Sameer Bhatia | Top Leaders In Tec & Auto

The newly announced solutions today include the 100% open source-based software CORTX™: the collaborative open-source CORTX™ Community; and the open, flexible reference architecture deployed as converged infrastructure Live Drive™ Rack, powered by CORTX.

Ex: What is your target audience in the Indian market for Seagate’s video surveillance products?
Sameer: With safety and security being the prime concern of individuals and organizations, surveillance systems in India are becoming an indispensable part of the country’s endeavor for a secured environment for its people. The rising need for advanced security, India’s smart cities agenda, growing IT infrastructure, increasing IT spending, surging need for video analytics and remote monitoring are the trends that have been driving the video surveillance market in India.

Ex: How significant has your role been in the foundation of a smart city?
Sameer: Seagate is continuously working towards innovations in data management space that can help transcend Smart Cities from vision and conceptual phase to reality. We are helping put data to work to help cities in their quest for comprehensive data systems.

Ex: How long do you think till the need for offline data saving is eliminated?
Sameer: Managing the storage of data is among the top 5 challenges highlighted in the Rethink Data report to exploit the potential of the data collected by enterprises. Modern-day technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), the growth of edge computing, edge data centers, and artificial intelligence (AI) coupled with consumer demand has led to data proliferation. This has led to the development of the concept of Data Sprawl. Defined by the Rethink Data report as the percentage by which the datasphere increases over time, data sprawl describes the spread of the growing data through various configurations—from endpoints through edge to cloud. Data sprawl also describes how business data is scattered. This distribution won’t change significantly over the next two years, indicating that enterprise storage environments will remain dispersed and complex for the foreseeable future. Enterprises will have an ever-increasing need to manage this scattered data wherever it exists.

Ex: Can you describe in brief Seagate’s marketing strategies for India?
Sameer: We connect with our customers and partners in the markets through the Seagate Insider partner program. This year, we will continue to focus on providing comprehensive training sessions and seminars as well as working on co-marketing initiatives to better identify evolving opportunities in the changing norms currently.

Ex: What are some opportunities emerging for Seagate keeping in mind the new normal?
Sameer: Over the years, there has been a surge globally in data creation and consumption – a trend that is helping us grow. Also, with an increase in the
number of connected devices in the new normal, there has been exceptional growth in the creation and consumption of data. In India too, we have been seeing strong demand growth in enterprise data management and also video surveillance.

Ex: What steps is Seagate taking for customer’s data protection?
Sameer: Improving data security is the most important factor driving the changes to how organizations manage central storage needs. Awareness about data preservation is another challenge that needs to be overcome to protect organizational information. Recurring data backup helps in keeping the data secure throughout and provides easy access to the information as and when it is required.

Ex: Apart from storage and surveillance devices, will Seagate like to venture into a completely new segment?
Sameer: In the recently concluded, Seagate’s first annual Datasphere event, we introduced revolutionary open-source object storage software, a reference architecture powered by it, and a corresponding developer community. All three additions have been developed to manage the massive surge and sprawl of unstructured enterprise data.

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.

Manohar Bhat | Top Leaders In Tech & Auto

 Ex: What is one truth you believe in that most people disagree with you on?
Manohar: Most people tend to disagree with my notion that India is solely value consciousness driven. With time, Indian customers are evolving and they seeking better products in their lives regardless of how much money they spending.

Ex: When will you say you have fulfilled all your goals?
Manohar: I strongly believe that peace of mind should be of topmost priority for everyone and one should try every day towards attaining that.

Ex: When have you failed and how did you overcome it?
Manohar: Failure is a part of the life journey. First of all, I accepted that and with every failure, I remind myself that I have to get up and keep trying.

Ex: One futuristic feature that you can’t wait to introduce in your vehicle.
Manohar: Although it’s becoming reality in some of the global markets, I can’t wait to introduce Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEV) in India. A fuel cell electric vehicle, or an FCEV, drives using the electricity that is generated when the hydrogen stored in the vehicle is joined with air. The vehicle emits zero pollution, and the only thing that is discharged from the vehicle when it generates power is pure water. Not only is this but an FCEV capable of removing 99.9% of ultra-fine dust (PM2.5) from the atmosphere.

Ex: Which old-school car/bike design inspired you the most?
Manohar: Among the numerous cars, I have seen and experienced, my pick would always be my Willys MB. My father owned one when I was growing up and back then as well, I use to be awestruck by the simple yet powerful appearance of the jeep.

Ex: Kia has made it clear that they will only focus on MPVs and SUVs in India. When can we expect the sedans and hatchbacks in the Indian market?
Manohar: We have witnessed a significant shift in consumer preferences in India. For instance, hatchbacks were incredibly popular in the past, but now they are increasingly being replaced by crossovers and smaller SUVs. In India and globally, the demand for SUVs is growing stronger and stronger. Our state-of-the-art manufacturing plant in Anantapur produces midsize and compact SUVs. Our aim is to fully utilize the capacity and investment in the Indian market and hence, we are using our India plant as an export hub for SUVs. We are also observing the SUV trend globally and will produce them in our Ananatapur manufacturing unit. Hence, currently, we are focussed on the UV segment but that doesn’t mean we are restricting ourselves.

Ex: What is the motive behind calling the Sonet “Wild by design”?
Manohar: The term wild by design originates from the unexpectedness of Kia Sonet. It simply says that so much packed into one thing cannot be normal. It has to be something more. It has to be wild. The muscular built, powerful engine, futuristic features, and bold and aggressive design give it a strong presence on the road.

Atsushi Ogata | Top Leaders In Tech & Auto

Ex: One thing you believe is absolutely necessary for sustained growth.
Atsushi: ‘Accepting the change’ be it in your professional life or personal, it is important to adapt to the change. The business environment is becoming more and
more dynamic and the needs and demands of the society are constantly evolving.

Ex: One book you keep coming back to.
Atsushi: It’s a book called ‘RYOMA SAKAMOTO’ by Ryotaro Shiba. The book is a biography of samurai Sakamoto Ryoma, a founder of modern Japan.

Ex: When will you say you have fulfilled all your goals?
Atsushi: Probably towards the end of my life when I will look back at the entire journey with utmost happiness and a feeling of content.

Ex: When have you failed and how did you overcome it?
Atsushi: When I have decided something without considering other view points. Upon realizing the mistake, I have always focussed to do right things based on the actual situation and harmonizing with others’ opinions.

Ex: What has been your biggest learning in the pandemic?
Atsushi: Pandemic has given us many advanced digital solutions for business continuity & taught us to connect virtually. I have personally learnt how to communicate through online platforms without having face to face meetings.

Ex: One futuristic feature that you can’t wait to introduce in your vehicle.
Atsushi: Any feature that could take us in the future…may be like Time Machine.

Ex: Which old-school car/bike design inspired you the most?
Atsushi: In four-wheelers I would say it was Honda Prelude (2nd Generation) and among two-wheelers it was Honda CB750K0.

Ex: When does Honda plan to begin electrification of its line-up in India?
Atsushi: Electric vehicles are not new for Honda Motors, we had the technology for more than two decades and was being used in the Japanese market. In spite of
having a long history, there are still many challenges pertaining to cost, range & infrastructure. In India, our first task is to prepare a complete roadmap for EVs. We have already started our research and market study on EVs. However, there is no concrete timeline for its introduction in Indian market.

Ex: Since motorsports has been officiall recognized by the Indian government, what steps will you take to promote it in the future?
Atsushi: Motorsport is in Honda’s DNA. We have been actively promoting motorsports in India for more than a decade now. I’m proud that today we have Indian team & riders competing in the Asian Championships. We will continue our talent development programs in India using our advanced racing machines like NSF250R (Moto 3) and best trainers from global Honda. At the same time, our new advanced & sporty products will continue to expand the fun riding culture in India.

Shashank Shrivastava | Top Leaders In Tech & Auto

Ex: One book you keep coming back to.                                                        Shashank: “Thinking, fast & slow “ by Daniel Kahneman

Ex: When will you say you have fulfilled all your goals?
Shashank: When I reach heaven and get all the secrets of the universe from God!

Ex: When have you failed and how did you overcome it I fail every day.  Shashank:  The way to overcome it is to realize that every day is a new day. Ha ha ….. that’s complicated.

Ex: How difficult is it to maintain a work-life balance?
Shashank: Very difficult to maintain that balance . Optimization is what one can hope for at best.

Ex: What has been your biggest learning in the pandemic?
Shashank: Nothing can be assumed as a given.

Ex: One futuristic feature that you can’t wait to introduce in your vehicle.
Shashank: Can I ask for two please … Biometric Car Access & 3D Gestures control.

Ex: Which old-school car/bike design inspired you the most?
Shashank: Porsche 911

Ex: How has the shift to only petrol options affected sales?
Shashank: Not much actually. But missing the Diesel option in B Segment.

Ex: By when can we expect a production-ready electric vehicle from Maruti Suzuki?
Shashank: Sometime in the future!

Ex: What is one truth you believe in that most people disagree with you on?
Shashank: That people don’t really know what they want till you show them the infinite possibilities.

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

Ex: One thing you believe is absolutely necessary for sustained growth.
Shashank: Ability to maintain a learning environment.

Anil Jain | Top Leaders In Tech & Auto

Ex: What is one truth you believe in that most people disagree with you on?
Anil: No one will give you responsibility & ownership on a platter, you have to take it and own it.

Ex: What is the one subject you think aspiring leaders should learn?
Anil: How to work in the new normal and get maximum productivity and cost control. The pandemic has changed the business rules and management control mechanism.

Ex: One thing you believe is absolutely necessary for sustained growth
Anil: A dedicated and motivated team. Growth will follow.

Ex: One book you keep coming back to?
Anil: Tipping Point

Ex: Leadership quotes that you live by                                                            Anil: Leadership and ownership is not dependent on what is your level in the organization. One needs to own and demonstrate these qualities, success will follow.

Ex: How difficult is it to maintain a work-life balance?
Anil: In the new normal it’s a problem since WHF is a 24 hours work schedule.

Ex: Some productivity apps and technologies you use in your daily life?
Anil: Good EPR solutions at the company level and a good smartphone for personal use.

Ex: What is your technology detox like?
Anil: Stop use of any gadgets that are Wi-Fi enabled on Sunday and listen to soft music.

Ex: What is the biggest change in trend you have seen since the IT boom in India? 
Anil: The biggest change in trend has been work culture, change in office interiors, more use of IT, need for faster computing, and availability of data on the fly leading to faster decision making.

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.

Sharad Agarwal | Top Leaders In Tech & Auto

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

Sharad: The ability to motivate people and aligning them with the organization’s vision and goals. Once the team is aligned and motivated to achieve the set goals every task becomes possible. Additionally, it is also very important to learn along the way and develop skills for managing critical and uncertain situations with finesse and composure.

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

Sharad: Being willing to constantly evolve and innovate is a crucial part of our sustained growth and, hence, necessary to progress in any task or stage in life

Ex: One book you keep coming back to.

Sharad: I love to read about various case studies and the ways in which businesses are shaping themselves for their future endeavors.

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

Sharad: If you prioritize and keep yourself well organized then one can easily maintain a healthy work-life balance. When creating a schedule that works for you, think about the best way to achieve balance at work and in your personal life. I also believe in taking short breaks once in a while to spend more time with my family and pursuing other hobbies.

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

Sharad: Pandemic has taught me resilience and adaptability. The norms which we took for granted in society changed overnight and we had to adapt to new rules for survival like social distancing, living with travel restrictions, and adapting to new ways of working. Pandemic has also bought a change in traditional working culture. The trend of remote working is likely to stay even after things normalize.

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

Sharad: One legendary car which has inspired me is Lamborghini Countach. I would not call this car old-school as its design was much ahead of its time making it more futuristic than old-fashioned.

Ex: After the Sian, which Lamborghini is up for hybridization, and by when will the entire lineup be electrified?

Sharad: We believe that naturally aspirated engines are the best to give you the maximum performance in super sports cars. Driving a Lamborghini is all about the driving dynamics and the emotions of the car and the naturally aspirated tech offers this best when it comes to super sports cars. Hence, we will continue with this tech for our upcoming models. Along with supercars, Lamborghini now has a super SUV and a luxury yacht in its stable.

Ex: What are your thoughts about entering the performance motorcycle segment?

Sharad: Lamborghini is about high-performance supercars and will currently keep its focus only on its Supercars
and Super SUVs.

Amit Saraf | Top Leaders In Tech & Auto

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

Amit: Humanity is the mother of all Religions. Religion creates a divide.

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

Amit: Leaders must learn the fact that one cannot do all the tasks by oneself. As a leader, one needs to appreciate that there lies an abundant potential in people around you. This perception coupled with clarity of goals will help leverage their strengths for realizing our vision of life. One must delegate and build a team to grow substantially.

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

Amit: Change is necessary and the risk associated with the change is better than being safe. Being safe all the time not only restricts the growth but it may also actually be the reason for a big fall.

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

Amit: Great Leadership begins with a dream. A dream is not what comes to you in your sleep: a dream is what you consciously see and, then, you don’t sleep.
The Challenge of Leadership is to be strong but not rude, be kind but not weak, be bold but not a bully, be thoughtful but not lazy, be humble but not timid, be proud but not arrogant, have humour but without folly.

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

Amit: No matter what the circumstances are if one remains positive, one can find ample opportunities & happiness in the toughest of the times.

Ex: What are the plans for making accessories for action cameras?

Amit: We have already introduced compatible batteries and chargers for Action Cameras. Early next year, we are coming with an extensive range of accessories for action cameras including carrying cases / several types of straps / waterproof cases and many more

Ex: How long do you think till fully automated camera accessories are introduced in the market?

Amit: There is a wide range of Camera Accessories that exists to help one get the right shot. Many of them have already been automated while some may be automated very soon. However, there are many accessories that cannot be
fully automated. Besides a professional photographer may still choose to work on manual modes despite all the automation. They actually get their best shots on Manual modes.

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.

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