Ex: What is one truth you believe in that most people disagree with you on? Vikram:Innovation comes from Anthropology and not Technology
Ex: What is the one subject you think aspiring leaders should learn? Vikram: Psychology
Ex: One thing you believe is absolutely necessary for sustained growth? Vikram:Ability to take a risk, which is possible only when fear of failure vanishes
Ex: One book you keep coming back to? Vikram:Life
Ex: Leadership quotes that you live by (Can be multiple) Vikram: 1. Ruk Jana Nahin, Tu Kahin Haar Ke.
2. Kanton pe chal ke, milenge saaye bahar ke.
Ex: How difficult is it to maintain a work-life balance? Vikram: Make your passion your work, and suddenly you don’t have to balance between the two
Ex: What has been your biggest learning in the pandemic? Vikram: Self-driven people contribute irrespective of whether their bosses are hovering over them or not
Ex: Some productivity apps and technologies you use in your daily life? Vikram:Trello
Ex: What is your technology detox like? Vikram:Travel with no access to emails and messages
Ex: What’s coming next from Saregama? Vikram: 1. Carvaan Karaoke for everyone stuck at home
2. Carvaan Kids for all bachchas who are stuck in front of screens
3. 50 new songs in Gujarati and Bhojpuri
4. Movies: Bahut Hua Samman, Comedy Couple, Zombivali
Ex: How do you see the industry shaping up in the post COVID world? Vikram: People will spend more time at home, thus pushing entertainment consumption through the roof!
Ex: What is one truth you believe in that most people disagree with you on? Anupam: I believe there are a lot of truths out there waiting to be discovered. Even if most people deny this, there are indeed many things that we are yet to know and yet to figure out. The truths that we believe to be true, aren’t necessarily true. Historically speaking, we always have a perspective of many historical events. But as they say, history is a narrative of the victorious. So it is quite possible that the historical events we know today could simply be propaganda.
Ex: What is the one subject you think aspiring leaders should learn? Anupam:The most important one is, you have to lead by example. Surprisingly, I have seen this more in India than abroad. A lot of times we start assuming that the rules that apply to us may not apply to others. I feel that is a big shortcoming. For
youngsters, it is important to understand that the rules that apply to others, apply to them as well. Secondly, leadership has to be about learning. It should not be about dictating. Leadership is about being humble and vulnerable and accepting that just because you are in a leadership position, you are not invulnerable.
Ex: One book you keep coming back to? Anupam: There was a book that I read in 1995 called 2020 Vision by Stanley Davis and Bill Davidson. If you read through that book, it gives you a systematic approach to the way things happen in the contemporary world. Everything written in that book has unfolded verbatim. So I find that quite fascinating and I keep revisiting it frequently.
Ex: Leadership quotes that you live by? Anupam: There are many quotes that I follow since all of them point out to a different aspect of life. While it is difficult to pinpoint a single one that I adore the most, there is one by Roosevelt that goes, “It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of
deeds could have done them better.” I also draw a lot of lessons from the Gita.
Ex: What has been your biggest learning in the pandemic especially, with dependency on apps and the digital medium increasing drastically? Anupam: The biggest thing that I am most amazed by, is our adaptability. The way we have adapted to the new way of life, new technologies and whatnot have really surprised me. To me, it is a deeper statement about the human spirit and our need to conquer everything that is thrown our way. So I think that is the biggest lesson for me in the pandemic.
Ex: Shaadi.com must have seen an influx of activity on the platform in the lockdown, what was the key trend that you noticed during this phase? Anupam: Unfortunately, finding a life partner in India is seen as a very high-pressure situation. The way matchmaking or marriage works in India is completely different from how it works in the West. All our intent is to take away the pressure that is created by Indians during this phase. We saw a huge upsurge in engagements and marriages during this lockdown period. When people logged on to shaadi.com, they realised it is not just a matrimonial site, but a platform for planned marriages and lifetime commitments. So that worked significantly in our favour.
Ex: What is one truth you believe in that most people disagree with you on? Devita:It is a wonderful world.
Ex: What is the one subject you think aspiring leaders should learn? Devita:Public speaking
Ex: One thing you believe is absolutely necessary for sustained growth? Devita: Reinvention
Ex: One book you keep coming back to? Devita:The Prince – Niccolo Machiavelli
Ex: Leadership quotes that you live by (Can be multiple) Devita: “The height of intelligence is the ability to conceal it.” – Francois de la Rochefoucauld
Ex: How difficult is it to maintain a work-life balance? Devita:For bosses, work is life
Ex: What has been your biggest learning in the pandemic? Devita:Looking internally at the state of affairs
Ex: Some productivity apps and technologies you use in your daily life? Devita:Our latest, video conferencing product, Meeting by Vu
Ex: What is your technology detox like? Devita: Connecting with people
Ex: What’s coming next from VU? Devita:A range of products focusing on consumers’ workstyles
Ex: How has the ban on imports affected VU? Are you planning to start manufacturing India in a full-fledged manner? Devita:Yes it has affected us, and yes, we plan to manufacture locally
Ex: What inspired you to enter the conference special segment? Devita: When we make new products, we don’t just look at the hardware or the competition. We look at the consumers and see how we can make their lifestyle better. We realized there is a huge demand for a new category that we call “work style.” So we began work a year ago, focussed on making televisions and screens a major part of productivity. After the lockdown happened, it was evident that people had to run their businesses without going anywhere. So we researched some more, came up with our own proprietary hardware, and launched a new company called “Meeting by VU.” That’s how we landed in this segment.
Ex: Xiaomi recently entered the Guinness Book of World Records for the world’s largest oil lamp. What was the thought that went behind this achievement? Manu:India is all about festivities and we love celebrating all these festivals with our Mi Fans and consumers. For Durga Puja this year, our intent was to create a ray of hope for our users and Mi Fans across the nation. To bring that light and happiness for all in a grand way, we ignited the world’s largest diya installation as a symbol of a ray of hope for a better tomorrow.
Ex: With 50 lakh smartphones sold in just 7 days, what are your projections for the rest of the festive season? Manu:As we head towards the end of the year and the start of something better, we wanted to bring the festive season to a close with another incredible offer – the Mi Smart Upgrade which is an assured buyback offering from Mi India.
Ex: What has been the primary driving force behind making Xiaomi India’s No.1 smartphone brand for the third year and counting? Manu: Being a customer-centric brand, we are always on a lookout for insights that define changing trends, behaviour and requirements of the consumers. In the last 6 years of operations, we have introduced products across price segments, offering features that best suit user requirements.
Ex: With digitization increasing rapidly and wfh culture gaining significance, which products do you think will sell like hotcakes in the coming times? Manu: With more employees voluntarily opting for work from home in the new normal, we see the demand surging for products that will enable the users to comfortably function from within their homes. Due to the growing dependence on technology during the lockdown period, we witnessed a rise in the usage of smartphones. Smartphones almost served as an essential commodity, be it for work, education or to stay connected in general. We also witnessed an increasing demand for grooming products like our Mi Beard trimmer category that saw over 100% growth during the lockdown. In addition to this, water purifiers and mask categories have also done well and we believe that it will continue to see demand in the market.
Ex: What do you think are the challenges and opportunities ahead for Mi? Where do you see Mi in the next five to ten years? Manu: At Mi India, we have always been committed to offering innovative and integrated services. Aligned with the same thought, we are not only
creating a local manufacturing base for our smartphones but also developing the base for our entire ecosystem. We have successfully made a name for ourselves as a leading smartphone manufacturer in India. Now, we hope to make the same mark towards our larger ecosystem focused journey. We will focus our efforts more towards establishing a wide range of product portfolios right from Smart TVs to fitness bands and Laptops to the connected IoT ecosystem. Riding on this, the journey will be a challenge and testament to long term strategy for our position in India. The offering will enable users to avail the best value of their old smartphone when they want to upgrade to the latest devices from Redmi and Mi.
Ex: With your recently announced INR 2 crore scholarship, thousands of children will be able to get the education they deserve. What other steps do you plan to take to encourage child education in India? Manu: We announced the INR 2 crore scholarship in partnership with ‘Buddy4Study’ to enable the student community from underprivileged segments to pursue higher education and empower themselves. In addition to this, we also partnered with ‘Teach For India’ in August and pledged 2500 smartphones worth INR 2 Crores for children from communities that are worst affected by the pandemic.
Ex: What is one truth you believe in that most people disagree with you on? Madhav: Keep things simple
Ex: What is the one subject you think aspiring leaders should learn? Madhav: Agility – This is one of the most important aspects. You need to be agile and do things better than before.
Ex: One thing you believe is absolutely necessary for sustained growth? Madhav:Having a vision and clarity about your goals is something that I consider is very important for sustained growth.
Ex: One book you keep coming back to? Madhav:Steve Jobs – Autobiography is something that I can keep coming back to and read over again and again.
Ex: Leadership quotes that you live by (Can be multiple) Madhav:“Dream about your success and make that dream as your goal” “See beyond what is visibly seen”
Ex: How difficult is it to maintain a work-life balance? Madhav: It’s definitely a cost to be fanatic about tech and bringing users the best of it, though I try to balance work-life over time but not each day.
Ex: What has been your biggest learning in the pandemic? Madhav: I would say having more patience, learning from your past actions, and a better approach towards making a decision is my biggest learnings in the pandemic.
Ex: Some productivity apps and technologies you use in your daily life? Madhav:Email, word, and excel are a few of the key productivity apps that I use in my daily work.
Ex: What is your technology detox like? Madhav:Getting deeper & Learning more about it.
Ex: When can we expect a comprehensive Realme ecosystem? Madhav: Realme aims to be the most popular tech-lifestyle brand in India and globally, led by our redefined 1+4+N product strategy, which is 1 Core Smartphone + 4 Smart Hubs + N smart accessories. Realme aims to launch several products based on our latest strategy to benefit the life of the young and build a community for the trendsetting young people to communicate and share. We will keep working towards enriching the interconnected lives of our consumers and we will keep growing.
Ex: Knowing you, how are your marathon runs going, we somehow feel your passion for fitness and running must have instigated the birth of Goqii?
Vishal:Yes , certainly now I am practising headstand and handstand now and getting good at it, running is always there but missing marathons now and that can certainly wait.
Ex: Has the lockdown been a blessing in disguise with uptick in the app downloads with the fitness wave sweeping across the country?
Vishal:Yes we have seen a 300% rise in our downloads and revenues also and because travel costs are reduced by team, so it’s going to be an interesting year.
Ex: How much revenue does the smart wearable vs the fitness coaching and consulting business share amongst each other?
Vishal:It’s a joint plan, we believe in the complete ecosystem.
Ex: Is WFH better or working in the office?
Vishal:WFH is not an option now, but when meetings are in person you get 100%
mindshare, another issue is that people mute and switch the video off and play video games at times!
Ex: Book/s that you read, and re-read?
Vishal:Bhagwad Gita
Ex: What are the productivity apps or technology that you use?
Vishal:I have hacks like I use my morning time for important decisions and have not been having breakfast, just coffee with ghee and wearing red shoes and red t-shirt. This saves me a lot of time thinking about what to wear and what to eat etc. So normally by the time people reach office they are already exhausted.
Ex: What do you read of the pandemic and how it will change humanity and the environment in the years ahead?
Vishal: 95% of people will come back to their previous self, human beings are lazy and social animals. But the important thing is how organizations change, like after 9/11 airport security was beefed up everywhere. Whether the government takes care of health care and provides more in that department is yet to be seen.
Ex: What’s your ultimate vision for Goqii in the next 5 to 10 years?
Vishal: To be the largest healthcare company in the country. Healthcare as such is flawed and it’s more of “sick care”. The challenge is to make people fit and healthy with healthy habits so that we progress towards a healthier nation.
Ex: Akshay Kumar signing up for GOQii is a big bold step? How much of that has helped Goqii?
Vishal: Before signing him up, we researched for a while. Baba Ramdev and Akshay Kumar came out on top of whom people have trust and listen to. Baba Ramdev was out of our league, of course, so we went to Akshay and deduced that our visions are the same. He is a vegetarian and is an example of idealistic living, early waking up, etc, which marries well with GOQii. So, as a brand, we are totally wired in together and it’s a great compliment!
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.
Ex: What is one truth you believe in that most people disagree with you on?
Tushar:I believe, Truth is Truth and universal – It can’t be changed! People disagree as per their
convenience.
Ex: What is the one subject you think aspiring leaders should learn?
Tushar: No specific subject as aspirational Leadership has to be a 360-degree perspective – have to keep learning every day to maintain relevance.
Ex: One thing you believe is absolutely necessary for sustained growth
Tushar: A very concrete and strong foundation that is knitted with multiple risk mitigation strategies across multiple variables.
Ex: One book you keep coming back to?
Tushar: I believe – “Life itself is an encyclopedia and I love to turn a page each day.”
Ex: Leadership quotes that you live by (Can be multiple)
Tushar: Keep walking, Never give up!!!
Ex: How difficult is it to maintain a work-life balance?
Tushar:Well its all about prioritizing and that is something – I encourage everyone in my team to do as well. Make time for yourself, pursue your hobbies, spend quality time with your family & friends. Most important is to keep gadgets away for at least sometimes in a day, as this allows one to be present at the moment & reflect on oneself.
Ex: Some productivity apps and technologies you use in your daily life?
Tushar:I use almost all popular Apps across businesses and consumers as all add some value to productivity at some level or other.
Ex: What is your technology detox like?
Tushar: Music & Workout
Ex: What is coming next from D-Link?
Tushar: Very recently we have introduced a new line up of EXO Routers with Wi-Fi 6 features. Considering the current pandemic situation that has brought about a radical change in the way we function. Work from Home has become the new normal and Digital engagements have taken over, as a result, demand for connected devices is on the surge. Also, Modern households today have multiple
devices that are connected to the network throughout the day. In such a situation our new EXO Routers with Wi-Fi 6 features are engineered to perfectly meet the demands of the modern-day household. Going ahead our customers will see more advanced products coming out from the house of D-Link.
From managing an A-lister like Ranveer Singh to finding her passion and start working on herself, for herself. She loves splurging money on the things she loves that mostly includes luxurious cars & traveling the world. She has traveled almost half of the world and there’s no stopping her. With over 600k+ followers, she is widely adored on Instagram by international audiences as well and is an Internet sensation that you just can’t ignore. In a candid conversation with Arshi Naqvi, Shivalika talks about her future goals and passion for traveling.
Ex: Hi Shivalika! Tell us something about your journey from talent management for some of the renowned celebrities to making so big in the modeling world in the USA?
Shivalika:Managing an A-lister was the hardest job I have ever had. It definitely sounds fun but it’s absolutely not. It’s a lot of hours, a lot of work, no vacation, no holidays. The job made me realize that if I had to work so hard, it should be for myself because as my favorite quote says ‘If you don’t work for your dreams, someone else will hire you to work for theirs’. Since I started working on myself, it has been life-changing.
Ex: What excites you the most about Travelling?
Shivalika: Traveling gave me a new perspective on life. It taught me so many things that I wouldn’t know otherwise if I decided to stay in my own bubble. I have no ambition to make money, I only want to make it so I can travel and see the amazing world that this universe created. I love meeting new people, learning and understanding new cultures, and making friends all around the world.
Ex: Can you give us an insight into social media platforms that only an Influencer can know?
Shivalika: Being an influencer is a constant effort. You have to be persistent at it. Most people see it as ‘fame’ but honestly, it’s a business more than anything. It’s just like owning a business.
Ex: If you were stranded on an island, what are the 3 gadgets you’d take along?
Shivalika: Phone, laptop, and speaker.
Ex: What’s been your favorite encounter with a fan so far? (DMs included!)
Shivalika: Hundreds of my superfans posted for my birthday last year and that just made my birthday super special
Ex: If you could spend one day in someone else’s shoes who would it be and why?
Shivalika: I would love to be Dalai Lama to understand the true meaning of life.
Ex: What does a typical day in your week look like?
Shivalika: Lots of work (modeling, influencing, and marketing) in the day and a lot of sundowner parties, hikes, beach trips, and rooftop dinners.
Ex: How do you go about dating?
Shivalika: I am always looking for love.
Ex: What is the best pickup line ever used on you?
Shivalika:Let me take you out before covid does, haha!
Ex: The one thing about women that men need to know?
Shivalika: Having a woman in life will only change it for the better.
Ex: If you could raid one woman’s closet who would it be?
Shivalika:Kim Kardashian, I love her style.
Ex: Your reaction to crossing the first 100k followers?
Shivalika:That I have 100K more people who love me :D.
Quickies :
1.What will you NEVER do?
Compromise and settle for a life I don’t want.
2. What are you passionate about?
Living to the fullest.
3. Your dream car?
Lamborghini.
4.What’s that one thing you notice about a person?
HyperX, the gaming division of Kingston Technology Company, Inc., today announced the release of the HyperX Cloud Core Gaming Headset with 7.1 surround sound for PC and PS4 gamers. Expanding HyperX’s impressive headset lineup, the Cloud Core Gaming Headset + 7.1 features virtual 7.1 surround sound for clear positional audio and a more immersive gaming experience. Plus, with HyperX’s signature Cloud DNA, the new headset offers the comfort, durability and sound to fit a range of gaming – or today’s virtual classroom meeting – needs at a competitive price point.
The HyperX Cloud Core + 7.1 features an advanced audio control box for convenient controls of headset volume, mic volume, mic mute, and an easily accessible toggle for turning 7.1 surround sound on and off. The Cloud Core Gaming Headset + 7.1 also offers multi-platform compatibility with a USB audio control box for PC and PS4 and offers a 3.5mm connection for platforms with a 3.5mm port.
The Cloud Core Gaming Headset + 7.1 is certified by Discord and Teamspeak for seamless chat compatibility and offers a flexible detachable noise-cancelling microphone that reduces background noise and provides clearer voice quality for an improved in-game chat or virtual classroom discussions. 14:43:23Aligning with the high-quality build of its predecessors, the Cloud Core + 7.1 utilizes robust aluminium frame construction that provides long-lasting durability and stability. The headset also features soft leatherette and plush memory foam for signature HyperX comfort.
The HyperX Cloud Core Gaming Headset + 7.1 is available for INR 6490/- on Amazon.
