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. Ashwin Suresh, founder, Loco, 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’m not working, I really enjoy travelling. It’s more than just a hobby for me; it’s a lifestyle. I find great joy in exploring new destinations. On average, I end up taking about 75 to 100 flights a year, which has taken me to all corners of the globe. I’ve had the privilege of visiting over 50 countries, spanning all seven continents—including Antarctica! Travelling isn’t just about ticking off destinations on a map for me; it’s about taking in new cultures and using that to shape myself.
How do you spend your weekends?
Weekends, when I’m not travelling, are a chance to catch my breath and tackle those things that always seem to get pushed aside during the week, like errands and chores. I’m the kind of person who keeps coming up with new pet projects to do, whether it is managing my investment portfolio, or planning my next getaway, or some other such random thing. That usually consumes a big chunk of a Saturday or Sunday. I also use weekends to catch up with friends, spend time with family, and generally relax.
What are your favourite gadgets?
I was recently gifted a portable projector, and I’m having a blast playing around with it! It’s like having my own mini cinema. I also spend an inordinate amount of time playing VR cricket on my Oculus device. It feels so real, like you’re actually out there on the pitch! On a day-to-day basis you’ll find me on some screen or the other, whether it’s my phone, laptop, iPad, or TV.
Given an option to choose another career, what would it be?
I’ve dabbled in various industries over the course of my career. I’m an electrical engineer by way of education but I have worked in investment banking, private equity, Hindi films, digital content, and now gaming. I’m always looking to learn new things, and while I suspect my next stint after gaming will be something completely alien to me today, I would not change my past trajectory. I think my experience across these industries has challenged me and allowed me to grow in ways that wouldn’t have been possible had I stuck to one industry.
Which is your favourite vacation spot?
It’s so hard to pick just one favourite place, because I love the feeling of exploring somewhere completely new! The jungles in Central India and East Africa are incredible – being that close to raw nature is one of the most exciting experiences one can have. But I get just as excited about chilling on a beautiful beach, vacationing in a hill station, or getting lost in a cute little countryside town. I think it’s just that feeling of discovering something new and seeing different ways of life – that’s what makes travelling so special to me.
A TV show, a movie, and an ad campaign you highly recommend watching?
Fargo has delivered another amazing season, reclaiming its brilliance after a slightly underwhelming fourth season. The story is just as twisted and captivating as ever, the characters are all so unique and draw you in, and masterful cinematography make it a must-watch series for anyone seeking riveting drama and dark humour.