1. What’s your leadership mantra in the fast-evolving auto landscape?
Eyes on the sky, Feet on the ground. Aim high, but stay grounded in reality and connected to customer insights.
2. How do you inspire and motivate your team during a challenging time?
I believe in adopting a ‘Growth Mindset’: staying optimistic and taking calibrated risks. In every challenge, there is an opportunity.
3. Tell us about a major screw-up in your career—what went wrong and what did you learn?
Too many to list. The important thing is to stay open to feedback, understand what went wrong, and learn from every mistake and failure.
4. What’s a mistake you see many young auto leaders making?
Overconfidence can lead to havoc, especially when there is insufficient effort to connect with multiple stakeholders and understand their perspectives.
5. What’s the next big disruption you foresee in the auto industry?
A major shift is moving towards software-defined vehicles and connected cars. Vehicles are turning into computers on wheels, featuring over-the-air updates, ADAS-based automated driving, and subscription services, all of which demand a software-first mindset.
6. What books, podcasts, or quotes changed your perspective on leadership in Auto?
One recent book I loved was “The Revenge of the Tipping Point”. If you want to create impact, you need to build critical mass around an idea that causes a tipping Point. This is what we are attempting to achieve with the market creation of lifestyle and desirable electric SUVs.
7. How is Mahindra planning to differentiate its upcoming EVs in a rapidly crowding market?
Our vehicles are crafted to become objects of desire, combining never-before-seen technology at wow prices. The designs will be tailored to resonate with the rising aspirations of lifestyle buyers and will feature AI-enabled human-machine interfaces.