As President & Managing Director of Acer India, Harish Kohli has overseen the brand’s evolution from a PC manufacturer into a broader technology ecosystem spanning consumer electronics, enterprise solutions, and smart devices. At a time when AI dominates boardroom conversations and India’s manufacturing ambitions are accelerating, Kohli believes the biggest competitive advantage is clarity of purpose, disciplined decision-making, and the willingness to invest for the long term. In this Tech Titans interview, he talks about the philosophies that influence him every day and offers a glimpse into the mindset behind one of India’s most influential technology leaders.
What’s a personal habit or ritual that quietly shapes how you make big decisions?
A consistent work discipline of creating space for thinking—amidst a fast-moving environment—has quietly shaped how major decisions are made. Instead of reacting in the moment, there is a conscious effort to step back, assess context, and look at decisions through both short-term impact and long-term intent.
A key part of this approach is staying closely connected to people across level teams, partners, and customers—because diverse perspectives often bring clarity that data alone cannot.
Over time, this has become less of a habit and more of a mindset: balancing speed with reflection, and instinct with informed judgment, ensuring decisions are not just timely, but also purposeful and sustainable.
What’s one childhood incident that shaped who you are today?
Growing up, there was an early exposure to situations where resourcefulness mattered more than resources. One particular instance that stayed deeply was having to take initiative at a young age to solve a practical problem without waiting for direction.
That experience instilled a strong sense of ownership and self-reliance—values that continue to shape leadership even today. It reinforced the belief that clarity of intent and the willingness to act often matter more than perfect conditions.
What are your thoughts on Gen Z work culture, and how do you shape your work style to align with them?
Gen Z brings a refreshing shift to the workplace—marked by a strong sense of purpose, a preference for flexibility, and an innate comfort with digital-first environments. They are curious, expressive, and value-driven, often seeking meaningful work and tangible impact.
At Acer, the approach has been to evolve with these expectations—fostering a more open, collaborative culture, encouraging the free flow of ideas, and focusing on outcomes rather than rigid processes. Flexibility, continuous feedback, and clear growth pathways ensure that Gen Z professionals remain engaged, empowered, and aligned with the organisation’s vision.
What’s the biggest lie the industry is telling itself about AI right now?
The biggest misconception is that AI is a plug-and-play solution—that adoption alone guarantees transformation. In reality, its success depends on clarity of use cases, quality of data, and how effectively it integrates into existing workflows.
There is also a tendency to overestimate short-term gains while underestimating the long-term shift in skills, governance, and mindset that AI demands. The real opportunity lies in moving beyond the hype and treating AI as a strategic capability built on responsible, outcome-driven implementation.
What problem in the world still frustrates you enough to keep you awake at night?
The persistent gap between access and opportunity, particularly in technology, remains deeply frustrating. Despite rapid progress, millions still lack access to devices, connectivity, or digital skills needed to fully participate in today’s economy.
This divide not only limits individual potential but also slows broader societal progress. Bridging this gap—through accessibility, digital literacy, and inclusive innovation—remains a critical priority.
What’s a decision you made that looked risky at the time but turned out?
A defining decision was to invest in long-term capability building, particularly in local manufacturing, supply chain resilience, and market expansion—at a time when the industry was largely focused on short-term gains.
It required patience and conviction, with no immediate visibility on return. Over time, however, it enabled stronger agility, faster responsiveness, and deeper alignment with India’s evolving ecosystem—ultimately proving to be a cornerstone for sustainable growth.
What brands of gadgets do you use every day?
Daily usage is less about brand loyalty and more about performance, reliability, and ecosystem synergy. Acer and Acerpure devices naturally form the core—across laptops, TV, monitors, AC, Air Purifiers etc
When people look back at your work decades from now, what do you hope they say you changed?
The hope is to be remembered for making technology more accessible, relevant, and impactful at scale—expanding its reach beyond a privileged few.
A meaningful legacy would be one that contributed to building stronger local ecosystems, enabling access, and empowering more people to participate in the digital economy. If that journey is seen as inclusive and transformative, it would truly matter.
What’s harder: taking a bold decision or sticking with it when things go wrong?
Sticking with a bold decision is often harder. While taking the decision requires conviction, staying the course demands resilience, patience, and the ability to navigate uncertainty.
The real challenge lies in distinguishing between temporary setbacks and flawed direction—and having the discipline to adapt without losing intent.
What part of AI genuinely excites you—and what part quietly worries you?
What excites most is AI’s ability to unlock productivity and creativity at scale—simplifying complexity, enabling smarter decisions, and making technology more intuitive.
What raises concern is the pace of evolution relative to governance. Issues around data privacy, bias, and ethical use must be addressed proactively. The focus should remain on balancing innovation with trust, transparency, and accountability.
Rapid Fire
- Books you swear by: Leaders Eat Last, The Innovator’s Dilemma, Deep Thinking
- Current car: BMW 7 Series
- Dream car/bike: A high-performance sports car that blends engineering precision with driving emotions, something timeless rather than trendy.
- Fitness gadgets you use every day: A smartwatch for tracking activity, sleep, and overall wellness, prepared with a simple, consistent fitness routine.
- Go-to AI tool: Generative AI platforms for ideation, productivity enhancement, and faster decision support—used as an enabler rather than a replacement for human judgment.
- Quote you live by: One quote that continues to inspire me is from Admiral William H. McRaven: “If you want to change the world, start by making your bed.” This simple yet profound message reminds us that small, consistent actions can lead to significant change. Another quote I value is, “Leadership is not about being in charge. It’s about taking care of those in your charge.” It’s a principle I strive to embody in every decision I make, and it’s a powerful approach for anyone in a leadership role.
- Podcast recommendations: The Knowledge Project by Shane Parrish, which dives deep into decision-making and leadership, Masters of Scale by Reid Hoffman, offering valuable insights for entrepreneurs, and The Daily Stoic, which delivers timeless wisdom to help navigate the complexities of today’s fast-paced world