Offbeat: Sunil Agarwal - A true Mumbaikar with an interesting take on fear

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. 

The task of pushing forward a well-established business legacy may be enviable for some, but for the doer himself it could be the most daunting challenge. Sunil Agarwal, Director of Vinod Cookware, took up the mantle of taking the cookware empire to newer highs and has delivered outstandingly. 

Serving the company for the past two decades, Agarwal has become a notable dignitary in the industry thanks to the accolades he has earned for his brands. Expanding the company’s repertoire from stainless steel to state-of-the-art technology categories such as induction cookware and the competitive non-stick cookware, Agarwal has achieved success regularly. He infuses his mottos – safety and health –into the research and development of Vinod Cookware’s brands too and manages to create a buzzing environment within the company. The credit for truly building the Vinod Empire and making it an outstanding name among industry peers goes largely to Agarwal. 

Apart from the other responsibilities, he is largely responsible for the widespread production and domestic marketing. His decisions of analysing and implementing the right strategies on time to time basis which has brought diversified flavor and strong analytical ability for Vinod Cookware as a brand. 

Also, his key success story is the Aluminum Sandwich Bottom for vessels that he brought about, which created a flutter with marketers and consumers. 

Among his various other interests, Agarwal has also been an active affiliate to Stainless Steel Merchants and several industrial bodies. An ardent sports enthusiast, Agarwal loves to indulge in some Squash, reading books and Badminton in his free time. 

A precious childhood trait that you still possess?
I have always been an extrovert person, which makes my ability to mingle and blend in the crowd easy. During childhood, for me it was the ability to make friends easily. 

Any superhero fetish and what superpower you wish you possessed?
Iron Man and his strongest power – his confidence. 

What is your biggest fear and how do you face it? 
Fear actually is largely misunderstood. It’s nothing but an emotion that many people try to avoid because it makes you feel uncomfortable. My biggest fear is being overwhelmed or drowning in an opportunity. To counter attack, I make conscious effort to surround myself with business networking masterminds and use it to my strongest advantage, which is to learn something new, and you continue to raise the bar. 

A secret that you have which no one knows about? 
I am quite romantic and prefer rom-com movies over action-packed drama. 

What would one find in your playlist? 
I am quite a musical person, and my playlist is currently dominated by Coldplay. 

Your go-to activity to relax? 
Swimming and a combination of body workout and relaxation. 

What is the greatest lesson that you have learnt from life so far?
No matter how much effort you put in or how you plan things, it’s just not always going to go your way. There are factors that come into play that you just can’t predict and control.  

A social cause that you are most passionate about? 
I am quite low profiled on this, but I am attached to several causes – one of them being providing low cost medical treatment for the poor. 

What’s the one thing that you would like to change about yourself? 
Simply said, ‘Seeing the world in black and white’. 

If not the Director of Vinod Cookware, what would you have been?
I am living my professional dream and cannot think of a better job than what I have. 

What are the three apps on your mobile that you couldn’t live without? 
I am currently hooked to Whatsapp, WeChat and Instagram. 

What’s the last thing that you watched on TV and why did you choose to watch it?
‘Sacred Games’ – thanks to the marketing, I was forced to watch it. Having said that, it was not a disappointment. 

Which two organisations outside your own do you know the most people at and why?
Westlife Development – franchise owner of McDonalds (West and South) and Fine Chemicals. They are headed by my closest friends. 

Two things about this industry you don’t like or don’t understand?
How are some successful even when they don’t know what they are doing; I have several case studies on this. 

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live?  
I am living in that place, right now – Mumbai, like a true Mumbaikar!

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