Epidemic, Endurance, and Exhibit!

When SpaceX’s latest launch, the SN8, burst into flames, millions of dollars evaporated but there was not a single wrinkle on Elon Musk’s forehead. In fact, the mad scientist went on to congratulate his team on the failure! That’s how the man is built; taking failures into his stride and on a mission to do the impossible. The idea of building a colony on Mars is the wildest and weirdest dream anyone can have, and if anyone has the ability to execute it in our lifetime, it is probably Musk. I have always been fascinated by him, his journey, his tweets, the hero of startups, and one crazy soul who does first, think later, and goes all in. Read his book, Elon Musk by Ashlee Vance and you will start believing even in Spiderman and Superman. Why Elon Musk, you ask? Because it’s that time of the year when you will be making new year resolutions, and in that it’s a must that you should slide in after you have browsed through our take on 31st parties in these Covid times.

The turn of the year always brings positivity, aspirations, and hope. 2021 will definitely go down the century as the year where hope for 7.5 billion people are all glued in for the vaccine, for the skies to open, to live freely, to stay alive! By this time, the preparations for CES (Consumer Electronics Show) in Las Vegas are in full swing, like many things now it’s a ritual which will be missed massively in fact for the first time ever since the first edition of Exhibit came about – 15 years ago.

Since then, we have seen a lot of highs and lows, though nothing as radical and life-changing as this pandemic. Nevertheless, it is our Nature to bounce back harder than we are hit and that’s exactly what we have done. We persevered through the toughest of times and faced the highest of pressures. But as they say, only the coal that can sustain the highest pressure turns into a diamond. It’s a wrapping issue of 2020, and we have just dropped our podcasts on Spotify and other platforms, next time give us a thumbs up, we will have plenty of conversations, tech hacks coming up there. Moving forward to the next year, all we can wish to carry forward from this year are the learnings, the lessons, and the alterations that we have voluntarily done to our lives. Otherwise, I think you all would pretty much agree that 2020 should have never existed!

Leadership Series | Jitendra Chouksey – Founder, FITTR

In today’s episode, we are in conversation with someone who considers himself an Accidental Entrepreneur. From giving fitness tips to his colleagues in a small WhatsApp group, he has blossomed to be at the helm of a global fitness community. We are talking about Jitendra Chouksey, founder of the world’s largest online fitness & nutrition community, FITTR.

Ritesh Agarwal | Top Leaders In Tech & Auto

Ex: 3 habits you think are most important in order to be an effective leader?
Ritesh: For me, it is important to always invest in staying ahead of the curve, learning about things, preparing for meetings, so that I am able to add value to every conversation. Again, super important to be adding purpose to the job of every employee in the organization by driving their passion in the right direction. To be an effective leader, therefore, it is important to be open to new ideas, trust one’s instincts and surround yourself with people who bring more to the table in terms of insights and ideas.

Ex: The next product on your tech-wishlist?
Ritesh: My phone and laptop are my go-to gadgets and I like to keep them updated with time.

Ex: The best tech innovation according to you?
Ritesh: I would say the coming together of technology and hospitality is among the biggest examples when it comes to tech-driven innovation. The hospitality industry, till a few years ago, was human-intensive with every big and small player striving to provide quality services and amenities through its vast resource pool. However, things are taking a major turn and the hospitality landscape is transforming With technology further touching the hospitality experience, both locals and travelers can book a standardized and predictable accommodation in minutes at the touch of their phone in 2-3 simple steps. For companies, this is a great time to innovate and unleash their potential to not just meet the changing requirements of customers, but also to revolutionize old industries to make them relevant to the 21st century.

Ex: Your ideas and views on sustainable technology?
Ritesh: In terms of sustainable technology, we have enabled technology to power every aspect of hospitality from housekeeping to a simplified check-in and check-out process, further resulting in optimum utilization of resources. Our sophisticated renovation process helps in transforming a building within 14 days that saves resources while ensuring sustainable growth in the hospitality sector. We are ardent followers of ‘recycling and reusing’ and many of our assets have design aspects that are powered by this approach. Also, instead of a huge mass of construction work to create properties and thereby add to pollution levels, we acquire existing properties, renovate, and upgrade them.

Zac Hollis | Top Leaders In Tech & Auto

Ex: What is one truth you believe in that most people disagree with you on?
Zac: This is a difficult one to start with. I have nothing unique in my leadership style and much of my personal learnings about having passion, energy and drive are not new to business or to life. I do however believe strongly that it is important to look after your own body and to be fit in order to achieve the best out of life.

Ex: One thing you believe is absolutely necessary for sustained growth.
Zac: Surround yourself with the best people you can find and reward them well. They will deliver so much more towards the growth of your business. This hiring process cannot be underestimated.

Ex: When will you say you have fulfilled all your goals?
Zac: This is a difficult one as life keeps on giving you, new goals as soon as you achieve the ones you have. I don’t believe you will ever achieve all of your goals. It is important to keep setting challenging goals for the future and to keep looking forward and re-evaluating where you are going.

Ex: How difficult is it to maintain a work-life balance?
Zac: Personally I don’t find this difficult and I have the ability to cut off and do what I feel is important at the time. Family, sports, and hobbies are what keeps the mind active and make you refreshed for business.

Ex: One futuristic feature that you can’t wait to introduce in your vehicle.
Zac: Autonomous vehicles will eventually change the way we travel completely. Imagine calling up a car on and it comes straight to you, taking you to where you want to go and then going on to the next customer, without a driver ever being present in the car. The business case for owning a car will become less and less, but in the short term, the innovations in technology that are moving down from premium cars are safety features.

Ex: Can you imagine how much safer our roads would be if every car was equipped with emergency braking?
Zac: This means that no car could possibly run into the back of the car in front. This I believe is coming and soon could be mandatory on all new cars, like seat belts or airbags.

Ex:  Which old-school car/bike design inspired you the most?
Zac: I love the designs of the British Sports cars from the 1960s and ’70s. From the MG’s, E-Type Jag, and Austin Healeys. I feel these designs are timeless.

Ex: When do you plan to launch the VISION IN? What will you introduce after the VISION IN from the same platform?
Zac: We are extremely excited for the launch of the A0 SUV based on the VISION IN Concept, showcased at the Delhi Auto Expo 2020. We plan to launch it
in Q2 2021. It will be another splendid innovation from SKODA. 2021 looks promising because post the launch of the A0 SUV, we will be launching A0 NB Sedan, built on the same platform, which will provide best-in-class features and an amazing value for the luxury proposition.

Ex: Is Skoda India planning to enter the EV segment, given the launch of the Enyaq iV?
Zac: The future of mobility is going to be electric, however, it will still take time for the Indian market to adopt EVs on a mass scale. We are committed to the Indian market and will introduce the right EV models at an opportune time – but certainly not in the immediate future.

Sameer Raje | Top Leaders In Tech & Auto

Ex: Leadership quotes that you live by
Sameer: “I am not what happened to me. I am what I choose to become.” – Carl Jung “You got a dream, you gotta protect it. When people cannot do something themselves, they’re gonna tell you that you can’t do it. You want something, go get it. Period.” – Will Smith (from the movie – The Pursuit of Happyness) “Don’t quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion.” – Muhammad Ali

Ex: What has been your biggest learning in the pandemic?
Sameer: That wealth can also be measured as an ‘attitude of gratitude’, with which we remind ourselves every day to count our blessings.

Ex: Some productivity apps and technologies you use in your daily life?
Sameer: Zoom for meetings, calendar for scheduling, unified communication hardware like Jabra and Poly headsets, speakerphones and smartwatch with inbuilt GPS to track sports activities – integrated with the phone for calendaring and Zoom chat notifications.

Ex: What is your technology detox like?
Sameer: Focusing on my fitness is a detox time for me. I usually go for a run in the evening for 5-10 km. On the days when I don’t have early morning meetings, I cycle around Mumbai city and try to cover nearly 50 km before the city wakes up.

Ex: What are your views on the unanticipated boom for Zoom?
Sameer: Zoom saw huge adoption because of the simplicity and reliability of the platform. We are helping governments, schools, corporates, large businesses, and standalone users around the world to connect during these trying times. I am glad to be part of an organization that is helping humanity in this hour of crisis and will continue to do so.

Ex: How does Zoom plan to introduce AI in its software?
Sameer: At Zoom, the privacy and security of our users are of utmost importance and we will never compromise on this. We will continue to build and innovate on our platform, and announce the right features at the right time.

Ex: What is the one truth you believe in, that most people disagree with you on?
Sameer: It is all about the focus. No goal or dream is too big. If you set your mind, you can overcome any hurdle, achieve any target that may seem impossible at first.

Ex: What is the one subject you think aspiring leaders should learn/focus on?                                                                                                Sameer: Establish a culture of caring from the beginning – caring for your customers and your partners. Most importantly, caring for your employees who feel proud to contribute to building great customer experiences. A grumpy employee cannot make a customer happy, so make sure you are taking care of your employees really well.

Ex: One book you keep coming back to?
Sameer: The book that inspires me the most is Jonathan Livingston Seagull by Richard Bach. This is for people who pursue their passions, push their limits, and strive to do better every day.

Roshan Sirohia | Top Leaders in Tech & Auto

Ex: What is one truth you believe in that most people disagree with you on?

Roshan: I always believe that being sincere and having a single-minded focus on the goal is the only way to succeed and become somebody in any market or industry. Diluting focus and trying to achieve multiple goals at the same time always comes at the cost of ultimate growth and domination within any product segment, market, or overall customer experience.

Ex:  What is the one subject you think aspiring leaders should learn?

Roshan: Prioritisation & Time Management! Putting First things First – In my few years at Cruise Appliances, I realize it’s one of the lesser taught or practiced subjects and I struggle from time to time with this, which sometimes ends up affecting the value chain of the company. This skill and consistent practice is one big differentiator between good and the best leadership.

Ex: One thing you believe is absolutely necessary for sustained growth

Roshan: Quality and consistency in every aspect of the operations – starting from product quality, sales experience, customer ownership experience and finally the brand’s promise presentation.

Ex: One book you keep coming back to?

Roshan: Art of War – it’s a classic. Each of the principles and psychological strategies defined here is still very relevant & can be easily used in today’s fiercely competitive corporate scenarios as well.

Ex:  Leadership quotes that you live by (Can be multiple)

Roshan: “People don’t buy what you do, they buy why you do it. And what you do simply proves what you believe” “The only way to do ‘great’ work is to love what you do”

Ex: How difficult is it to maintain a work-life balance?

Roshan: It’s easy to maintain since I plan my vacations and days off in advance and a strong workout daily helps keep me energized for long days too! I also believe in sleeping soundly for 7 hours every day even if the world is turning upside down.

Ex:  What has been your biggest learning in the pandemic?

Roshan: Everything is finite. Everything can be managed digitally. And in the middle of every difficulty lies ample opportunity and we will see the fruits of labor that have been sown during this pandemic in the next 2-4 years.

Ex:  Some productivity apps and technologies you use in your daily life?

Roshan: My AirPods for seamless conversation and Slack for team working.

Ex:  What is your technology detox like?

Roshan: Time with family over a nice meal or driving down at ridiculous speeds to the nearest hill station.

Kartik Bakshi | Top Leaders in Tech & Auto

Ex: What is one truth you believe in that most people disagree with you on?

Kartik: Attitude is more important than hard work

Ex: What is the one subject you think aspiring leaders should learn?

Kartik: I don’t think this is a subject in school but teaching and showing the way to others is essential to be a good leader. Everything else can be learned in college but some skills have to come from within your personality traits.

Ex: One thing you believe is absolutely necessary for sustained growth

Kartik: Keep taking calculated risks…you never know when they might pay off!

Ex: One book you keep coming back to?

Kartik: Blue Ocean Strategy

Ex: Leadership quotes that you live by (Can be multiple)

Kartik: “Everything negative – pressure, challenges – is all an opportunity for me to rise” – Kobe Bryant “Leaders become great not because of their power but, because of their ability to empower others” – John Maxwell

Ex:  How difficult is it to maintain a work-life balance?

Kartik: Time-Management is the key ingredient in living a balanced life. I always believe everything is possible if you just manage your time in an organized fashion.

Ex: What has been your biggest learning in the pandemic?

Kartik: The power of the internet. It can unite people from all over the world.

Ex: Some productivity apps and technologies you use in your daily life?

Kartik: Garmin fitness App. Notes. Linksys app (managing my wifi). Calendar & reminders.

Ex: What is your technology detox like?

Kartik: A good workout before I start my day. It helps in clearing my mind and is the only time I am not thinking about work as much. Cooking from time to time is very therapeutic as well; not sure how it tastes though

Ex: Apart from connectivity devices, which other segments would you like to target?

Kartik: Belkin international has always been about solving human needs, hence during this pandemic, we have forayed into Health & Wellness. We have launched our very own face masks as we know wearing a mask is one simple action that can help in keeping each other safe.

Ex: How do you see the world shaping up post-COVID?

Kartik: As of now, the pandemic hasn’t shown any signs of slowing down. Face masks will continue to be the new norm while the focus on innovation will be key especially for schools & work. Given the fact of how technology has united us during these tough times, people may feel even more grateful & empathetic towards each other now more than ever.

Jitendra Chouksey | Top Leaders in Tech & Auto

Ex: What were the hurdles and what pushed you?

Jitendra: I do not think funding is that big a deal. Even before receiving the funding, we were a successful bootstrapped company, earning revenue of around 5 million a year. If people don’t believe in you, take that in your stride and work towards building a business that is profitable. Whatever you do, try to solve the problems of your customers.

Ex: What is one truth you believe in that most people disagree with you on?

Jitendra: I do not think there is any since I consider everybody’s opinion and act accordingly. I do not believe myself to be arrogant that there would be something only I would believe in as opposed to anybody else.

Ex: What is the one subject you think aspiring leaders should learn?

Jitendra: Most of the things that you learn as a founder are things you will not find in books. Being in fitness and sports prepares you physically as well as mentally. Sports, especially combat sports, teach you a lot of things that apply in real life. So, my advice is that if you can manage your physical and mental health well, you can achieve anything. Leadership quotes that you live by. I follow Mahatma Gandhi’s quotes and I believe he is one of the best guides to learn from on how to live life!

Ex: What has been your biggest learning in the pandemic?

Jitendra: I have always been someone who never worked from home. These 8 months have been the longest time that I have worked from and worked out at home. This was also the first time I realized that I could work out from home.

Ex: Some productivity apps and technologies you use in your daily life?

Jitendra: Skype, Zoom for managing the team, and GitHub

Ex: How do you plan to scale up?

Jitendra: We are already scaling up. There are millions of people worldwide who need education about health and fitness. We do not sell any products or gimmicks; instead, we teach people how to adopt fitness.

Ex: Who would be your closest competitor?

Jitendra: Our competition is ourselves. We look at what we have done in the past and look to better it.

Ex: What are your plans for introducing your own range of fitness gadgets?

Jitendra: That is not our expertise. Our expertise and USP lies in educating people. We would like to focus on that. There might be a scenario where we might tie-up with a company that specializes in those. However, that is not on our priority list.

Haruto Iwata | Top Leaders In Tech & Auto

Ex: What is the one subject you think aspiring leaders should learn?

Haruto: Aspiring leaders should learn the art of Managing – Managing People, managing organization – They should have the ability to Create change for society, people, and organization by taking up challenges – They should possess a challenging spirit

Ex: One thing you believe is absolutely necessary for sustained growth?

Haruto: Adaption of New technology and having a Neverstop attitude towards whatever you do and believe in.

Ex:  Leadership quotes that you live by (Can be multiple)

Haruto:  “Never put passion in front of principle even if you win. You will lose”

Ex:  How difficult is it to maintain a work-life balance?

Haruto: It’s not difficult to maintain balance – Important thing is to Focus – Focus on what you are doing – While you are working focus should be work, while you are off work you should focus on what you Love – I work from 9 –5,30 –focusing on work, while I play golf and do photography – My focus is enjoyment – Change of mind as per the situation is the mantra for maintaining work –Life balance

Ex: What has been your biggest learning in the pandemic?

Haruto: Staying calm and not to panic in the toughest situation – One should do proper future planning, Keeping Check and measure what you are doing – Stay cool – This pandemic situation will pass too.

Ex: Some productivity apps and technologies you use in your daily life?

Haruto: Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, and most important – Email Apps for communication

Ex:  What is your technology detox like?

Haruto: My Fujifilm XT4 Mirrorless camera and my Fujifilm lenses are my Technology Detox.

Ex: Fujifilm Instax cameras are a classic tribute to the olden days. What’s next in the same essence?

Haruto: The secret sauce in Fujifilm’s recipe is the instant camera, which the selfie generation seems to have taken to with pleasure. The fact that Fujifilm’s instant camera range starts at around Rs 4,000 in India, and the bright colors they’re available in, makes its Instax line a popular gift for tweens and teens. – Our range of Instax cameras brings back the nostalgia feeling among people. This has been doing well as the consumers today are always looking for something new. Also, sharing printed photographs has been gaining a lot of interest among consumers. Don’t Just Take, Give too.

Shashi Arora | Top Leaders In Tech & Auto

Ex: What are the changes that you have seen in the technology world in India in the last 25 years?
Shashi: 25 years is a long period and one of the most prominent changes everyone has observed is the smartphone. While it is a cliche now, everything we once had around us has merged in the smartphone. Another thing is the IoT (Internet of Things). So all that we do and all that we have will gradually become a part of the smartphone.

Ex: As a brand what are your learnings from the pandemic? What are the changes you have witnessed in the business plans?
Shashi: First and foremost I have learnt that these “black swan” events that happen once in a lifetime cannot be expected or prepared for. While these events have a lasting impact on any industry, there is nothing we can do to preempt
these situations. Talking about our business, April is the time when our business peaks. So naturally, we were considerably affected by the pandemic. So it was only in June that we looked at the hindsight and figured out what we should do. We figured that we need to diversify our categories of air conditioners and refrigerators, to cater to a wider range of customers. Most importantly, all of our products are Made in India!

Ex: Apart from TV, refrigerator, which new product launches are on your charts?
Shashi: Lloyd was recently acquired by Havells, which is an electronics giant. Since it is already well-established in the electronics segment, Lloyd’s priority is to establish itself further n the consumer durables segment. Alongside ACs, we are also into LED TVs, washing machines and we have also expanded full-time into refrigerators. We realised that the need for convenience products has shot up post lockdown, after which we also entered the dishwasher segment.

Ex: What is the one subject that you think aspiring leaders should learn?
Shashi: If you’re talking to youngsters, Data Science is one topic they should learn about. As we talked about IoT, the fact is there is a lot of data around us and to make meaningful sense of that data is important. Whether you consider Amazon or
Google or any other example, you can get a lot of consumer insights. But making good sense of that data and to derive useful analytics out of it is important. Talking about elder entrepreneurs, it is important for them to learn and understand digital marketing. The reason is that the individual need for marketing is gaining prominence rapidly. The need for targeting is becoming important, as individualism is becoming significant.

Ex:  Share any leadership quote you live by?
Shashi: One of the top ones that come to mind is “Leaders don’t do different things, they do things differently.” After all these years in the industry, I have realised that the more things change, the more they remain the same. Whatever you may be selling, the principles remain the same. Another one I like is “Together Everybody Achieves More.” It is even better for me as it is an acronym for “TEAM.” So I abide by the quote since I thoroughly believe in it.

Exit mobile version