Winning Stroke: Interview With Aurko Bhattacharjee, Director, CXO Office, OYO Hotels & Homes

If not in the current profession, you would be?
I am fortunate to be already doing what I love. I took some chances, made a few choices and found my way to doing what I wanted – being around building and supporting new businesses
Somewhere down the line I see myself having my own venture, but I enjoy the opportunity to partner with passionate entrepreneurs, businesses and teams on meaningful missions
The general advice I keep giving myself is that if I were not in the profession of what I am in today, I will be in the profession of where I think my passion to work will be.

At the end of the day, one’s life cannot just about earning good money, it is about having satisfaction about the work you do and the results you achieve for the community as a whole.

One tune you always hum?
I listen to a ton of music – from The Beatles, Oasis and Clapton to Drake and have endless playlists for different moods so this will be a hard one. A personal favorite would be Alive by Pearl Jam.

One book to read when you want to motivate yourself?
Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life by Héctor García, Francesc Miralles. It goes beyond motivation but actually enables you to look within and search for the purpose of life. Must read for anyone wanting to focus on internal growth. It is written in an easy language and is very precise at about 200 pages.

The ONE Thing by Gary W. Keller and Jay Papasan. Figure out the one thing that matters and focus your energy accordingly. It’s one of the best books I've read. But it's not about reading it. As most things in life, it's all about what you DO with what you know. This book can be extremely inspiring, or just another great read.

One dialogue of a movie that motivates you or you like the most?
“Work until you no longer have to introduce yourself” - Gabriel Macht as Harvey Specter in Suits.

The place you have never been to and always want to go?
Santorini in Greece - exploring this gem is a must and on top of my travel list. It just seems magical and breathtaking.

Sea of Tranquility, Moon - would make an irreplaceable memory.

An animal that signifies you & why?
I would have to go with a mythical one - The Phoenix. I think it's the ultimate symbol of strength and renewal.

This question has reminded me of those moments of contemplation along my journey. Growing up, I didn’t have a lot of people to ask which way to go – so I went with my own conviction. Then I took the time to understand and reflect why I went down a particular way which I felt was more meaningful and fulfilling overall. Another way of putting it is that you must test yourself, there's so much that you will uncover which wouldn’t ever come out if you don’t.
Even today, I do not know what lies ahead of me and how I am going to take it. But, I know for certainty that even if I fall, I will rise again as an improved updated version. I’d like to believe I am a Phoenix inside.

A movie character you most resemble or resonate with?
I think this question is at least twofold - identification because of 1) similarity, or as 2) aspirational.
Gandalf from the Lord of the Rings Series.

If you observe Gandalf, you will detect a veiled power, usually revealed in his eyes, which appeared deep and wise. He was alternately affectionate and brusque; he often surprised others with his bluntness when time was of the essence. Gandalf consistently upbraided foolish behavior, but also richly rewarded those who acted with good intentions.

His strong sense of empathy and his care for all creatures of good will also extended to the servants of the enemies. Even in the most difficult situations, he was always there to give hope.

1) He taught me to never give up amidst the most trying circumstances
2) No matter your achievements, you must never let pride get the better of you

If your life was to be turned into a movie, who would you like to play your part?
I rarely have such lofty dreams but if this were to ever happen, I’d would be thrilled to have Robert Downey, Jr. play the protagonist, or perhaps could be an opportunity for a newcomer to debut.

Luck or Hard Work, what do you think weighs more in defining a successful person?
I think it’s a blend of both – unique proportion for each individual. But you can’t really control the luck (destiny) factor. Hard work (karma) is in our hand we can control it to an extent. I have noticed that if you work hard, be open to opportunities and take some calculated risks, you increase the probability of finding luck along that journey. Taking the right amount of initiative towards your goals is of paramount importance.

One best decision you ever made?
To be conscious of what’s important to me and driving my career closer to that interest. Ofcourse you tend to feel different things as your thoughts evolve with new experiences, but important to acknowledge your dreams and pursue it, even if that happens to challenge the usually accepted norms.

A strategy that you always use to take your decisions in Personal or Professional life?
Intellectual Honesty along with the application of the Pareto Principle (80/20 rule)
Adopt a regret minimization framework and pursue your decisions with conviction
In an ever changing world, to not get too excited or lose motivation based on short term events
Over last year, I got doubly reinforced that empathy, kindness and the desire to help others are the real competitive advantages

Generally, find a way to be happy. Only then will everything else make sense

Whose advice do you seek when in a dilemma?
Well it completely depends on the situation. I’m usually like to trust my instincts and have my own problem solving frameworks, but at times I do seek selective advice. People usually prescribe solutions based on their personal experiences and worldview. So you could say, I am careful who I chose to take inputs from. I have been fortunate to hone quality relationships with some of the best people across walks of life and I check in with them time to time depending on the dilemma. It’s always a good idea to have a diverse personal and professional network.

What has been your biggest achievement? One thing that you want to change in yourself?
I relate achievement to value-add for society.  It has truly been a privilege to be able to steer initiatives to serve frontline medical workers, international tourists, repatriated Indians and offer support to our incredible hotel partners across the globe through the peak months of the pandemic in 2020

During my time with Goldman Sachs, my close friends (colleagues) and I were able to raise USD 75,000 for the non-profit Educate Girls based in Mumbai. Educate Girls works towards improving enrolment, retention and learning outcomes for girls in some of the most rural, remote and marginalized communities in India. I felt really proud to be able to make a positive local contribution.

One change post 2020 - I have started to double down on physical activity as a part of my daily routine and have more balanced, well-rounded goals which take into account my deeper interests. I consider myself a lifelong learner and I try to keep myself updated using as many formats as possible. I have also started carving out more time with my family and my 6 pets.

A line said by your closed one that you never forget?
“Nothing matters more in life is to be grounded and showing up every day. To your work, to your responsibilities, to your relationships.”