A friendly person with a good heart, an achiever and a true leader who is always available for his teammates, best describes Mr. Sahani. He enjoys the success he has achieved in his career with the knowledge he possesses. With his own way of doing things he is considered as an asset to the organisation he belongs to. He takes up every challenge that comes in his way and delivers his best.
Q. It is so good to know that you have worked with such great brands. What has been the most interesting part of the journey so far. If you could just start with your first venture…
A. I started my career with Megaware Computers as a sales trainee and have worked with organisations such as Novell, HP, Oracle, Microsoft, Airtel, and am now attached with Tata Teleservices. After working for 15 years in IT, when I joined the telecom sector, that was the most interesting part of my career as I understood the customer
pain area and offered them solutions as unofficial consultant to them.
Q. How were your college days; tell us about the fun and the academics
A. I had done my graduation in BCom and learnt a lot on Economics as a subject. I was a good sportsman and was famous for disturbing others during examination days while studying at night. I learned a lot at IIPM in terms of knowledge and today I can beat any IIM graduate in terms of real-time practical knowledge.
Q. How are classrooms different from workstations?
A. The classroom is more interactive and enjoyable (particularly when you are in a co-ed institution). There is more freedom. While working in workstations, following systems and processes is very monotonous. You can only express yourself through a wire connected to a machine. There is no scope to creatively express yourself.
Q. To what factors do you attribute your success?
A. My supportive wife has been a pillar in my life and she has who has encouraged me a lot to take bold decision. And while I work extra hours in office on various projects, she manages the family without complaining.
Q. What has been the most memorable moment in your career path?
A. When I turned around the government business in Bharti Airtel and got the Best Vertical award for my hard work.
Q. Who do you think has been one of the greatest business leaders of our times?
A. Sir Richard Branson.
Q. What, according to you, are the values which influence the leadership process?
A. Honesty and a clear thought process. It helps in creating focus and also helps in developing perspective.
Q. What is your team management and leadership style?
A. As a leader one should be very clear about the objectives and goals that you have for your team and stand behind them in terms of support. Always appreciate good work and push the non-performer to become better. Do not keep any non performers in the team for long as that slows the team down.
Q. What are the opportunities and threats specific to your industry?
A. The telecom market will grow in India for next two decades. Data and VAS will be the biggest opportunities and the biggest threat is the issuance of licenses to non-serious players.
Q. Education has seen a major shift in terms of practical knowledge, case studies, role plays, presentations and today, global exposure is also one of most important dimensions in judging a candidate. What are your views on the subject?
A. Digital media has had a positive impact in our lives and it greatly contributes to our traditional education systems. In today’s world, where information is available at the click of a button, we should offer practical, domain-based education immediately after higher secondary education, so that students are more inclined to the practical side.
Q. What is a word of advice that you would like to give to the young brigade of professionals?
A. Listen to your heart and do not just follow trends for the sake of it.
Q. If not here, where would you have been?
A. I would probably have been the owner of a motor workshop.
Q. When not working, how do you spend time with your family?
A. This is the most difficult question to answer. Honestly I hardly get to spend time with my family. I do like to read any kind of management books, work on my blog, and play squash.
