Mumbai: With another weekend upon us, it is time to unwind with the latest Q&A edition of Indiantelevision.com’s Weekend Unwind—a series of informal chats that peek into the minds of business executives through a fun lens in an attempt to get to know the person behind the title a little better.
In this week’s session, we have BOD Consulting founder & managing partner Saurabh Uboweja.
Saurabh is an accomplished positioning expert and executive coach who specialises in guiding founders and their core leadership teams.With a wealth of experience, he shares his expertise as an adjunct faculty member at leading business schools in India and Europe, where he teaches digital entrepreneurship, strategic brand management, and leadership.
As a certified independent director, Saurabh serves as an advisor on boards of both listed and non-listed firms. In his role as managing partner at BOD Consulting, he partners with client teams on building their growth roadmap and vision, unlocking value creation, organisation transformation, and driving internal & external stakeholder engagement.
Recognised as a dynamic speaker, Saurabh has graced the stages of renowned events worldwide as a keynote speaker and a panellist in business schools, conferences, and forums around the world such as the World Communication Forum in Davos. He has shared his insights on diverse platforms like TEDx Hindustan University, TiE Lucknow, Salaried Talks and Josh Talks and prestigious institutions such as Nalanda University and Indian Institute of Management Ranchi.
Without further ado here it goes…
Your mantra for life
Instead of creating my own show, I am learning to live my life as an actor being directed in a play, listening within for cues and scene changes.
A book you are currently reading or plan to read
Currently reading
Quintessence of Sai Satcharitra: A Biography of the Incredible Sai Baba of Shirdi by Shuddhaanandaa Brahmachari. The author is a motivational speaker, spiritual teacher, and humanitarian. This book based on the original Sai Satcharitra, a sacred book on Shirdi Sai Baba, authored by Hemadpant Dabhokkar, offers a simpler and more detailed version for the modern reader. Hemadpant started writing this book with Sai Baba’s blessings and permission. It chronicles whatever he witnessed personally around Sai Baba as well as the experiences of hundreds of others.
Planning to read next
Harsh Realities: The Making of Marico by Harsh Mariwala and Ram Charan. Harsh Mariwala is one of India’s most prolific entrepreneurs and the leader behind the great rise of Marico into an Indian FMCG major. Ram Charan is a world-renowned management thinker and guru. This is the story of grit, gumption, and growth, and the core values of trust, transparency, and innovation that have brought Marico to its current stature. I am deeply inspired by Mr. Harsh Mariwala’s humility and courage as a leader, values I espouse and hold very dearly myself.
Your fitness mantra
Sleep well each night, eat clean food, walk a lot, and drink lots of water.
Your comfort food
Nothing beats the fragrance, flavours, and after-taste of Homemade Rajma Chawal.
A quote or philosophy that keeps you going when the chips are down
Stay tight, hold your position firmly and with poise, and let the storm pass by. Don’t fight with it, don’t get carried away with the flow.
Your guilty pleasure
Complete disconnection from the world I am a part of, friends, team, clients, family, and spending time with myself.
The last time you tried something new
I try something new every single day to improve how we work at the firm I lead. There is nothing definite, evolution is the key. I am very excited, like a child, each time I have a new idea about improving something. Thankfully, this happens frequently for me.
A life lesson you learned the hard way
You are not necessarily good at what you want to be good at.
What gets you excited about life
The mere thought of what’s possible, what’s not been accomplished yet, the true potential of a human being, my true potential as a human. This excites me a lot and keeps me going.
What’s on top of your bucket list
A visit to Taos, a town in New Mexico in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
If you could give one piece of advice to your younger self, what would it be
Ask for help from others, more frequently and without shame.
One thing you would most like to change about the world
It’s not my responsibility to change the world. I can surely change a few things about myself though. I would like to develop more compassion and kindness towards all.
An activity that keeps you motivated and charged during tough times
Picking up an inspiring book or the book I am currently reading, self-reflection, writing my thoughts, and sharing with those around me (if it’s shareable).
What lifts your spirits when life gets you down?
I don’t think life gets you down or is ever unfair to you. This feeling that I am not in charge and life is just happening the way it should and that I can surrender to it fully, is a deeply empowering feeling. I try to practise this often, not just when my spirits or chips are down.
Your go-to stress buster
A short walk or drive followed by a well-made cup of tea or coffee.
