What motivated you to be a part of this industry? How has the journey been so far?
I kicked off my career in the real-estate industry back in 1996. I was a fresh graduate out of college and since then, have taken up various roles in the real-estate industry. Coming from a middle-class background meant that the need of having a stable job was ingrained in me at a very early age. With that background, sticking to my domain and developing my personal purpose to align with my career and organisation was a key priority throughout my life.
Real-estate is one of our country’s largest sectors in terms of investment and employment and the IPC industry was at a very nascent stage in India when I first started. I got the advantage of building the sector and my organisation over the last 26 years. This gave me a sense of commitment and pride in my work I have seen the industry through multiple market cycles and major global events.
Over the years, I have developed expertise across almost every aspect of the real-estate business while learning on the job. This industry has given me lifelong mentors and good friends, in addition to respect and financial stability. I have seen growth across multiple rungs of the organisation, right from being a junior analyst to the CEO, today. The journey has been exciting and continues to challenge me in new ways while we try to navigate the industry through major national and global events every day.
What is the biggest challenge you have faced in your career?
Being part of a dynamic organisation comes with challenges in every aspect of the job. As a young manager, some of my challenges included developing my skills and capabilities to adapt to the ever-changing business landscape.
As a middle manager, some of my challenges involved developing consistency in my leadership, understanding the expectations of my direct reports, keeping my teams motivated, ensuring no loss of high performers and lastly, developing my self-awareness as a leader through introspection and candid feedback
As CEO, one of the biggest challenges was to manage the very high expectations on my shoulders and learning to be comfortable being uncomfortable. I had to quickly learn how to be focussed while being flexible.
Constantly reflecting on my leadership style to adapt to the changing nature of business, the new millennial, Gen Z workforce and changing expectations of clients keeps me on my toes.
How do you define success? Any specific belief or value you work and live by?
As a leader, I measure success by the positive impact I create for my teams. Motivating and inspiring teams is my biggest job as a leader.
I make sure that I build teams, trust and network every day. It is always a team effort and we need good people at all levels. I place a high importance on frequent, transparent communication and encourage all our leaders to form a well-defined, clearly communicated strategy and create common goals and a system of accountability.
I believe in encouraging our young workforce to create more leaders for tomorrow. Their success will ultimately lead to my success. For being an inspiring leader, one has to be authentic and lead by example. This is another value I work and live by every day.
Apart from work, what are your other interests and hobbies?
Reading, as well as sports and cinema. I try and read at least two articles every day.
I am trying to learn tennis. I also try to clock in at least 10,000 steps each day.
On weekends, I binge on my favorite OTTs and south Indian cinema.
Your, favourite cuisine and weekend gateway?
I love seafood and off late, Japanese food.
I don’t take many breaks. But this year, I have set out with a resolution that I have to take 4 small breaks during the year.
Any message you would like to give to those who aspire to work in this industry?
Over the years, I have been lucky to have had various experiences across the spectrum of the real-estate industry and worked with some of the biggest leaders in the industry globally.
The industry is rapidly adapting with a high importance being placed on technology, speed and productivity.
A key message I would like to give those who aspire to be a part of this industry is be focussed, disciplined, hardworking and productive. Place a high importance on client servicing, business development, networking and account management and stay agile.
Most importantly, one must keep learning, unlearning and relearning.