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Different strokes
A lifetime working with varying hues finds a resonance in this executive’s worldview

Spending time at airport lounges
Last year, I spent over 100 days out of 200 working days travelling on work. While flying, I carry printouts of my unread mails and also interesting articles from magazines to read. I am a cautious eater and while travelling I cut down on my diet further.

Dress code
We definitely believe in a dress code. At Jotun, people on the shop floor wear a uniform that meets with prescribed security standards. Meanwhile, the management team here is expected to be in smart casuals. Unlike IBM, we do not let our staff travel dressed in jeans and T-shirts. I believe that being well-dressed is a way of showing respect for the people you will be meeting.

Office parties
Everyone working in Jotun is a part of the Penguin family (Penguin is Jotun’s mascot). Office parties are a chance for the staff to share good news in their family, like the birth of a child, a marriage or job anniversaries. Such activities motivate people. They also promote better teamwork.

Working hours
We are a customer-focused company, with our working hours being tailored to meet the demands of our clients. We were the first company in the paint industry to introduce a five-day week. The company still works six days a week but the staff takes turns with their days off.

Advice to people who want to work with you
Loyalty, caring, respect and boldness are the four qualities that we look for in people at Jotun. We take on people who have these qualities, and then we go on to developing them further.

Had you not been a corporate executive what would you have been doing?
My parents wanted me to be a doctor. Fortunately or unfortunately, I joined the corporate sector. I actually started my career as a lecturer. I am good at sharing knowledge and at convincing people logically. So may be I would have been the principal of a university somewhere.

Your vision of an ideal office
One that is open and colourful. Colour has an effect on your moods, and research shows us how different moods are associated with our surrounding colours.

How do you unwind?
I am an avid golfer and play at least twice a week. I enjoy watching Animal Planet on TV, and also going out fishing with friends.

Working in a global village
Any company operating in a global village should be a moving target for its competitors. That’s because a moving target never faces a threat from the competition.

Your big dream
When I retire, I want to live and work close to nature. I would like to play golf everyday and travel occasionally.