3 Qs & A CEO

Himalaya Drug Company is a Rs. 250 crore company that has made ayurveda contemporary and in vogue. The company has a formidable presence in over 55 countries across the globe. Its manufacturing unit in the city punches over one crore tablets every day. And Ravi Prasad, President and CEO, is the suave and affable face of the company. It is not easy being a successful CEO, ask one and he will tell you. Ravi says that practicing values of high integrity and quality always ensures abundant success.

What is your principle of success?
While working towards my goal, I set my own benchmarks supported by constant valuation of where I stand, how I need to re-invent myself and what steps I need to take to achieve both my short-term and long-term goals. I also believe and practise the values of high integrity and quality. And of course, give in my 100 percent in every task that I undertake.

How do you handle difficult people and difficult situations successfully?
The beauty of working with peers is that one understands individual talent and capabilities better and is able to drive and bring out the best in each team member. When you work with a team which is self-driven and mature, the line between familiarity and firmness in understood and does not need to be drawn. In tough situations that are beyond our control, we look at alternative markets to recover. And also be positive and not lose hope.

As a CEO what are the three things that you do before taking a decision to ensure success?
I always ask myself

•   Am I making the correct decision?
•   Is there an alternative solution?
•   Is this a balanced decision? I always ask my conscience if what I did was fair.