Offbeat: Vivek Misra – Riding life through laughter and relationships

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.  

Vivek Misra, Director, Mynd Solutions, started the company in 2002. With over 15 years of experience, Misra has successfully set up and has been running Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) outfits in the HRO space. At Mynd, Misra is responsible for overall operations and strategy and leads a team of more than 1,100 employees. Under his leadership, Mynd Solutions has developed a niche in the international HR space, offering multi-country services on a single platform. His sharp focus, deep understanding of the industry and client relationships skills have enabled the company build credibility with 200+ clients in a short period of time.  

A precious childhood trait that you still possess?
Laughing easily.  

Ever wished you had superhero powers?
Yes, to undo large natural disasters.  

What is your biggest fear and how do you face it?
If you think about your fears in a negative way, you are growing it. I always think positive.  

A secret that you have which no one knows about?
Some secrets should remain secrets, besides if I tell you, how will it be a secret anymore?  

What would one find in your playlist?
Upbeat Ibiza lounge music, Retro English pop hits and some Bollywood music.  

Your go-to activity to relax?
A few – going for a run at Lodhi Gardens, hanging out with my son, swimming.  

What is the greatest lesson that you have learnt from life so far?
To respect relationships and to be grateful. Thank God for making your dreams come true, but also thank God for not making your nightmares come true!  

A social cause that you are most passionate about?
The answer to most of India’s problems lies in the fact that a large part of the population is uneducated. Creating and supporting opportunities for providing education to the children who do not have access to schools and books is definitely something I care about.  

I would also like to create and provide more and more employment opportunities.  

What is the one thing that you would like to change about yourself?
My hairstyle!  

Also, analysis paralysis – sometimes I do analyse more than required.  

If not in your current designation, what would you have been?
A designer of some kind.  

What are the three apps on your mobile that you couldn’t live without?
Firstly, I believe I could live without most of the apps on my phone. However, you would find Whatsapp, Google Maps and Linkedin being the most used, along with banking apps.  

Any content/film or book you saw or read recently and why?
When on vacation, I had the chance to see a play, titled ‘The book of Mormon’. It’s an accredited play and has been running across the world for the last 9 years.  

Which two organisations outside your own do you know the most people at and where?
All our clients fall into this category. We work closely with them.  

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live?
I love London and also Adelaide in Australia.