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. Rohit Garg, co-founder and CEO, Olyv, talks to BrandWagon Online about his weekends, favourite vacation destination and more.
What is the one thing you like to do when not working?
I would first like to highlight that entrepreneurship can be an all-encompassing journey. Most entrepreneurs know that they are signing up for a life of having their work in mind for most of the day. But it’s also not a challenge to live that life as long as what you do gives you a continuous sense of purpose. However, when I’m not at the Olyv office, you can usually find me knee-deep in trying to ace my other full-time role: being a dad. Between coming up with new bedtime stories and negotiating peace treaties over screen time, I’ve somewhat mastered the art of multitasking. And when the kids are busy doing their own thing, I trade bedtime stories for my favourite books/reading material where I find that even the biggest plot twists are less dramatic than my toddlers’ tantrums.
How do you spend your weekends?
On weekends, I transform into the ultimate family person! I like to be mindful about making up for some of that lost family time by dedicating my weekends to my wife, parents, children, and friends. Weekends are when I am either acting like a human jungle gym to my toddlers during their playtime or taking my wife shopping where my fashion advice often gets vetoed.
In between, we venture out to try new restaurants because as a family we are very big on taking our taste buds on adventures too. Meeting friends is also a must, and you will find me diving into crafting a different kind of strategy, mostly around winning group board game sessions of Dominion and Catan against my friends. So yes, the weekends are all about fun, family, and friendly competition!
What are your favourite gadgets?
I wouldn’t particularly describe myself as a gadget aficionado, but I am a stickler for having a high-clarity, quality screen to get my reading and browsing in. To veer a little off the gadget path, I do have a soft spot for classy watches. I love collecting them, much to the amusement of my family who claim that I may have a timepiece for every possible occasion.
Given an option to choose another career, what would it be?
I’d probably immerse myself in the world of academia as an economics professor, guiding students through the fascinating landscapes of economic principles. I believe that teaching would give me the freedom to explore a multitude of intellectual pursuits and complex economic theories. I am positive that I would cherish the opportunity to spark curiosity among my students and inspire the next generation of thinkers.
Which is your favourite vacation spot?
When it comes to vacation spots, it really depends on my mood. If I’m looking to completely unwind, you’ll find me at a serene beach. There’s nothing quite like the sound of the ocean to melt away your stress. But if I’m in the mood for a memorable journey, I chase my wanderlust to places steeped in rich history—those that even the history books can’t fully capture. Rome, with its ancient ruins and vibrant culture, is a favourite. There was also something magical about exploring the historic landscapes of Wales and Scotland.
A TV show, a movie, and an ad campaign you highly recommend watching
If you’re looking for recommendations, these would be a few of my top picks:
TV Show: The Office. It’s a stand-out drama in terms of the humour style and capturing the quirks of office life with brilliant wit. For a dose of satirical humour in a different vein, Yes Minister is an absolute gem, political shenanigans have never been this funny!
Movie: I don’t stick to one genre; I enjoy all sorts of films. But if I had to pick favourites, period dramas like Gladiator and Braveheart top the list. There’s something about the combination of leadership, epic battles, and lone heroes fighting against the odds that captivates me every time.
Ad Campaign: Although there’s a lot of amazing campaigns that seeing the light of the world around us every day, I will have to go back a couple decades and pick the Pidilite campaigns. They are an absolute masterclass in advertising. Clever, memorable, and endlessly creative, they’re a must-watch for anyone interested in marketing brilliance.