Winning Stroke: Interview with Rakesh Makkar, Chief Executive Officer, Grihashakti

1)      If not for your current profession, what would you be?

My current profession is extremely exciting because of the varied opportunities it presents. However, if I wasn’t in this field, I would have been very proud to serve as part of the Indian Army.

2)      One tune that you always hum?

I can think of two songs at the moment. The first one is a Hindi song from the movie Anari called Kisi Ki Muskurahaton Pe Ho Nisar. The other one is an English song that I hum quite often called Summer of 69 by Bryan Adams.

3)      One book that you read when you want to Motivate yourself?

I am an avid reader and I truly believe that books are instrumental in shaping one’s thoughts and subsequently, their personalities. Hence, my picks would be two noteworthy books on strategies : Art of War by Sun Tzu and Who moved my cheese by Spencer Johnson.

4)      One movie dialogue that motivates you or that you like?

I love watching movies, but if I had to choose one movie dialogue, it would have to be “Great men are not born great, they grow great” – The Godfather

5)      One place you have never been to but always want to go?

I am passionate about fitness and hold a record of 9,320 skips over a rope in just 1 hour! Given my affinity towards fitness and overcoming challenges, I have always dreamt of scaling Mount Everest.

6)      An animal that signifies you & why?

I would like to identify myself with a Cheetah due to its agility and swiftness.

7)      A movie character you most resemble or resonate with?

I would definitely vouch for my all-time favorite - Sylvester Stallone!

8)      Choose one from each:

- Marvel or DC  (Marvel)

- Batman or Superman (Superman)

- Tom or Jerry (Jerry)

- Chacha Chaudhary or Super Commando Dhruv (Chacha Chaudhary)

9)      If your life was to be tuned into a movie, who would you like to play your part?

As mentioned earlier, I would love for my favorite actor - Sylvester Stallone – to essay my role if my biopic was ever made.

10)  Lucky or Hard Work, what do you think weighs more in defining a successful person?

I am a follower of the saying: God helps those, who help themselves. Undoubtedly, nothing beats hard work. However, having said that it is also imperative to be at right place at the right time – which can be attributed to luck.

11)   The best decision you ever made?

I tend to evaluate my good decisions with the learnings I have had out of that specific experience. Hence, I would say my best decision has been working for Citi Financial in the start-up phase. It was called Avco Financial services then and we started out our business out of a garage at my boss’s house.

12)   A strategy that you always use to take your decisions in your personal or professional life?

A common strategy that works well both at a personal and professional front is that it is imperative to think long term. However, one has to bear in mind that this cannot be at the cost of being selfish.

13)    Whose Advice do you seek when in a dilemma?

If it’s a personal dilemma, I tend to discuss the issue with my wife and mother. From a professional standpoint, I always reach out to my dear friend and the successful author Ravi Subramanian. Infact, to give you an interesting anecdote, I'm one of the characters in his book called If God was a Banker!

14)   What has been your biggest achievement?

The biggest achievement was setting up and driving Future Money, that was my first position as a CEO. It is now known as Capital First and I’m proud of this association and the journey.

15)   One thing that you want to change about yourself?

I sometimes feel like I am too humble or modest about my achievements. I want to be able to showcase them better to create a greater impact.

16)   A line said by your loved/close one that you will never forget?

My grandfather who was a great Yogi always said worship your body. I will always cherish this advice as it has helped me define who I am today.