1. What’s your leadership mantra in the fast-evolving tech landscape
As the Managing Director of Motorola India, in the fast-evolving tech landscape, my leadership mantra is rooted in three pillars- prioritizing customer-centricity, embracing innovation with agility and fostering a culture of collaboration. Our legacy of meaningful innovation continues to strengthen our positioning as a lifestyle tech brand that’s attuned to the evolving needs of today’s consumers.
In a rapidly changing environment, staying ahead means consistently innovating and adapting to emerging trends. Design and functionality must go hand in hand from delivering differentiated design – whether through vibrant, trend-forward colours, the use of sustainable materials like vegan leather, or building up an ecosystem increasing seamless and efficient cross-device experiences and integrations between smartphone, laptop, tablet, etc, with Smart Connect and moto AI.
We place the customer at the core of our strategy and also recognize that success in this dynamic industry also comes by fostering an environment where teams are empowered to ideate, challenge conventions, and drive transformation. It’s this combination of agility, inclusivity, and purposeful innovation that allows us to lead with relevance in a fast-changing world
2. How do you inspire and motivate your team during a challenging time?
The dynamics of our industry—be it evolving technology, market competition, or global developments—often bring unforeseen challenges. In my experience, two values matter the most during challenging times: transparency and clarity of thought.
In such moments, I believe in engaging the team openly and honestly. We break down challenges into what we can control and what we can’t. The controllable aspects are where we act decisively, and once that’s in motion, we proactively look for ways to mitigate the uncontrollable.
This transparent approach, paired with clear direction, helps the team stay focused, feel empowered, and come together to overcome adversity. It’s this shared clarity and ownership that drives us forward—even in tough times.
While we may put our best efforts to mitigate the impact of uncontrollable elements, tackling what we can control with discipline and intent gives the team a strong sense of accomplishment and direction. It’s this clarity—delivered with honesty—that builds trust, keeps the team motivated, and helps us collectively navigate through uncertain times
3. In an era of AI and automation, how do you see the role of human leadership evolving?
We’re at a defining moment in business transformation. As AI and automation become more deeply embedded in how industries operate, the role of leadership is not diminishing—it’s evolving and becoming more critical than ever.
AI can process vast amounts of data, automate routine tasks, and optimize operations at scale. But what it cannot replicate is human vision, empathy, and ethical judgment. That’s where leadership comes in. As leaders, our role is no longer just about managing operations—it’s about providing strategic direction, instilling a sense of purpose, and ensuring that the integration of technology is done in a way that aligns with the values of our organization.
I see AI and automation as powerful tools—not replacements. They free up our teams to focus on more meaningful, high-impact work: creativity, innovation, and complex problem-solving. Our responsibility as leaders is to create an environment where these human strengths can thrive alongside intelligent systems.
We must also cultivate a culture of continuous learning. As the capabilities of AI evolve, so must our teams. It is up to leadership to ensure they are equipped with the right skills and mindset to adapt, grow, and lead in their own right. Encouraging curiosity, agility, and resilience will be fundamental in this new age.
Another crucial aspect is ethics. AI brings incredible possibilities, but it also raises important questions—around bias, fairness, and societal impact. Human leadership is essential to ensure these tools are used responsibly and inclusively, benefiting not just the business, but employees, customers, and the larger community.
At its core, the future of leadership will be about balance—leveraging the immense potential of AI while staying deeply connected to people. As leaders, we must remain grounded in empathy, focused on long-term vision, and committed to leading with integrity in a world increasingly shaped by intelligent technology
4. Tell us about a major screw-up in your career—what went wrong and what did you learn?
I wouldn’t say I’ve had any major screw-ups in my career, but like anyone, I’ve certainly made my share of small mistakes along the way. And I believe that’s not just normal—it’s essential. A career without mistakes is, frankly, a career without growth.
My core philosophy on mistakes is simple: Keep making mistakes, but never repeat the same one twice. Every mistake is a learning opportunity—as long as you treat it that way.
There are two things I always follow when a mistake occurs:
- Act first, investigate later. The moment a mistake is identified, the top priority is to fix it—immediately—before asking who caused it or why. Acting quickly limits damage and helps the team stay focused on the solution, not the blame.
- Learn and institutionalize. Once the issue is resolved, I believe in doing a thorough root cause analysis to understand what went wrong. Then, put a process or safeguard in place to make sure it doesn’t happen again.
This approach—rapid resolution followed by structured learning—not only builds accountability but also creates a culture where people aren’t afraid to take risks or try new things. That’s how progress happens. Mistakes, when managed right, become stepping stones—not stumbling blocks.
5. How do you handle failure, and how do you encourage a failure-friendly culture?
Failures are an inevitable part of the journey—and I genuinely believe they should be seen as stepping stones, not setbacks. But the key to building a failure-friendly culture starts with setting the right goal.
I’ve always encouraged my teams to believe: It’s OK to fail—if your ambition was bold enough. One of the core mantras we live by is: Dream Big. Run Hard. Play Like Champions. If you’ve dreamed big, put in the hard work, and given it everything—then even if you fail, you’ve already moved forward.
When failure happens, the approach is simple: fix the issue first, conduct a root cause analysis, and then move on—smarter, sharper, and stronger. The more consistently we model this mindset in meetings, reviews, and planning, the more it becomes second nature.
Over time, this creates a culture where teams take ownership, aren’t afraid to take risks, and learn faster. And that’s the kind of culture where innovation thrives
6. What’s the next big disruption you foresee in the tech industry?
For me, it’s undoubtedly AI—and the limitless possibilities it unlocks. AI is no longer just about automation—it’s about creating an experience that is intuitive, integrated, and uniquely personal. That’s the future we’re building toward.
The future of AI is truly boundless. It will play an increasingly essential role not just in processing and managing data, but in enhancing smartphone capabilities in ways that go far beyond what we’ve seen so far.
What’s particularly exciting is the evolution of personalized AI. We’re entering an era where AI won’t just respond to commands—it will understand individual preferences, adapt to user behavior, and anticipate needs. For instance, with Next Move from moto AI, we’re already seeing contextually aware suggestions—whether it’s reminders, updates, or actions—without any prompt. That level of intuitive intelligence marks a huge leap forward.
AI is also becoming the backbone of a truly connected ecosystem. Through innovations like Smart Connect, AI allows users to switch seamlessly between devices—smartphone to laptop to tablet—managing tasks, content, and workflows with zero friction. This is where personalized AI makes a difference: it understands how you work and ensures that every device responds in sync with your habits.
7. How do you unplug from the tech world? Or do you? Any non-negotiable habits?
Yes, my way of unplugging from the world is to dive into my passion—wildlife photography. It’s something I’ve been deeply connected to for over a decade now. At least once every quarter, I take a short break and head to one of India’s incredible wildlife reserves for a few days—usually three nights and four to six safaris.
Once I’m in the jungle, everything else fades away. There’s no internet, no calls, no screens—and I keep my phone switched off for those 8-hour safaris each day. It’s just me, the forest, the bird calls, the rustling leaves, maybe a distant trumpet or a sudden roar.
Those moments are my true reset. Being out there, surrounded by nature, reminds me to slow down, be present, and reconnect with myself. It’s my version of a complete detox—and I come back recharged every single time.
8. What books that changed your perspective on leadership & Technology
One leadership book that left a deep and lasting impression on me was Lee Iacocca: An Autobiography. I read it nearly 25 years ago, and to this day, the lessons from his journey—from leading at Ford to turning around Chrysler—continue to influence how I approach leadership.
What stood out for me, and what I’ve tried to carry into my own career, are a few core principles:
- Approach problems practically, not just theoretically.
- Take risks, but make sure they’re calculated.
- Build the right team, and then empower them fully.
- Communicate with honesty and clarity.
- And most importantly—stay resilient. Be patient, but persistent.
On the technology front, my perspective has always been: adapt fast or risk falling behind. I’ve lived through the evolution—from working on desktop machines in engineering labs, to owning my first PC, moving to feature phones, and now living in a world of smartphones, tablets, and AI.
What excites me most is how technology, especially AI, has become deeply integrated into our daily lives. The pace of change is exponential, and to stay relevant—whether as individuals or organizations—we need to not just understand technology, but actively adopt and leverage it. That mindset shift is no longer optional. It’s essential for success in today’s world.
9. Podcasts and inspiring quotes that you want to recommend our readers
One podcast I always recommend is of Suresh Narayanan, Chairman & MD of Nestlé India, where he shares his leadership philosophy – “LEADING BY EXAMPLE”. It’s deeply insightful—he talks about the importance of strategic thinking, leading with empathy, and relentlessly pursuing excellence. What stands out is his belief in empowering teams, staying close to consumers, being attuned to market shifts, and fostering collaboration.
One line that stayed with me from his talk is how he defines leadership as a responsibility—owning failures as a leader and giving credit to the team for every success. It’s a powerful reminder of what true leadership looks like, and I believe it’s a must-listen for every manager and aspiring leader.
As for a quote that’s always inspired me, it’s this one by Sir Winston Churchill:
“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that matters.”
It’s a simple yet profound reminder to stay grounded, keep moving forward, and never let setbacks define your journey.