Dhruv: It has been a privilege to work in a conglomerate that has such a strong value system and a rich legacy. In an industry that has historically been fragmented and unstructured, it has been fascinating to contribute and participate in the thought-leadership, method and professionalism that Godrej Properties has brought to the real estate ecosystem in India.
T: What was the biggest challenge you faced during this time?
D: Keeping up with the pace at which marketing has evolved, while being challenging, has also presented an exciting opportunity. Over the years, I’ve realised the importance of being constantly informed and abreast with the latest developments in my function and industry. This in-turn, has made me realise the importance of effectively managing time such that I’m able to consciously keep time aside for reading, learning and unlearning. As rightly said, yesterday’s innovation is today’s status quo
T: Being an alumnus of SIBM Pune, what is the one key learning that still impacts you?
D: Through my interactions with eminent and accomplished visiting professionals and entrepreneurs while I was at SIBM, I learnt that humility and ambition need not be at odds. In fact, humility in the service of ambition is probably the most effective mindset for leaders to have.
T: Where did you do your summer internship from and how was the experience?
D: I has interned at Godrej Properties itself as part of Godrej’s summer internship programme – Gurukul. I was based out of Bengaluru and my project was to develop a marketing strategy for luxury real estate in South India. A memorable learning experience!
T: What do you miss the most about your SIBM-P stint?
D: I think this is such a tough question to answer – there are so many things! Right on top of the list, though, would be the campus premise. SIBM has a beautiful campus located on top of a hill – amidst the chaos and mayhem in cities, that seemed heavenly!
T: What do you think are the top three qualities that will help a young professional succeed like you?
D: 1) Be 100% in it - in whatever you're doing
When I write on LinkedIn, I keep my phone and emails away. When I'm at work in Godrej, I log off LinkedIn. When I'm speaking at an event, I put my phone on aeroplane mode. When I'm in a meeting, I don't carry my laptop unless necessary. When you're in it completely and respect the time/effort/energy of people around you, the world reciprocates that in equal measure.
2) Don't live just for the weekends
If there is a purpose that pulls you to work at 9 am, try and have a purpose that tells you at 6 pm 'Dhruv, there is more to your every day!' Of course, there are days when you need to spend much more time and effort on one thing vs the other - but essentially, when you are happy with all that you are doing each day, working on a weekend will never seem depressing and socialising on a weekday will never seem like a task
3) Just ship it. And just turn up.
Write that blog post even when you have an important meeting in the morning. Give that talk even when you are feeling a little low. Just do it - you will feel a sense of accomplishment, and that can work wonders.
T: When it comes to business, how important is LinkedIn in today’s world?
D: I think the biggest benefit of LinkedIn in today’s world is that it allows you to express, connect and engage with a community of professionals at large. Relationships established through the meaningful exchange of thoughts and ideas on professional matters are a far more effective way of recruitment as compared to isolated hour-long interviews
T: Delving on that, what are your tips on building 'Brand-Me' for today’s generation?
D: Be generous with your time and effort. Be authentic in your expression. Be original in your content.
T: If you had to pick one book from your personal library, which one would it be?
D: The War of Art by Steven Pressfield – a must-read for anyone who wants to step up and make a difference.
T: If you had to give one piece of advice to the MBA community, what would it be?
D: It would be a quote by Seth Godin –‘Instead of wondering when your next holiday is, set up a life you don’t need to escape from’.
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