Ashish Anand - Detail Orientation, Self-Motivation, and Calculated Risk-Taking Ability Are What Will Help Starters Excel in Someone's Career (Director - Oyo Rooms)

I believe more than formal education the intent to learn excel and do well in life matters more than anything, a never say no attitude coupled with the logical ability and zeal to go an extra mile doesn't come via formal education. 

Tell us about your background, journey, and upbringing. 

I come from a tier 3 town in India with humble beginnings. I made my way from Public school to missionary school then a Pre Degree from one of the best colleges in Patna (Science College). I had a good academic record throughout my school but more importantly, I always focused on co-curricular activities which gave me great oration skills in a place where English was barely spoken by folks. 

I steered my way by the unfettered spirit of never say no attitude- Made it one of the govt engineering colleges and then to prestigious management institute IIM Calcutta. Life changed ever since I joined b shool. I was always in the company of the smartest folks across India which motivated me to push my boundaries and this is what has even led me to excel in my career. 

Being fearless of trying out different domains in the last 8 yrs of my career and being successful in my career endeavors till now


How did you rise to the highest echelons and what are your future plans? 

I was always focused on learning new skills being up to date with market demands and have a knack for numbers, Eye for detail, this helped me catapult through new roles and challenges which were given to me

                             

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What does your typical workday look like? 

Lots of meetings and strategic and Tactical work along with cross-functional and my own team. I lead a cross-cultural team hence it becomes of paramount importance to connect with folks on a daily basis. Typically I would have all the brainstorming and strategize going on in the first part of the day and the rest of things at a later part of the day.

Several global companies have come out and thrown their support behind not needing a formal education. What is your opinion about this? 

I believe more than formal education the intent to learn excel and do well in life matters more than anything, a never say no attitude coupled with the logical ability and zeal to go an extra mile doesn't come via formal education. 

These are individual traits that people without even formal education can exercise and with the right mix of all these three ingredients they can always make their way to the top


How do you handle someone who has lied on their resume? 

Well I believe it's an ethics issue, this is something anyone should refrain from, at times people lie about the depth of their work - which is easily workable, but in the case of completely forging the experience/ Education isn't a great thing to do. This has penalties and consequences. But I always believe in 2nd chance in case the person is an asset.


How has covid changed things at your workplace & which of these changes do you intend to make permanently? 

More trust in the team, ability to pull up business even in a remote environment. I think covid has unveiled a completely new arena for remote working and being a global employee. I think keeping this model and making it hybrid will be something I will look at permanently. Also giving some non-working days on weekdays is something which boosts the spirit and rejuvenates the employees

                              

What advice do you have for those starting their career and those who are eyeing the top job? 

I think picking up the skills which are high in demand in respective segments would help them ride at the edge of the curve. Detail orientation, Self-motivation, and calculated risk-taking ability are what will help starters excel in their careers. working with small companies or startups imparts a lot of learning and a steep career trajectory and young folks can always take this risk and move ahead in their careers fast


Which is your favorite book/show and why? 

My favorite book is Jugaad innovation because it tells how we Indians find out ways to solve things. This solutions approach is what is required both in professional and personal lives to move ahead and excel. Secondly, it also harps the fact that You don't need a fancy degree to come up with the best solutions to problems.