do you inspire and motivate your team during a challenging time?
When things get tough, I try to bring in calm and clarity. I believe in being honest with the team, breaking big problems into smaller ones, and reminding everyone that it’s okay to stumble—it’s how we bounce back that matters. I try to lead by doing, not just talking. And sometimes, even a small reminder like “Let’s not wish for it—let’s work for it” can go a long way.
3. In an era of AI and automation, how do you see the role of human leadership evolving?
As machines start handling more of the routine, the real strength of leaders will be in being more human—more empathetic, more present, and more purpose-driven. It’s about creating a space where people feel seen and heard, even as we embrace tech to improve how we work. The tools are evolving, but leadership will always be about people.
4. Tell us about a major screw-up in your career—what went wrong and what did you learn?
Oh, I’ve definitely had my share of missteps—but each one has grounded me in some way. They’ve taught me the importance of slowing down, taking full ownership, and being open to course correction. I’ve come to see that failure isn’t an obstacle—it’s a stepping stone. It’s not something to hide from, but something to learn from and build on, with more clarity, awareness, and humility.
5. What’s a mistake you see many young tech entrepreneurs making?
I often see young founders so focused on chasing growth or the next funding round that they forget why a business exists in the first place—to be profitable and sustainable. Sometimes there’s also a tendency to mimic what’s already out there, instead of solving a problem in a new way. Great companies are built on solid ground, not just buzz.
6. How do you handle failure, and how do you encourage a failure-friendly environment?
Failure is a part of the journey, not the end of it. I’ve learned to treat it like feedback—sometimes tough, but always valuable. I try to create an environment where people aren’t afraid to try, even if things don’t go perfectly. We look at what went wrong, talk about it openly, and focus on how we can do better next time.
7. What’s the next big disruption you foresee in the tech industry?
I think robotics—especially in manufacturing—is going to be a game-changer. We’re already seeing smart automation, but soon it’ll be about machines collaborating with people in ways that felt like sci-fi not long ago. It’s not just about speed—it’s about changing how we approach work altogether.
8. How do you unplug from the tech world? Or do you? Any non-negotiable habits?
I absolutely do! I’m a big fan of old Bollywood music—Kishore Kumar is my go-to. I love cooking, and I also spend time with my pet, Milo. It helps me disconnect, slow down, and just enjoy the moment and that balance really keeps me going.
9. Inspiring quotes you’d recommend to our readers?
One that really stuck with me is: “Leadership is not about being in charge. It’s about taking care of those in your charge.”