Name: Jeevan Tipke

Title: CEO

Oranisation: The Adroit

I am a highly accomplished professional, bringing forth a rich blend of qualifications and extensive experience in the realm of marketing. Holding a Master's degree in Marketing and IT from ITM Business School & SNHU, UK, with a specialization in Textile Engineering, I have honed my skills over a remarkable 20-year career that spans both Traditional and Digital Marketing.

My proficiency is acknowledged through certifications as an Email Marketing and Social Media Marketing expert, earning recognition from industry leader Hubspot. Further enhancing my credentials, I have distinguished myself with certificates in Entrepreneurship from HarvardX and as a Sponsored Products Ninja from Amazon.

As the current CEO of The Adroit, I take pride in steering the company towards success through my effective leadership. Beyond my professional endeavors, I am a passionate blogger and find joy in dedicating my leisure time to sports such as Badminton, Table Tennis, and Carrom. My multifaceted expertise and unwavering dedication underscore my dynamic presence in the ever-evolving landscape of marketing.

Thank you to the 2,000 leaders who’ve generously done the 7 Questions on Leadership!

I hope Jeevan's answers will encourage you in your leadership journey. Enjoy!

Cheers,

Jonno White

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

Embracing a leadership role, my steadfast belief revolves around cultivating leaders within my team. Throughout various leadership stages, I've encountered notable challenges in fostering this transformation, with obstacles such as a scarcity of inspiration, decisiveness, vision, resilience, and effective communication—underscored by the indispensable quality of courage.

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

My foray into leadership commenced during my engineering days, drawing inspiration from my seniors. I assumed leadership roles in diverse curricular activities, steering a triumphant college festival. In postgraduate studies, I spearheaded student activities within the placement cell. Professionally, at Kotak Life Insurance, I undertook a leadership mantle, guiding a team of 29 advisors. Navigating the intricacies of selling life insurance, leading this team to success, and clinching an award was the crowning jewel, a testament to my leadership acumen.

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

Recently, I had a demanding week, rising at 5:30 AM and retiring around midnight. While my schedule is flexible, on typical days, I prioritize a solid 8-hour sleep, waking at 7:30 AM. After a wholesome breakfast, I delve into reading news and office emails to chart my day. I ensure meticulous planning before leaving for the office around 09:30 AM. At lunch, our team engages in Table Tennis and Carrom, fostering camaraderie. Immersed in my work, I often extend my stay at the office, dedicating 10 to 11 hours a day. Upon returning home by 9:00 PM, I relish quality time with my kids, either at home or on a fun outing. Evenings involve TV, featuring cricket or news. Fortunately, I savor two weekends dedicated to maximizing family time.

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

Nearly four years ago, I embarked on the journey of establishing my own company. Our commitment to our team includes annual appreciation ranging from 10 to 15%, facilitated by an automated appraisal system. However, a recent challenge has emerged in navigating unrealistic expectations. Striving to be exemplary employers often leads to heightened expectations, necessitating a delicate balance in leadership to foster harmony within the team.

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?

"The Five Dysfunctions of a Team" by Patrick Lencioni serves as a crucial guide for understanding and overcoming common obstacles that hinder team effectiveness. Lencioni identifies trust as the foundation of successful teamwork, emphasizing the need for openness and vulnerability among team members. The book highlights that healthy conflict is essential for innovation but warns against the dysfunction of fearing conflict, which leads to artificial harmony and unresolved issues. Commitment is explored as a vital aspect of team dynamics, emphasizing the collective buy-in of team members toward decisions and plans. The book advocates for clear communication and ensuring that all voices are heard to foster commitment. The dysfunction of avoiding accountability is addressed by promoting a culture where team members feel responsible for each other's commitments, encouraging mutual accountability.

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

To become an exemplary leader, embrace the roles of both a dedicated learner and an attentive listener. Cultivating a continuous learning mindset equips you to guide and instruct your team effectively. Simultaneously, attentive listening fosters trust and confidence among your team members, establishing a strong foundation for collaborative success.

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

I believe a leader's pivotal role extends beyond merely pointing the way to actively walking alongside the team and being present whenever they require guidance. During an award ceremony at Kotak Life, the day before, I found myself among my life advisors, tirelessly working to persuade clients to invest in policies. Our collective efforts had been ongoing for nearly ten days. At approximately 11:00 PM, one of my advisors reached out, prompting me to embark on a 35-kilometer bike ride to procure a policy for him, completing the task around 2:00 AM. This accomplishment played a significant role in my advisor winning an award. The outcome was not just an individual victory; our team secured four awards and was recognized as the best team. This experience not only exemplified outstanding teamwork but also underscored the importance of a leader's engagement with their team. It taught me that a leader must earn the confidence of their team for enduring unity.