Delhi, 30th September, 2024: In the fast-paced world of senior leadership, finding a balance between professional responsibilities and personal time can be both a challenge and a reward. From reflections on weekends and career paths to the importance of focus and role models, these perspectives offer a glimpse into how successful leaders navigate their roles while staying grounded and inspired. Join us as we explore these thought-provoking responses and gain a deeper understanding of balancing life’s demands with personal growth and fulfilment.
Join Mr. Surya Srinivas,Vice President of Engineering at greytHR in an engaging conversation with Mr. Marquis Fernandes, who leads the India Business at Quantic India as they delve into the insights of a senior leader who shares his approach to managing work-life harmony, alternative career aspirations, and valuable life advice.
Mr. Surya is an expert in the field of technology leadership and has a track record of driving operational excellence while nurturing a culture of innovation and continuous improvement. He has a unique understanding of navigating complex enterprise environments as well as agile, fast-growth settings. With a proven track record in improving organisational design, software development culture, and legacy system architecture, he has driven multi-million-dollar business outcomes for B2B SaaS companies.
What does a typical weekend look like for a senior leader like you, balancing work responsibilities and personal time?
greytHR offers flexible and remote work options, allowing me to avoid the energy drain of commuting during the weekdays. On weekends, I take the opportunity to relax, reflect, and rejuvenate. With the rapid pace of technological advancements, it’s often difficult to find time during the workweek for introspection and learning. I dedicate time to personal growth—both by acquiring new knowledge and by reflecting on the past week, evaluating what went well and identifying areas for improvement. Currently, I also enjoy spending time with my daughter, watching movies, and playing pool. For those aspiring to grow in their careers, it’s important to move beyond the idea that work and personal life are strictly separate. Simply shutting down your laptop doesn’t mean you can turn off your mind. It’s essential to recognize that both can coexist in harmony without disrupting one another.
If you weren’t a C-suite leader, what career path would you have chosen instead?
I’m not a C-suite leader yet, though it feels like a natural progression in my career. My colleagues and friends often tell me I have a keen eye for observation and a talent for storytelling. If I weren’t on this path, I might have pursued a career as a scriptwriter for films or perhaps a novelist.
What is the one piece of life advice you would like to share with others as an individual?
We live in an attention economy, where attention is the most valuable commodity determining our happiness and success. Everyone—from family to work, even random marketing calls—seeks a share of our attention. According to neurology, constant context switching drains our energy. It’s crucial not only to practice dietary detoxes but also to integrate digital detoxes into our lives, spending time reconnecting with ourselves. Life is full of paradoxes. We often believe that doing more will make us better. However, in today’s reality, sometimes non-doing can be far more powerful, sharpening our perception and ability to handle life’s challenges.
What is the one book you would recommend to others and why do you believe it’s a must-read?
I highly recommend “The Power of Unwavering Focus” by Dandapani. This book breaks down abstract concepts like Mind, Awareness, and Focus—ideas we use every day but often only have a superficial understanding of. It presents these concepts in a way that’s both easy to grasp and practical to apply in our daily lives. Over the last two decades, technology has drastically changed how we live, especially through the rise of mobile phones and apps like WhatsApp and Instagram, which consume a significant amount of our time. It’s important to recognize how this constant connectivity can take a toll on our mental health. While short videos and reels may seem relaxing, neurological studies suggest they actually drain our energy and serve as major distractions.
Who is your role model, and what qualities or achievements of theirs inspire you the most?
Throughout my life, I’ve been inspired by different leaders at different stages. Anyone who excels against the odds is a role model to me. If I had to name one individual, it would be Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam. Many of us tend to give up when faced with adversity, even when we have access to all the tools and comforts we need. Dr. Kalam’s perseverance, despite challenging circumstances, resonates deeply with me. Additionally, characters like those in the movie 12th Fail inspire me to push myself further and remain consistent. Anyone who breaks free from what holds them back and rises through sheer willpower always earns my admiration.
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