1. What have you found most challenging as a leader?

The most challenging aspect of leadership as per me is to hire-engage-retain PEOPLE who identify themselves with the same purpose as that of the Organization and are willing to give their all to make sure the Vision, Mission & Values are upheld at all times. I am a firm believer that it's your people who don't just make or break you, but define the Organization's legacy in the corporate realm. We need to hire smart people and allow them the maneuverability and space to do their magic whilst you create and polish the way forward as leaders of the pack.

2. How did you become a leader? Can you please briefly tell the story?

I found my calling during my stint in the Army wherein I was entrusted the role during a tragic Avalanche accident in which we lost 8 troops and I found myself not just taking up that challenge wholeheartedly but coming out of it a changed man. I made a transition from medicine to management and have never looked back ever since. I truly believe life throws many curveballs at you, but if you are up for it, you shall make the most of it. Challenges are my Go-To adrenaline rush recipe and I am glad I discovered it early in my career and made a lateral shift well in time.

3. How do you structure your work days from waking up to going to sleep?

I wake up to an invigorating session of Yoga followed by a quick overview of the day ahead and off I go to my Client Site to make an impact for the day. The day is interspersed with Zoom interactions, Interviews, Review Calls and back at home I spend time working on strategic initiatives for our clients. I travel 8-10 days a month on outstation Client visits and there is a daily team call to check upon progress and roadblocks. The day is incomplete without playing with my Dog and half an hour on my terrace listening to music unwinding from the day's slog.

4. What's a recent leadership lesson you've learned for the first time or been reminded of?

The key to successful leadership is influence, not authority. This has been my laptop wallpaper for ages which is a wonderful way to keep reminding me to stay on the Inspiration course and never take that position to get on my head. Power is a drug that corrupts and as further away one can stay away is better for you and your team. And you can only inspire if you lead from the front by example not shouting instructions from your chamber. The mentor in me always keeps me on my toes to share my wisdom with as many as I can, in the time I have available.

5. What's one book that has had a profound impact on your leadership so far? Can you please briefly tell the story of how that book impacted your leadership?

Start with Why by Simon Sinek is one book which has left an indelible impression on me and has invoked the zeal and enthusiasm to make everyone around me realise the value of purpose in life. I found my calling and changed tracks and find total fulfillment in what I do everyday. I also use the platform I have been given to instil the value of purpose in doing things in life that invoke the power of Ikigai. I would be still treating patients halfheartedly if not for this book and I encourage everyone who feel lost in their work lives to read and redefine the way they live their lives.

6. If you could only give one piece of advice to a young leader, what would you say to them?

Be Empathetic. People shall forget everything but remember forever, how you made them feel. If you can listen to your people and truly understand where they come from, what they need and how they feel, it shall go a long way to forge relationships which shall transcend troubles and tenures.

7. What is one meaningful story that comes to mind from your time as a leader, so far?

This has been the running story line of my professional life, wherein Management trainees who I took under my wings and having developed them through mentorship, management development programs and hand holding, have gone on to achieve wonders in their lives. The best part has been the gratitude they have showed and remembered me whenever they achieved a significant milestone. That has made the teacher-student relationship so very worthwhile. The stories continue.....