Category: Leaders

ACING THE GROWTH GAME

Mr. Sanjjeev K. Singh is the Founder, President, and CEO of Illinois-based ASAR Digital, a certified SAP Gold Partner and a premier technology consultancy. With an impressive tenure of over 25 years in the IT industry, Mr. Singh has demonstrated unparalleled expertise in both sales and management. His strategic acumen and transformative leadership have played a pivotal role in elevating ASAR Digital to its current pinnacle of success. His journey is a compelling narrative that reflects a dynamic and innovative approach to navigating the ever-evolving landscape of technology

“MR. SINGH IS A PIONEER IN IMPLEMENTING THE CONCEPT OF ‘INTELLIGENT ENTERPRISE’ IN CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE MANAGEMENT. HE BELIEVES THAT SAP’S ERP AND CX SOLUTIONS CAN HAVE A TRANSFORMATIVE IMPACT ON BOTH BUSINESS OPERATIONS AND CUSTOMER ENGAGEMENT STRATEGIES”

Adynamic professional, Mr. Sanjjeev K. Singh holds a B.Tech. in Computer Engineering from Kamla Nehru Institute of Technology, Uttar Pradesh, India. He worked at Tata Unisys and Computer Associates in India, followed by a tenure at SAP America upon moving to the US. In 2010, he established ASAR America, which underwent a rebranding to ASAR Digital in 2020. During COVID, he undertook a strategy course at Kellogg School of Management, USA, and in 2024, he is all set to be a Harvard Business School alumni with the prestigious OPM Program, a special management course for Business Owners and CEOs. During his tenure with the Forbes Technology Council, he significantly enriched the community with his wealth of knowledge. His passion for technology, coupled with a steadfast belief in its capacity to transform both business operations and customer interaction, is the cornerstone of his professional philosophy.

Under Mr. Singh’s guidance, ASAR Digital has experienced remarkable growth and established itself as the fastest-growing SAP Certified Gold Partner in North America. His leadership has acted as a catalyst, propelling the organisation towards unprecedented success and earning widespread recognition. Presently, the company provides an extensive range of services to assist clients at every stage of their digital journey. From covering initial consulting and implementation to ongoing support, its offerings are designed to be all-encompassing and adaptable.

DIVERSE EXPERTISE

With over two decades of experience, Mr. Singh’s expertise extends across a broad spectrum of SAP applications, including S/4HANA, diverse Cloud services, CPQ, and
Customer Data Platforms, establishing him as a pivotal figure in the ERP landscape.
Beyond his mastery of intricate software nuances, he possesses a comprehensive understanding of the business landscape, from sectors ranging from high-tech to utilities. What sets Mr. Singh apart is his strategic approach—a seamless blend of theoretical rigour and practical insights.

The well-versed leader champions a hands-on, collaborative leadership style to drive innovation at ASAR Digital. His leadership drives creativity and professional growth, thus creating a dynamic environment where achievements are celebrated. Through his company, he aims to help businesses redefine customer engagement with cutting-edge digital tools and strategies.

Speaking about his mission, Mr. Singh states, “At ASAR Digital, our goal is to empower clients to navigate the dynamic digital landscape with agility and foresight. We are dedicated to leveraging technology’s power to cultivate meaningful customer relationships and drive sustainable growth.”

Mr. Singh has played a pivotal role in propelling ASAR Digital to Inc. 5000’s fastest-growing ranks. His stellar leadership has helped him establish his company as an epitome of transformative success in the domain of customer experience solutions. With a keen focus on innovation, the forward-thinking leader continues to drive the company towards unprecedented growth, making it a standout player in the dynamic business landscape.

PRIORITISES PERSONALISED CUSTOMER EXPERIENCES

Mr. Singh is a visionary leader who views each customer interaction as a vital moment to forge enduring connections and lasting success. His vision is to strategically utilise SAP Software to position ASAR Digital as the premier provider of CX solutions worldwide through seamless integration of technological innovation and customer satisfaction. His leadership and inventive strategies have propelled numerous clients to surpass customer expectations.

Mr. Singh is also a pioneer in implementing the revolutionary concept of ‘intelligent enterprise’ in customer experience management. He believes that SAP’s ERP and CX Solutions can have a transformative impact on both business operations and customer engagement strategies.

Speaking about his customer-centric approach, Mr. Singh says, “At ASAR Digital, our commitment is to provide more than just solutions. We offer transformative experiences that enhance your business. We back our work with ASAR Shield to offer lifelong support at no additional cost for our implemented SAP solutions.”

A MULTIFACETED PERSONALITY

An experienced speaker and prolific writer, Mr. Singh captivates industry stakeholders with his compelling messages on customer experience, thus encouraging them to redefine the landscape. The versatile leader is recognised as a pioneer for his work on three groundbreaking SAP Press books. These literary endeavours delve into transformative insights into SAP’s CX tools, further solidifying his position as a vanguard in the field.

As a seasoned panellist at industry seminars and webinars, Mr. Singh imparts invaluable insights on digital transformation and customer experience management. He has ignificantly contributed to the tech industry’s advancement by mentoring emerging leaders. His dedication to knowledge sharing makes him a standout figure in the business landscape. He also enriches tech conversations with his deep insights, which in turn, significantly enhances his peers’ collective wisdom. His impactful contributions make him a key influencer in the business and tech realm.

A COMPASSIONATE LEADER

Being an ambitious individual, Mr. Singh consistently aims to boost business efficiency. Nevertheless, his dynamic influence extends beyond profit margins. In addition to his corporate duties, he ardently engages in community welfare services. At the same time, he advocates for the value of knowledge sharing and active community involvement. The compassionate leader not only propels enterprises to success but leaves a lasting impression on the lives he touches. His unwavering dedication to both corporate excellence and social responsibility sets a commendable standard in the business landscape.

GARNERING ACCOLADES

Mr. Singh has garnered diverse and impressive accolades for his impactful efforts. CIO Today magazine recognised him as one of the “5 Impactful Business Leaders Driving Remarkable Transformation in 2023” for his substantial contributions to the tech industry. Additionally, APAC Entrepreneur magazine acknowledged him as one of the “20 Most Inspiring Indian Entrepreneurs in the US” in 2020. This title further solidified his leadership and inspirational impact across continents.

EMPOWERING STUDENTS WITH 21ST-CENTURY SKILLS

MR. VASA IS THE FOUNDER & CEO OF SAMSIDH GROUP OF SCHOOLS, HEADQUARTERED IN BANGALORE. OWING TO HIS DEDICATED EFFORTS, THE GROUP COMPRISES ONE OF THE BEST K-12 SCHOOLS IN SOUTH INDIA WITH CAMPUSES IN BANGALORE, VIZAG, KANAKAPURA, RASIPURAM, NARSAPURAM, KURNOOL AND ANANTAPUR

A LEADER PAR EXCELLENCE

Mr. Vasa is an engineering graduate from Osmania University with over 30 years of professional experience. The edupreneur has previously held many leadership positions in the public sector, including MNCs in the IT and transport industry. During his stint in different firms, he came in touch with several young and budding talents who were knowledgeable but lacked competency and made him realize that the current education system was more focused on exams than preparing students for life and work. Mr. Vasa realized that rote learning would not help students stand out in the 21st-century workplace. The idea of transforming the present education system propelled Mr. Vasa to embark on his journey in the education arena in 2009 with the vision of offering world-class education with a holistic perspective to the students.

INTEGRATING KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & VALUES

Mr. Vasa is a visionary leader. He knows what is best for the social, academic, & emotional development of his students. To ensure the all-round development of students, he has introduced an integrated-learning methodology incorporating knowledge, skills, and values. At the same time, he advocates strong relationships between school and parents to promote a family-school partnership framework so that both the school and parents can work together to prepare the students for life.

A PEOPLE-CENTRIC LEADER

Mr. Vasa values and respects his team of diverse, dedicated, and passionate teachers. He not only provides his teaching staff with a happy, productive, and comfortable work environment but also encourages them to participate in regular training programs & practice sessions so that they can upgrade themselves and keep pace with the changing times.

HIS INSPIRATION

Mr. Vasa idolizes His Holiness Dalai Lama and works towards achieving a peaceful and gratified life. He also makes ceaseless efforts to nurture the compassionate side of students by building a culture wherein the qualities of compassion & humility are valued & practiced. To instil such virtues in students, he has introduced the 5Cs’ Character Development Program to make students learn compassion and humility as skills & happiness as science. Mr. Vasa believes that these virtues not only help an individual to create a healthy environment but also make them creative besides developing their critical-thinking skills for real-time problem-solving.

GIVING BACK TO SOCIETY

Mr. Vasa is a socially responsible leader. He has ensured that the education imparted by Samsidh Group of Schools is for the benefit of the whole community. Under his leadership, the Group regularly participates in cleanliness drives, waste reduction projects, as well as residential development activities, wherein the students visit the neighbouring apartments to raise public awareness about waste aggregation.

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS

Under his visionary leadership, the Samsidh Group of Schools has achieved numerous awards and accolades, including Karnataka Educational Award, Top 50 Organizations in Education Award by GFEL, World 100 21st Century Education Award by Future of Learning Unconference, School Excellence Award by Brainfeed, Times Education Excellence Award 2019, and many more.

TOWARDS A HIGHER PURPOSE

Mr. Adarsh Somani is the visionary behind Push India Push – a groundbreaking initiative aimed at elevating the health and fitness levels of Indians. The unique push-up challenge encourages people to embrace a journey towards improved health, enhanced physical strength, and increased stamina, besides equipping them to face life’s challenges with ease. The challenge is not just a fitness endeavour; it is a movement that embodies the spirit of a healthier, united, and socially responsible India

“MR. SOMANI HAS PARTNERED WITH THE WOMEN-LED SPIRITUAL ORGANISATION, BRAHMA KUMARI TO EFFECTIVELY ADDRESS PRESSING MENTAL HEALTH CONCERNS IN SOCIETY”

Mr. Adarsh Somani’s initiative stands as a shining example of how sports can be a catalyst for change and goodwill in society. Beyond fitness, it serves as a rallying point for the nation, fostering unity through the shared passions of sports, fitness, and overall wellness.

A Commerce Graduate from Mumbai University, Mr. Somani holds the position of the Managing Director at Oricon Enterprises Limited, a prominent subsidiary of Parijat Enterprises. The company boasts a diverse portfolio; it deals in the manufacturing of
plastic packaging, metal closures, and real estate ventures. Oricon Enterprises also operates a petrochemical unit situated in Khopoli, Maharashtra.

Furthermore, Mr. Somani has spearheaded the successful launch of several products under the Smyle brand, with its mouth ulcer gel emerging as the standout product. Remarkably, it stands as the sole herbal mouth ulcer relief solution available on a global scale.

Mr. Somani established Push India Push with the ambitious goal of building a healthier nation, aligning with the vision of a Swasth Bharat (Healthy India). He introduced the pioneering concept in honour of his late father, Shri Rajendra Somani. His multifaceted approach transcends mere physical fitness, encompassing the holistic well-being of Indian citizens. Through the organisation, the visionary leader promotes not only physical health,
but also spiritual and mental wellness. He champions women’s empowerment, offers guidance and motivation to the youth, and strives to elevate the happiness quotient among people. Through Push India Push, he endeavours to inspire and guide Indians towards holistic wellness, making significant strides towards a brighter and healthier future for the nation.

DRIVING INCLUSIVITY

The inaugural Push-Up Challenge took place at the Balewadi Sports Complex in Pune, Maharashtra in April 2023, attracting over 17,000 participants. The event transcended boundaries of age, gender, caste, and religion, emphasising inclusivity. The participants spanned a remarkable age range, from 18 to 72 years, with differently-abled individuals also participating. This event not only promoted fitness, but also exemplified the power of sports to drive unity and collective wellness in India.

Furthermore, the Push-Up Challenge extended its reach to Bombay Gymkhana, where an Inter Club Push-Up Challenge coincided with the club’s 148th Founder’s Day celebration. The event showcased the collective efforts of members from eight elite clubs in South Mumbai. Their participation was not merely for personal achievement, but also for a noble cause—to raise funds in support of paraplegic soldiers who have valiantly served our nation. The event achieved remarkable success and raised Rs. 5 lakh, which has been wholeheartedly donated to the Paraplegic Rehabilitation Centre in Pune. This contribution will offer crucial care and support to the courageous soldiers who have endured life changing injuries while defending our nation. Aside from this, another similar event was conducted at the NSG Mumbai Hub wherein more than 250 commandos performed push-ups. Mr. Somani aims to expand the Push-Up Challenge to various cities across India. Through this initiative, he seeks to tap into the vast talent pool of the nation, thus, providing individuals with a platform to showcase their physical prowess.

MENTAL HEALTH ADVOCATE

In his quest for overall well-being, Mr. Somani places a profound emphasis on acknowledging and tackling the often-overlooked realm of mental health. In today’s society, the pervasive issue of mental health troubles a substantial segment of the population, with a staggering 50% struggling with depression or related challenges. The leader staunchly asserts that addressing mental health is not a mere option but an absolute necessity, driven by the alarming surge in predicaments like child obesity, excessive screen time among all age groups, depression, domestic violence, and soaring divorce rates. His holistic approach underscores that nurturing mental wellness is paramount in our increasingly demanding world, promoting not just healthier individuals but also more resilient communities. He aims to create a positive impact by encouraging open conversations about depression, stress, and related concerns.

To effectively address these pressing concerns, Mr. Somani has forged a partnership with the women-led spiritual organisation – Brahma Kumari. With a rich history and a stellar reputation, Brahma Kumari has garnered immense respect and recognition in India. He also hosts insightful chat shows and talk sessions focused on mental health and mental fitness to help individuals engage in meaningful discussions and seek guidance.

TEAM BUILDER AND VISIONARY

Mr. Somani’s ability to bring out the best in his team members sets him apart as a leader. His people-first approach to leadership has not only driven business success, but also created a workplace culture that values collaboration, loyalty, and a shared vision of growth. Remarkably, many of his team members have remained with him for over three decades, which demonstrates his ability to cultivate lasting relationships with his employees. Furthermore, being a people person, he views his team as a close-knit family that has grown older together.

Being a visionary leader, Mr. Somani is in a relentless pursuit of his dreams. At the core of his ambition lies a burning desire to become an angel investor to propel the growth of innovative start-ups and young entrepreneurs. His unyielding enthusiasm for connecting with the latest generation of innovators fuels his quest to uncover groundbreaking ideas and visionary projects. His approach involves engaging with these budding talents and meticulously evaluating their pitches so that he can contribute to their ventures. Looking ahead, Mr. Somani aspires to establish a personal investment fund, positioning himself as a fund investor as well as an income investor. His determination shines through as he sets an audacious goal to raise this fund within the remarkably short timeframe of 6-8 months.

GARNERING ACCOLADES

A dedicated fitness enthusiast, Mr. Somani achieved a remarkable feat in 2017 by securing a coveted spot in the Limca Book of Records for his exceptional fitness accomplishments. He proudly holds the prestigious Taekwondo Dan 1 title from Korea. As a gymnast and Parkour artist, he embodies the principles of movement, agility, and strength that are central to his fitness initiatives. His personal commitment to fitness is not just a part of his life, but an integral way of his life.

Passionate about Success in His Own Ways

A maverick who creates and follows his own dreams, Akbar Moideen Thumbay – the Vice President of the Healthcare Division of Thumbay Group – doesn’t believe in treading off the beaten path, and immensely encouraged by the phenomenal and highly inspiring ideas and leadership of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, he is all out to vigorously create new avenues of triumph

“Infusing his ingenious ideas into the Group, he immediately began on some ambitious initiatives, including promoting Thumbay Hospitals in the medical tourism segment”

Taking On Ambitious Avenues

Born to Dr. Thumbay Moideen, a third-generation business entrepreneur and Mrs. Zohra Moideen, a renowned artist in Mangalore, India, Akbar Moideen Thumbay completed his secondary education from the elite academic institution, The Lawrence School, Lovedale in the serene city of Ooty. He loved spending his time with his grandfather, Dr. Ahmed Hajee Mohiudeen, the Founder and Chairman of the well-established BA Group, in Mangalore India, and learnt life values and intricacies of business from him.

Right after his secondary education, he moved to the UAE at the age of 15, and continued his studies with the International School of Choueifat, UAE, and completed his graduation in Mechanical Engineering from American University of Sharjah (AUS). Committed to collect valuable expertise through higher learning, he completed his postgraduation in Hospital Management from the renowned SDA Boccioni School of Management, Milan, Italy. As would happen in a family owning highly successful businesses in the fields of medical education and healthcare, Akbar was expected, rather insisted by everyone in his family, to study medicine; however, he decided to listen to his heart. Rightly so, as he is proudly serving the Healthcare Division of Thumbay Group, UAE as its Vice President. At the same time, he has not let his love for cars die down, as he not only pursued Mechanical Engineering in his graduation, but also participated as a main team member in the AUS Engineering Team that built an FSAE race car that would later race in the United States. Complementing his passion, he also took an internship at Mercedes Benz Headquarters in Berlin, Germany.

No Looking Back

As Akbar had decided to take interest in his family business at a very young age, bringing his enthusiasm and passion along, he rapidly learnt and understood the basic essentials of the business, and realized that he always had an inherent acumen to manage large businesses and lead powerful teams of professionals. He therefore decided to pursue his postgraduation in Management studies. After completing his studies, he spent the first few months interning with a leading New York-based consultancy, getting exposure into healthcare, insurance coverage & lifestyle management principles.

Upon joining his family business – Thumbay Group – founded by his father Dr. Thumbay Moideen in 1998, he was entrusted with his first business assignment to build an effective set of websites for his father’s Thumbay Group of companies. Looking for an opportunity to prove himself, he spiritedly took the challenge and showing his prowess offered sterling results. Later, joining Thumbay Group on a full-time basis, he quickly learnt the regular operations and day-today challenges of the organization, and was offered the responsibility of managing the Healthcare & Retail Divisions of Thumbay Group, as a reward for his relentless dedication and hard work.

Infusing his ingenious ideas into the Group, he immediately began on some ambitious initiatives, one of which included promoting Thumbay Hospitals in the medical tourism segment in an aggressive manner. As a direct result, Thumbay Hospitals’ international- quality healthcare services and well-equipped facilities brought in patients from as far as Africa and Southern Europe, seeking treatments from executive check-ups to complicated surgeries.

Man of Vision, Determination and Dynamism

Thumbay Moideen is a man of vision and dynamism, with a determination to succeed. He is not only a renowned personality in India and beyond, for the various achievements he has made, but he is also a true leader, who has infused the values of dedication, discipline, dynamism and hard work at all levels of his organization

“He took to business at the tender age of 21 years demonstrating his business acumen. Today, his name is synonymous with professionalism and positive approach”

Born in 1957 in India, a Mangalorean by birth, Moideen is a third-generation entrepreneur raised in a traditional family with a business background. He took to business at the tender age of 21 years, and demonstrated his business acumen from the very start.

Today, his name is synonymous with professionalism and positive approach. He is the Founder and President of Thumbay Group, a medical company based in Ajman, United Arab Emirates. Moideen established the Thumbay Group, UAE in the year 1998. Under his dynamic leadership, it went on to achieve tremendous growth, and in the process, provided a means of livelihood to hundreds of families. The Thumbay Group has since ventured into Health Education, Healthcare, Medical Research, Diagnostics, Retail Pharmacy, Health Communications, Information Technology, Retail Opticals, Wellness, Hospitality and Real Estate.

Notable is the fact that he was the first expatriate to be invited by the rulers of Ajman to start a medical college in the UAE. Thus, the Gulf Medical University was established, which ultimately became a destination for medical education for students from over 70 countries.

Starting with the establishment of the Thumbay Group, he set up business operations in 13 sectors over the course of 16 years. Today, the Group has developed into a business conglomerate with diversified interests in hospitals, medical centres, diagnostic centres, healthclubs, pharmacies, retail outlets, coffee shops and nutrition stores spread out across the UAE.

The organisation employs more than 3,000 employees in the UAE. In 2013, Thumbay Group was listed at number 44 among the ‘Top 100 Making an Impact in the Arab World’ by Forbes Middle East. The result of Moideen’s initiatives and vision have taken medical education to a greater level and has resulted in over 400 students graduating and presently working or pursuing Post Graduate Courses in over 20 countries. Graduates of Gulf Medical University (GMU) are placed in leading universities across the world. Moideen has received several awards and has also been featured in various lists.

CSR Activities and Community Leadership

Thumbay Moideen supports charitable activities in healthcare and education through Thumbay Foundation, a charitable trust that provides scholarships, grants, bursaries, awards, fellowships, endowments, donations and other forms of financial assistance to students pursuing any level of education or training in any educational or training institutions or establishments or otherwise in such manner as may be decided by the Foundation. The pioneering spirit, vision, sheer conviction, courage and confidence of Moideen is well known as a leader in the field of healthcare.

IN HIGH SPIRITS

Kishore Rajaram Chhabria, Chairman of Allied Blenders and Distillers Pvt. Ltd., is one of the most successful and visionary entrepreneurs in the liquor industry. With over 30 years of experience, he currently owns and controls ABD

“Under the leadership of Chhabria, his whisky brand Officer’s Choice has emerged as the largest-selling whisky in the world, ahead of even global spirits”

Kishore Rajaram Chhabria is a self-made man. His struggles and his success both have always kept him in high spirits. This is just a coincidence that he deals in finesh spirits as well!

His success and visionary entrepreneurial endeavours have been legendary in the liquor industry. Chhabria has over 30 years of rich experience in the Indian alcobev industry. Between 1987 and 1992, he was the Managing Director at Shaw Wallace & Co. Ltd., where he transformed the company into a powerhouse in the spirit industry by increasing the market share for its existing brands and adding new brands to its portfolio. During this period, Chhabria also served as Director or Advisor in various major companies such as Dunlop India Ltd., Mather & Platt Ltd., Hindustan Dorr Oliver Ltd., Gordon Woodroffe Ltd., etc.

Prior to joining Shaw Wallace, Chhabria lived and worked in Dubai and London. Then, from April 1992, Chhabria was the Chairman of BDA Ltd. – the liquor business of this company was de-merged into ABD during Between 1995 and 2005, he also served as the Executive Vice Chairman of Herbertsons Ltd., a leading liquor company that has since been merged with United Spirits Limited.

Today, his company, Allied Blenders and Distillers is India’s largest domestic spirits company with a robust portfolio of brands catering to different consumer segments. Under his stewardship, ABD has consistently been the fastest-growing spirits company in India over the past few years.

Its flagship brand, Officer’s Choice, is the largest-selling whisky brand in the world with sales of over 23 million cases (FY ’15). Officer’s Choice Blue, a premium variant, in less than 3 years of national launch, has sold over 7 million cases (FY ‘15), a feat achieved by no other spirits brand till date.

Other brands in Chhabria’s portfolio include Officer’s Choice Black, Jolly Roger Rum, Kyron Premium Brandy, Lord and Master Brandy and Class 21 Vodka.

Through the creation his Officer’s Choice brand, Chhabria desired to unite affordability with class. He wanted consumers to have a feel of a high-status product at low and affordable prices. However, initial success never guarantees a successful business. Chhabria really worked hard to make Officer’s Choice a huge brand. In between, he had some fallouts but he retained the brand. Not to accept defeat easily, Chabbaria is thus a very successful entrepreneur and envisions to make his company the most admired spirits company in the world. He also desires to earnestly work for business sustainability and talent sustainability and make ABD future-ready. He has been voted as Entrepreneur of the Year in the Alcobev industry at Indspirit Awards 2015.

IN THE BIG LEAGUES

Mr. Manoj Kumar Bisht, the Managing Director of MK Infosystems Pvt. Ltd., is a visionary entrepreneur hailing from New Delhi, India. His unwavering determination and commitment have steered the firm to become a renowned provider of Networking and Security Surveillance solutions

Mr. Manoj Kumar Bisht’s inspiring journey serves as a testament to the profound impact that self-belief and unwavering determination can have, regardless of one’s modest beginnings. Born into a lower-middle-class family, he inherited the values of loyalty and diligence from his father, a dedicated junior commissioned officer in the Border Security Force.

Mr. Bisht grew up in a remote village, and had to walk about 4 kilometres to school daily. Being the eldest child in the family, he also had to shoulder familial responsibilities. Despite the limited opportunities that life presented him in his early years, the leader held a steadfast commitment to achieving success. His life took a pivotal turn when he secured admission to the prestigious Pusa Institute, affiliated with the Delhi Technical Board of Education. At the institute, he embarked on a transformative three-year journey that culminated in his graduation with a Diploma in Electronics and Communication in 1993. At just 20 years old, he embarked on his professional career in a small company, fuelled by the desire to provide for his family’s basic needs and ensure his children received a quality education.

THE ENTREPRENEURIAL JOURNEY

However, destiny had grander plans for Mr. Bisht. In 2002, he took the bold step of leaving his job to establish MK Infosystems Pvt. Ltd. Initially specialising in LAN/WAN solutions, he soon recognised the evolving landscape and expanded into Security Surveillance. This strategic shift, combined with his relentless dedication, laid the groundwork for the company’s ascent to becoming a leader in Networking and Security Surveillance Solutions.

Under Mr. Bisht’s leadership, MK Infosystems has successfully executed prestigious projects, including installations at the Indian Parliament House, New Delhi Lutyens zone safe city, Hyderabad Metro, and many other areas of Delhi. The company has also left an indelible mark in Networking with projects for UIDAI (the largest data centre in Asia), BITS Pilani, ICICI Bank, and other companies. The firm has expanded its footprint globally, undertaking projects in GCC countries, including DEWA in Dubai, KOC in Kuwait, and UAE Navy, among others.

Mr. Bisht’s resolute commitment to delivering exceptional solutions has not only fostered enduring relationships with customers and employees, but has also proved to be invaluable in an era where retaining talent is of paramount concern. Remarkably, the company boasts a workforce with an average tenure of over 10 years.

GLORIOUS ACHIEVEMENTS

Mr. Bisht’s remarkable journey has been recognised with numerous accolades, including the Asia Pacific Entrepreneur Award 2016 under most promising category, CRN Channel Leader Award – Security & Surveillance Category in 2021 and 2022, the Best System Integrator 2020 Award under the category ‘Emerging Partner’ by The Economic Times, and Security Master of the Year 2018/2020 by SME Channels. He has also been named “Best Networking Solution Provider-North India” multiple times.

The success story of Mr. Bisht underscores the importance of unwavering family support in a leader’s life. His wife, Mrs. Preeti Bisht, stood by his side throughout the highs and lows of his entrepreneurial journey. Together, they overcame initial setbacks and failures, propelling their company to greater heights in a fiercely competitive market.

Young Leader on a Global Mission

Charismatic with an easy confidence that comes from having several accolades to her name, Alisha Moopen, Executive Director and CEO of Aster DM Healthcare, Aster and Medcare Hospitals & Clinics GCC, has found her forte. A true leader who believes in empowering her employees, she has built a strong force of future leaders and not followers

“Bound by the global mission to make quality healthcare affordable and accessible for all, Alisha makes regular contributions to her various Foundations and Trusts”

Dream to create a world class institution

A financial consultant at Ernst & Young for 7 years, Alisha did not plan on entering the healthcare sector. But the opportunity to realize her dream to create a world-class institution that prizes health above all else soon came knocking. A millennial with an unconventional approach to leadership, Alisha joined her father, entrepreneurial legend Dr. Azad Moopen, in 2012 to support the family healthcare business.

During her six-year tenure at Aster DM Healthcare, she has been instrumental in expanding the footprint of the business across GCC, India, Jordan and Philippines. She has been influential in incorporating best practices and policies to preserve the company ethos for future generations. Today, Aster DM Healthcare boasts of over 323 establishments across 9 countries, which is not an ordinary feat.

An unpleasant experience at a UK healthcare centre led Alisha, then a financial consultant with E&Y, to appreciate her father’s work in the field of healthcare. While she didn’t have a doctor’s degree, she had a major in finance and accountancy with a Chartered Accountant Degree from ICAS, Scotland. Confident of her desire to contribute and willingness to learn,
Alisha decided to leave UK, ready to join her father’s business as the financial manager at one of Aster DM Healthcare’s hospitals.

Racing through the ranks

The unexpected demise of the CEO of one of the healthcare units hurtled Alisha into the proverbial storm as she was handed the tremendous responsibility of managing 25 clinics and 1 hospital in the UAE. But, she rose to the occasion and dealt with critical tasks like commissioning new units, managing a large task force of doctors and dealing with patient grievances. A fast learner, she adapted easily and soon took on the next challenge of setting up 25 new clinics in Emirates, while managing clinics and hospitals around GCC. Within a year, she became Director of Corporate Strategy. She was also instrumental in taking the brand to new markets like Bahrain and Philippines. As her father’s confidence in her abilities grew, she took on Medcare, a premium brand of the Aster DM Healthcare portfolio, excelling in this role too, finally showcasing her own talent and commitment in her area of expertise. Currently, she is the Executive Director and CEO of Aster DM Healthcare for Aster and Medcare Hospitals and Clinics in GCC region, a position she has held since 2015.

Growing into a leader

Aster DM Healthcare was already a well-established entity at the cusp of exponential growth when Alisha joined the team. Entering the family business meant she had to constantly fend off assumptions of ‘silver spoon benefits’. During the expansion phase of the business, she was forced to make many tough decisions and build teams and networks in new markets while keeping the company’s model of service and ethics intact for sustainable future growth.

Alisha truly believes that profit is a by-product and not the main purpose of healthcare. Under her guidance, Aster DM Healthcare has set up numerous support programmes for social justice, women and youth empowerment, and human health consciousness benefitting people in India, Afghanistan, Philippines, Africa and expatriates in the Gulf.

TURNING VISION INTO VICTORY

MR. SUNIL SOMANI, DIRECTOR AT SOMANI APPAREL PVT. LTD. (SAPL), IS ACTIVELY STEERING HIS COMPANY TOWARDS UNPRECEDENTED SUCCESS IN THE APPAREL SECTOR. HE EXCELS AT DEVISING RESULTS-DRIVEN BUSINESS STRATEGIES AND HIS GROWTH-ORIENTED, HIGH-ENERGY, AND RESILIENT APPROACH, DEFINES HIS TRANSFORMATIVE LEADERSHIP STYLE

FROM LEARNING TO LEADING

Mr. Sunil attributes his success to a remarkable academic journey that kickstarted with his stellar performance in the All India Engineering Entrance Examination (AIEEE) in 2007. Thereafter, he completed a full-time, four-year compulsory campus residential program in Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE) at BIT Mesra. Following this, he ventured into the corporate arena and honed his skills during a two-year stint with Cognizant Technology Solutions. In 2013, he successfully cracked the Common Admission Test and enrolled in the TA Pai Management Institute, specialising in finance.

Guided by the wisdom of his father and brothers, Mr. Sunil established a flourishing business crafting girls’ kids’ wear in 2015 in the bustling heart of Burrabazar, Kolkata. Nevertheless, Mr. Sunil’s entrepreneurial journey was a tumultuous one. Undeterred by challenges, the gritty leader weathered the storms of demonitisation in 2016, the implementation of GST in 2017, a devastating factory fire, and the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the setbacks caused by the pandemic, he established Somani Apparel Pvt. Ltd. in 2020, marking the culmination of his successful career.

Mr. Sunil’s leadership style revolves around creating a structured work culture. Thus, he has organised his staff into specialised departments to cultivate a feeling of ownership and responsibility among them. As a leader of over 400 employees, he emphasises the importance of active involvement in the vital areas of the business. For him, punctuality is not just a personal virtue but a leadership strategy to head the organisation. By aligning his schedule with that of the employees, the compassionate leader ensures that he is readily available to address challenges and provide timely solutions.

A VISION FOR GLOBAL EXPANSION

Looking towards the future, Mr. Sunil envisions substantial growth for Somani Apparel Pvt. Ltd.With a current turnover of Rs 40 crores in SAPL, and Rs 100 crores inclusive of its subsidiaries, Anil Enterprise and Salasar Enterprise, his ambitious goal is to achieve INR 400 crores within the next five years, at an impressive CAGR of 30%. This commitment highlights his determination not only to sustain, but to thrive in the highly competitive apparel industry. He recognises the crucial role of quality products delivered on time and aims to maintain his company’s reputation by consistently meeting these standards.

For Mr. Sunil, staying ahead in the apparel sector means incorporating the latest trends in fabric and design. He plans to automate the factory in the near future by moving away from a labour-intensive setup to one that is more efficient and productive. Furthermore, his global vision includes expanding the company’s footprint beyond India’s borders.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

As a leader deeply committed to corporate social responsibility, Mr. Sunil ensures that his company actively engages in initiatives that benefit the community. From annual programs celebrating employees’ talents to distributing essential items to workers, Mr. Sunil prioritises the well-being and satisfaction of his team. He believes that corporate success should be accompanied by a positive impact on the lives of those who contribute to it.

GARNERING ACCOLADES

Within three years of establishing SAPL, Mr. Sunil and his company have achieved phenomenal success by winning the prestigious ‘India 5000 BEST MSME Award’. He and his team consistently strive to demonstrate how excellence and corporate ethics merge to create a blueprint for success in the apparel industry.

THE PIONEER OF PRIVATE HEALTHCARE IN INDIA

Ms. Sangita Reddy is the Joint Managing Director of the Apollo Hospitals Group. Widely acknowledged as the  promoter of the avant-garde in Indian private healthcare and a proponent of integrated healthcare, Ms. Reddy  has helped Apollo Hospitals touch the lives of millions from about 140 countries

“Ms. Reddy is a driving force for the eHealth initiatives & has enabled Apollo to emerge as a recipient of three consecutive ICT achievement awards”

Ms. Sangita Reddy had formally joined the Apollo Group in 1983. She drew inspiration from her father and Founding Chairman, Dr Prathap C Reddy whose mission was to bring healthcare within the reach of every individual in the country. A BSc graduate from the Women’s Christian College in Chennai, Ms. Reddy also holds a post-graduate degree and has done executive courses in Hospital Administration from the National University of Singapore, Rutgers University and Harvard University.

INGENIOUS AND VISIONARY

It was under her confidently led stewardship that Apollo Hospitals in Hyderabad bloomed as Asia’s first Health City – an example that helped develop multi-dimensional holistic healthcare in India. An active participant of the founding team, she contributed immensely in the initial years of Apollo Hospitals as Executive Assistant to Chairman, CEO, Apollo Hospitals, Chennai and helped in evolving a patient-centric and process-driven culture.

Ms. Reddy is passionately committed to evolving healthcare using effective and efficient technology. Under her able leadership, Apollo has emerged as a recipient of three consecutive ICT achievement awards. Instrumental in the Group’s retail and primary healthcare expansion, Ms. Reddy has made giant efforts in promoting services and operations at Apollo Health and Lifestyle Ltd., having healthcare retail service formats such as family health clinics, diagnostic centres, birthing boutiques & maternal health centres, ambulatory surgery centres, dental spas and diabetes management facilities. In addition to strengthening the care continuum, Ms. Reddy introduced Apollo Home Care for the provision of trusted medical care in the comfort of patients’ homes and Apollo Elder Care to provide customised geriatric care.

Moreover, cognizant of the acute need for well-trained manpower, she has also led a partnership between Apollo Hospitals & NSDC, with a goal to employ half a million individuals before 2020.

ENTERPRISING LUMINARY

She works with industry bodies and the GOI on various aspects of policy development and public health. A fervent champion, both believing in and strongly implementing the welfare of all through a global delivery model comprising rural hospitals, outreach camps and telemedicine, Sangita is actively engaged with governments to provide innovative health services harnessing digital platforms.

Ms. Reddy has also helped promote interests of the business community as the Chairperson of FICCI for the states of Telangana & A.P., & as its National Head of Healthcare. She has also been a part of the policy-making team of our country as an elected Member of the Steering Committee on Health for the 12th FYP (2012–2017) under the erstwhile Planning Commission. She’s a recipient of various prestigious awards for business & leadership. However, her mainspring is her resolute commitment to bring revolutionary changes in Indian healthcare making it much more accessible, affordable and truly inclusive. She is a true visionary & a motivational figure for millions across the country.