Proust Questionnaire: Keshav R. Murugesh, Group CEO, WNS Global Services

Keshav R. Murugesh, Group CEO, WNS Global Services

Q: Who do you look up to in business and why? A: Richard Branson for sure. Love the way he creates disruptive models every now and then, and more importantly, makes them successful!

Q: What has been your greatest achievement? A: My ability to balance home and work! My responsibilities as a husband and father hold as much importance and priority as that of being the CEO of a multi-million dollar company!

Q: What is your greatest regret? A: None actually. I am not someone who "regrets" â¦ I would rather do something about it.

Q: If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently? A: Surprising as it may sound, nothing! The reason is, given the situation, the complexities and opportunities, I am sure I did my best each time, at every step of the way.

Q: What looks like the biggest potential for you right now? A: First, the ability to make a BPO career the best career option for youngsters across the globe, based on the changes we have made in the business. Second, is something close to my heart: working with under-privileged communities. I see a huge potential in helping people cross the bridge of divide and making a life for themselves. Education is a strong weapon with which this can be achieved. With https://www.wnscares.org we make our own impact.

Q: What is your favorite occupation? A: If you mean apart from what I do, then I would say, cooking up an exotic meal! I have always enjoyed donning the chefâs hat whenever possible â never to cook up a storm thoughâ¦

Q: In 10 yearsâ time â how do you see your current operation being run? A: As a well-recognized partner of more than a thousand global brands across various industries and geographies â and by someone other than me, who grew inside WNS.

Q: Whatâs the best thing about using an external sourcing consultant? A: Always good to get an outside-in perspective. They keep you honest and grounded.

Q: Whatâs the worst thing about using an external sourcing consultant? A: Never believed in the terminology "worst thing"!

Q: Where have you made the biggest impact? A. In business, Iâve made an impact with new and disruptive operating models and in being seen as a turnaround specialist of two large public Companies. In life, as a father, by being able to inculcate great values in my two lovely children.

Q: Which management books do you read? A: Anything on disruptive models, and new and futuristic thinking on the business side; and fiction on the other side.

Q: Who are your favorite writers? A: Too many to name one. I really liked Lee Iacocca's book on the Chrysler turnaround.

Q: What's your favorite 10-minute dish that you cook yourself? A: Without being restricted to 10 minutes, I would say, Sushi and caramel pudding are a couple of things that are tried and tested in my garb as chef.

Q: Tell us a behavioral trait we should expect of you A: Transparency and ethical behavior. I value them the most.

Q: Reveal one weird thing we don't know about you. A: Will discover it and let you know.

Q: What one challenge would you put to your industry? A: Kill jargon that is widely used in the industry but has different meanings to each stakeholder. Clients just want superior service, analytical insights, ideas that keep them ahead of their competition, and economic models that showcase true partnership. They don't care how we do it, or want to learn our jargon.

Q: Which historical figure do you most identify with? A: Abraham Lincoln for his courage, and his ability to fight battles of principle that others said were impossible to win â and still emerge victorious. He lived his values.

Q: If your job requires a lot of traveling â what is your favorite journey? A: I loved Cape Town, recently â¦ I love travel and new cultures, people and food, and so am easy to please.

Q: What would you like your legacy to be? A: To have led an organization that can weather any storm, and leave behind a world with a higher percentage of educated youth!