Interview with Shankar Sundararajan
Shankar is our Guest Relations Manager in Coonoor and knows these hills like the back of his hand. Having grown up amongst this lush greenery, it's amazing how much he still appreciates the landscape around him. An avid outdoorsman, he loves hiking and fishing and we are lucky to have him on our team!
Tell us a bit about yourself, how did you end up at Isprava?After working as the Business Strategy head at Arvind mills, I decided to get back to my hometown and was looking for references to build my home - an Isprava ad popped up and I was so intrigued that I spent the next 1 hour running through the complete website. To my pleasant surprise, Isprava had just started building homes in Coonoor at that time, which is where I hail from. The shark tank and dragons den influence forced me to pick up the phone and call Isprava, rest is history.
What is your role here?Being the face of Isprava here in the Nilgiris, I wear multiple hats depending on the day. Core responsibility is to introduce Isprava to a prospective client in a true and diligent manner following which help them get a better sense of the landscape of this stunning blue mountain. I also, parallelly device strategies to efficiently and effectively run the operation side of the business. I also work alongside the Marketing team to enhance the brand equity and finally identify jaw-dropping properties for our clients to enjoy this enchanting hill station.
What is your favourite part of your role?No two days are the same; you are faced with multiple challenges - something as small as having to handle an uninformed leave taken by the house keeping staff to playing a vital role helping a potential customer make that big decision of buying their holiday home with Isprava.
Tell us a little bit about the culture at the office?It’s an environment where some of the best brains in the business collaborate. They know that anyone can win a debate with the most senior person at a company, the result being we are always a team and not a bunch of individuals.
Were you always inclined toward the luxury space? If so, how do you feel it evolving in India now?Oh absolutely yes! I got introduced to luxury at a young age as I had access to some of the high-end luxury magazines. The definition of luxury has changed considerably over time. To me, luxury is making life really simple and the advancement in technology is helping us get there faster than ever.
Are you more a beach person who loves the energy of Goa or the tranquil calm of the lush Nilgiris?I love the Goan vibe but, I’m quite content with the calmness of the hills.
What does luxury mean to Isprava?For Isprava, luxury has always been about experiences, which could mean picking you up from the airport in a luxury sedan or ensuring your favourite coffee is available in your home when you arrive.
Rapid Fire
What is the first thing you do in the morning?Only a good cup of coffee gets me out of bedWhat are three things we will find on your desk?Calendar, cheerful photographs and mobile phones
Favourite vacation spot?San Francisco, California
A celebrity you would like to have a drink with?Elon Musk
If you could have a holiday home anywhere, where would it be?Marbella
Favourite TV character?Neal Caffrey of White Collar
Comments
Post a Comment