Meet The Thrill Seeker: Anshu Budhraja
Meet the business leader who has two decades of experience in FMCG, manufacturing, financial services and direct selling. He is Anshu Budhraja, chief executive officer of Amway India, one of the largest FMCG Direct Selling Company in India with a turnover of over Rs.2000 Crore. Having led diversified teams in both Indian and US based multinational organizations, he leads the India business operations including business strategy, supply chain, corporate finance, manufacturing, business excellence. Apart from this, he is hands on in driving Go-To-market strategy, geography and cluster management, development of infrastructure including stores, e-commerce, sales operations and promotions, and cross functional talent building. Over the past 17 years, he has grown up the corporate ladder by handling different profiles of increasing responsibility. Under his leadership Amway has won many prestigious awards including Most Trusted Brand, Most Admired Brand and Great Place To Work in 2017. He also has been recognized as one of the Most Admired Business Leaders in India 2017.
What is the one thing that you love to do when you are not in boardroom?
Be a kid – Spend time learning and exploring different subjects, books, gadgets and hobbies. I am also passionate about yoga and am a nature lover which leads to long walks in the evening.
Who do you look to when you are in dilemma? Share one dilemma of your life?
I usually reflect on dilemmas when I go for my long evening walks. I have realized that best is not in “being” but “becoming” and then deciding. Resolution is mind, communication is heart. Behavioral Change is the core of any business strategy, Professional Workplace or Personal Life. Tough decisions related to People - are never right or wrong. That is the biggest dilemma.
How do you balance work life?
Finding purpose in work creates an energizing feeling which moves one beyond work life.
What are the things that you don’t leave your house without?
Wallet, iphone, iPad, earphones.
If you weren’t a CEO, what would you have been?
A sportsperson. While growing up, I was a state level hockey player. Being in good shape and at your best helps you when you need it the most.
What is the biggest business risk that you have taken?
Putting my freedom at stake & leading the company through tough regulatory challenges. When you believe that organizational values have not been compromised, you become fearless.
Who is your favorite CEO?
Elon Musk, CEO, Tesla & Amitabh Kant, CEO, Niti Aayog are my favorite CEO’s. Both have redefined vision and have made a difference to the lives of millions through business and policy initiatives.
One company that you would like to acquire?
None, would like to grow my company to become envy of others as we promote entrepreneurship through competency and skill building and are focussed on ordinary people with limited resources.
The last line of your autobiography would read?
‘I always did something I was a little not ready to do.’ ‘Some of it was tragic, some of it was magic, but life has been a great journey and always been at its best.’
What are the three qualities that a CEO must have?
Humility, Professional Will and Purpose.
What are the principles that you swear by?
Partnership and trust are the two most important principles for anyone to succeed. For me, Trust is PV2 (Partnership Version 2.0). When others can take decisions on your behalf and you can take decisions on their behalf – then Trust becomes PV3.
One regulation in Indian laws that you would like to change?
All laws before 1990 should be reviewed for their relevance. Today acts of 1970s exist for Business in 2000. There should be progressive laws for consumer protection as consumer is the king!
Five words that define you?
Ambitious, Nurturing, Simple, Humble and Unrelenting! - An acronym of what my name stands for!
Five things on your wish list, personally and professionally?
Personally, I wish to become a yoga guru someday and own a beach house on a beautiful beach in Goa. Professionally, I would like to make a difference to organic farming in India and help drive entrepreneurship, especially enhancing the workforce contribution of women in all domains of economic activity.
