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A love of the tech sector drives Punit Govind to climbing ever higher in the industry.
What’s your story?
I embarked on a remarkable journey from Gujarat, India, to London, UK, at 11. London became the backdrop of love as I met Deepa, my soulmate. Our beautiful marriage, 11 years strong, blessed us with an amazing son. Fueled by a passion for technology, I immersed myself in programming, progressing to IT network and security. Thriving for two decades in the ever-evolving tech sector, I specialized in M&A, orchestrating seamless mergers and enhancing infrastructure. Now, on the verge of a prestigious NED board position in a PLC, I’m ready to bring my expertise and visionary insights to drive success.
What excites you most about your industry?
What excites me most about this industry is its ever-evolving nature and the limitless potential for innovation. Technology is constantly advancing, opening up new opportunities and transforming the way we live and work. Being part of the IT sector allows me to contribute to this ongoing revolution, driving positive change and shaping the future. I am energised by the fast-paced environment, the continuous learning opportunities, and the chance to collaborate with brilliant minds to solve complex problems. The IT sector empowers individuals, businesses, and societies, and I am thrilled to be part of this transformative journey as a non-executive director.
What drives you in your career to push beyond what other people consider normal?
Pushing beyond what others consider normal in business is my inherent desire for innovation and growth. I am fuelled by the belief that true progress comes from challenging the status quo and embracing a mindset of continuous improvement. By pushing boundaries and exploring uncharted territories, we can unlock new opportunities and redefine what is possible. I am motivated by the prospect of making a lasting impact, driving organizational success, and inspiring others to think boldly and strive for excellence. It is this drive that propels me to go beyond conventional limits and pursue extraordinary outcomes in the dynamic world.
What have been the most useful skills you have learnt and applied in your journey?
The most valuable skills I have learned and applied in my journey are adaptability, strategic thinking, and effective communication. The IT industry is known for its rapid changes and unpredictable challenges, and being adaptable allows me to quickly respond to new situations and seize opportunities. Strategic thinking enables me to analyse complex problems, identify innovative solutions, and make informed decisions that align with the organization’s goals. Effective communication skills are crucial for collaborating with diverse stakeholders, building relationships, and conveying ideas clearly and persuasively. These skills empower me to navigate the dynamic landscape of the Tech sector.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
The best advice I ever received was to embrace lifelong learning. In this ever-evolving industry, staying curious, open-minded, and continuously expanding my knowledge is essential. By seeking out new information, staying updated on industry trends, and investing in my professional development, I can adapt to change, make informed decisions, and bring fresh perspectives to the boardroom. This advice has reminded me that growth and success are rooted in a commitment to ongoing learning and personal growth, enabling me to thrive in the dynamic and innovative world of technology.
Who inspires you?
I find inspiration from visionaries such as Elon Musk. His relentless pursuit of innovation and his ability to disrupt multiple industries with companies like Tesla, SpaceX, and Neuralink are awe-inspiring. Musk’s audacity, determination, and willingness to take risks in order to achieve groundbreaking advancements have had a profound impact on the tech sector and beyond. His ability to think big, challenge conventional norms, and push boundaries inspires me to think beyond limits, embrace innovation, and strive for meaningful impact as I pursue my aspirations in the tech industry.
What have you learnt recently that blew you away?
Recently, what blew me away was the rapid advancement in artificial intelligence (AI) and its potential applications in various industries. Witnessing AI’s ability to analyze massive amounts of data, identify patterns, and make complex decisions with incredible accuracy has been astonishing. The strides made in natural language processing, computer vision, and machine learning have the potential to revolutionise how we live, work, and interact with technology. This learning has reinforced my belief in the transformative power of technology and has inspired me to explore how AI can be leveraged ethically and responsibly to drive innovation and create value.
If you had your time again, what would you do differently?
I would prioritise work-life balance and personal well-being. Recognising the importance of self-care and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, I would strive to establish boundaries between work and personal life, ensuring time for rest, relaxation, and pursuing passions outside of my career. By prioritising my well-being, I would be better equipped to bring my best self to every endeavour, make sound decisions, and maintain long-term success and fulfilment. This shift in focus would allow me to lead a more balanced and fulfilling life, both personally and professionally.
How do you unwind?
I engage in activities that help me relax and recharge. My favourite way to unwind is through physical exercise, whether it’s going for a run, practising yoga, or taking long walks in nature. I also enjoy immersing myself in listening to uplifting music or watching movies and TV shows that transport me to different worlds. Spending quality time with loved ones, engaging in hobbies like playing a musical instrument, and practising mindfulness and meditation are also part of my unwinding routine. Ultimately, these activities allow me to disconnect from work, find inner peace, and rejuvenate my mind and body.
What is a major mindset change, belief shift or ‘ah ha’ moment that you’ve experienced in relation to your career?
A major mindset change was shifting from a fear of failure to embracing failure as a valuable learning opportunity. I realised that setbacks and mistakes are not indicators of incompetence, but rather stepping stones towards growth and improvement. Embracing a growth mindset, I understood that failure provides valuable lessons, allows for course correction, and fuels innovation. This “ah ha” moment liberated me from the fear of taking risks and encouraged me to be bolder, more resilient, and open to experimentation. It transformed my perspective on challenges, enabling me to approach them with curiosity, adaptability, and determination to learn and evolve.
Everyone in business should read this book:
“The Lean Startup” by Eric Ries. This influential book introduces the concept of lean methodology and provides practical insights for entrepreneurs and business leaders. It emphasizes the importance of validating assumptions, rapid experimentation, and iterative product development to build successful, customer-centric businesses. Ries offers valuable strategies for minimizing waste, adapting to change, and fostering a culture of innovation. Whether you’re a startup founder or a seasoned executive, “The Lean Startup” provides invaluable guidance on how to navigate the dynamic and uncertain landscape of business.
Shameless plug for your business or career:
I bring a deep understanding of the technology landscape in various industries and sectors, coupled with strategic thinking and strong business acumen. My ability to analyse complex situations, identify opportunities, and make informed decisions sets me apart. Moreover, I prioritise building collaborative relationships, actively listening to clients’ needs, and providing tailored solutions. With a passion for innovation and a commitment to driving organisational success, I am dedicated to adding value, bringing fresh perspectives, and guiding businesses towards sustainable growth.
How can people connect with you?
Social Media Links?
This interview is part of the CallumConnects series.
