By Papri Das

Entrepreneur, artistic director and a poet, Ferriswheel Entertainment founder and creative director Shubhra Bhardwaj has over two decades of experience in managing large-scale events in the field of sports -- a field assumed to be primarily male dominated.

Her expertise is reflected through the success of some of India?s biggest sporting events like the Doha Asian Games 2006, Commonwealth Games Delhi 2010, First South Asian Winter Games Dehradun and Auli 2011, World Cup Kabaddi 2013 and 2014 Punjab and many more. In this candid chat with Exec Lifestyle, catch Bhardwaj open up on her love for literature, her tryst as a poet, and her journey from starting a company at 20.

Do you see any perks or disadvantages of being a woman CEO?
Gender difference is something I do not understand. There are no privileges based on gender. Expecting an easy or smooth start is the first step towards failing. There are no sign-boards, no guarantees and no given. In fact, as a person who is a non-conformist, I found it thrilling to play by my own rules and engage in an unstructured environment to create the brand and establish the company. 

The biggest challenges were what any man would have faced. Protecting our interest, liquidity crunch, team motivation, competition foul play, structure and procedures within the company were issues I had to deal with constantly. The biggest truth is that merit always wins be it a man or a woman.

What about event management attracts you?

Since childhood, I was always inclined towards art and culture. Music and dance brought soul to my life. Event management and the performing arts industry was the obvious career I saw myself growing in. Thus it was an automatic and gradual progression. I set up my first company at the age of 20 and kept it going for 15 years. With my keen eye for detail, I decided to set up an organisation which challenged norms, conventions in creatives and management practices and which would set a benchmark for the industry.

Ferriswheel was founded in the year 2009 as a result of a few years of wanting to create a cutting edge, niche and extremely professional agency. This whole process was extremely exciting and enriching for me.

What are the major challenges you face in arranging large scale sporting events?
Owing to the sheer scale of it, public events especially game ceremonies involve visualisation, creativity, meticulous planning, communication and venue management at a whole new level. The dynamics of these spaces is so large that there is a fine balance between operations, logistics, finance and creatives on which the end delivered product depends. Most of the times, we have to work in a physically challenging environment sometimes even in extreme weather conditions or a completely new environment.

New environment of course involves dealing with regional issues, language barrier and adaptability to the culture of the new space.  I can give you an example from my past experience of how things can go seriously wrong. During the ?South Asian Winter Games 2011?, the mercury had plummeted to as low as -16 deg C in Auli. The team was freezing and hence we had to borrow jackets from the army there. During the Commonwealth Youth Games, two of the panels of our 100 by 100 meter set collapsed due to a huge storm. We arranged for extra manpower immediately and worked through the night to put it back in place.

People sometimes have misconceptions regarding an event manager's job. How would you clarify that?

People think that we do not sleep, eat or have fun but just work all the time. The truth is although it is a high-pressure career; we do find time for everything that we love to do. At Ferriswheel, we strongly believe in organisation and teamwork. Hence, even during the most difficult and trying projects, we manage to engage ourselves beyond work. Work from the outside may look disorganized but it is not so. There is a definite science to the chaos and we understand it well and are used to it.

Do you feel that you could have done a better job at some of the events you organised?
I do feel that things could have been done differently and in a much better manner. When I was invited by the Mayor?s office for watching the London Olympics, I realised how well an event could be delivered. It was complete perfection! Due to the mishandling of the event, not only did we lose revenue and tourists but also most importantly, we lost face in front of the whole world. I had never seen a city so unenthusiastic about an event of this stature. If we could have employed all our channels well, everyone would have benefitted from this massive international event.

How do you balance work and family, as a mother?

Life isn?t overwhelming for me. All that I do is well within my capacity. It isn?t about being a superwoman, but just about having your priorities right and utilizing your time well.

I do not waste my time at all. There is no space for negative engagement in my life. I channel all my efforts into something productive and positive. I make sure I have time for my children and family, my team and work. I have limited but close friends and I am always available for them. The peripheral things do not occupy my time.

Do you play any sport yourself?

I do not engage in athletic activities but I love adventure sports. I have done all sorts of adventure activities like river rafting, bungee jumping, mountain climbing and sky diving.  

You are also known to be passionate about literature. Please share a bit about that.

I love writing poetry. It is my release. When something moves me, affects me, I need to write it out. I normally write whenever I can and on whatever I can find right then and compile it later on. 

By Papri Das

The last weekend saw millions across the globe taking collective rhythmic deep breaths. Not to gasp over something but to celebrate International Yoga Day by practicing various asanas. The impact was such that 192 countries participated in it. Not to forget the awe inspiring act through which Prime Minister Narendra Modi led around 37,000 people to do yoga, setting a Guinness Book Record.

While the world and most of India reconnected with this ancient art of living afresh, there is someone who has been doing yoga right from childhood, and has received many accolades, penned many books and even trained several bollywood actors on how to attain a fit and healthy living through yoga. Fitness trainer, yoga instructor and author Payal Gidwani Tiwari calls her tryst with yoga as a spiritual calling.

We caught up with her on the launch of her latest book on World Yoga Day, Body Goddess, to find out how yoga has benefited her, and the many bollywood stars who train under her.

From interior designing to fitness trainer; how did this transition happen?
When I was in school I was not much into academics but physical education and sports played a major role for me. After I graduated it was time for me to choose a career path and back then physical education was not yet a sought after career choice. So I ended up studying interior designing. I did quite a few projects, but deep down I was not totally happy. Then in 2003, I decided to take up yoga as a way to good health keeping. At that time I had decided to try it out for 6 months as a trial and error method. To my surprise I was totally hooked on to it and decided on taking it further, and later I taught yoga in New Zealand for two months before coming back and starting my career as a fitness trainer. It has been over seven years and today yoga for me has brought about a change in my attitude and in physical dimensions.

What are the frequently asked questions or requests you get from your trainees?
Most people come to me seeking weight loss regimes and end up not only with the exercise bit but also the spiritual cleansing that is so integral to yoga. Many people think yoga doesn?t help you lose weight but it does. Several yoga postures have a greater degree of difficulty than most other forms of exercise.

I would like to mention that yoga not only helps u externally but internally too. All my students who have taken my class have found some form of self realization. Yoga is a way of living healthy. You need to practice it for a few years before you can achieve significant results. The best thing about yoga is that it helps you tone your muscles and also makes sure you don?t gain excess weight even if you get irregular in your regular routine.

What new to expect from your latest book, Body Goddess?

When I started writing my first book ?From XL to XS?, I took my clients as the baseline, taking into consideration their problems and situations. I realised people needed help and I couldn?t cater to every person around the globe individually. Therefore, I wrote the book in such a way that they could read it from their own perspective keeping their own situation in mind and relate to their problems better.

My second book that released on 21 June, World Yoga Day, called 'Body Goddess' is a complete guide on yoga for women. It?s focused on the beauty, health and well being of women, right from the ripe age of 15 years to 65+. This book addresses every issue pertaining to the age group of 15- 25, 25-35, 35-45 and so on because every decade a woman's body, mind and soul goes through a transformation. For example from 15-25 a woman goes through puberty, she changes physically, gets her periods and there is a certain level of emotional change as well. This book also deals with how yoga helps in those times.

Tell us about the celebrities you have trained so far. How serious do they take their yoga sessions?

All my celebrity clients are very disciplined and hard working. They are extremely committed to their workouts and it?s reflected in how it has enriched their lives and made them youthful and energetic. You can have a look at Sridevi who has been working with my husband Manish Tiwari for the past 10 years.

What is the best way to implement yoga for staying fit?

My method consists of eating healthy and exercising regularly which is the key to good health. What I do is help my trainees achieve their goals by guiding and setting workout sessions for them in the most healthy and beneficial way possible. Initially I focus on flexibility and stamina building which is often marked by some amount of weight loss. Special care must be given to each person separately as each one has a different metabolic rate, which makes some lose faster.

Healthy dieting tips that should go with yoga

There isn't any rigorous diet planning involved with yoga. However, if one follows these simple tips, the result is optimum.

1. Drink at least 4-5 litres of water daily along with a teaspoon of flax seeds every morning.

2. Maintain a balanced diet with right amounts of nutrients when it comes to your meals.

3. Don?t skip on exercise.  Exercise is a must six days a week (walking/ yoga/ cardio, or any form of exercise, etc)

4. Avoid coffee, tea and cigarettes and alcohol.

5. Start the day with fruit, nuts and milk.

6. Finish dinner at least two hours before going to sleep.

7. Eat what your body craves for, but eat in moderation

8. Substitute whole fruit for fruit juices.

By Papri Das

The name Dr. Blossom Kochhar needs no introduction in the world of beauty and lifestyle. From conducting extensive research in the field of Aromatherapy, to applying the same for beauty solutions through her own range of products, this veteran beautician, doctor and entrepreneur has been a stalwart in promoting a healthy and natural lifestyle in our country. When it comes to beauty solutions Kochhar lives by the motto ? ?What we apply should be as healing and effective as what we eat.?

The idea of using everything ?nature derived? was deeply seeded in Kochhar?s mind since her childhood days spent on the coffee plantations with her family.  And the same philosophy formed the backbone of Blossom Kochhar Group of  Companies. In this candid chat with Exec Life, Kochhar bares her heart on her own beauty mantra and the idea behind her beauty empire.

How did you conceptualise Aroma Magic?

My childhood was spent on coffee plantations with my very large family; everything we consumed was organically grown and taken from the earth. This idea of everything being ?Nature Derived? led to the beginning of the Blossom Kocchar Group of Companies.  I have been practicing and researching the science of ?Aromatherapy and Herbalisim? for over 25 years. This extensive research led to the manufacture of aromatherapy based skincare and beauty products under the brand name ?Blossom Kochhar Aroma Magic.?

I realized the need to have a scientific system backing it by stitching together the science and art of Aromatherapy and the modern day science of Terra therapy to create a pure product with 35 per cent concentrates of essential oils and organic extracts.

What is Aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy is holistic method of healing based on the skilful use of pure essential oils, which stimulate the natural regenerative processes of the body. Essential oils are extracted from flowers, herbs, bark, fruit and spices by either steam distillation, dissolving in solvents or by simple pressure. They have been called the lifeblood of plants? containing their healing properties in a very concentrated form.

In what ways can it be used?

Today essential oils are collected from all over the world and science is confirming their usefulness. They can be used to treat a broad spectrum of conditions including physical, mental and psychosomatic stress problems. Research has shown that smelling them alone has the power of alter one?s state of mind. Many oils have excellent antiseptic and anti-bactericidal properties and have been known to kill bacteria on contact in laboratory trials.

The oils can be utilized in a variety of ways as perfume, for inhalation, in vaporization compresses as bath and massage oil. Owing to their great power of skin penetration, the oils are diluted in almond or any vegetable oil for massage and skin care.

Are you developing any new product?

We have been coming up with our new facial kits ? Jewel Facial Kit, Vitamin C Lightening Facial Kit, Derma Chill Facial Kit, Detox Bamboo Charcoal Facial Kit, Advance Acne Facial Kit and some more depending on the skin types are in production.

What is your personal beauty mantra?

My personal beauty mantra is to use products that are nature derived, stay happy, remain positive and feel beautiful. My beauty regime comprises the cleansing, toning, oiling and moisturising (CTOM) at least twice a day. Sunscreen ? Blossom Kochhar Aroma Magic Aloe Vera Sunscreen Gel SPF 20 is my mantra of keeping my skin from getting tanned. Apart from this I resort to meditation, exercise, drink lots of water and eat a lot of green leafy vegetables. I also eat fruits and nuts.

A lot of women these are doing cosmetic surgery and face-lifts. What are your comments on this practice?

Natural cosmetics are safer for people and friendlier to the nature, so are definitely better than chemical-based products or surgeries. They will not cause any serious harm to your skin or your hair, but long term usage of chemical based products will definitely tend to leave behind effects on your skin and hair that might not be very healthy for both. So try to use as much of natural products as you can, the effect might be slow to show, but there will not be any long term harm associated with it.

How do you define beauty?

Beauty for me is all things natural, which inspired in me a love for an alternative way of living, healing and staying beautiful. Have gratitude and be positive? that is enough to make you feel beautiful throughout the day. Beauty comes from within.

What are the latest consumer trends when it comes to the beauty products?

The demand for chemical-free skin care products is on the rise. The plant-derived ingredients remain powerful; the proliferation of new and exotic ingredients has caused consumers to be more skeptical and discerning regarding their purchase. Consumers are becoming increasingly concerned about the efficacy and side effects of ingredients, and have access to a range of Internet and consumer review sources to inform their decisions.

What is your opinion on teenagers and pre-teens using make up and cosmetics?

I feel in your early days you have beautiful flawless skin so you do not need any make up. With the new trend of using make up at an early age there is no problem, however, one should use safe and reliable cosmetics for looking better. Try to use as little cosmetics as possible. Light make up with a little gloss and kajal can be used, but loud make up should be avoided. If usage of makeup starts from a very early age then skincare regime to maintain a healthy and flawless clear skin for a long time should also start immediately. Cleansing, toning, oiling and moisturizing should frame a major part of the skincare regime.

Three beauty products we can always find in your clutch?

In my vanity case some of the things are permanent:

?       Blossom Kochhar Aroma Magic Aloe Vera Sunscreen Gel SPF 20

?       Blossom Kochhar Aroma Magic Sunlite Spray SPF 30 PA ++

?       Lipstick from MAC

Apart from aromatherapy what are you passionate about?

I love photography, I like playing golf, and my passion is spending quality time with my grandson.

As Anon puts it: 'A real leader faces the music, even when he doesn't like the tune'. Pix business head and AXN, Animax India country manager Sunder Aaron tells Nidhi Jain that in today's business scenario one has to play a dual role, that of a manager and mentor.

Lessons you learnt
First and foremost - in India it has to be kept in mind that it has a very young corporate culture, because business culture has been around for just 10-20 years. It is a very important thing to be kept in mind while managing people. The work force is predominantly very young, so lots of inexperienced, na?ve people come in. We have to give them lessons not only on business but also life. Therefore, a lot of compassion and empathy is required.

I have to be a good manger and mentor on a personal basis too. We, all of us, not only have to improve our lives, but also get better jobs. I cannot prevent anyone going to a better company for a better life. I have to groom these people so that they can go on to have better lives, not just be a better employee for me, but also to do better in whatever they do.

We also need to delegate, give others responsibility, which often doesn't happen. There's a lot of fear in organizations. It's just the nature of the business. Organizations are also political creations. As we all are humans and have egos, politics is bound to enter.

India has a history and tradition of being bureaucratic. When people are always too eager to please, fear enters people and organizations. We have to try our best to remove those obstacles.

I encourage my staff to make mistakes, make a decision, and gather all information you can. Juggling balls means you are not doing anything and that's the worst being in business. We should be fast and determined.

Method of pacifying madness
Things do get out of hand when there is so much of stress. The best way is to personally have discussions with the team, about what they are feeling and thinking. Even five minutes on that can calm everything. Retrieve time outside office too.

Max DePree - "Leadership is much more an art, a belief, a condition of the heart, than a set of things to do. The visible signs of artful leadership are expressed, ultimately, in its practice".

People that influenced
In India, (Set India CEO) Kunal Dasgupta has been a big influence. He is calm, controlled and has a great vision. (Times Now CEO) Sunil Lulla is a strong inspiration, the way he manages people, and is very successful.

We ought to maintain a balance between personal and professional life. Mumbai can be hard city. Just like New York, it's always about 'moving' very fast. We have to make real commitments also to other things like being healthy, staying active in sports, staying close to the closest friends. My friends in the US have fundamentally had a lot of influence on my life. We should not dilute our relationships because of work. There are periods when we work harder and take a lot of time, and then communication becomes important. We have to work and maintain those relationships.

Strategies at Work
Sometimes it's very frustrating, and it is visible also. One of the simple strategies is to calm down. So think and relax before saying anything or dealing with people. Being impatient is certainly not the best thing.

In the market, I am in favor of doing unique things, strategies or approaches for people in business. We have to think out of the box.

For instance, when we were launching our new movie channel Pix, it was coming into an already crowded market. Our approach was to emphasis on stories in the movies with no big stars, budgets. A famous book on screenwriting called Story was where I got the inspiration to launch a channel focusing on the fundamentals. Movies are human experiences and watching them is so human. Like parents telling us stories, caveman told stories by engraving. We strive and communicate through storytelling.

As the Pix example shows, an idea doesn't always come from conventional sources.

Changing rules of work
Rules have not been formed yet. Being motivated does not work in a company that we don't want to work with. I am in this industry because I love film and TV. I enjoy my work and am good at it also. It's important to be balanced; we shouldn't overspend life within the office because it will be no good for anybody. One needs to bring freshness to work.

Charles S. Lauer - "Leaders don't force people to follow - they invite them on a journey".

Ensuring that team delivers
Communicate what is expected of the team. Juniors have a hard time communicating to their seniors. After delegating, we need to monitor also. They should not be intimidated that you are peering over their shoulders. You should be a mentor to help them do their jobs.

Fun part of your business
Almost everything. It's very competitive working with creative, bright people instead of a bunch of dumb, boring people. TV is an enormously growing industry.

Max DePree -"The first responsibility of a leader is to define reality".

"The purity of a person's heart can be quickly measured by how they regard animals," even if they are not real, believes animal collector Meenakshi Madhvani , Founder & Managing Partner Spatial Access Solutions in conversation with Correspondent Nidhi Jain .

Love animals --- as a child always had pets. Dogs, cats, chickens, a pig and even a pet snake. Unfortunately a flat is Bombay is not the right environment for animals and I have not had a pet for a long, long time! There was something missing and I decided to fill the gap with a surrogate. It all began by my buying a big bronze pig! He was followed by a papier mache frog, then a pair of marble dogs I found in Chor Bazaar...

Collecting animals-- for the last 5 years. I am not too concerned about the material they are made off. But they need to appeal to me.

My husband jokes that I have a meenagerie! My family & friends indulge me by adding to my collection. A stone Hippo was carried back from Africa by a friend. My brother-in-law got back a wonderful Giraffe from South Africa carved out of a single block of wood. Another Brother-in-law gave me a crystal cat & mouse!

Bit crazy -- when it comes to my animals? I like seeing them every day and move them around the house to new locations (almost like giving them a fresh view of their living quarters every once in a while!

I know that one of these days I will have a place in the country and will be able to have my animal friends around me once again.