Present Occupation: Entrepreneur
Sector: Textiles (Fashion Accessories)
Work Experience: 9 years
Interests: Professional/ Personal: Education, holistic health

Can you tell us a little about your family background/ history?
Half of my family is doctors, and the other half are entrepreneurs, with an odd philosopher thrown in here and there. It's quite a diverse family, with representatives from all parts of the country, yet most of us have made our home in the South and love it here. I grew up in Madras (now Chennai) and currently shuttle between Madras and Bangalore.

Briefly describe your personal and a professional achievements (including recent awards/ special projects).
On the personal front, I am working on getting qualified to teach Sanskrit to children and adults. Professionally, I have been working with handloom weavers in Bihar for the last year or so using fabrics like organic cotton and silk. I, along with another colleague, am developing a line of veshtis, a traditional ensemble now considered outdated by many, but which we hope to popularise once again. 

Tell us about your profile pre-ISB, and recap your professional life after ISB, including your career progression.
I studied both Economics and Computer Science as a confused young undergraduate and began working at what was then Satyam. IT was a hot sector to be in at that time, but the work didn’t hold my interest. So I decided to pursue my passion for textiles. Design is something I enjoyed. Post-ISB, I continue to work in the sector, but do many things differently. Thanks to my one-year stint in Hyderabad, I expanded our base and changed our product development to make it much more customer-centric. On another related front, I am testing a new business model with two other alumni – it’s at a very nascent stage at the moment, but we hope it will be successful and that we will be able to take it forward.

Describe your fondest memory of ISB.
Dunking!

In your personal life, how have you changed post-ISB? Do you see yourself doing something differently because you went to ISB? What has left a lasting impression?
I am much more involved in activities that have the potential to help and enrich the community at large, and I think it’s definitely in part to do with all the social entrepreneurship summits and related classes I was lucky to attend at ISB. 

How do you think ISB has contributed to your career growth?
It broadened my focus considerably. Before I took a strategy class, I never really thought much about things like long-term prospects and competitive advantage. ISB taught me to constantly stay updated and on my feet.

If you have to sum up ISB in one word:
ISB rocks! 

What was the main highlight of your programme at the ISB?
The people make the place!

Word of advice for the current class?
There's a saying in Sanskrit: Acharyaat paadam aadathe, paadam shishya svamedhaya. Sabrahmacharibyah paadam paadam kaalakramena cha. This means: You will learn one fourth from the teacher, one fourth from your own intelligence, one fourth from your classmates, and one fourth only with time.

What was your favourite course/ class at ISB and why?
The most useful classes for me by far have been “Managing Teams” with Professor Henry Moon and “Negotiations” with Professor Dishan Kamdar.

Was there anyone during your time at ISB who acted as a mentor for you? Tell us a little about this relationship and why it was valuable.
Sarmaji was looking after the Planning an Entrepreneurial Venture (PaEV) projects during our year and was of a lot of help to our group.

What are the areas in which you can contribute to ISB?
I am currently a Chapter representative for the ISB Chennai alumni chapter and really enjoy it.

What is the next new thing in the industry or vertical you are working in? Any trends that you can see?
Manufacturing has taken a bit of a hit in this country, as we have to contend with competitors who can sell products more cheaply because they pay less duty and receive more support from their governments. Yet, despite this, we have experienced a growing demand for niche, higher-value products. My personal focus has been on more investment in design and product development. Also, our traditional customer demographic has changed. I have noticed a good amount of demand from the Indian consumer now and am looking at retailing locally as well. 

 

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