Tech Interview Archives

Charles Frump | Top Leaders In Tech & Auto

Ex: What is one truth you believe in that most people disagree with you on?
Charles: These are the best of times! In these days of social media and headline news, it is easy to get caught up in the challenges we are facing. This is particularly true in 2020 when we are under a constant barrage of bad news. However, if we step back and look at the long-term statistics, we see a very different picture. We are richer, living longer, and better educated than previous generations. There is less crime, war deaths, and hunger than ever before. Certainly, there is massive room for improvement, but we should be very grateful to live in these times.

Ex: What is the one subject you think aspiring leaders should learn
Charles: Communication. In these days of constantly shifting information, it is critical to be simple, clear, and consistent in our message to all stakeholders. I often see people with the right ideas and plans but everything falls apart because of poor communication. That is why I would encourage all aspiring leaders to spend much more time and energy on honing their communication skills.

Ex: One thing you believe is absolutely necessary for sustained growth.
Charles: A strong company culture of positivity, learning, and innovation. Business challenges come and go, but a company culture that encourages innovation remains optimistic and forgives mistakes is vital to success in this ever-changing world.

Ex: One book you keep coming back to. Charles: The Lean Startup by Eric Reis- This book gives you the tools to foster continuous innovation in this world of extreme uncertainty.

Ex: When have you failed and how did you overcome it?
Charles: I fail all the time. If you are not failing, you are not trying enough new ideas. The trick is to fail small, learn, and adjust. I don’t lose a moment of sleep
thinking about failure. Failure excites me and shows me an opportunity.

Ex: One futuristic feature that you can’t wait to introduce in your vehicle.
Charles: Next-generation Autonomous Drive. 600 people die in traffic-related accidents in India every day. It is a myth that Autonomous Drive will not have an impact here. We have been a leader when it comes to car safety for decades. And that will never change. We have invented some of the most important features in the history of car safety. Our 3-point Safety Belt which we introduced in 1959, has been the biggest safety innovation done so far. It is more than 60 years now and every automobile player is using it as a safety feature.

Ex: Which old-school car/bike design inspired you the most?
Charles: I love Royal Enfield! I have enormous respect for the work Siddhartha Lal has done in building this historic brand.

Ex: How long till Volvo enters the self-driving car segment?
Charles: This will happen in steps, but we have already started. In India, we are the only luxury car brand providing radar-based safety features. Features like ‘City Safety’ and ‘Lane Keeping Aid’ not only keep the customers safe but also saves people around the car. This is the first step in self-driving and Volvo will lead in this area.

Rajan Vagadia | Top Leaders In Tech & Auto

Ex: What is one truth you believe in that most people disagree with you on?
Rajan: I believe that the pace of change that will bring technologies such as AI, ML, Robotics, and Cognitive Computing will certainly lead to better times for humans. History has persistently proven this point; however, we need to believe in it rather than being skeptical.

Ex: One book you keep coming back to?
Rajan: Leadership Secrets of Attila the Hun by Wess Roberts.

Ex: Leadership quotes that you live by
Rajan: “Learning and innovation go hand in hand. The arrogance of success is to think that what you did yesterday will be sufficient for tomorrow.” –William Pollard

Ex: How difficult is it to maintain a work-life balance?
Rajan: It is not difficult at all if you know when to stop or stop when you know.

Ex: What has been your biggest learning in the pandemic?
Rajan: Technology saved us yesterday, did it again today, and will do it tomorrow too. It is important to embrace it.

Ex: Some productivity apps and technologies you use in your daily life?
Rajan: Meditation applications to relax Video conferencing to stay in ‘touch’ OTT apps to stay entertained

Ex: What is your technology detox like?
Rajan: Meditating with help of smartphone apps.

Ex: How long do you think till AI is integrated into your processors?
Rajan: Qualcomm’s on-device Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been a core player of Snapdragon chipsets since the 6-series (SD 660). We have fueled some brilliant attributes of AI to create intuitive and immersive everyday mobile experience. Today a good camera is a must and AI comes to aid. Snapdragon-enabled cameras capture stunning, professional photos and videos. We have also harnessed AI to create extended reality (XR) mobile applications across sectors. Our 5th generation AI Engine continues to bolster the interactive mobile gaming industry with real-time AI translation powering voice and speech recognition processes. Furthermore, since its dawn, the on-device personal assistant has been enabling
a truly customized performance. AI is everywhere, beginning with our processors.

Ex: If you would like to make a new category-specific processor, which category would you opt for and why
Rajan: At Qualcomm, we are fascinated by technology and how it can transform various industries. Our innovations have boosted the dynamics of the telecom world. But, more recently we have been empowering AI gaming, smart cities, automotive, and connectivity. The aim is to propel digital transformation beyond the capabilities of today’s applications. We are constantly brewing ideas to catalyze growth through our existing tech offerings. For instance, we are rediscovering the infinite role of 5G. So, we look forward to exploring and being inspired by the power of technology. We have and want to continue making technology available to all; we did it with 4G and now we are working towards ‘5G-for-all’, in India.

Kapil Gulati | Top Leaders in Tech & Auto

Ex: Leadership quotes that you live by
Kapil: “A leader is one who sees more than others see, who sees farther than others see, and who sees before others see.” – Leroy Eimes “No man will make a great leader who wants to do it all himself, or to get all the credit for doing it.” – Andrew Carnegie

Ex: What has been your biggest learning in the pandemic?
Kapil: The pandemic has forced us to ask what we really need to live reasonably well; and the answer in most cases is – not too much. The availability of food, water, shelter, communication, medicines, education, and entertainment on television & the internet has kept us going.

Ex: What is your technology detox like?
Kapil: Unlike on workdays when you are digitally tethered by your colleagues, I spend my weekends with my family. We mostly spend our time playing badminton, watching movies, even eat midnight snacks. I stay away from my phone and laptop and give my full attention to my family while I am with them.

Ex: What is Sennheiser coming out next with?
Kapil: For the past 75 years, Sennheiser has been shaping the future of audio. We have introduced some of the finest products across the globe and we believe in creating unique sound experiences for our customers. We are already working on the audio products that could define the segment 2 years from now. Additionally, we have a few products lined up in the coming few days and we are looking forward to seeing how consumers here respond to the same.

Ex: Upcoming audio trends to look out for?
Kapil: Currently, wireless earbuds are revolutionizing the entire audio industry. The smartphone makers are now doing away with the 3.5 mm headphone jack to make wireless headphones more convenient and appealing to customers as even consumers are looking for a seamless and hassle-free immersive audio experience. Sennheiser’s current focus is on creating 3D audio solutions to achieve as natural and immersive experience as possible in a range of applications. Sennheiser has a long history of pushing the boundaries of innovation in audio technology and a holistic approach to sound from capture to listening. AMBEO is born from the desire to deliver the ultimate sound experience, selectively including the most advanced 3D audio technology into new products, tools, and features.

Ex: What is one truth you believe in that most people disagree with you on?
Kapil: I am a strong believer in miracles and it only happens if you have faith in them. Sometimes you feel lost, confused, and frustrated with life, and then things become better that changes your life. I believe that when you wish from all your heart and mind, even the universe starts working for you in your favor.

Ex: One thing you believe is absolutely necessary for sustained growth Kapil: Pursuit of resilience is something that I feel is the most important aspect and the first step for sustained growth. When complex business problems arise, one needs to meet them head-on and be resilient while working hard towards providing a solution. When we go through difficult circumstances at work, it’s the resolve of not getting bitter, weaker, or frightened, but rather get braver and face those challenges.

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.

Bipul Chandra | Top Leaders in Tech & Auto

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

Bipul: I strongly believe that life is too beautiful and one must enjoy the “present” to the fullest, rather than planning too much for the future.

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

Bipul: In my view, aspiring leaders must develop the attitude of being humble with everyone they interact with, regardless of the other person’s position. On similar lines, aspiring leaders must also inculcate the habit of being patient listeners.

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

Bipul: Sustainable growth is among the biggest challenges faced by businesses. While sustained growth is achieved through a mix of objectives like purpose, community, sound decision making, etc, the most crucial aspect for any business is its customers and customer retention.

Ex: When will you say you have fulfilled all your goals?

Bipul: Every new day brings new challenges and new hopes for me. I wish I never get to say that I have fulfilled all my goals. Life is too short to hang your boots and retire.

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

Bipul: Professionally, I think the biggest lesson would be “Innovation” – the biggest game-changer. COVID-19 has put to test the resilience of leaders, businesses, and their capacity to adapt during a crisis.

Ex: One futuristic feature that you can't wait to introduce in your vehicle.

Bipul: With motorcycle technology coming on leaps and bounds in the past five years, I think connected tech is the future and the way to go for bikes. This will go a long way in making our bike rides much safer. Apart from this, to enable the growth of motorcycling as sustainable transport some futuristic features would be self-balancing, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, IoT enabled, advanced security systems, etc.

Ex: Which old-school car/bike design inspired you the most?

Bipul: Ducati 916 is one amazing, drool-worthy design. I keep on looking at the photograph and never get tired of it.

Ex: Apart from electric vehicles, which Ducati technology do you think will benefit the environment?

Bipul: The best technology to benefit the environment is “human-powered” machines. We at Ducati are serious about this and thus have introduced a range of Ducati bicycles to complement the lifestyle of passionate Ducatisti.

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.

Asim Warsi | Top Leaders In Tech & Auto

Ex: Which quote/s do you always refer to when the chips are totally down?
Asim: Harry S Truman said, “ It’s amazing what you can achieve when no one really cares who takes credit for it.” That has inspired me considerably. I believe it is more about the team and the team effort in the end.

Ex: How has your schedule changed in the new normal?
Asim: When the lockdown happened our schedule did change, but it is pretty much back to normal. However, the intensity of working has increased since it has become imperative to stay connected and keep working. What you would do outdoors now you do at home. So that has been the biggest change in my schedule, in terms of intensity.

Ex: Do you think the extensive use of AI support is dumbing down creative talent and why?
Asim: Whether you look at Bixby or several other platforms that we are working on globally, they have a lot of AI embedded in their development and their backend. So it will surely be a backend in our future development.

Ex: Which are the current premium features of Samsung that will be introduced in budget smartphones?
Asim: We do that as a “main course” for us. Flagships are the fountainhead of the experiences we introduce. In a span of a few years, you see a lot more of the key
technologies cascading into our budget smartphones. For example, the camera tech, the display tech, and the memory tech have all percolated to the lesser-priced models.

Ex: Samsung Pay is an innovative way of payment, How long do you think until it becomes mainstream?
Asim: Since we launched Samsung Pay in 2017, its usage in the Samsung devices has been strong. We have over 10 million users of Samsung Pay and their frequency of usage is quite high. When the users understand the benefits of Samsung Pay, it becomes their go-to payment platform. It is pretty mainstream with Samsung users by now.

Sajjan Kumar | Top Leaders In Tech & Auto

Ex: What is one truth you believe in that most people disagree with you on?
Sajjan: I believe to achieve anything one should have and take out time for oneself and family. It is imperative to do things that help one revive and start fresh.

Ex: What is the one subject you think aspiring leaders should learn?
Sajjan: The ability to learn new things, change & constantly evolve with time Importance of each team member and keeping them motivated to perform

Ex: Leadership quotes that you live by (Can be multiple)?
Sajjan: “What is now proved was once only imagined.” – William Blake “There’s a way to do it better – find it.” – Thomas A. Edison

Ex: What has been your biggest learning in the pandemic?
Sajjan: The time of crisis has historically also been an opportunity for change. As the world continues to fight and mitigate the impacts of the pandemic which has unsettled lives, livelihoods, and businesses worldwide, the outbreak has accentuated people in becoming more resilient and sharing their personal experiences through various mediums. In unprecedented times like these, we must think about ways to reinvent and renovate the current ways of operating efficiently.

Ex: Some productivity apps and technologies you use in your daily life?
Sajjan: Smartwatch, Health apps, and Meeting organizer apps.

Ex: What is your technology detox like?
Sajjan: I particularly look forward to the weekend as it gives me a chance to rejuvenate myself from the routine that usually involves the usage of technology to a great extent. I start my days with brisk walking and jogging. It helps me avoid screen-time. If it’s a long weekend I prefer going to wildlife parks and sanctuaries with family, to get close to nature and explore my passion for photography too.

Ex: If you would like to make a category-specific camera, which category would you opt for and why?
Sajjan: As an imaging brand we have to meet the expectations of various professionals through our innovative product range (Cameras and Lenses). Apart from professionals such as Wedding, Wildlife, Fashion, Nature photographers one segment which has emerged in the last few years and growing at a brisk pace due to high video consumption and SNS penetrations is “Content Creators”. As we continue to stay indoors, people are relying on different methods to stay creative and communicate their art to the world. This has in turn given rise to a new set of business models, creating a plethora of opportunities. Although we have introduced a range of offerings for this category, including the latest innovation – The Mirrorless Z50 & Z 5 with the range of NIKKOR Z lenses. We will continue to offer more to creators and enthusiasts who desire to elevate their artistic aspirations.

Nikhil Arora | Top Leaders In Tech & Auto

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

Nikhil: The fact that I believe that focus on holistic wellness not only belongs in the workplace but should also be an actively tracked parameter like other enablers of productivity and excellence. More than disagreement, I would say that most people don’t directly connect wellness with bigger wins or better growth in the workplace.

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

Nikhil: The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated a lot of shifts for businesses; for example, we all talk about how businesses were forced to speed up their adoption of digital. This need for agility and the ability to operate in constraints will continue through the recovery period.

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

Nikhil: In today’s post-crisis scenario, it would be a corporate purpose. We saw many examples of businesses that pivoted from their usual business models or offerings to continue serving their customers during the lockdown. What remained the same was their focus on customer needs and the purpose to impact their customers for good. For example, in India, we introduced GoDaddy Academy, offering free online courses to web professionals as well as MSMEs and entrepreneurs to help speed up digital adoption.

Ex: One book you keep coming back to?

Nikhil: The Speed of Trust by Stephen Covey; and Good to Great by Jim Collins

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

Nikhil: I am very inspired by billionaire investor John Doerr’s quote about the best business leaders being missionary first, before being mercenary.

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

Nikhil: I use the Garmin app extensively for my training; it helps track my workouts, achievements, and key parameters like heart rate, sleep, and stress.

Ex: What is your technology detox like?

Nikhil: My usual escape from technology overload is getting involved in any new form of physical activity. I truly believe sports and fitness is an important facet of my physical and mental wellbeing, especially amidst these unprecedented times. Besides giving me the much-needed break from work, it helps me right-zone and
refocus my mind, while enabling me to constantly push the boundaries of what has been achieved before. Due to the COVID-19-induced lockdown, I started indoor cycling and have been doing more of that lately.

Ex: Apart from Domain, which other website services are planning to provide?

Nikhil: GoDaddy provides a full suite of integrated online products and solutions to help entrepreneurs and small business owners start, run, and grow their business online. We offer everything from domain to hosting, website building, professional email, and website security, to help our customers along the way. In addition to this, our award-winning, 24×7 customer care is a major differentiator for GoDaddy. In India, GoDaddy Customer Support is free of charge and offers support in Hindi, Marathi, Tamil, and Telugu, besides in English.

Ex: What are some of your signature security measures to protect data?

Nikhil: At GoDaddy, we are committed to the complete security and privacy of our customers’ data across geographies. Our business is built on helping small businesses and entrepreneurs make a name for themselves online – not selling their data to other companies. GoDaddy security products allow our customers to protect themselves as well as their users’ data. We offer security products and services including SSL certificates and Website Security and Backup, for businesses to protect the assets of their customers in a simple, cost-effective way.

Tushar Singhat | Top Leaders in Tech & Auto

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.