This section brings you some of the most exciting interviews with the country’s top CEOs. Vikram Talwar of BPO firm EXL is the banker turned entrepreneur. In this interview with the Corporate Dossier, he speaks to Shaili Chopra. Read the interview’s original piece here, an excerpt is below.
[Q] You don’t seem to have played much golf lately? [/Q]
[A] I travel 300 days out of 365 and fitting golf in is such a challenge. I have been a passionate golfer for many years. My working in this company and the amount I have had to travel has cost me my golf. [/A]
[Q] How is EXL dealing with the volatility in the BPO business? [/Q]
[A] It’s all a matter of adaptability. Considering the environment at a particular point in time and then finding opportunities. All of this has a role to play in the business strategy for growth. You have to be able to financially manage an entrepreneurial venture and I think that’s a very important part of the game. [/A]
[Q] Is EXL selling out? [/Q]
[A] You don’t go to bed with just anybody. There is a right time and a right place. We are looking for the right chemistry and business synergies. [/A]
[Q] In your days as a banker, have you played for the money? [/Q]
[A] I used to play in Kolkata 30 years ago. As a banker, I used to ensure all MNC clients would play golf. The ability to take someone there to play golf was key. When I was competing with several others, they chose me because I pleased them on a round of golf. [/A]
