Vikas Garg
Class of 2008





Tell us a little about your family background/ history. How has it influenced you?
I was born in a small town and belong to a business family. Raised in a large joint family set up, with uncles, cousins and siblings my early childhood memories are that of an academically bright child having no specific focus/aim but trying to do well at work in hand. I was exposed to business from an early age (usual handyman role in father’s business and learning core business skills). I was the first one (in our family for a few generations) to choose to study for a career, rather than settling in my family business. Because of my childhood, I believe I am more sensitive to people needs, can understand and empathize with others’ viewpoints and situations and have my feet firmly on ground. Another important influence is my focus on balance and family first, which I observed and learned from my father.

Briefly describe your personal and professional achievements (including recent awards/ special projects).
Not much to boast about, but I can say I’ve had a good life till now. I performed well academically and professionally, had a chance to study from some top class institutions, (graduated from Hindu college, post graduated from NIFT and ISB), did 10+ years of progressive corporate stints, and am now an entrepreneur. I believe leading a balanced life with decent time for work, family and physical wellbeing would be my achievement. Other achievements include being able to set up a profitable business from scratch (without any outside support or funding) and establishing it as one of the most formidable players in its chosen domain.

Tell us about your profile prior to attending ISB and recap your professional life after ISB, including your career progression.
I joined ISB after 8 years of work experience: 2 years in a family business set up, and 6 years in a corporate setup. I was a lifestyle retail professional pre-ISB and joined management consulting (Oliver Wyman) from campus at a lateral position post-ISB. I was able to progress from handyman at father’s shop to a senior consulting assignment with a global, top ranked management consulting firm based out of Dubai. I moved on to India to create something of my own. After trying my hand at launching an e-commerce company in 2009, I started a venture trying to solve people resource problems for (already established) retail and (promising) e-commerce companies in India and the Middle East. Growing from 1 person to a 30+ people team, recruiting from IIM’s, MDI’s, IIT’s for my company, growing at a reasonable pace all seem to be important milestones in my entrepreneurial journey over the last five years.

How do you think your time at ISB has contributed to your career and personal growth?
ISB has contributed immensely to my personal, professional and all round growth. On a personal front I believe I have become more grounded and ambitious at the same time. On the career front, I owe ISB thanks for reinforcing my belief in myself and ensuring that nothing seems too big or unachievable.

What do you enjoy most about your current career position?
The ability to strategize, execute and implement together; complete ownership of results and pace of organization; balance.

Briefly describe a typical day at work, in a way that illuminates the kind of challenges and opportunities your role involves.
As an entrepreneur, one has multiple hats to wear and roles to play (from acting like CEO to trying to fix the printer. Having said this, my typical day revolves around or constitutes: a few client calls (Business Development), a few senior candidate interviews (Delivery), a few internal interviews (Team Building), team meetings (Operations and Updates), internal HRM, finance/accounts, and ideating/preparing for the Next Big Thing in recruitment. The key challenge is to address/impress the mind-set which still looks at people resource as a commodity despite the criticality and impact it creates. The opportunities are immense as more and more organizations are understanding the value of people resource – whoever can help them recruit better will have his hands full!

What is the next new thing in the industry or vertical you are working in? Are there any trends that you can identify?
The next big thing will be the amalgamation of Technology, Analytics and Tacit Human intervention in recruitment.

Distance/geographies will be narrowed, boundaries thinned and we will see more movement of talent across the globe.

What was the main highlight or most memorable aspect of your programme at the ISB?
I still am amazed with the amount of activities we were able to pack in one year at ISB. Classes, Assignments, Meetings, Competitions, Industry Visitors, Exams, Eating Out, Movies, Parties and Festivals. To me it was one of the most fulfilling year which has added maximum value to me as a person and professional, while having most fun! The entire ecosystem brimmed with energy, enthusiasm, ideas and opportunities.

If you could offer a word of advice to the current class at ISB, what would it be?
Stay focused and balanced, do not go after each and every thing. Life at ISB is a journey to be enjoyed; create happy memories. I would like to quote one professor from ISB in his last class lecture: “You all shall be successful. My only worry will be how big and how well you can define success for yourself”.

How do you feel you can contribute to ISB?
On a micro level, I do keep visiting ISB as part of interview panels for incoming students; I act as a brand advocate of ISB and counsel prospective students about it. On a larger scale I am trying to make a bridge to be able to help ISB alumni get better, more aligned jobs, and open up more avenues for them. I feel strongly for ISB and after achieving my personal/professional/financial goals, I may look at associating full time with ISB and help create a Bigger/Better brand and Impact.