Delhi, 25th September, 2024: In an era of rapid change, senior leaders face the challenge of juggling demanding professional roles with personal time, while also staying agile in the face of new opportunities and shifts. Whether it’s striking a balance between work and leisure on weekends, considering alternative career paths, or drawing inspiration from a range of role models, these leaders often carry valuable insights that fuel both personal growth and career success. This article delves into the reflections of a senior leader, providing a glimpse into how they manage their time, find fulfillment, and maintain adaptability in an ever-evolving environment.
Join Mr. Prateek Ladha, Vice President Engineering at Stanza Living in an engaging conversation with Mr. Marquis Fernandes, who leads the India Business at Quantic India as they navigate work-life balance on weekends, reflecting a creative career paths and finding new learnings from books and diverse role models.
Mr. Prateek Ladha has over a decade of experience in engineering and leadership roles, he has a proven track record in product launch, program management, and tech strategy. At Stanza Living, he built a complete engineering team from scratch and led the development of various critical systems. Prateek’s leadership and innovative solutions have significantly contributed to Stanza Living’s growth and operational efficiency. Prateek has also held significant positions at Wynk Limited, Sumo Logic, Hotstar, Ticketmaster, and Amdocs, contributing to diverse projects in payments, subscriptions, and live streaming technologies.
What does a typical weekend look like for a senior leader like you, balancing work responsibilities and personal time?
Weekends are often a blend of personal rejuvenation and staying attuned to strategic priorities. A typical weekend starts with catching up on key industry trends and reviewing some strategic decisions, but it’s also essential to carve out time for family, personal hobbies, or reflection. Exercise, reading, and perhaps engaging in a creative or recreational activity help recharge. While work may still seep in through emails or urgent matters, the focus shifts to unwinding, connecting with loved ones, and re-energizing for the week ahead. The balance is key – ensuring that personal growth and family time are prioritized without losing sight of long-term professional goals.
If you weren’t a C-suite leader, what career path would you have chosen instead?
If I weren’t in the C-suite, I might have pursued a path that still combined leadership and impact, but perhaps in a more creative or community-centred domain. Fields like consulting, academia, or even social entrepreneurship could have been appealing. These roles offer the ability to innovate, lead teams, and influence outcomes, while potentially providing more direct interaction with diverse groups of people or addressing societal challenges.
What is the one piece of life advice you would like to share with others as an individual?
The most valuable life advice I would offer is to remain adaptable and never stop learning. The world is constantly evolving, and the ability to pivot, learn from failures, and embrace change will always keep you ahead. Success is not a straight line; being open to new perspectives, staying curious, and continuously investing in personal growth makes all the difference in both professional and personal spheres.
What is the one book you would recommend to others and why do you believe it’s a must-read?
One book I would recommend is Atomic Habits by James Clear. It’s a must-read because it breaks down the science of habit formation in a practical, actionable way. For anyone looking to improve their productivity, focus, or even mind-set, this book offers profound insights into how small changes can lead to monumental improvements in both personal and professional life. It’s a valuable guide for cultivating discipline and long-term success.
Who is your role model, and what qualities or achievements of theirs inspire you the most?
My role model might be someone like Elon Musk, not necessarily because of his business success alone, but due to his relentless pursuit of innovation, his willingness to take bold risks, and his ability to execute visionary ideas across multiple industries. The way he manages to push boundaries while inspiring large teams and taking on complex global challenges is incredibly inspiring. His resilience in the face of setbacks and his ability to think long-term are qualities that drive me as a leader.
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