Virender Dass : A Purpose-Driven Leader, Impacting People's Lives In Positive Ways
Virender Dass
Founder & CEO
Drawing from his extensive background in visual effects, having worked at renowned organizations like Dneg, Digital Domain, and Lucas Films, Dass emphasizes a key entrepre-neurial skill that he believes many lack, which is the ability to visualize outcomes. In his Hollywood career, visualization was a daily practice, and it now plays a pivotal role in guiding his company. His visuali-zation expertise, honed during his visual effects career, has allowed him to lead his team with precision. He believes this is one of the critical skills that set his leadership apart, ensuring that Wellness Extract meets its goals effectively.
Another lesson from his journey is resilience. Dass arrived in Canada with just $2,000, and the challenges he faced developed his problem-solving skills. This resilience has become a cornerstone of his success in building Wellness Extract from the ground up. He also believes in creating a family-like environment within his team, fostering creativity and colla- boration, where everyone feels valued. Leadership, he says, is innate, and he focuses on identifying and empowering potential leaders within his organization, guiding them into key positions, a strategy that has been integral to his company’s growth. Let’s read on.
"Our objective goes beyond selling supplements, it’s about transforming lives by encouraging individuals to adopt a more nutritious life- style"
What gap did you identify that inspired you to start your venture? What drives you today?
We all possess empathy, but true under standing of a problem often comes when life presents it to us directly. When my mother was diagnosed with cancer and the doctors told us there was little chance of successful treatment, I felt utterly helpless. I couldn't eat for 15 days. Instead, I dedicated my time to researching alternative medicine, particularly the natural solutions offered by Ayurveda and other holistic sciences in India. While there were many treatments available, they were largely inaccessible in the East. I had to have them shipped in from North America, which was a significant financial burden. This experience made me realize how these powerful ingredients were not readily available to those in the East, highlighting a gap that I felt compelled to address.
What motivates me today is the understanding that while the Visual Effects teams I worked with have won three Oscars for
certain movies, nothing compares to the fulfillment I get from helping individuals who are facing critical health challenges. Providing them with nutritional support is an incredibly rewarding experience that surpasses any accolade.
How would you describe Wellness Extract as a company? What sets it apart?
I don’t view Wellness Extract merely as a company, I see it as a collective of passionate individuals united by a common goal, to make a genuine impact in the healthcare sector. We’re more than just colleagues; we’re a cohesive team, which we refer to as ‘WE,’ working collaboratively toward a shared mission.
Our focus isn't on profit. Instead, we measure our success by the number of lives we positively affect. The more people we help, the greater our achievement, not just in terms of financial gain, but in the difference we make.
Together with this incredible team, my ambition for Wellness Extract is to create something extraordinary that leaves a lasting impact, particularly in the health sector. For me, realizing this goal would be far more fulfilling than receiving an Oscar.
We have nothing to lose because our mission is straightforward. We aim to help people and guide them toward healthier lifestyles. Our objective goes beyond selling supplements, it's about transforming lives by encouraging individuals to adopt a more nutritious lifestyle. We are dedicated to educating and empowering people, helping them understand how their bodies function.
No other supplement company shares our vision. While others prioritize profit and patented products, we are focused on making a meaningful difference in people’s lives.
In your professional journey so far, which are the milestones that bestowed you with the utmost satisfaction, both personally and professionally?
In my professional journey, certain milestones have brought me immense satisfaction, both personally and professionally. One of the most cherished was being part of Oscar-winning teams during my time in the film industry. While I have since transitioned into a different field, the lessons and achievements from that period continue to inspire and drive me daily.
A significant turning point was leaving India, where I was born and raised. Although it was difficult, I have maintained a deep connection to my roots. I now have two offices in India, creating jobs and making a tangible impact. Unlike in larger organizations where autonomy was limited, I ensure my team has the freedom to excel.
Another milestone was realizing the opportunity to help others, especially by fostering leadership among those from my hometown. However, my journey with Wellness Extract feels far from complete. I aim to collaborate with cancer societies this year to offer nutritional support through subsidized supplements, even providing them for free if necessary.
My goals are not just about selling products but about
How would you describe Wellness Extract as a company? What sets it apart?
I don’t view Wellness Extract merely as a company, I see it as a collective of passionate individuals united by a common goal, to make a genuine impact in the healthcare sector. We’re more than just colleagues; we’re a cohesive team, which we refer to as ‘WE,’ working collaboratively toward a shared mission.
We are dedicated to making significant inv- estments in studies, research, and surveys to ensure our R&D efforts align with the real solutions people need
Our focus isn't on profit. Instead, we measure our success by the number of lives we positively affect. The more people we help, the greater our achievement, not just in terms of financial gain, but in the difference we make.
Together with this incredible team, my ambition for Wellness Extract is to create something extraordinary that leaves a lasting impact, particularly in the health sector. For me, realizing this goal would be far more fulfilling than receiving an Oscar.
We have nothing to lose because our mission is straightforward. We aim to help people and guide them toward healthier lifestyles. Our objective goes beyond selling supplements, it's about transforming lives by encouraging individuals to adopt a more nutritious lifestyle. We are dedicated to educating and empowering people, helping them understand how their bodies function.
No other supplement company shares our vision. While others prioritize profit and patented products, we are focused on making a meaningful difference in people’s lives.
In your professional journey so far, which are the milestones that bestowed you with the utmost satisfaction, both personally and professionally?
In my professional journey, certain milestones have brought me immense satisfaction, both personally and professionally. One of the most cherished was being part of Oscar-winning teams during my time in the film industry. While I have since transitioned into a different field, the lessons and achievements from that period continue to inspire and drive me daily.
A significant turning point was leaving India, where I was born and raised. Although it was difficult, I have maintained a deep connection to my roots. I now have two offices in India, creating jobs and making a tangible impact. Unlike in larger organizations where autonomy was limited, I ensure my team has the freedom to excel.
Another milestone was realizing the opportunity to help others, especially by fostering leadership among those from my hometown. However, my journey with Wellness Extract feels far from complete. I aim to collaborate with cancer societies this year to offer nutritional support through subsidized supplements, even providing them for free if necessary.
My goals are not just about selling products but about
offering personalized, high-quality nutritional solutions that meet individual needs. Helping people in situations like my mother’s is my ultimate purpose, and achieving that would be my greatest accomplishment.
What new financial str- ategies and advancements is your organization pur-suing? What financial roadmap have you esta - blished for Wellness Extract?
We are dedicated to making significant investments in studies, research, and surveys to ensure our R&D efforts align with the real solutions people need. Our mission goes beyond merely selling products, we genuinely aim to help individuals.
Unfortunately, many supplements available today lack quality assurance. To address this, we have conducted clinical studies to ensure our products meet the highest standards of quality and research, preventing consumers from using inferior products.
By 2025, we plan to broaden our product offerings and introduce innovative molecules that have never been seen before. These new products will focus on providing nutritional support for aging, muscular health, and cardiovascular well-being. Our emphasis will be on offering supportive solutions without making any medical claims, ensuring we maintain full compliance with regulations.
Can you describe your leadership approach? What methods or guidelines do you implement?
I favor a person-to-person leadership style, opting for a single leader for each department instead of relying on board meetings. I believe in the effectiveness of individual leadership, allowing each department head to lead their own team and make a meaningful impact. This strategy helps prevent the confusion that can arise from having too many voices, which often undermines effectiveness.
I challenge my team to perform at their best, providing opportunities for them to excel. A crucial trait I value in my team is honesty. They must stay focused and dedicated to achieving their objectives.
A strong team is essential for organiza-tional success. How would you characterize your team, and what qualities do you seek in a candidate?
In my view, hiring is about recognizing potential future leaders. At Wellness Extract, every role requires inherent leadership qualities that foster motivation and self-initiative. I prioritize candidates who are self driven and don’t rely on external pressure or strict deadlines to maintain their productivity. They should be inspired to see their projects through to completion independently.
What advice would you offer to emerging financial leaders in the industry?
My primary piece of advice for aspiring leaders is to not concentrate on making money, but to focus on addressing significant problems instead. Prioritize creating an impact on financial success.
When you genuinely commit to solving issues, the financial rewards will naturally follow. As the saying goes,‘When you honor Saraswati, Lakshmi follows.’ At times, it's important to make decisions based on your values and have the patience to achieve a more substantial impact, rather than chasing immediate financial gains.
What new financial str- ategies and advancements is your organization pur-suing? What financial roadmap have you esta - blished for Wellness Extract?
We are dedicated to making significant investments in studies, research, and surveys to ensure our R&D efforts align with the real solutions people need. Our mission goes beyond merely selling products, we genuinely aim to help individuals.
Unfortunately, many supplements available today lack quality assurance. To address this, we have conducted clinical studies to ensure our products meet the highest standards of quality and research, preventing consumers from using inferior products.
By 2025, we plan to broaden our product offerings and introduce innovative molecules that have never been seen before. These new products will focus on providing nutritional support for aging, muscular health, and cardiovascular well-being. Our emphasis will be on offering supportive solutions without making any medical claims, ensuring we maintain full compliance with regulations.
Can you describe your leadership approach? What methods or guidelines do you implement?
I favor a person-to-person leadership style, opting for a single leader for each department instead of relying on board meetings. I believe in the effectiveness of individual leadership, allowing each department head to lead their own team and make a meaningful impact. This strategy helps prevent the confusion that can arise from having too many voices, which often undermines effectiveness.
I challenge my team to perform at their best, providing opportunities for them to excel. A crucial trait I value in my team is honesty. They must stay focused and dedicated to achieving their objectives.
A strong team is essential for organiza-tional success. How would you characterize your team, and what qualities do you seek in a candidate?
In my view, hiring is about recognizing potential future leaders. At Wellness Extract, every role requires inherent leadership qualities that foster motivation and self-initiative. I prioritize candidates who are self driven and don’t rely on external pressure or strict deadlines to maintain their productivity. They should be inspired to see their projects through to completion independently.
What advice would you offer to emerging financial leaders in the industry?
My primary piece of advice for aspiring leaders is to not concentrate on making money, but to focus on addressing significant problems instead. Prioritize creating an impact on financial success.
When you genuinely commit to solving issues, the financial rewards will naturally follow. As the saying goes,‘When you honor Saraswati, Lakshmi follows.’ At times, it's important to make decisions based on your values and have the patience to achieve a more substantial impact, rather than chasing immediate financial gains.