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. Salil Kapoor, CEO, Hindware Home Innovation, talks to BrandWagon Online about his weekends, favourite vacation destination and more.What is the one thing you like to do when not working?
When I am not working, I can be caught listening to a podcast or reading a book. This keeps me informed and inspired. I believe podcasts and reading books are transformational experiences that fuel my learning, enriching both my personal and professional perspectives.
How do you spend your weekends?
Weekend is the time to unwind and sharpen the Axe at the same time. I kick off my weekends with a refreshing long walk or a run, listening to my favorite podcasts. Currently, I’m hooked to ‘The All In Podcast’ featuring Chamath, Jason Calacanis, David Sacks, and David Friedberg. The podcast offers valuable insights into global politics, technology, and business trends.
The rest of the weekend is devoted to quality time with family and friends, complemented by few other podcasts like ‘We Study Billionaires’, ‘Hidden Brain’, ‘The Core Report’ by Govindraj Ethiraj, all these podcasts keep enlightening me about the world of capital and finance, human behavior and latest trends in business and Tech. Occasionally, I immerse myself in nonfiction reading on topics such as business, psychology, and contemporary international issues, drive my interest.
What are your favorite gadgets?
My phone is my all-purpose go-to-device bridging work and personal connections effortlessly. It helps me stay connected with my team, friends, and family, while also being a gateway to podcasts, Audible books, and fitness monitoring in my daily routine.
Given an option to choose another career, what would it be?
If I had to switch gears, I think diving into the world of investments could be pretty intriguing. The thrill of analyzing markets and making strategic moves sounds like it could be both challenging and rewarding. On the other side, there’s a part of me that’s drawn to the idea of diving deep into academia, exploring ideas and spreading the knowledge.
Which is your favorite vacation spot?
I prefer to plan trips to serene destinations away from the hustle and bustle of the city life. My vacation preference is exploring new places with laid-back charm and abundant natural beauty, where I can enjoy long walks, run and indulge in peaceful reading, while also creating precious moments with my family. Within India, I love Kasauli, and internationally, I adore the peaceful allure of the New England region in the United States and Vancouver city in Canada.
A TV show, a movie, and an ad campaign you highly recommend watching?
Like many others, I am a great fan of ‘Game of Thrones’ due to its captivating and spectacular narrative and the worldly wisdom one can draw from the likes of Tyrion Lannister. Apart from GOT, ‘Silicon Valley,’ ‘Succession’ are other captivating TV shows that have been my favourites.
For movies, there is a long list, a few that I can share are ‘The Shawshank Redemption’ which stands out as a cinematic masterpiece with its powerful storytelling and memorable characters, and ‘The Godfather’ which remains a timeless classic in the world of crime dramas.
As a marketer, I’m naturally drawn to disruptive campaigns that break through the clutter. Some of my favorites include original Cadbury ad, Fevicol campaign, Thanda Matlab Coca Cola, Pepsi Yeh Dil Mange More, etc. I appreciate ads with creative ingenuity, as they elevate brand recall, building enduring and sustainable brand value through disruptive content.