1 The job: Unlike FMCG and durables sectors where I have worked before, retail allows me to be in direct touch with the end consumer. I find this very fulfilling because for every action that we take on the brand, we can directly and measurably see the corresponding impact on the customer. My company is known for the ?science of retail?, and getting a chance to set up the analytics team for the business is also one part of my job I love.
2 The weekdays:I am an early bird and so my day starts by 5:30 am. I begin my day either at the gym or with yoga on weekday mornings. I get into the office by 8:30 am. The first couple of hours are important to me as I have to get a lot of work done within that time frame. In fact, my colleagues joke that if they want my undivided attention, the time to catch me is early morning. Like most Mumbaikars, one thing I really dislike is the commute to work every day. o getting into office early helps me avoid that.
3 The weekend: I am a big foodie and a veritable encyclopedia on restaurants of all kinds. So on weekends, I along with my family go restaurant-hopping. Weekend trips to malls are of utmost importance to me. This serves a dual purpose as it?s great place for family time and also gives me an opportunity to observe customers and get insights (but don?t tell my wife that!). Besides, I enjoy reading on weekends. I am into both fiction (the Jack Reacher series is a favourite) and non-fiction (I am currently reading Break Out Nations). Music is another important part of my life ? although I am mostly stuck in a time warp of retro English hits from the 60?s and 70?s from with bands like The Who, The Doors and Led Zepp ; with a little bit of new music mixed in, of late.
4 The toys: More than just high-tech fancy gadgets, I am more drawn towards ?touch and feel?, user-friendly technology. And yes, I am a big fan of all Apple products; I use the new iPad, iPhone, and iTouch.
5 The logos: I particularly like Paul & Shark and Tommy Hilfiger shirts. And I love the Starbucks experience, which for me is beyond coffee.