Winning Stroke: Interview with Siddharth Dabhade, General Manager India, Criteo

If not in the current Profession , You would be ?

I have always liked to work in a technology business as it can have a huge impact at scale for better. Very privileged to lead an innovative technology business. If not in this profession, maybe I would have been into consulting business.

One tune you always hum?

My songs change by the day and the mood. I have always liked soulful songs – they touch the heart deeply.

One Book to read when you want to motivate yourselves ?

 It is actually a series of books which explains life beautifully and wisely - Conversations with God Series

One Dialogue of a movie that motivates you or you like the most?

“Don't ever let someone tell you, you can't do something. You got a dream, you got to protect it.” - Pursuit of Happiness

The Place you never been to and always want to go?

There are many. But yes - Newzealand – The land of “Lord of the Rings”. It must surely be amazingly beautiful.

An animal that signifies you & why?

Elephant. I can stand strong and but remain compassionate.

A Movie Character you most resemble or resonate with ?

Always liked the character of “Iqbal”. How the character comes on absolute top in spite of (or actually because of) many challenges.

Choose one from each below :

•  Marvel or DC - Marvel

•  Batman or Superman - Superman

•  Tom or Jerry - Jerry

•  Chacha Chaudhary or Super Commando Dhruv – Super Commando Dhruv

If your life was to be turned into a movie who would you like to play your part ?

Perhaps Will Smith

Luck or Hard Work , What do you think weighs more in defining a successful Person?

It is always hard work. Luck is an external factor, it will always be there. But internal success is more important and lasting. And that comes only by hard work, by working on yourself and becoming your better self.

One best decision you ever made?

To evolve myself as a business professional from a technology professional. I am able to understand both business and technology issues very well, especially important in technology led businesses.

A strategy that you always use to take your decisions in Personal or Professional life?

I have tried to always listen to my heart and this strategy has worked well so far. For example - in my professional life I have always decided to take up an opportunity basis how it felt to me. Although on paper the opportunity could have been risky or unconventional. And I have been fortunate to have always learnt more and make the best out of the opportunity for my next stage of growth.

Whose advise you seek when in dilemma?

I ask my family and well-wishers. At the end though I listen to my heart after gathering as much information as possible and looking at all the options. I am glad that I have been able to follow my heart with conviction.

What has been your biggest achievement?

I decided to go for attempting IIT JEE coming from a very small town with not much guidance available on how to go about the preparation. It was a lofty and kind of impossible goal under the circumstances. I found a coach and created a group of likeminded friends who studied together for one of the toughest challenge. I felt myself to be on top of the world and my confidence sky-rocketed when I succeeded.

One thing that you want to change in yourself?

I would like to be cheerful and worry free always no matter what.

A line said by your closed one that you never forget?

 Important to make a life rather than worry about making a living.