"Speaking is the biggest skill of a charismatic leader. Charisma acts like a magnet for your followers which ultimately helps you to build a strong team."
Q. What ignited the spark in you to start the business? How did the idea for your business come about ?
A. I have always admired my grandfather. He was the first person to start the lighting business in India and started manufacturing lights for companies like Philips, Crompton, GE, Sylvania etc. I had this desire to be like him and grow like him, and be the master of my own destiny. I never wanted to work for anyone, instead wanted to do something creative and niche and that is what made me start my own venture.
Q. What is the best advice you ever got ? From whom?
A. The best advices I have got have all come from my father, and I think they are the best as all of them have worked for me. These are the things he has always told me -
- Never stop learning and improving your business.
- Never stop trying, no matter if u know that the result won’t be in your favour. Keep chasing your goal with the maximum effort.
- Be kind and give back to people who have stood by you and helped you with their small or big efforts.
Q. "Great leaders are also great speakers” Do you agree ?
A. Yes! Speaking is the biggest skill of a charismatic leader. And I believe charismatic leaders go a long way. Charisma acts like a magnet for your followers which ultimately helps you to build a strong team.
Q. What are the key elements to starting and running a successful business ?
A. "Your team". You can be successful if you have been able to build a strong and trust worthy team.
Q. If you had one piece of advice to someone just starting out what would it be ?
A. The first 3 years would be very very hard. So come what may don’t give up too soon and never feel let down.
Q. What motivates you ?
A. Competition and the drive to learn every day.
Q. What makes you happy ?
A. Great red wine, good company and Kenny G’s music !
Q. What sacrifices have you had to make to become a successful entrepreneur ?
A. Used to love my 10 hours of sleep during university days, but now don’t get so much time to sleep.
Q. What is the secret to your daily productivity ?
A. Speak less, observe, learn, be positive & be patient.
Q. Which other company apart from yours do you admire the most ?
A. I admire all growing companies and big companies as each is good in their own way and one can learn a lot from each of them.
Q. Your favourite quote?
A. "What you seek is seeking you."
Q. Your favourite vacation spot ?
A. Switzerland & Bora Bora islands
Q. Your favourite designer? Dress?
A. Not fussy but Ermenegildo Zegna & Tom Ford for the suits.
I prefer Hugo Boss and Ralph Lauren for casuals.
Q. Your favourite movie/ actor/ actress / song / book ?
A. Movie: Pursuit of Happiness
Actor: Tom Hanks
Actress: Drew Barrymore
Song: Right here waiting for you - by Richard Marx
Book: Forrest Gump - by Winston Groom