Offbeat: Harrish M Bhatia – once a leader, always a leader

In our constant endeavour to give our readers content that is a little ‘hatke’ from the trade media norm, Adgully has been coming out with Special sections like The W-Suite, Ad Land’s Young Guns, Spirit W and ‘Offbeat’. 

Our newest offering, ‘Offbeat’, seeks to give a glimpse of the lesser known facets of our very well-known industry leaders. We present, in the industry leaders’ own words, an interesting read on areas that are not usually highlighted in regular media coverage – be it about their childhood days, secret skills that they possess, how they unwind from their hectic schedules, and much more. 

As Chief Executive Officer of My FM, Harrish M Bhatia is the driving force behind the station’s record breaking performance in its over decade-long existence. He has years of diverse experience with brands and business operations, which helped maintain the dynamic performance of My FM. 

A turnaround specialist with multi-industry experience, a go-getter, people’s person and an author, Bhatia has penned a book based on My FM’s brand philosophy and chronicles the emotions, sentiments and experiences of prominent achievers from all walks of life. Under his leadership, My FM has expanded to 30 cities across 7 states, ruling the hearts of true India. 

How were you as a child and which childhood trait do you still possess?
As a child, I was very obedient and disciplined. Unlike the other kids, I didn’t require much monitoring from elders, which was well appreciated by my parents. 

Which superhero did you look up to as a kid and why? Which superhero power you wish you possessed?
Superhero?! Umm... I wasn’t much of a superhero fan as a kid, but I can recall James Bond. The one power that I always wished for was the power to create anything and everything which can make life easy for all people; I still wish for it. 

What is your biggest fear and how do you face it?
I should not fail at anything; I work really hard to avoid failures. Having said that, I am very well aware of the fact that no matter who you are, what you do for a living, how many degrees you have earned, or what position you have secured at work, there are going to be times when you will fail. It’s okay to fail, as your real learnings shall come from failures only. 

A skill you possess that no one knows about?
I am generally able to adjust in diverse circumstances, which is very unique to me. I am also tolerant to a great extent. 

What would one find in your playlist?
Ghazals to meaningful songs to Retro music – I enjoy all of them. 

Your go-to activity to relax?
My go-to place for everything is my family; I love watching movies with them and spending time with them. 

What is the greatest lesson that you have learnt from life so far?
In my journey so far, I have learned many valuable lessons and I am extremely thankful for those. I believe life is a string of these lessons. I am a strong follower of Steve Jobs and firmly believe in “Don’t listen to people who say it can’t be done”. 

A social cause that you are most passionate about?
Access to education and quality of health services has always remained a longed for luxury for underprivileged children in our country. I want to provide those. 

What’s the one thing you would like to change about yourself?
Reduce weight. With age, I have become a little less disciplined and have lost control on my diet. That’s the one thing I would like to change about myself. 

If not ‎‎Chief Executive Officer at My FM, what would you have been?
I think I would have been CEO or MD of any other company.