Episode 76: Early Life, Impact of IIM, Is success an outcome of Brilliance or Network? How to make career decisions? How to build teams? Best leadership advice w/Dhruvank Vaidya

About Dhruvank Vidya:

Dhruvank is the Head of Podcasts for Spotify India. Over a career spanning 25 years, he has launched several media and technology businesses and held leadership positions (CxO/ Business head) in digital media, content, television and technology companies like Star TV, Times of India group, NDTV Imagine/ Turner Broadcasting etc. 

In his entrepreneurial stint, Dhruvank co-founded ‘The Adaptation Company’-- a content company focused on book-to-film/TV adaptations.

Dhruvank delves into key topics that shed light on his unique perspective. Drawing from his experiences, he shares valuable insights on decision-making, career choices, good workplace relationships, and effective team-building. Furthermore, Dhruvank emphasises the significance of grit, the balance between being a generalist and a specialist, and the power of a clear vision in leadership.

Key Take Aways & Transcript: https://bit.ly/TOP_Dhruvank Follow & Subscribe: WhatsApp: https://bit.ly/TOP_WA2 YouTube: https://bit.ly/TOP_Youtube LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/TOP_LinkedIn Twitter: https://bit.ly/TOP_Twitter1 Instagram: https://bit.ly/TOP_Insta In this conversation, he talks about: 00:00 Intro 01:53 How was life growing up? 02:40 What is the journey to becoming the head of the podcast at Spotify India? 04:47 What made you join Spotify? 05:57 What did your parents expect you to be? 06:44 What influence does IIM have in your life? 07:44 Do you attribute your success to your brilliance or your network? 08:52 Decision Making: You kicked off your career as a manufacturing consultant and moved into media, which is a significant jump- How do you reflect on it and study your decision-making? 10:26 What is your view on being a generalist Vs specialist? 13:11 You have been an entrepreneur and launched new businesses for MNCs. What is your counterintuitive insight about building a business? 14:31 What is the role of Ego in one's career? 15:23 Team Building: You have played a lot of team sports. What do you think about building a team? 17:06 What is your superpower? 18:07 What is the best leadership advice you have ever received? 19:13 Who is Dhruvank in a stressful environment? 19:57 What are your three productivity hacks? 20:50 Books, coffee and your walks- What is your relationship with books? And your passion for coffee? And your walks? 18:07 One advice that you would give to yourself? ⁠24:31⁠ If you had to work with one of these people, who would you choose, someone with grit or brilliance?