Winning Stroke: Interview With Rajiv Bathla, Chief Operating Officer, The Circle.Work
If not in the current profession, you would be?
On Netflix doing films & serials. I was headed in that direction in my early days, however, at crossroads, I made a choice.
One tune you always hum?
Given the virtual school over the last 9 months, the tune changes monthly- From Hind Desh Ke Niwasi, Mera Juta he Japani, Anand Loke to Christmas Carols!! It’s been an absolute delight for me.
One book to read when you want to motivate yourself? '
Don’t sweat the small stuff – by Richard Carlson.
One dialogue of a movie that motivates you or you like the most?
Mogambo Khush Hua - need I say more.
The place you have never been to and always want to go to?
Looking forward to exploring all the beaches around the world for a full thesis on how they all are so very different!
An animal that signifies you & why?
A Horse - both literally that I use to be a long-distance runner and called one in my younger days
A Movie Character you most resemble or resonate with?
Aamir Khan. Our 8-year-old son is so super special - Taare Zamin Par proud moments every day with him.
If your life was to be turned into a movie, who would you like to play your part?
Amir Khan again for the same reason above.'
Luck or Hard Work, what do you think weighs more in defining a successful person? '
Luck provides for opportunities and doors ( which I believe most everyone is presented within different shapes and forms), while hard work is about seizing those opportunities and making your way up.
One best decision you ever made?
It was joining American Express and staying the course with them for 25 years, and now with Hunch Circle (The Circle. Work) over the last year and a half in an entrepreneurial journey– I have thoroughly enjoyed the journey thus far.
A strategy that you always use to take your decisions in Personal or Professional life? I mostly nearly always go with logic and rationale coupled with a strong intuition.
Whose advice do you seek when in a dilemma?
Mostly always that of Anjali (my wife) - we both bounce off our dilemma’s to each other and invariably help each other.
What has been your biggest achievement? One thing that you want to change in yourself?
Achievement: climbing my way to a Head of Function / Vice President role with American Express has started in the same organisation as an executive trainee 25 years ago - and then in the VP role being able to help, guide & support upwards of 1000+ colleagues & individuals in adding some value in their professional lives that would make a difference to them. Subsequent to my Corporate role, being able to quickly switch my mindset to an entrepreneurial role ( a pleasant surprise to myself as much) with Hunch Circle, successfully contributing to the tripling of revenues for the company in less than 1 year. Change: Definitely about reading a lot more.'
A line said by your closed one that you never forget?
Life is too short to drink cheap wine!
