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. Rohini Ahluwalia, COO of Blaupunkt Audio, talks to BrandWagon Online about his weekends, favourite vacation destination and more.
What is the one thing you like to do when not working?
Honestly, it is the ‘not working’ part that confuses me. I am totally with Mr. Murthy when it comes to work, it gets all the time it needs. If there is one thing I do when not working is to make a conscious effort use to make life bigger. I really like keeping up with what is happening in the world. From politics, new policies, technology, management, HR to sports, entertainment, and music for sure. So, you could say the one thing I like doing when not working is ‘educating’ myself on all that is going on around us.
How do you spend your weekends?
Let’s redefine that question to ‘how do I spend my weekends when I get one’. Being a part of the online world, I don’t seem to get enough. On the weekends that I do manage to squeeze out I start with Saturday mornings with a lengthy yoga session. This is relaxing and nurtures both body and mind. Catching up with friends is the other thing I try and do whether it’s for a meal, coffee or a night out. Sundays are what I call recharge days so there is some meditation, to rejuvenating my spirit for a stress-free week. Sundays also have time for things such as planning and strategising, I don’t consider this office work but more internal brainstorms which are best done with zero disturbances. I try and end the weekend with a movie. Here I have seen that I mostly pick comedies or rom-coms… something light hearted and non-violent that that is stress free.
As a single individual, I relish my freedom and ability to structure my time according to my preferences. So, each moment is cherished in peace and leisure.
What are your favorite gadgets?
Gadgets! Now you are talking! I love technology and what it is doing to the world. Being a aprt of the audio industry I am lucky to get my hands of the latest and finest audio equipment. There are three gadgets I could not function without. These are my smartphone, TWS earbuds and iPad. These keep me connected, informed and entertained. Most importantly these give me control over all that I do from any and everywhere. As an audio enthusiast and being a part of the audio industry, I constantly experiment with various True Wireless Stereo (TWS) earbuds to assess key features. Additionally, I find an iPad with a Kindle app indispensable for quick and convenient book reading on-the-go. These gadgets not only cater to my personal interests but also keep me abreast of what is happening in the world to enhance my productivity and entertainment experiences.
Given an option to choose another career, what would it be?
If given the option to choose another career, I would gravitate towards sports journalism. Analysing the victories and defeats in tennis, cricket, and other sports aligns closely with my passions. The thrill of dissecting matches and sharing insights I find is immensely fulfilling. Let me put this in another way. Like most people I love an exciting match and get totally into the game. But what I enjoy even more is the post-game conversations that happens with friends and colleagues. These debates and discussions are always extremely passionate and totally involving. Sometimes they are better than the game itself. So, a sports journalist it would be. And, I am sure I would be a pretty good one at that.
Which is your favorite vacation spot?
My favorite vacation spot is Europe, where I can indulge in a road trip adventures. There is something therapeutic about driving through diverse landscapes, passing through various countries and experiencing different cultures. Seeing architecture change, hearing different languages and tasting different flavours shows me how diversified the world is. On these trips I have realised that it is the journey themselves and not just the destinations that are important and fulfilling. And of course, sharing this experience with like-minded friends adds an extra layer of enjoyment to the trip.
A TV show, movie, and an ad campaign that you highly recommend watching
“Grey’s Anatomy” beautifully portrays the emotional resilience of doctors. In the legal arena, “Suits” demonstrates how skills trump qualifications with mentorship. “Big Little Lies” and “The Morning Show” have insights into women’s struggles and solidarity, something close to my heart. As for memorable ad campaigns, I think Bisleri, Harpic, Cadbury, and Fevikwik have got it bang on with great messages told in entertaining ways. They have become household names with their impactful marketing strategies.