Kartik Bakshi | Top Leaders in Tech & Auto

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

Kartik: Attitude is more important than hard work

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

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

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

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

Ex: One book you keep coming back to?

Kartik: Blue Ocean Strategy

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ex: What is your technology detox like?

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

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

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

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

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

Jitendra Chouksey | Top Leaders in Tech & Auto

Ex: What were the hurdles and what pushed you?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ex: How do you plan to scale up?

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

Ex: Who would be your closest competitor?

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

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

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

Vikram Mehra | Top Leaders In Tech & Auto

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!

Devita Saraf | Top Leaders In Tech & Auto

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.

Kaushal Nevrekar | Top Leaders In Tech & Auto

Ex: What is one truth you believe in that most people disagree with you on?
Kaushal: Personal growth is as important as professional growth. We have to create a work environment where we positively impact individuals’ character and make them better human beings.

Ex: What is the one subject you think aspiring leaders should learn?
Kaushal: Emotional Intelligence. This is what helps you successfully coach & manage teams, deliver feedback, and collaborate with others. A good leader should be masterful at managing their relationships in a positive way.

Ex: One thing you believe is absolutely necessary for sustained growth
Kaushal: Our chairman, Mukesh Ambani has said that a business must serve a larger societal purpose, and as long as everyone in the value chain benefits, there will be sustained growth. For us growth is life and we have to keep growing at all times.

Ex: Leadership quotes that you live by.
Kaushal:  ● “Think Big, Think Fast, Think Ahead. Ideas are no one’s monopoly “– Dhirubhai Ambani
● “Relationships and trust. This is the bedrock of life.” – Mukesh Ambani
● “I never dreamed of success, I worked for it.” – Estee Lauder

Ex:  How difficult is it to maintain a work-life balance?
Kaushal: I wish I could say it’s easy, but it’s not. It is absolutely necessary though. Work and life have to go hand in hand. A balanced personal life aids a good professional life.

Ex: What has been your biggest learning in the pandemic?
Kaushal: Life comes first. Health, safety, mental health – these are top priorities. Life can be uncertain. On the professional side, adversity presents different opportunities.

Ex:  Some productivity apps and technologies you use in your daily life?
Kaushal:  Jio Mags – a great app to have all my readings in one place, MS Teams, Breathe, Audible.

Ex:  How do you see the physical retail world shaping up post-COVID?
Kaushal:  I feel things will get back to normal once the vaccine is widely available. But this has surely impacted consumer behavior. Technology in-store will play a big role. Stores will have to be realigned to being as contact-less as possible, adequately spaced out for key demonstrations & be less intrusive as well.

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.

Prashanth Mani | Top Leaders in Tech & Auto

Ex: What is one truth you believe in that most people disagree with you on?
Prashant: “Quick decision making will not impact business negatively; it does not mean lack of enough thinking thru an issue”. I really liked what Michael Dell said about decision making- if an action from any decision is reversible, take it asap. You can change it tomorrow. Most of the decisions we take are reversible on a day to day basis. We just need to be cognizant of that fact and have a regular cadence to review decisions.

Ex:  What is the one subject you think aspiring leaders should learn?
Prashant: Finance and accounts – Everything needs to be measured in terms of financial impact. I recently saw an interview with Aditya Puri, ex. MD of HDFC Bank, who had a ‘Laddu’ theory which really makes sense to me. At the end of any action, we need clear results which are measured in terms of financials! This is either cost reduction, revenue increase, etc.

Ex: One thing you believe is absolutely necessary for sustained growth?
Prashant: Consumer Centricity. Deep understanding of what really matters to consumers. Really easy to preach, but not easy to practice.

Ex: One book you keep coming back to?
Prashant: “Surely, you’re joking, Mr. Feynman”- Book by Richard Feynman. There is a chapter in that called “Lucky numbers” in particular. I just loved it since my Engineering days. In this chapter, Feynman uses approximations to arrive at an answer and is able to arrive at quick and easy solutions that are very close to the right answer without having all the tools and information to support the decision. And this mirrors what I believe should happen for decision making in the real world too.

Ex: How difficult is it to maintain a work-life balance?
Prashant: I have personally never faced this dilemma. As long as you keep enjoying your work and taking care of your family, it doesn’t really matter.

Ex: What has been your biggest learning in the pandemic?
Prashant: The biggest learning for me is that there are always unknowns and you can’t plan for all of them. It is important to be flexible and agile to adapt. Adaptability is key!

Ex: Some productivity apps and technologies you use in your daily life?
Prashant: In the current context, I am spending most of my time using all kinds of connectivity apps such as Microsoft Teams/Zoom/Hangouts, etc. For a personal time, I tend to spend a lot of time binge-watching on OTT platforms.

Ex:  What is your technology detox like?
Prashant: Spending time with my kids without my smartphone around me!

Ex: What’s coming next from Motorola?
Prashant: Motorola has stood for trailblazing innovation for almost a 100years..with innovations that matter to consumers. It goes without saying that we will continue to deliver the same through our wide range of products even going forward!

Ex: One futuristic technology you can’t wait to bring in smartphones?
Prashant: Bendable Phones, Gesture-based UIs

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.

Harish Kohli | Top Leaders in Tech & Auto

Ex:  What is one truth you believe in that most people disagree with you on?
Harish: As a leader of a large organization, I strongly believe in the amalgamation of diverse skills of teams for success. A good team brings to the table diversity of thoughts, creativity, perspectives, opportunities, and problem-solving approaches. I encourage constructive criticism which is healthy and strengthens accountability and can help make effective decisions faster, than when done alone.
Ex: Leadership quotes that you live by (Can be multiple)
Harish: There are a lot of leadership quotes that I live by. Few are as below:
● “It always seems impossible until it’s done.” by Nelson Mandela.
● “It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it. If you think about that, you’ll do things differently.” – Warren Buffett, CEO of Berkshire Hathaway.
Ex: Some productivity apps and technologies you use in your daily life?
Harish: 1.Teams: The app which lets me stay connected to all my colleagues and conduct meetings on my laptop and phone has been a boon during these times.
 2.To Do apps: App that helps me to first list everything that I need to get done no matter how small it is. This helps me to organize my daily tasks
3.Amazon Kindle: My travel companion and the best way to carry your favorite books
Ex: What is your technology detox like?
Harish: From staying fit to connected with people, technology has become a crucial part of my life. But for everything, there has to be a balance. The key to maintaining balance in our hyper-connected world is adopting healthy and sustainable habits around the way we use tech so that you are in control of it.
Ex: What’s coming next from Acer?
Harish: Acer is bringing 5G tech-enabled laptops to the market that offers much faster data download and upload speed. Also, we believe that there is a drastic increase in the creation and consumption of content which encourages us to introduce concepts, especially for creators and designers. For AI-based technology, Acer is bringing customized solutions across industries. For example, smart wearable devices, smart parking, smart water meter, and air quality monitor. We believe in the coming future, digital communication, tools for mobile working might become the preferred form of communication. AI and IoT will also play a major role in the future to assist enterprises or individuals to engage in communication more easily and effectively. That’s also what Acer is focusing on at the moment. Through AI and IoT, we are determined to offer a smarter and more convenient lifestyle for people.

Shivalika Trikha’s evolution from working for others to working on & for herself.

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?

Their mindset.

5. 3 destinations on your wishlist?

The Maldives, Capri Island, and the Bahamas.

6. Describe yourself in a hashtag

#wanderlust

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