Category: Leaders

The Founder-Director of Glaze Trading India Private Limited, Mr. Sanjeev Chhibber always believed in venturing into the lesser-known territories and embrace novel, innovative initiatives to challenge the existing paradigms of business. With the same spirit and a rockstrong determination to take the Indian direct selling business to global recognition, he set up Glaze in the year 2003, along with Mr. Chetan Handa.

In less than two decades, the company has truly come on its own and is one of the top players in the sector. Today, there are more than 40 lakh independent distributors across the country, and more than 256 franchisees working to fulfill their inspired dreams under Galway Business. Mr. Chhibber further plans to establish an extensive network globally and offer interesting business opportunities to people of diverse social and ethnic backgrounds. He works day-through-night to achieve all his dreams and reckons that no success comes without constant hustle.

BUILDING A STURDY EMPIRE

A commerce graduate from the University of Delhi, Mr. Sanjeev Chhibber had started his career as a distributor in a little known direct selling company. While working there, Mr. Chhibber felt rising in him a raging fire to revamp the industry. Observing the work environment around, he built within himself a strong entrepreneurial spirit. He transformed himself into a motivational leader steadily and decided to build something of his own, which can redefine the way the industry was functioning back then in the time.

Mr. Chhibber knew that the road is not going to be easy but he nevertheless stepped on to it and established Glaze Trading India Private Limited with minimal capital and modest investments. However, with a strong will-power and a futuristic vision, he managed to create a growing enterprise. His zeal to succeed steered him to dream big, aim high, and make it happen. And that’s why, under his able guidance, Glaze is registering double-digit growth year-afteryear, since its inception. The company has gained a lot of popularity among the users for its flawless and impeccable services.

Apart from Glaze Trading, today, he owns and runs four more companies namely Sakshem IT Solution, Sakshem Exim, Ananya Herbal, Print Tech and independent E-Commerce division of Glaze viz. Galwaykart. Each of these has built a stellar reputation within their respective industries and has been growing exponentially.

STANDING FIRM ON CONVICTIONS

Mr. Sanjeev Chhibber believes that all these glories wouldn’t have found their way to him if he had not been clear in his convictions. He had realized early in his career that long-term success can be attained only with a well-defined vision, mission, and values, the foundation of which must lie in fairness, trustworthiness, and respect while pursuing the path of innovation and differentiation. These are the very principles he relies on while making his space in the competitive market. The adherence to these fundamentals and a sustainable business model with roots firmed in the culture of people-to-people contact, and efficient linking of resources to solutions has enabled Glaze to outperform many of its competitors.

Mr. Sanjeev Chhibber’s inspiration has always been to stand on his own feet without leaning on anyone else’s shoulders for support. He is a self-made man who has full faith in the power of his own dreams and skills. According to him, drive, determination, and dedication have always driven his convictions.

He feels that partnerships are to make both parties self-sufficient than making them dependent on each other. With his businesses, he, therefore, tries to foster partnerships that can create a win-win proposition, which is long-lasting and sustainable throughout.

Another aspect of business that Mr. Chhibber is really passionate about is creating and sharing wealth through the promotion of micro-entrepreneurship as a sustainable business model. He is using the same for marketing and distributing of Glaze India products.

His focus remains on the less privileged sections of the society, located in far-flung areas, having diverse social and ethnic backgrounds. Under his companies, the versatile leader invites them to become business partners by offering them interesting opportunities that can help the company in the expansion of its networks and provides the committed brass of participants with minimal attrition but substantial training responsibilities.

DREAMING OF A GLORIOUS TOMORROW

Mr. Chhibber’s future vision is to make Galway one of the most trusted corporate brands in the domestic market for its offerings while foraying into the global market to make its presence felt internationally with best business practices. This will also involve the expansion of the product range and more investment in technology and heightened investment in research and development.

Another goal that Mr. Chhibber is dedicated to is giving back to society, which finds its echo in every company initiative of his. He is overseeing two programmes under his brand’s CSR activities: Self-Empowerment Programme (SEP) and Digitalya for digital education. For developing people spiritually, the Foundation runs SEP while Digitalya aims to provide free-of-cost training in informatics and computer basics to the people who have no or little knowledge of how to use computers.

SEP program has touched 1 lakh 56 thousand lives to date while 13 Digitalya labs in 8 states have educated 26 thousand plus ICB certified participants. Along with its 02 major programs, Foundation has been spreading smiles in the lives of disadvantaged communities by raising awareness as well as making voluntary contributions in the areas of child education, health, and welfare of the specially-abled people and organizing blood donation camps.

Efficaciously turning every challenge that came his way into an opportunity by the virtue of his sheer grit and earnest efforts, the Founder-Director of Glaze Trading India Pvt. Ltd., Mr. Chetan Handa has successfully built a popular brand in the highly competitive FMCG sector.

CHARTING HIS OWN SUCCESS TRAJECTORIES

Despite the fact that Mr. Chetan faced umpteen challenges in launching the FMCG brand in the market for gaining confidence of the customers and visibility of the nascent brand, he never gave up. He confidently faced every obstacle that came his way and perceived it as an opportunity. As he puts it, “As the Founder-Director of Glaze Trading India Pvt. Ltd., it was my earnest endeavour to set up a company with turnkey systems and processes where the constraints of capital, investment and resources can be encountered effectively. Marketing of FMCG products under our own brand in a direct selling business model with customerfocused selling emerged as a preferred option. The importance of grooming of business partners through sustained training initiatives and managing the transactional base through rapid IT intervention emerged as the 2 fundamental areas of business priority.”

Mr. Chetan takes pride in the fact that his “personal intervention and indulgence in both these fronts enabled the new startup company Glaze, to register rapid growth with abundant prospect of future expansion. The focus on IT and Technology enabled the IT department within Glaze to emerge as an independent division first and now as an awarded IT company – Sakshem IT Solution with diverse portfolio to manage multiple applications in various technology platforms.” He expresses elation over the fact that “the future emergence of digital marketing platform as a desired buying option for customers was realized early and the benefits of this option were enabled for our channel partners with the launch of the e-commerce venture of Glaze under the name GalwayKart to enhance customer outreach.”

EFFICIENTLY LEADING HIS TEAM TO SUCCESS

It is a well-established fact that leaders play an important role in the growth of an organization. Some leaders lead by example and inspire others to push themselves towards success. Mr. Chetan is one such leader who has been consistently motivating his team members to put their best foot forward at all times. Talking about his significant role as a leader, he elaborates, “While laying the foundation of Glaze with the preferred business model adopted, the role of training and education to transform the channel partners as valued contributors, touched a personal chord with my preference. I took the onus of being the lead trainer and lifestyle coach for the company to groom the channel partners, which have now become my passion and key to success for the company. ‘Failure is not fatal and success can be groomed and duplicated’ became by motto.”

Taking about some of the challenges which he faced and the innovated measures which he had devised to overcome them, he states, “there were steep challenges for gaining confidence of customers and visibility of the nascent company with an unknown brand in the competitive FMCG segment. However, the avenue of empowerment and entrepreneurship underneath the business opportunity in the course of sales and marketing of products and services touched a personal chord with thousands of underprivileged youth, in sub-urban towns and cities, aspiring for a better livelihood, who joined the business.”

He further adds, “The voice of the business opportunity to create and share wealth in a win-win partnership leveraged on performance, helped the network to expand much faster than expected. Training of the emerging channel partners in a holistic way in a step by step, substantiate manner by creating quality training tools became the need of the hour which were delivered on time with precision under my direct supervision. The loyalty of the channel partners was thus secured for an everlasting relationship based on mutual trust and respect.” He “leads from the front” and has “always believed in ‘creating wealth and sharing wealth’ in a win-win partnership for sustained success.” “Passion, persistence, determination, dedication and discipline” are an integral part of his success mantra.”

GARNERING GLORY

An ISO 9001:2015 certified company, Glaze has been certified by Indian Direct Selling Association (IDSA) under Mr. Chetan’s distinguished leadership. In addition, Galway Foundation, the CSR arm of Glaze Trading, has received Asia’s Best CSR Award 2017. It has also received India CSR Community Initiative Award for its innovative CSR project.

DEDICATED TO SOCIAL WELFARE

Possessing a heart of gold, Mr. Chetan is deeply concerned about social welfare. He asserts, “Giving back to the society has always been my personal goal which finds its echo in every company initiative. What I am today is because of the society and the customers we serve. Thus, corporate social responsibility is the most pious thing to indulge in.”

Mr. Chetan elaborates, “Galway Foundation runs 2 flagship programs, Self-Empowerment Program (SEP) and Digitalya. For developing people spiritually, the Foundation runs SEP while Digitalya aims to provide free of cost training in informatics & computer basics to the people who have no or little knowledge of computers. SEP program has touched 1 lakh 56,000 lives till date while 13 Digitalya labs in 8 states have educated 26,000+ ICB certified participants till date.”

He adds, “Along with its 2 major programs, the Foundation has been spreading smiles in the lives of disadvantaged communities by raising awareness & making voluntary contributions in the areas of child education, health, welfare of the specially-abled people & organizing blood donation camps.”

As the Chairman & Managing Director of SATRA Group – an Indian conglomerate headquartered in Hyderabad with diverse interests across sectors such as infrastructure consulting, exploring mines and minerals and developing agro infrastructure – Mr. Mallela has been dedicatedly working towards delivering profitable revenue growth to clients and customers. A part of his growth focus includes continuing the tradition of SATRA as a best place to work for all locations the world over. Having established SATRA Group in the year 2008, he is at the helm of the overall development and management of the company and has been successfully driving it towards newer horizons of success.

THE PERFECT ROLE-MODEL

A forward looking leader, he is able to successfully anticipate and visualize situations and thereby frame logical solutions. His extremely positive bent of mind and mature outlook make him a great leader and cast persistent influence on his co-workers who look up to him for inspiration. Besides being an outstanding motivator, he is also an excellent communicator as his policies and procedures are clear, precise and effective. He provides direction by developing the organizational vision, communicating it to the employees and inspiring them to achieve it.

Over the years, Mr. Mallela has worked across the value chain in the infrastructure management domain along with various stakeholders. He brings to the table, a comprehensive understanding of the sector both at a holistic level as well as a thorough grasp of each aspect in detail. He has successfully facilitated diversification of SATRA and has led its expansion into different geographies namely India, New Zealand and Zambia, and across operations.

CARVING HIS DISTINCT SUCCESS TRAJECTORY

An extremely talented leader, Mr. Mallela is an exemplary role model who continually redefines his perceptions and ambitions to encompass the entire company, which he represents. He puts the interests of the organization and stakeholders before his personal ambition and goals and strives to create success which is sustainable and does not need his constant presence.

Owing to his dedicated efforts, Mr. Mallela has taken SATRA Group — a key contestant in businesses of infrastructure maintenance today — to greater heights. He works seamlessly with his own teams and people to drive them to magnificence, and successful accomplishment of business ideas and undertakings.

He takes pride in the fact that SATRA Group is “one of the forerunners in the infrastructure consultancy industry.” Sharing his success mantra, he elaborates, “Our company has been in the business of Consultancy for more than eleven years now and still counting. In these years, we have designed and developed our services and solutions that are proven to be innovative, sustainable and value for money. With a proven track record of timely completion of projects in complex and difficult environments, our group excels in planning, design and management to provide reliable and sustainable solutions that fulfil the unique needs of each country and scale along with its growth needs.”

He further adds, “Since inception, SATRA has been growing from strength to strength which is quite evident from its being awarded with many landmark projects both in India and abroad. Equipped with young, dedicated, enthusiastic and extremely talented work force, we have been able to successfully complete various projects under trying circumstances, varied environments and challenging situations to the ultimate satisfaction of our clients.”

EXPANDING SATRA FAR & WIDE

Under his exemplary leadership, SATRA Group employs state-of-the-art technology and needs-based solutions coupled with highly experienced domestic and international workforce. Its comprehensive suite of asset development, maintenance and management services cover the entire asset lifecycle, right from concept design and planning, to procurement and construction, and finally to operation and maintenance.

The Group strives to achieve its goal of becoming the most preferred provider of quality infrastructure and project management services, under the able guidance of Mr. Mallela. He ensures that it strictly adheres to an effective quality system by incorporating global quality standards and best practices.

Mr. Mallela has been successful in expanding SATRA Group into different spheres. Established in 2008, its Consultancy Services division has grown multi-fold each year in revenue, operating sectors and geographical regions. To explore endless possibilities in the mining sector, the Group’s Mines and Minerals division was established in 2013. Its Agro division was set up in 2014 to promote agro infrastructure and tap into the immense potential of rural communities and aims to establish terminal market complexes, mega food parks and other similar infrastructure to provide a “one-stop shop,” particularly for small and medium-sized farmers who are unable to realise the actual value of their products.

Under his guidance, the Group has expanded globally as well. SATRA’s sister companies in New Zealand involved in manufacturing asset monitoring and management products and offering ICT enabled services.

TREADING TOWARDS A LUMINOUS FUTURE

A strong advocate of innovation, he consistently encourages pursuit of newer avenues, processes, products, services and management practices to enable the Group to get better each day. Under his able leadership, SATRA Group adheres to sustainable business practices which optimize utilization of resources without compromising on time, or quality of products and services. No wonder it is marching towards uncharted territories of success with each passing day.

The progress of an organization is the direct result of the symphony between its management and resources. The optimum utilisation of available talent and representing the same as a product for the end user is of utmost importance. With a diverse field of work, Malav brings extensive cross-sector leadership experience in leveraging the strengths of public, private and non-profit sectors to the Hitech Group, a diversified Indian conglomerate headquartered in Mumbai, India.

A DEDICATED & PASSIONATE LEADER

Malav is a hands- on entrepreneur who brings a distinct brand of creative and passionate entrepreneurial leadership. His concept of ‘Intrapreneurship’ empowers employees to take ownership of the work, which is then composed into a powerful combination of individual and group efforts. This is one of the crucial management techniques that distinguishe the Hitech Group.

His ability to scout for young talent, providing them the most suited practical environment, has contributed a great deal to inculcate business acumen and values in the upcoming generation. He is the recipient of the ‘Yuva Icon Award’ presented by Dr. A.P.J Abdul Kalam for displaying exemplary determination towards positively impacting the future of the nation.

For Malav, leadership is both learned as well as innate skill. Malav endorses core work ethics such as integrity, commitment, customer centricity within the organization and beyond. He held the position of the Chairman of ‘The Young Leaders’ Forum, Indian Merchants’ Chamber (IMC) from 2009- 2013. In 2012, he was appointed the Managing Director of Hitech Group. In 2015, he was appointed the chairman of Ease of Doing Business, IMC. As a Chairman of the same, one of his major contributions was to present a roadmap to the Joint Parliamentary Standing Committee on Commerce of Rajya Sabha to improve India’s ranking in Ease of Doing Business.

A SPIRITUAL ENTREPRENEUR

“Be aware, be equanimous” is what Malav wants to propagate through every soul in his vicinity. Freedom of thought and freedom of expression to achieve infinite freedom of self to unite with the Lord is a prevalent gene of the organization.

Under his leadership, the Hitech Group follows the core philosophy of Advaita Vedanta, a philosophy which is also reflected in its office culture and business practices. The concepts of Bhagawad Geeta, the three paths Bhakti(Path of Devotion), Karma(Path of Action) and Gyaan (Path of Knowledge) yoga to integrate the human personality and reach the singular goal of ‘Advaita’ or ‘Universal Oneness’, brings a new age yet spiritual vibe to the office space.

Inspired by his mother’s dedication and commitment to humanity, he has tread to the path of selfless service and betterment of the people. With this aspiration, in 2016 Malav set up a separate non-profit foundation under the name ‘Sab Ka Mangal Ho’ (Wellness for All), to adroitly organise yoga and value education training at orphanages around the country, along with health care drives and natural resource management projects.

Vedanta philosophy says that one attains liberation when one develops the ability to perceive each and every being as one. Malav sees the world as one family (Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam), aspiring to spread happiness in every sphere of life.

The world needs peace’ it all begins with this. We all strive to work for change, change which is said to be inevitable.

Everyone strives to make ends meet, some are working to get better at what they do, yet there is an urge of wanting more. Adding sentimental value to materialistic things has become the most common way of life. In the midst of everything, there are some, determined to bring about a change, an everlasting, legitimate change, a change that could transform lives forever, a change that could add a new dimension and a change that could bring about happiness.

‘Empowerment, freedom and selflessness, together we could win a war, together we could inspire them all’ To preside over a Group of about 790 employees has been a venturesome journey for Mr. Malav Dani. The Hitech Group has reached a pinnacle of success under his leadership.

Along with possessing qualities to maximize the profitability, innovative capability, progressive efficiency, Malav is an individual devoted to the path of selfless service and betterment of the people. He sees the world as one family “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”, one single functioning unit, aspiring to spread happiness in every sphere of life.

With this aspiration, Malav set up a separate non-profit foundation under the name ‘Sab Ka Mangal Ho’ meaning Wellness for All’, to adroitly organize Yoga and value education training at orphanages around the country, health care drives and natural resource management projects. He has also dedicated his energy towards making Yoga easily accessible through improved Yoga products, teaching modules and other avenues, world over.

During recent years, Malav has spearheaded several committees of the Indian Merchants’ Chamber to execute its vision in varied capacities. Owing to his noteworthy work, he received numerous awards and recognitions including the Yuva Icon Award in 2010, presented by Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam for dis- playing exemplary determination. The same year, Malav led a delegation, the Gujarat Exploration Tour to celebrate the ‘Spirit of Gujarat’ and was felicitated by Shri. Narendra Modi, the then Chief Minister of Gujarat.

Furthermore, The Institute of Economic Studies (IES) honoured Malav with the Udyog Rattan Award, recognising him as the ‘Jewel of Industry’ in 2014. A year later he also presented the Roadmap to improve India’s Ease of Doing Business ranking to the Joint Parliamentary Standing Committee on Commerce of Rajya Sabha.

The new age entrepreneur has received many accolades over the years, being felicitated with the ‘Business Excellence and Innovative Best Practices Award’ by Hon’ble Pranab Mukherjee, Former President of India and Ambassador of Japan H.E Kenji Hiramtsu and T. K. A Nair, former advisor to the Prime Minister of India, for the most distinguished services rendered by him towards nation building.“Be aware, be equanimous” is what Malav wants to propagate through every soul in his vicinity. Freedom of thought and freedom of expression to achieve infinite freedom of self to unite with the Lord is a prevalent gene of the Hitech Group. Malav has completed the Information Management Leadership Program (IMLP) & the Quality Six Sigma Black Belt Program and has tactfully implemented these theories in the business. The concept of ‘Intrapreneurship’ that empowers employees to hone their supplementary skills and lead with a purpose, has undoubtedly distinguished the organization from the rest in the industry. The Hitech Group has received several prestigious national and international awards for its corporate performance such as ‘Asia’s 100 Best & fastest Growing Manufacturing Companies of 2013-14 by WCRC – World Consulting and Research Corporation, the ‘Asia Pacific Entrepreneurship Awards’ 2015 and 2019, with a ‘Certificate of Achievement in the Corporate Excellence category’, for demonstrating sustainable growth, responsible leadership and operational excellence.

The group has also been recognised as a healthy workplace offering the best environment for physical, mental and emotional health for its employees, awarded the ‘GOLD level’ of Arogya World Healthy Workplace Awards in partnership with Clinton Global Initiative and Public Health Foundation of India.

In the year 2015, Malav addressed the American Council of Young Political Leaders with a unique compendium of world peace called ‘Give Peace a Chance’, asserting the importance and need of harmonious development of the people.

Hitech Corporation, a major part of the Hitech Group was honoured with the title of ‘India’s Most Trusted Company 2017’ by the International Brand Consulting Corporation (IBC), USA. The Berkshire Media LLC in USA selected Hitech as one of ‘India’s Best Company of the Year Award 2018’ for its creative and innovative contributions to the industry. With the huge gamut of worldly things that we all are exposed to, Malav has filtered a few and aspires to do justice to the choices that he has made. The perfect blend of spirituality with the spirit to make a difference is what drives him every day.

As he puts it, “the scriptures have already identified what needs to be done, all we have to do is To-Gather every bit, to ’Look at the blissful – bigger picture’, to create the magic for ‘Sab Ka Mangal Ho’ or the ‘wellness of all’, to trigger the wave of ‘MeFree’ – the need for liberating thyself, to unite with the ultimate consciousness and complete the puzzle of life.” From teaching Yoga across orphanages around India, to creating the best quality Yoga products, along with leading the operations for the packaging and chemicals business, is just the beginning for Malav. Over the years, constant improvement in all aspects to make lives easier for everyone else, is his key
to success.

Malav has a global vision to amalgamate all good and worthy, growing his confraternity with enthusiastic, dedicated people for the global welfare. “Look for the iridescence in each soul, the mind is limitless, the goal is to be one, it is to illuminate and to be free”, he reinforces.

Only one person could save it! The man who was instrumental in its birth, who nurtured it, and who in the first place helped it soar to great heights. This man was Ajay Singh!

FIT TO BE A SILVER SCREEN STORY

The dramatization of above facts is not far from truth. Ajay Singh actually saved SpiceJet airlines from a near-death experience by coming back to its rescue as the majority shareholder.

In economic terms, Ajay Singh revived SpiceJet from near bankruptcy, when it didn’t have funds to even refuel its airplanes, which were left stranded at the airports waiting for oil companies to make a move. Ajay Singh had already made his move, and after meeting civil aviation ministry officials at Rajiv Gandhi Bhawan a decision was taken to make part payment on outstanding dues to oil companies. Within an hour, wheels had started rolling at the airports.

The near-bankruptcy stage of SpiceJet wasn’t a one-day event. Flights were regularly being delayed, and also rescheduled at short notice. Employees had not been paid for a long time, and gradually they stopped reporting at airport counters. The customers experienced harrowing experiences one after the other. Word got out.

In December 2014, SpiceJet took a drastic decision and cancelled its more than 1,800 domestic flights scheduled for the month.

THE GOLDEN FLAsHBACK

Known earlier as Modiluft, SpiceJet was one of the first private companies that stepped into the Indian aviation sector. Ajay Singh, along with Bhupendra Kansagra, acquired & rebranded Modiluft owned by S K Modi and Lufthansa in 2005, and launched it as a Low Cost Carrier with the highest consumer value, to price-sensitive consumers.

Ajay Singh’s impeccable management immediately made the airline popular as the best in India in terms of on-time performance and with least cancellations. Its aircraft utilization was also among the highest in India. He made high-level tie-ups with some of the best-known names in the world including Honeywell and Weber Seats to provide highest safety standards to its consumers. Not surprisingly, it was voted India’s Favourite Domestic Airline, Top 5 Best Budget Airline in Asia, Best Low Cost Airline, and much more.

However, in August 2010, Kalanithi Maran – the Indian media baron and CMD of Sun Group – acquired 38.7 percent controlling stake in SpiceJet by paying INR 750 crore to Wilbur Ross and Kansagra family, and Ajay Singh had to quit the board. Soon, profits turned into losses, and strategies into mismanagement. One decision that started the airline’s dive was Maran’s decision to buy 15 Bombardier Q400s aircrafts for $450 million to target its network in smaller towns and cities. However, with the purchase, airline’s debts and expenses flew up and within a year, the debt figure reached INR 855 crore in 2012 from INR 55 crore in 2011. The company’s net worth turned negative from INR 321 crore in 2011 to INR minus 147 crore in 2012. Another year, and the debt figure became INR 1678 crore in 2013.

To improve things, Maran made desperate but unprofitable deals with vendors and service providers, which further deteriorated SpiceJet’s financial condition. The strategy of providing deep discounts to improve frequency of flights also boomeranged. No investor stuck with the company for long. However, the final nail in the coffin is considered by many as Directorate General of Civil Aviation’s decision to impose stringent curbs on airlines’ schemes. With clipped wings, SpiceJet was ready to nosedive and crash, when Ajay Singh made his appearance again as a silver lining in a dark cloud.

TAKE RETAKE

It has been alleged that Singh bought 58.46 percent shares of the airline from Maran by paying Just INR 2; however, Ajay Singh’s return to SpiceJet saved the airline company.

In December 2014, a tentative agreement was signed between Maran and Ajay Singh. He immediately started talking to the government. In January 2015, a formal deal was struck and Ajay Singh reentered the SpiceJet’s space as its Chairman and Managing Director. He immediately got down to the basics.

However, when he met the promoters before the deal, they told him plainly that they intended to shut it down. The reason he convinced them to think otherwise was his great deal of passion in starting it in the first place and his conviction that he could quickly bring it to the same state of profitability as it was in when he left it.

He very well remembered the Kingfisher experience. When on 17th December 2014, SpiceJet shut for a day as fuel companies refused to refuel its airplanes, Ajay Singh knew that the trick was to get back right away. He asserts, “If you shut down for even a few months it is difficult to come back.”

He also remembers the excitement of the early days when he had started in 2005, “We had no money to advertise but we went ahead and started the bookings anyway on May 16. We were down here in the basement of the same building. We switched on the call centre at 4.30 in the morning and the phone started ringing immediately. We thought, ‘how did these people know our number’. There was a press conference at noon. By that time we had sold off all the tickets.”

When he came back to the pilot seat of SpiceJet, he brought his old model of operations back, re-signed contracts, tightened revenue management, and instead of chasing market share – which according to him is an illusion in aviation, as it is not sustainable – brought operational integrity back to a level where he could convince his
customers that the bad phase wouldn’t come again.

Within five months under his operational expertise, SpiceJet’s ontime performance was back, costs were down, he had paid off all statutory dues, and the biggest of all – after five years from 2010 – SpiceJet recorded profit again. In the third quarter of 2016, SpiceJet registered its highest-ever profits of INR 238 crore. Currently, SpiceJet
has about 6,400 employees and a 13% domestic market share.

BEHIND THE SCENES

Ajay Singh was born and brought up in Delhi’s Maharani Bagh area. His father belongs to Alwar, Rajasthan and his mother is from Meerut, UP. During his school time, he was the captain of cricket and hockey teams of St. Columba’s School, and was part of the football team too. Interestingly, Shah Rukh Khan was a year junior and was the wicketkeeper in his cricket team. He was awarded the Sword of Honour, the school’s highest award, presented to the student who excels in academics as well as sports and cocurricular activities.

An engineering graduate from IIT Delhi, an MBA Finance from Cornell University, USA, and LLB from Law Faculty, University of Delhi, he was appointed to the Board of Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) in 1996 with the task of reviving the corporation. Under his guidance, the fleet of buses in DTC increased from about 300 to 6,000.

Two years later, he was given the responsibility of revamping Doordarshan by the then Information & Broadcasting Minister Pramod Mahajan. He launched DD Sports and DD News. Mahajan was so impressed with his capabilities that he took him along as Officer on Special Duty to the then Ministry of Telecommunications and Information Technology, where he helped draft the National Telecom Policy and the Information Technology Act.

In between 2005 and now when he bought and sold SpiceJet to and from Kalanithi Maran – from 2010 to 2014 – he bought Daewoo Motors India Ltd., invested as an angel investor in a nanotechnology company in Bangalore and an IT company in Mumbai, invested in real estate, and is in a public private partnership with the Delhi Government for operating low-floor buses.

He has also taken active interest in BJP’s election campaigns in 1999, 2004 and 2014. He is credited to have given BJP’s winning slogan in 2014: “Abki baar Modi sarkar”. He was recently elected as the President of the Boxing Federation of India.

AN INSPIRING AND TRUE BANKING PROFESSIONAL

Under the strategic direction and leadership of Dr. Mohammad Salem Omaid, Azizi Bank, Afghanistan’s largest commercial bank headquartered in Zanbaq Square in Kabul has expanded its presence across 30 provinces and is the upshot of the specialized and entrepreneurial commitment of its founder Mirwais Azizi and his team to establish a high-quality, customercentered, and a service-oriented private Afghan bank catering to foster the businesses of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.

LEADING THE WAY

Established in 2006, Azizi Bank is progressively growing as the den of expert economists who work to realise the long-standing mission of “building the finest quality bank of the world in Afghanistan” by 2022. Azizi’s zeal to succeed and inventiveness led him to introduce banking services such as retail & corporate banking, treasury, payment & settlement, remittance services through Western Union, credit, and different delivery channels for diverse business segments

He is a doctorate in Financial Management from a leading Indian university, a post-graduate and also holds an MBA in Banking, Risk Management, and Finance. Playing an instrumental role Bank, Dr. Omaid has mandated his team to follow the globally best banking practices, premier standards of service quality, and operational brilliance at all stages of business. This has made Azizi Bank the largest bank in the Afghanistan, with over 140 branches and more than 100 ATMs, along with its 100% subsidiary bank, the Islamic Bank of Afghanistan.

Dr. Omaid has served the bank in various capacities and carries immense experience in the diverse areas of strategic policies, financial regulation, foreign exchange management, and banking operations. He has played a crucial and central role in maintaining international business relations with key corporate figures, banks, and stakeholders.

A highly distinguished banking professional, Dr. Omaid is a great manager and has been leading the bank to excellence despite acute political and economic uncertainty. Being a resultoriented businessperson who believes in upholding ethics, Dr. Omaid has established a transparent corporate governance structure at Azizi Bank to ensure accountability and make discipline, independence, and fairness key values to be followed by the management and the employees. Taking delegation and empowerment as important parameters to drive growth, he has been highly successful in mentoring employees and helps them grow as competent professionals. Along with continuing to work on expanding the presence of the bank and the scope of its services, Dr. Omaid supervises compliance, risk management skills, systems and processes for further enhancement.

AWARDS AND ACCOLADES

Time and again, Dr. Omaid has been recognised by the government of Afghanistan and other international firms for his relentless efforts in strengthening the banking structure in Afghanistan. The government of Afghanistan awarded him for playing an effective role in the development of the national banking sector. Simultaneously, he has also been felicitated by the Ministry of Defence for the establishment of a proper and transparent salary payment system for the Afghan soldiers. International honours to his credit include the Promising Young Banker Award by the Asian Banker, Singapore; Queen Victoria Badge by the Europe Business Assembly, UK; Best Private Banking CEO, Afghanistan by the South Asian Partnership Summit.

Other than being the Chairman of the Afghanistan Banking Association, he is an active member of the Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce, UK; World Confederation of Business, USA; and is the Chairman of the banking commission, The International Chamber of Commerce, Afghanistan wing.

AN INSPIRING STORY

Robert Kuok’s story is one of immense motivation, as his up-hill climb started as an office-boy, after which he became the clerk of a rice trading department in Singapore. He started from a humble beginning in Johore Baru and over the years with the right attitude and sweat, blood and tears, he moved ahead as he was a quick learner. Three years in the rice trading department helped him learn the trading business. He founded the Malayan Sugar Manufacturing Co., which quickly gained popularity. It went on to become a monopoly in sugar production space of Malaysia producing 80% of Malaysia’s sugar and 10% of world’s sugar. That’s precisely how Kuok got his nick name, ‘the sugar king of Asia’, and became the richest man of Malaysia. As a young man, he believed that there was no substitute for hard work and thinking up good, honest business plans and, without respite, he pushing along. With so many businesses in so many countries, this incredible business man always believed that he is the “little string that ties the rings together”. Experts would often say that his speed and cleverness led to that nearimpossible success. Also, he was never afraid to collaborate with the rest of the world unlike the eastern businessmen of the early 20th century and that was one more thing that led to him being one of the most successful businessmen of the east. Believing that there will always be business on earth, he makes relentless endeavours to maintain and practice the values of integrity and honesty, and eschew and reject greed and arrogance. He always advises to be humble, be straight, don’t be crooked, and don’t take advantage of people.

EXECUTING CHALLENGES

Kuok Group is one of Asia’s most diversified and dynamic multi-national conglomerates with investments in commodities, hospitality, logistics, real estate and shipping & shipping related businesses, amongst others. Kuok (Singapore) Limited shares common heritage with two other holding companies, namely Kerry Holdings Limited in Hong Kong and Kuok Brothers in Malaysia, in that they were all founded by the Kuok family. Together, the collective group of companies is commonly referred to as the “Kuok Group” in Southeast Asia and “Kerry Group” in Northeast Asia.

Behind its success is a commitment to serving its customers and a determination to evolve with the times. The Kuok Group believes that success is measured not only by profits, but also by the contributions made to people’s lives and to society as a whole. As it grows, the Kuok Group’s attitudes and actions continue to be guided by the core values of loyalty, integrity and unity.

Today, the Kuok Group has diverse operations in all five continents, with specialisations in Properties, Hospitality, Logistics, Media, Maritime, Commodities, Environment and Philanthropy.

Robert Kuok always believed that a good leader will lead the organization to a better future and also provide benefits to society, and the characteristic of a leader is also important because it may affect the society when the leader becomes the role model of the world, and people will practice what the leader has done to achieve extraordinary success. His talent in business is unparalleled and his story continues to awe and inspire a lot of businessmen throughout the globe.

A LIFE TIME OF SUCCESS

Through hard work, determination and an unwavering spirit of an entrepreneur, Mochtar Riady grew his company into one of Asia’s leading diversified conglomerates. Riady also transformed Indonesia’s banking landscape and became widely acknowledged as a master in turning around the fortunes of financial institutions, making his mark in creating the country’s top banks – Bank Buana, Bank Panin, Bank Central Asia and then Lippo Bank.

As one of Asia’s largest and most diversified conglomerates, Lippo Group’s investments in real estate, retail, hospitality and leisure, healthcare, education, media and news, telecommunications, digital technologies and financial services have been driven by his responsibility to the community. Lippo Group is now the largest listed property company in Indonesia by total assets and revenue, with a unique and integrated business model.

Riady operates Indonesia’s premier private hospital group, the only one achieving world class standards, and is an undisputed retail property industry leader, and his vision is to impact lives, particularly through environment friendly, high quality and sustainable business activities. The Group builds the foundation through the implementation of Corporate Governance (CG) in all aspects of the business as well as at every level of the organization. By implementing the Corporate Governance Principles expectedly, it enables more transparency and the most recent development information regarding the performance and the prospects of the Group. Riady always prioritizes environmental sustainability on property development.

TOWERING ACHIEVEMENTS

Riady likes to integrate eco-friendly concepts, and align green space with the best amenities. His CSR activities focus on three main pillars, namely education, public health, and environmental awareness, with special focus on critical situations that arise in the country, such as natural disasters that impact many lives. These pillars are interrelated with the objective to improve the quality of life and prosperity of the nation in general. Understanding that people are increasingly looking for potential areas for property investment, the Lippo Group’s commitment continues to develop five pillars of development, namely Innovative Infrastructure & Transportation, High Tech CBD & Research Hub, Business & Commercial Hub, Green Sustainable Living and Center of Art, Culture & Education.

Riady recalls that he started from what he calls sandang, pangan, papan, jalan, which respectively means clothing, food, housing, roads, but today his business empire permeates every corner of life in Indonesia.

With a mix of listed and private entities both at home and abroad, Mr Riady’s empire is difficult to value, but the value he has created in the lives of Indonesians is unparalleled.

He is committed towards actively participating in sustainable economic development to improve the quality of life and environment for the collective benefit of the company, local community, and society at large. Riady’s main focus now is the next big shift: moving more business online, as is evident from the launch of MatahariMall.com ecommerce platform.

From Garage to Globe

Boenjamin started his pharmaceutical business in his garage back in 1966 and has turned it not only into a major force in the regional pharmaceutical industry but has also branched out into consumer goods, where it competes head-on-head with industry giants, and in hospitals, under the Mitra Keluarga brand.

Boenjamin’s main interest is stem-cell research and he has set up the Indonesia International Institute of Life Science (i3L) in collaboration with Swedish institutions and offering programs in healthcare, marine science and forestry. The institute’s mission is to be a leading and globally connected interdisciplinary institution that impacts society through science and innovation.

Creating A Giant

There are almost no Indonesians that don’t use products from PT Kalbe Farma, the Indonesian pharmacy giant that produces a lot of popular medicines and nutrition products. The person behind this company is Boenjamin Setiawan, a pharmacy graduate from Universitas Indonesia and University of California who developed PT Kalbe Farma from a small pharmacy store in a small garage in Jakarta to a multinational pharmacy company.

After graduating from the University of California with a pharmacy degree, Boenjamin Setiawan started with a stable, decent job as a pharmacy lecturer. However, his business instincts urged him to open his own pharmacy business. Together with six partners, he started a pharmacy business startup in a small garage in Tanjung Priok, North Jakarta, and Kalbe Farma was launched on September 10, 1966 as a small pharmacy business.

Transforming & Expanding

The company enjoyed small profits and grew gradually, until the monetary crisis in year 1998 sent many companies in Indonesia to bankruptcy. Even after applying for loan from foreign banks, Boenjamin was unable to keep the company running as well as before, so he decided to sell many of the company assets except those that were related to pharmacy, and started new business branches while also keeping Kalbe Farma as a pharmacy company. During the difficult times, Boenjamin kept his company from crumbling by expanding the company’s business to other fields like property and logistic, but still strengthening the main business in pharmacy.

Finally, he managed to keep PT Kalbe Farma from bankruptcy, and later even managed to increase its business expansions and profits. In 2012, Kalbe Farma even managed to acquire a health beverage company, Hale International. In the same year, the company also went into joint venture with Milko Beverage and built Kalbe Milko Indonesia. This company later made popular health beverages in Indonesia such as Sakatonik, Extra Joss and Fatigon.

The key of Kalbe Farma’s success is strong business base, which focuses on pharmacy despite various business branches expanded by the company. Currently, about 17.4% of its profits come from medicine products, and 20% come from nutritional or health products such as baby and toddler milk, pregnant mother supplement and extra calcium milk.

Boenjamin, who is now 80 years old, has now retired and decided to move his business to younger generation. Currently, his niece Bernadette Ruth Setiady holds the position as Director.