SCIONS OF 2009 : Age is not the only criterion

Education and exposure matter a lot, and go a long way in sharpening your business mindset, and giving you the requisite confidence, says Keshav Baljee.

The biggest expectations from me come from myself. I strongly believe I can excel in what I am doing, and I want our company to become one of India’s best hospitality companies in the next few years.

It’s a tall order, and it’s a lot of pressure - but that’s the only way to grow. It certainly wasn’t as people probably think – that it was mandatory for me to join the family business. In fact, my parents encouraged me to explore other options when I was growing up.

It was my interest in doing real estate deals that got me involved in the company, as I was essentially the architect of the expansion plans. Once I started doing deals and building hotels, I got interested in operating them as well.

Now, I’m hooked! Earlier I had pursued a degree in computer engineering, as well as a business degree; I also worked as an investment banker in New York for some time before returning to India.

I think exposure matters a lot – at Wharton, at Lehman Brothers, and at ISB, I was exposed to some of the brightest minds in the world. Working with them for so many years has sharpened my business mindset and has provided me with immense exposure.

I think people have begun to realise that age is not the dominating factor in business; people I work with also tend to see that, and so I haven’t faced the issue of not being taken seriously.

I also know that if people feel that you’re a decision maker, they will hang on your every word— it is my job to inform them that I am empowered to make decisions, and the rest follows.

My favourite initiative has been the introduction of free wifi in our flagship hotel several years ago. We were the first to go ‘free’ with wi-fi in the country, and I’m quite proud that the revenue model I developed is now being copied by several leading industry players.

I think education has certainly armed me with the knowledge and the confidence to work in the position I currently enjoy.

I think one needs to keep an open mind, because a good education teaches you that you should keep learning in life.

For instance, seeing the current market slowdown was quite a learning experience in how to cut costs, and try and shore up sales. Certainly, it is a hectic, busy life, and playing the sitar calms me, it’s a hobby which I picked up in boarding
school.

Music really resonates within me and helps me unwind. I also enjoy a good game of squash which is a terrific workout – equally, I play golf which is quite relaxing.

Currently, my role model is Sol Kirzner, the founder of One&Only Resorts, and Atlantis. He has an incredible ability to take risks to fulfill his vision, which have paid off in making some of the world’s most spectacular hotels and resorts.

I think India’s hospitality industry has been quite globalised, there is going to be a short period of incredible growth (post the current woes we’re in, of course), followed by a maturing period.

I think there is an interesting battle brewing between some of the domestic brands, such as ourselves, and the international players. Of course, the industry is poised to grow and there is enough room for everyone, but it will be fascinating to see how it pans out.

Global practices have been in India for many years now, but I feel we should possibly be less corporatised and try and retain a human touch. After all, that is the very essence of hospitality.

My goal is to leave an impression in the world of hospitality – to be recognised as someone who changed the rules of the game. Of course, we‘re several years away from that, but it’s something I’m sure I want to do.

My inspiration comes from within – at the end of the day you have to drive yourself. Nobody else can push you to achieve your goals. My vision for our company is to achieve a footprint of 4000 rooms by 2015; we want to be recognised as a company that sets the standard in providing value-for-money in business hotels, without ompromising on any frills.

Quick Look
Name: Keshav Baljee
Age: 26 years
Designation: Vice-president corporate affairs and co-promoter, Royal Orchid Hotels Ltd
Responsibilities: Conceptualising and implementing the expansion plans of the company, and setting the strategic direction of the group. I also handle IT, Marketing, PR, and play a major role in the fund-raising activities of the group.