Interview Archives - Exhibit Tech

Exclusive: In Conversation with Mr Manabu Yamazaki, President and CEO of Canon India

We are joined by an industry exemplary for an exclusive interview. Canon India’s President and CEO, Mr. Manabu Yamazaki, led an amazing ceremony for Canon’s new platform NorthStar, a holistic advisory platform for enthusiasts looking to create studio setups, photography setups, and so on. Mr. Yamazaki has carefully ingrained his philosophy towards his career and his devotion to his consumers is admirable. We had the pleasure of speaking to Mr Yamazaki directly about the innovation platform NorthStar and his professional journey with Canon.

Exhibit: Introduce us to Canon and your new platform, NorthStar.

Yamazaki: It’s a platform where our target customers are studio owners, production owners or someone in this imaging industry, creating content and providing deliverables. To really review and see the opportunities, with the latest technology and how to do a makeover. They need a proper advisory, so we provide advisory services, and consultations, and involve specialists. In a nutshell, where there is expertise needed, Canon comes in. This is also B2B, for entities and not for individuals.

Exhibit: How did you come up with the idea of NorthStar?

Yamazaki: In a nutshell, we see a fragmented market. People are somewhat lost in the industry. For example, augmented reality, AI, AR, and all kinds of new technologies are coming. So how do they take in these technologies and properly optimise their existing setup into this new age? So they can cater to their needs. They need advisory. That’s how we picked up from the market and came up with NorthStar.

Exhibit: What makes the NorthStar platform unique?

Yamazaki: Because no one does it today. So that’s already unique in itself. It’s very practical, in a way, that we involved many people. We’ve done a lot of studies in this market in the last couple of years and seen many changes and shifts in technology. As to create the latest content in imaging, it requires different types of products to make them–software, hardware, tools, expertise, setup, wiring, everything. We need to involve integration of a kind but that needs specialists in each case. We have all these contacts so this network of people has actually joined this school of thought to do this. Along with product vendors, like Dell, Sennheiser, and Adobe. We don’t do everything in terms of product technology so we engage people who do that and we work with them. Then, we bring in the system integrator to put this together so at least if there’s a new investment from them, they can talk to the system integrator. However, we come as an advisory board. So it’s a team of professionals running the new-age studio. That’s basically why it’s unique because no one else is doing it.

Exhibit: You have mentioned Canon uses the Japanese term, ‘Gemba,’ previously. How did this integrate into NorthStar?

Yamazaki: ‘Gemba’ is a keyword that means ‘On-Site.’ You go visit the customer. We have transactions every day, every minute, with all kinds of customers on a professional scale. With a country as diverse as India, it probably holds the largest number of OTT, studio setups, cinema, movie productions, and YouTube users available. I think for the videography and still photography industry, all in all, India is the big hub of all things happening. This is the Gemba as a market for us. That’s what happens to every one of us in the organisation. Not just me. Everyone’s going out there, and engaging people.

Exhibit: How does Canon India tailor its strategies to address the needs of different regions within the country?

Yamazaki: We have divided India into 4 locations in terms of directions – South, North, East and West. In each location, we have a regional headquarters function where they pick up and extract the regional intelligence. They do their own research. Instead of looking at India as one country and approaching this blanket-wise, every state has a different agenda and different sets of practising. So, we’ve basically based ourselves regionally too and given some accountability in managing how to strategise our approaches regionally. So that’s how we do it.

Exhibit: What are the future benefits you are predicting with NorthStar?

Yamazaki: We are creating this universe that makes people stay relevant enough to date with the technology. As you know, technology today is accelerating its speed. Technology a year ago is probably already archaic or outdated. So this space, how do we play and stay relevant? We are setting a scene for all of us in this community, to stay relevant and staying up-to-date by using each other’s relevance. All these people, the industry players, have their own areas of speciality. So, that is the importance of this union. This is a league of specialists.

Exhibit: Can you share some significant obstacles you’ve faced in your career?

Yamazaki: I think providing something like this would require very meticulous project management. So project management is something that we have to pay careful attention to. We made a commitment to the customer so this management is not an obstacle. It is a challenge that we have to commit to.

Exhibit: How has your journey led you to your current role as President of Canon India?

Yamazaki: I worked in various locations before, doing different things. Coming from this company, we have 4 different types of products. I have been in touch with 3 of them actually. Being in touch with different types of products in the actual market as well as being in different regions and speaking different languages–helped me in bringing me over here. This is probably the biggest market with the most potential, in terms of scale and depth. That probably required my expertise. That’s how I see it, I’ve never asked anybody for this.

Exhibit: What’s your personal philosophy with your business?

Yamazaki: Integrity, trust, insight, and empathy.

The star behind the flipping cars: In conversation with Rohit Shetty.

Intro: From being a filmy young boy who started his journey at age 16 to being known as “Ye voi jo gaadia udata hai”, Rohit Shetty’s journey as one of Bollywood’s most successful directors has been nothing short of magical. In a candid interview with Ramesh Somani, Rohit unveils his lesser-known side and first-hand insight into the world behind his lens.

Ramesh Somani: You love powerful machines that tear up the road, and you are unstoppable just like the Jeep. How has been your journey?
Rohit Shetty: My journey has been, I would say, adventurous. It was quite filmy, like a boy who starts his journey at 16 and has seen a lot in life. Dad is one of the finest action directors of his time, and I wanted to be like him, so I started doing car stunts at the age of 18. All I ever wanted to be was an action director, so I started with it, and I got to work with Ajay’s father, a renowned action director. I learnt a lot from him, and then I was working as an assistant director. Gradually, it started with being an action director and then every other thing happened with the flow. Before working as an AD, Ajay, with whom I was working, started his production. Then came a turn in my life where he said now you direct a film and that’s how everything happened. That’s why you see in all my movies that cars blow up and action scenes because the action director is still there inside me.

Ramesh Somani: You’ve had a long history with cars. You’ve driven them, blown them apart, sent them hundreds of feet in the air. Which moment is your favourite one among them?
Rohit Shetty: I have done more than 100 stunts with a car. We have blown up more than 200 vehicles. To be honest, I have even lost count of it. I also do a show called Fear Factor and because of that, what has happened to me is I love action. I have met the action teams worldwide, like how food lovers meet other food lovers who have the same taste of food or fashion, but I met many action teams when I was doing Fear Factor. At that point, I created my group, which is also from around the world. If there is some specific stunt I want to do or want some stunt guy to do it, I call them from Cape Town, Bulgaria, and multiple places like those and work together. In my latest movie Suryavanshi, I have a bike stunt in which the stunt guy is from Bulgaria. The other for the car stunt is from Cape Town so that’s how these come together and shoot for me. We had a CGI shot with drifting, so they did it. Coming back to your question, the Guinness book of the world record for a topple is for Casino Royale. You will not believe the Bulgarian driver name Kaleem. He was shooting and did a 7 round, but the record is for eight topples, so if we had two more, we would have broken the world record for it.

Ramesh Somani: Do you love adventure and sports? Driving on rugged terrains? What have you been itching to do next?
Rohit Shetty: I just want to go to the next level, and now because we have a team, it is like a family. As you say, the world is small. Now we work along with worldwide people. Sometimes we have people from abroad coming here for shoots, and we have our people going there. Hence, I just want to keep increasing the level. If you see the Hollywood projects, they have bigger budgets and more sophisticated equipment, and we here don’t even have a proper drifting school like the ones in South Africa or America. I want to open an action school where people can train, and we can create worldwide drivers under one roof and not only that, I want to expand Hindi cinema when action is concerned.

Ramesh Somani: If you have to take this Jeep to an off-roading destination – where will you dash out to?
Rohit Shetty: I have never been to the Himalayas. I would take this Jeep to the Himalayas, and I have not even visited Leh and Ladakh. I think I am the only director who has not shot in Leh and Ladakh.

Ramesh Somani: Which is the most recent car you crashed while shooting, and how did you do it?
Rohit Shetty: The most recent car crash was a few days ago, it was a Honda Accord and we were shooting for a noodle ad. There is a team that was working with my father at that time and my team as well. The driver who skids the car is my father’s team member’s son so basically, we have three generations of drivers with us. People think that we topple cars, and it’s straightforward, but that’s not the case. It is a dangerous thing we do, and many mechanisms go under the process. The main priority is the driver’s safety. We put a cage around the car, which is like piping. It’s used so that after the vehicle is toppled, it does not crash. We will make sure the whole unit is safe and precautions are taken. One example of this is we had a stunt with a Lexus SUV, so for that, a lot of things had to be considered, like the engine weight and the platform through which it is going to be jumped. We have to gauge how much speed it should be jumped so that it lands appropriately, and so much science goes behind this. Still, in our country, there is no respect for it.

Ramesh Somani: Difficult people or difficult situations, what’s your mantra to handle them calmly?
Rohit Shetty: Difficult people and difficult situations; to be honest, I have not faced anything like that till now. My mantra, though, is that we have to stay firm with difficult people and polite people. At work, you lose your temper sometimes, but it’s natural. My team, which is working with me, has been with me for over five years. They are married and are still working with
me. Some have been working for more than 15 years, so they know my temper.

Ramesh Somani: Your garage is very envious. Let’s start with the Urus. How do you like it and what’s next in your buy?
Rohit Shetty: I like the one I am driving right now, the Jeep Wrangler. I am buying the first assembled Indian Wrangler. As our PM says, we should be an Atmanirbhar Bharat, and I am happy and thrilled to be buying this car. It is a great car to drive and the pricing is exceptional. It is how a Jeep should be. The most important thing while driving the jeep is that you should be able to see the bonnet. Another dream car that I have is G63.

Ramesh Somani: What does the word legend mean to you? What do you think are the qualities one must possess to be legendary?
Rohit Shetty: It all started gradually. When I started, I wanted to become an action director who was in love with cars since he was a kid. When I started doing stunts for my films after 2-3 movies, I realised that I am becoming like a brand to everyone who connects you with cars. Now people recognise me with “Ye voi jo gaadia udata hai”. But this was not the plan. I was working on my movies, but then I realised I have become like a brand. It is sporadic that what you love becomes your profession, and now that I have reached this position, I feel the most important thing is honesty towards my life, fans, movies. Whatever I do, it has to be honest. My first movie that crossed the 100cr mark was in 2010, and it’s been 11 years since each of my films has crossed that mark. And it’s not that I am some great director. It’s the people I work with, like the actors, technicians and the entire crew, that make it possible.

Ramesh Somani: Movie making requires significant teamwork, and you are the captain, some leadership advice you would like to share?
Rohit Shetty: Being a leader, the most important thing is there are a lot of sacrifices involved. If somebody does something wrong, you have to stand by their side and say, I am with you, which makes it unique. As a leader, how my character will be my team will behave accordingly. If my team is working for 18 hours, I’ll see that I am working for 20 hours. The leader has to work more than the team. Another most important thing is to treat them as a family. I make sure that salary and all are fine, but the team also knows that I am there for them whenever they need me.

Ramesh Somani: The pandemic halted the world for the better part of the last year; things are slowly but steadily coming back to normal; how has the return to work been for you?
Rohit Shetty: Pandemic hit us all. After a month or so, no one knew what was going on. When will things get to normal? How will things happen from now? I had a company to run, I didn’t know what to do, my film was about to be released, and we had to hold it back because the theatres were shut. I mean, people are still asking when the movie will come, and all, but what I had in mind was that the world wouldn’t get over, right? I went out to shoot Fear Factor in July. I did not meet my family as my mother lives with me, and she is old. I did not want to risk her life, but I was shooting, and life has to move on. That time was also tricky. I had to stay in isolation for 45 days during the shoots, but I started working, and that is the only way, and now if you see we are not out of the pandemic, but people are working currently, going to offices and now we have accepted it that we have to live with it.

Quickies

Ramesh Somani: What do you enjoy more? Directing or hosting?
Rohit Shetty: Directing, for sure.
Ramesh Somani: If you could sum up your experience as a director in one hashtag, what would it be?
Rohit Shetty: #Magical
Ramesh Somani: If you could choose just one car for the rest of your life which one would you choose?
Rohit Shetty: Range Rover
Ramesh Somani: Who is your favourite director that you look up to?
Rohit Shetty: There is not just one, but if I have to name a few, Raju Hirani, Shankar, Rajamouli, James Cameron and Michael Bay.
Ramesh Somani: One actor/actress you wish to direct?
Rohit Shetty: I want to make a full-fledged film with Mr Amitabh Bacchan.

Ramesh Somani: Would you choose an EV or a petrol engine in the long run?
Rohit Shetty: It depends. I have not driven an EV. If the EV gives me the same kind of performance as a petrol engine, then definitely go for an EV.
Ramesh Somani: What app do you check first when you get up.
Rohit Shetty: Instagram
Ramesh Somani: Which Books inspire you, and which ones are currently on your reading list?
Rohit Shetty: Goldy, Vijay Anand Autobiography.
Ramesh Somani: Which are some of the best roads you have driven on? What’s the farthest you have gone or travelled on a single trip?
Rohit Shetty: Cape Town, I love the roads there.

Ramesh Somani: There is so much tech that is used in movie-making, especially yours. Tell us some of the cool techs that you use.
Rohit Shetty: There are many things, but the most exciting thing we use is a crane named a Boult, it moves within seconds, and then there is this camera I love called the Phantom.
Ramesh Somani: Your upcoming film “Cirkus” starring Ranvir Singh recently got a release date of 31 December 2021. How excited are you about the movie?
Rohit Shetty: It is quite a mix of all things. It’s based in the ’60s and ’70s, and it’s a funny entertainer. We are trying to get a new feel to it with many special effects, and it’s like a fairy tale world.

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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.

Ali Rizvi | Top Leaders in Tech & Auto

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

Ali: In our world, where change is the only constant, I personally feel that ‘Nothing is permanent’. Everything is constantly changing and evolving around us. Be it science, technology, society, human evolution, nothing stays the same. We are
always seeing new mutations and generations with each passing day.

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

Ali: An aspiring leader should not only have the effect to keep their management and work in sync, but one should also have the Ability to Listen as well. Good listening skills and the perfect amount of humbleness can be the answer to a lot of tricky situations.

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

Ali: I believe that Hard work and persistence is the only way to reach the top. There are no shortcuts in life to success.

Ex: One book you keep coming back to?

Ali: The book is called Blue Ocean Strategy by W. Chan Kim which gives a whole different perspective on how to compete in the market today with a more challenging and innovative approach.

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

Ali: This quote is one true quote I believe in with all my heart: “Integrity is the quality needed to succeed in business – John Maxwell”.

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

Ali: Work-Life Balance seems like a big obstacle for many. But It’s not if you really want a balance. It’s something you need to do to keep a healthy life be it professionally or your personal life.

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

Ali: These past few months have been really tough for everyone. I am extremely grateful for all the things around me that have made my life comfortable and I have been able to sustain the pandemic from the comfort of my house.

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

Ali: Since the pandemic has forced us to find alternative ways of working out from indoors, I have been hooked onto the Cult Fit App, religiously following their workout regime, and has helped me keep an active workout schedule at home.

Ex: What is your technology detox like?

Ali: My technology detox is definitely, No Internet, all gadgets off, and quality time with self and family.

Ex: How extensive is your data on offline navigation?

Ali: Garmin offers a robust satellite navigation system to its users, which means internet data is not required. Thus the cost of navigation is zero. We offer Navigation features to Outdoor expedition, Golf, Marine, cycling & automotive ensuring they get the best and accurate navigation results.

Ex: Apart from wearables, is there any personal electronic accessory that you would like to delve into?

Ali: To me Self Driving cars & Gesture Control Technology is quite interesting and this is something I would like to get my hands on.

Abhi and Niyu | Changemaker | Influncex’20

Ex: Tell us about a change you’ve seen in the digital blogging space since you started out your journey? How has this space evolved?

We feel right now people are able to focus more on the content rather than the cosmetic aspects of their art. Because of COVID-19 all the creators are stuck at home and they’re compelled to make content from their homes. Yet, the people who are able to surpass these challenges of these tough times are the ones who stand out.

Ex: Can you give us an insight into social media platforms that only an Influencer can know?

You have to keep experimenting. People think that there’s a formula for being successful on social media but we don’t think there is one. A creator has to keep trying new things and listen to their audience.

Ex: What would be your calling in a parallel universe? (Alternate career options)

Niyu: I would love to be a Marine Biologist as I love being near water. Scuba diving and seeing a whale while underwater is my biggest dream.

Abhi: In a parallel universe I would be a vocalist in a band. I have tried singing and learning musical instruments but I didn’t pursue it sincerely. Music transcends languages and it connects hearts. I would’ve loved to be a musician for sure.

Ex: A technology you wished you’d invented?

If you’re asking about a technology that doesn’t exist in the real world then definitely a time machine.

Ex: What’s been your favorite encounter with a fan so far? (DMs included!)

It’s difficult to pick one because there are so many. Last year, we made a video on Eco-Friendly Ganesh Idols and it was the first video that went truly viral. One of the followers had booked an idol with paint on it, which he didn’t know consists of lead. When we informed him about this, he immediately opted for a paint-free idol. We say “Farak Padta Hai” (It makes a difference) and he truly proved it.

Ex: What does success mean to you?

Freedom – to live the life you want to live
Respect – from the people who matter to us
Integrity – because self-respect matters more than any other respect

Ex: What was the thought process behind this journey?

We wanted to have a voice. We wanted to focus on a solution-based approach to everyday living. We are tired of people complaining all the time about things that are wrong in India. Complaining is easy, but going one step beyond and asking “hum kya kar sakte hain” (what can we do) is hard. It needs thinking, it takes time. We wanted to show that small things can make a difference.

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