He writes columns for leading English and Hindi newspapers, focusing on youth and national development issues. He is also a motivational speaker. He quit his international investment banking career in 2009, to devote his entire time to writing and make change happen in the country. He lives in Mumbai with his wife  Anusha, an ex-classmate from IIMA and his twin boys Shyam and Ishaan.

This interview took place with BIBS Media Club when Bengal Institute of Business Studies in association with The Times of India organized a Management Guest Inspire Series on “Be driven to build your corporate career” in Kolkata. Some excerpts from his thought provoking deliverables:

Skills required for entry to corporate world
The students should have good communications skills. Networking is also very important. It takes one far in life.

Management Mantras

When you apply for a job ask yourself the non-monetary reason as to what would you gain from it; what will you learn; who will you work with. Then prepare yourself with the test or interview. Corporate world require leaders who can communicate, opine, discuss and can make others think. While talking about your long-term goals be specific about directions. Be open about options. Talk about your family life and the respect you’d like to get in your field.

Quick tips for youngsters

• Be confident, it should show in your body language. You will never get a second chance.

• Do your preparations. Read, understand, summarize, opine, discuss, debate.

• Read newspapers. Have an in-depth knowledge. Don’t go blank when asked, “Have you read the news lately?” Have an opinion. Say something.

• When asked about poor grades, don’t get too defensive. Give a believable answer. Focus on the lesson learnt not the mistake.

• Don’t panic if you don’t know the answer, admit politely.

• Always ask questions about the job. But not questions like how many days off you can get. Instead, ask what you are expected to do in the first 90 days of joining.

• Show your eagerness. Always ask questions about productive employees and the industry.

• Dress up in formal attire. Be well groomed. Don’t be loud.

Skill set to be developed by Students when he joins an MBA Institute

The students should have good English articulation skills. Networking is also very important which can take one for life.

Coping with challenges of corporate world

Relax and be very honest with options in life. You can’t drag on. You have to move on in life.

To develop one’s own USP

Some of us are very lucky to be talented but we have to push it hard for results. You have to find out your aptitude.

On his new book, BIBS and book lovers

Kolkata is a city of book lovers. I can’t wait to come to the city again. My next book is a dark love story set in a small town, expected to launch by this diwali.

Students of BIBS have the capability to compete on an international level.