| | DECEMBER 202319in the Georgia Tech Student Foundation Investment Committee was instrumental in developing my passion for investing. The student-led organization managed a million-dollar real-money portfolio. This hands-on experience set the foundation for my current career in investment management. Serving as the committee's director fuelled my interest in the field. Georgia Tech provided a solid academic foundation, but it was the practical experiences, both through internships and student clubs, that truly shaped my trajectory. The blend of rigorous academics and real-world exposure laid the groundwork for my success both during and after my time on campus.Define Creaegis as an organization and its position in the market.Creaegis is a technology-focused boutique investment fund. It is characterized by its transformative investment approach to build great institutions. Despite being a relatively new player, the firm boasts a stellar team with deep sector expertise. Creaegis invests in businesses at the forefront of industry change, that harness technology to revolutionize their operations, and uphold highest quality governance practices. For example, we recently led a funding round for Third Wave Coffee, an emerging and iconic brand in India.In your role as VP, how do you approach leadership?My leadership approach is a culmination of the best practices I've observed from mentors, managers, and peers across the globe. As someone whose job often involves evaluating leaders of other businesses, I strive to constantly improve my own leadership style. First and foremost, I believe ensuring alignment of interests across team members is critical, fostering a collective focus on shared objectives. Secondly, identifying and defining collective parameters of success. By this I mean benchmarking yourself or your team against the best-in-class out there. As a leader it is my role to steer the team away from efforts that might be non-core, or even worst distractions disguised as progress. Lastly, cultivating a culture of entrepreneurship is vital, granting individuals the freedom and flexibility to unleash their best potential. How do you assess investments for the company?I look for businesses that stand the test of time. That's because enduring businesses build great systems, they have a relentless drive for progress: innovation, improvement, and change. They stem from a timeless set of core values and purpose that is constant. My core focus has been on helping identify and build these businesses, with a focus on Consumer Brands.I oversee the consumer sector for the fund, that is focusing on investing in FMCG, Retail, and Consumer Technology Businesses. I assess potential investments using a three-fold framework. First, evaluating the staying power of a consumer brand. This involves assessing growth quality, consumer affinity, and positive unit economics. Second, I gauge the brand's technological strength by, analyzing how it leverages technology for efficiency and nonlinear growth. Finally, I assess sustainability through the environmental, social, governance, and cultural (ESG & C) framework, A company's culture proves surprisingly crucial for long-term success.What is the future destination you are headed towards?Passionate about investing and business development, I aspire to be a seasoned investor, skillfully navigating financial markets and making informed decisions. This approach is driven by my belief that investing is an art, an equal blend of calculated risk-taking and keen judgment. With each decision I make, I am committed to refining my skills, expanding my knowledge, and contributing to the success of entrepreneurs building remarkable businesses. The prospect of harnessing my expertise to foster innovation and shape the future of industries is a source of immense inspiration. What advice would you like to impart to emerging leaders?Emerging leaders should embrace the power of systems over goals. A well-structured daily routine provides the foundation for professional and personal growth. Establish a consistent routine and adhere to it; small, daily improvements accumulate into significant gains over time.Never lose your curiosity. Challenge the status quo, disrupt the norm, and constantly seek ways to enhance systems. Additionally, maintain tech-savviness. The world is evolving rapidly, and the pace of change is accelerating annually. Stay abreast of paradigm shifts like AI, machine learning, and emerging technologies. It's not just about keeping up; the more you understand disruptive technologies, the better positioned you'll be to leverage them for your company's growth. INDIAN LEADERS FROM GEORGIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY ALUMNI 2023TOP 10
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