Weekends are all about downtime. After a week full of work to meet deadlines, everybody needs a breather to relax and recuperate. From watching a favourite web series to planning a vacation, weekends are designated as family and me time. Phani Tangirala, MD & CEO of Expleo Solutions Limited, talks to BrandWagon Online about his weekends, favourite vacation destination and more.
What is the one thing you like to do when not working?
Farming. It might surprise many, but farming is where I find peace and clarity. There’s something incredibly grounding about working with the soil. It helps me disconnect from the fast-paced life we all live and reconnect with nature – allowing me to recharge and reflect on life beyond work. Farming teaches you patience, resilience, and the importance of nurturing growth – whether it’s crops in the field or relationships at work.
Just like a farmer tends to the land, in business, we nurture relationships, cultivate talent, and adapt to changing environments. The principles I apply in farming mirror how I’ve approached my role at Expleo – focusing on and nurturing long-term partnerships. It demands patience, an eye for detail, and a long-term vision to see the fruits of one’s labour.
How do you spend your weekends?
After a week filled with travel and managing multiple teams, weekends allow me to reset and reflect. I think we all strive for a healthy work-life balance, but at the end of the day, it’s all about juggling priorities – and for me, family and farming are my priorities on weekends.
Professional and personal are two sides of the same coin – or rather, the same individual, and it’s impossible to separate them. It’s the same person living both roles. For instance, while farming gives me the quiet moments I cherish, it also is when I find myself reflecting on business decisions. Farming has taught me that patience and care are equally crucial in managing teams and client relationships.
My family, especially my children, are my anchor. They remind me of what truly matters. Kids grow up quickly; I don’t want to miss those moments. Being fully present for them isn’t just essential for them – it’s important for me, too. No matter how busy work gets, family time is sacred. I fiercely protect it because, at the end of the day, those are the moments that make life rich.
What are your favourite gadgets?
My electronic scribble pad. It may sound simple, but it’s indispensable for me. With the travel I do and the different time zones I work across, staying organised is key. I use the pad to capture ideas on the go – whether in a meeting or mid-flight. It helps me keep track and stay on top of the business I oversee. In a business where efficiency matters – having a tool that allows me to draw a mind map to streamline my thoughts and stay productive is invaluable. I am also a sustainability warrior. I feel we all owe it to ourselves to keep a low digital footprint. Use gadgets only where they push your productivity boundaries.
Given the option to choose another career, what would it be?
Teaching, without a doubt. I’ve always had a passion for education. I’d love to teach general management if I were outside my current field. The ability to impart knowledge and shape young minds is something I deeply respect. Education has transformative power, and I’ve always admired the impact a good teacher can have on future generations. My role at Expleo isn’t too far off from that in many ways. Managing teams, mentoring future leaders, and guiding projects across different regions involve many teaching moments. I believe knowledge should be shared, whether in a classroom or a conference room. Teaching, at its core, is about empowering others.
Which is your favourite vacation spot?
I’ve travelled the globe, but Indian at heart, nothing fascinates me more than the Himalayas. The majestic aura around the Himalayas truly sinks in when you view them firsthand. Standing there, looking up at the towering peaks, everything just falls into perspective. It reminds me of how small we are in the grand scheme of things, and how important it is to stay grounded, no matter how high you rise in life. The vastness, the calm, and the stillness help settle my mind. I visit the Himalayas to disconnect, reflect, and think more clearly.
A TV show, a movie, and an ad campaign you highly recommend watching.
I’d recommend ‘Shark Tank.’ It’s a great TV show for anyone in business, particularly entrepreneurs. What I love about it is that it’s not just about having a big idea. It’s about execution, feasibility, and how you bring that idea to life to benefit both the business and the customer.
On Shark Tank, you see firsthand that an idea alone isn’t enough – it has to be backed by a solid and unique pitch, market fit, and the ability to scale. Just like on Shark Tank, one’s goal should be to identify viable ideas and bring them to life. It’s about turning concepts into something practical through a minimum viable product (MVP) and then taking it to full-scale implementation. Focus on how an idea can solve real problems, benefit clients, and create sustainable growth.
Life is about finding the right balance between the demands of work and personal passions. Whether I’m farming, spending time with my family, or exploring ways to innovate in the tech space, I’m always seeking ways to stay connected to what truly matters. At the end of the day, success is not just about business growth – it’s also about personal fulfilment and staying rooted in the values that define you. Staying grounded allows me to lead with purpose in my work and life.