Offbeat: Mehernosh Pithawalla - Wildlife crusader with the calm of Master Oogway

Adgully’s special feature section – ‘Offbeat’ – seeks to give a peek into 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. 

Mehernosh Pithawalla is Vice President and Global Head - Marketing, Sales & Innovation at Godrej Security Solutions, Godrej & Boyce Mfg Co Ltd. As the head of International Business, he has been instrumental in expanding the footprint of Godrej Security Solutions around the world, especially in the developed markets such as Europe, the US and the Middle East. He has been a strong advocate of user insight based innovations at Godrej Security Solutions and has spearheaded several innovations that are a first of its kind in the Indian Security Industry. 

Pithawalla has over 18 years of experience in Marketing and Business Development function. He is a BE Mechanical and a MBA in Marketing. He has also completed a Management Programme from IIM-Ahmedabad. Pithawalla is also in the advisory board of the CMO (Chief Marketing Officer) Council India. 

A precious childhood trait that you still possess?
I have always been a dreamer. As APJ Abdul Kalam had said: ‘You have to dream before your dreams can come true’. 

Which superhero did you look up to as a kid and why? Which superhero power you wish you possessed?
Master Oogway and his mental power. A man who attains wisdom is much calmer and grounded. Oogway was calm, modest, witty at times, and always had something profound to say to motivate his mentees. 

What is your biggest fear and how do you face it?
Never thought about it. 

A special talent or skill you possess that very few know about?
I have a high sense of intuition and I have had premonitions. Does that count as being ‘gifted’? 

What would one find in your playlist?
I keep up with the time, so in addition to the instrumental pop and rock music from the 90’s, there would always be the current chartbusters. 

Your go-to activity to relax?
I am a music and movie buff. 

What is the greatest lesson that you have learnt from life so far?
Unpredictability. Life is unpredictable. Also, as Robert frost said, “In three words I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life: It goes on.” 

A social cause that you are most passionate about?
Preservation of wildlife. 

What’s the one thing you would like to change about yourself?
I tend to be very emotional. 

If not working with Godrej Security Solutions, what would you have been?
A wildlife traveller or starting my own a chain of restaurants. 

What are the three apps on your mobile that you couldn’t live without?
Can’t limit to three – Netflix, Apple Music, Godrej Eve, Zomato, Instagram. 

What’s the last thing you watched on TV and why did you choose to watch it?
I am an avid Netflixer – the last few things that I have watched are: 
‘Money Heist’
‘Game of Thrones’
‘Sherlock’
‘Breaking Bad’

Which two organisations outside your own do you know the most people at?
JWT and Future Factory – on account of the long association that I’ve had with these companies. 

Two things about this industry that you don’t like or don’t understand?
People think only when disaster strikes. I don’t understand the human psychology behind it. 

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live?
In the midst of Maasai Mara and Serengeti. The savannah wilderness gives every human a much needed reality check that we are only a small speck in the creation by the Almighty.