Weekends are all about downtime. After a week full of work to meet deadlines, everybody needs some breather to relax and recuperate. From watching a favourite web series to planning a vacation, weekends are designated as family and me time. Pushkaraj Bidwai, CEO, People Matters, talks to BrandWagon Online about his weekends, favourite vacation destination and more.
Q1) What is the one thing you like to do when not working?
I genuinely enjoy meeting new people outside my usual circle. It is refreshing to hear diverse perspectives, connect with unique stories, and expand my understanding of the world. Every conversation is an opportunity to learn something new and see life from a different angle. I truly love discovering fresh insights and expanding my horizons.
Q2) How do you spend your weekends?
I am an undercover farmer on weekends. Every weekend, I head to our farm on the outskirts of Gurgaon, where I get to watch new vegetables and crops grow. It is a place where I have really fallen in love with farming. There is something incredibly peaceful about being surrounded by nature and nurturing life from the ground up. It is a simple, grounding experience that brings me joy and reminds me of the beauty of sustainable living. I look forward to seeing the progress of the crops, my cows, and other pets every time I visit. I aim to make my home food needs 80% self-sustaining in the next couple of years.
Q3) What are your favourite gadgets?
I am a fan of the classics – my iPhone and Fitbit are staples. Lately, I have been enjoying customizing Siri’s responses and training it to reflect my personal way of thinking. It is fascinating how technology can adapt to human interaction.
Q4) Given an option to choose another career, what would it be?
If I weren’t in this role, I would probably be involved in speaking engagements, especially as a host for conferences or collaborating with founders. I have always enjoyed having conversations with people, getting to know their stories, and learning from their experiences. There’s something truly fulfilling about helping others share their ideas and passion with the world, and I find a lot of value in being part of that process.
Q5) Which is your favourite vacation spot?
San Francisco holds a special place in my heart. The city’s energy – its openness, freedom, and progressive mindset – makes it a place where you can truly be yourself, no judgment, and embrace new ideas.
Q6) A TV show, a movie, and an ad campaign you highly recommend watching?
For TV, I highly recommend House of Cards – Kevin Spacey’s portrayal of power dynamics is captivating. Movie-wise, Thank You for Smoking stands out for its sharp wit and clever dialogue, especially through the character of Nick Naylor. He is a master of persuasion, spinning even the most controversial issues into arguments that almost seem convincing. As for ads, Volvo’s recent campaign beautifully captured the importance of family values, with a focus on connection, love and safety.