Interviews

Rathika Ramasamy The Journey of Rathika Ramasamy: From Hobbyist to Wildlife Photography Icon 1. What was your journey like to get where you are today as a wildlife photographer?Photography was my hobby, but I never imagined that it would turn into a profession. I received my first point-and-shoot camera as a gift from my father during my 10th-standard holidays. I had always been passionate about photography since school. I love traveling. My dad was in the army, and during holidays, we would travel together. During my 10th standard, I visited Delhi, Agra, and nearby spots. As an outsider, it was the first time I saw people taking photographs outside of studios. Growing up, I didn’t know that a picture could be taken outside a studio, which made me curious. This curiosity led my father to buy me a camera. Initially, I took pictures as keepsakes, but when I started photographing in Venktachalapuram, Theni—a small district in Tamil Nadu where I was born—the camera became my best friend. This habit continued through my college years. Whenever I traveled during college, I made sure to bring my camera. I captured pictures of my travels, sightseeing spots, architecture in Chennai, temples, and much more. I pursued my college education in Chennai, where I studied Computer Engineering and later completed an MBA. My interest in wildlife photography began in 2003 when digital cameras became available. In 2003, I visited the Bharatpur bird sanctuary for the first time. While observing the birds, I felt a strong desire to capture their images so I could enjoy looking back at them. Soon after, I purchased a large lens specifically for wildlife photography, and since then, there has been no turning back. Now am based out of Chennai, doing wildlife photography for the last 21years. I specialise in wildlife and bird photography, and I love to shoot mammals like Elephant, and big cats too. I have been to most of the National parks in India and to the National parks in Africa.   The journey so far wonderful and my best thing about my work is ,out in the wild things change in minutes, anything could happen and being prepared to expect the unexpected is a big part of being out in nature. Every day is a new experience weaving a magical bond that only nature can create. Though I love to shoot in India, I started exploring south Asian countries for bird photography. Being part of nature in the wild, encountering animals at close quarters and watching their life, waiting in the field while anticipating action to happen, and photographing them are all exciting. I believe wildlife photographers are their ambassadors; we get a chance to give voice to the voiceless wildlife animals and other species. Photographs can convey much more than words. Pictures of wildlife connect nature to people, and thereby help increase awareness about wildlife and its conservation.  It is particularly important to spread this awareness among youth and children. Photographs depicting damages to the environment make common people sit up and take notice.  It can help people understand how certain human activities can wreak havoc on natural habitats and on wildlife. 2. What has been your success mantra that consistently helps you achieve positive outcomes in your work? A. Respect for my subjects .My love, respect, and empathy for my subjects, combined with a deep understanding of their nature and history, enable me to capture their best wildlife moments. I always look for a story in the subjects and their behavioural interaction, and I love to capture action shots. I always try to convey the feelings I have when shooting a picture through my photographs. I try to capture them in best mood. Through my photography I try to bring nature close to viewers.B. I am committed to consistently creating high-quality work. Keeping up the industry trend learning updating your technical knowledge and field knowledge.C. Showcasing and promoting my work best way possible way utilising the technology. Creating brand from the early stages of my career, I have actively showcased my work on the internet through my website, photography forums, and social media platforms. I build and still I  manage my website. 3. What are the most significant milestones you’ve achieved so far in your photography career? I published many publications, and had participated many exhibitions. A turning point in my journey came with the Clean Ganga Campaign. The project required me to travel to Varanasi for a week-long shoot, and my work was later exhibited at the India Habitat Centre. This experience shifted my perspective on wildlife photography. I began to see it through the lens of conservation and realized how photography could contribute to wildlife preservation. Following this, another significant opportunity came when Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) invited me to photograph the birds on their campus for their 2007 university calendar. Although I was more accustomed to shooting in sanctuaries and national parks, I embraced this new challenge of capturing wildlife in the heart of the city. Within a month, I had photographed 150 different species of birds on the campus. Since 2010, I regularly conducts wildlife photography master classes to nurture new talent and delivers talks to raise awareness about conservation. I have conducted over 150 wildlife photography workshops and conservation talks in schools and colleges. 2013,I received NPS(Nikon Professional Membership ). Feb 2015 got “Inspiring Icon Award “ from the prestigious SathyabamaUniversity, Chennai. Same year received ICF The International Camera fair )award for the outstanding performance and achievements in wildlife photography. Year 2018, I was cited to be the best known woman photographer across the world on the internet.  In February 2010, I published her first photo book on “Bird photography”.
 In November 20, 2014 I published my “The Best of Wildlife Moments”, photo book of   wildlife moments from her collection. I have served on the jury panel for international photography contests such as the  UN (United Nations) World Ocean Day, URBAN Photo Awards, BPOY (Bird Photography of the Year),

Divya Malpani Founder & CEO of Skinvest The Inspiring Journey of Divya Malpani: Founder & CEO of Skinvest 1. What inspired you to start your journey in the skincare industry?During my undergraduate years, my friends and I took a trip together. We all hailed from different ethnicities and had varying skin types. But all of us happened to use the same sunscreen for the beach, and it was interesting how it affected all of our skin types differently. That got me thinking – skincare that’s formulated for young, brown people is rare. Hence began my 2 year-long research, surveys, working and re-working on the formulations with dermatologists, and clinical trials to lay the foundation for Skinvest. In February 2022, Skinvest came to life with a small, young team of skincare nerds and experts who’ve faced the problems we now create solutions for. Growing up, I faced terrible acne for which I had to apply ointments that looked and smelled so sad, it made me feel like something was wrong with me. But medical-grade skincare doesn’t have to feel that way. It doesn’t have to be boring or arduous. And so, I founded Skinvest with a conviction to build a skincare brand that caters to the unique problems of young Indian skin, with an emphasis on innovation, transparency, inclusivity, and all the good vibes that make you look forward to your skincare regime. Here’s to investing in your skin. 2. What challenges did you face in the beginning of building Skinvest?1. Delays in importing raw materials and packaging:Import delays are often beyond our control, but we’ve learned that planning far in advance can help us navigate such challenges. Anticipating potential setbacks and building a buffer period into our timelines has significantly eased the process. 2. Managing a remote team:Operating with a remote team isn’t always easy, especially for a small business like Skinvest. Communication gaps and a lack of connection can arise. To tackle this, we use a virtual office platform called Gather, which creates a collaborative workspace that feels like a physical office. Additionally, we host biannual team retreats to bond, have fun, and strengthen team relationships.3. Learning to delegate:As a perfectionist and control-oriented entrepreneur, delegating tasks was a significant challenge for me. Trusting others to execute work to my standards wasn’t easy. However, I soon realized that delegation is crucial for growth. By taking the time to train and trust my team, I’ve managed to shift my focus from operational tasks to business expansion. While mistakes still happen, they are part of learning and growth.Today, I’m proud to have built a team of 12 talented individuals who are just as invested in Skinvest’s success. Delegation has allowed me to focus on the bigger picture, which is key to scaling the business.  3. Can you describe a pivotal moment in your journey that significantly impacted your business? Launching Skinvest has been a journey of immense learning, challenges, and rewarding milestones. Within just six months of our launch in 2022, we won the prestigious Beauty & You award by Estée Lauder and Nykaa for Growth, securing a funding award of ₹1.3 crore. Our efforts to innovate and think out of the box have been recognized and celebrated. One such moment was when Mad Over Marketing featured our AR box campaign, a creative and interactive way to introduce consumers to the virtual world of Skinvest. 4. What unique qualities or values does Skinvest embody that set it apart from other skincare brands? Skinvest stands out by being exclusively tailored for Indian skin, addressing specific concerns that are often overlooked by global brands. We bridge the gap between clinical efficacy and a cool, modern vibe, making skincare not just effective but also relatable and enjoyable. Innovation is at the heart of everything we do—whether it’s creating cutting-edge formulations, launching unique product concepts, or designing sustainable and interactive packaging like our AR boxes. Skinvest constantly strives to push boundaries and offer solutions that are not only effective but also memorable. Our focus lies in solving niche, unique, and real concerns faced by Indian skin, offering highly effective solutions that are deeply researched and scientifically backed. And while our products deliver premium quality, we ensure they remain accessible with affordable pricing, making luxury skincare more inclusive. At Skinvest, we don’t just create products—we create experiences that redefine skincare for the Indian audience. 5. How do you envision the future of Skinvest, and what are your goals for the coming years?At Skinvest, the vision for the future is centered around innovation, inclusivity, and impact. We aim to position Skinvest as a trailblazer in the skincare industry, known for being a tech-driven, science-backed brand that delivers real, measurable results. Over the next few years, we plan to: 1. Expand Our Product Portfolio: Introduce innovative SKUs that solve niche Indian skin concerns while adhering to our “less is more” philosophy. The goal is to create short yet effective routines that work for everyone.2. Leverage Technology: Skinvest will continue to embrace advanced technology to solidify our identity as a “tech-skincare” brand in India. This includes integrating AI analysis tools, AR experiences, interactive games, and CGI content to engage and educate our community like never before.3. Strengthen Offline Presence: As our product line grows, we aim to establish an offline footprint in major cities to make Skinvest more accessible.4. Explore International Markets: Focus on scaling our presence in the UAE market and expanding to the UK and US, bringing our unique solutions to a global audience.5. Build a Community: Host community-building events, focus groups, and educational initiatives to better understand and address the evolving skincare needs of Indian youth.6. Expand into Wellness: Enter the wellness space by launching clinics and spaces in Tier 2 cities, offering innovative skin therapies, wellness classes, and holistic services to complement our skincare solutions. Our ultimate goal is to not just create skincare products but also foster a culture of self-care and confidence, helping individuals feel empowered in their skin while leaving a positive

Alexandre Horvath Shaping the Future of Cybersecurity and Data Protection 1. Can you share how your career path led you to become the CISO & DPO at Cryptix AG? My journey to becoming the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) and Data Protection Officer (DPO) at Cryptix AG has been one of growth, learning, and passion for security and privacy. Early in my career, I developed a deep interest in cybersecurity, driven by a fascination with safeguarding systems and data in an increasingly digital world. Over the years, I honed my skills through roles in IT security, compliance, and risk management across various industries. Each position provided invaluable insights into the evolving threat landscape and the critical importance of aligning security strategies with business objectives. At Cryptix AG, I saw an opportunity to combine my expertise with a forward-thinking organization committed to innovation in the digital economy. The dual role of CISO and DPO allows me to lead our cybersecurity initiatives while ensuring compliance with stringent data protection regulations—a perfect fit for my professional mission.   2. What has been the most defining moment of your career in cybersecurity? In a career filled with challenges and opportunities, one moment stands out as truly defining. I was leading the response to a critical security incident that tested not only my technical expertise but also my ability to remain calm under pressure. The situation involved a sophisticated breach targeting sensitive data. Coordinating with cross-functional teams, regulators, and external experts, I realized the importance of clear communication and decisive action. Successfully mitigating the impact of the breach and strengthening defenses afterward reinforced my belief in the importance of proactive cybersecurity measures and resilience planning. This experience shaped my approach to cybersecurity as not just a technical challenge but a business-critical function that demands leadership, adaptability, and constant vigilance. It continues to guide me in every decision I make.   3. What challenges have you faced in your role, and how did you overcome them? Every role in cybersecurity comes with its own set of challenges, and mine has been no different. One of the most significant has been balancing the need for robust security measures with ensuring they don’t hinder business operations. To overcome this, I’ve focused on fostering collaboration and communication between technical teams and business leaders. By aligning security strategies with organizational goals and presenting solutions in a way that highlights their value, I’ve been able to build consensus and ensure security is seen as an enabler, not a roadblock. Another challenge has been keeping pace with evolving threats. I’ve addressed this by investing in continuous learning—staying up to date with trends, building strong networks, and leading a team that thrives on adaptability and innovation. Challenges are inevitable, but they’re also opportunities to grow and create meaningful impact.   4. How do you stay ahead of the ever-evolving cybersecurity threats in your role? In the fast-paced world of cybersecurity, staying ahead of threats requires a proactive and multifaceted approach. For me, it starts with continuous learning—regularly exploring new technologies, trends, and threat intelligence through research, certifications, and industry events. I also prioritize collaboration, engaging with peer networks, forums, and security communities to share insights and learn from others’ experiences. Internally, fostering a culture of vigilance and innovation within my team ensures we’re always prepared to adapt to emerging challenges. Lastly, leveraging advanced tools like AI-driven threat detection and maintaining a robust incident response plan enables us to act swiftly and decisively. In cybersecurity, preparation and adaptability are key to staying ahead.   5. What skills and experiences have been most crucial to your success in cybersecurity? The journey to success in cybersecurity has been shaped by a combination of technical expertise and soft skills. A strong foundation in areas like network security, risk management, and data protection has been essential, but equally important are problem-solving, adaptability, and effective communication. My experiences handling real-world incidents have been invaluable. They taught me how to stay calm under pressure, lead cross-functional teams, and make swift, informed decisions. Working closely with both technical and business teams has also helped me bridge the gap between security needs and organizational goals. Ultimately, the most important skill is a mindset of continuous learning. Cybersecurity evolves daily, and staying curious and committed to growth has been the key to overcoming challenges and driving success.   6. What advice would you give to aspiring leaders in the field of cybersecurity and data protection? To those aspiring to lead in cybersecurity and data protection, my first piece of advice is to embrace continuous learning. The field evolves rapidly, so staying curious and adaptable is essential. Equally important is developing strong communication skills. As a leader, you’ll need to translate complex technical concepts into actionable strategies that resonate with stakeholders at all levels. Build a solid foundation in both technical and compliance aspects, but don’t overlook the value of teamwork. Great leaders empower their teams, foster collaboration, and create a culture of trust and resilience. Lastly, lead with integrity. Security and data protection are built on trust, and your leadership should reflect the highest standards of ethics and accountability. share Linkedin Twitter Facebook Copy Link

Margaret Hirsch The Inspiring Journey of Margaret Hirsch: Empowering Women and Leading the Home Appliance Industry 1. Inception of Hirsch’s: What inspired you to co-found Hirsch’s, and how did you identify the need for a home appliance store in the market?  As it turned out I didn’t become an entrepreneur through choice but through necessity – I was fired from my job by my boss when I became pregnant after five years of being married – in those days that’s what happened. So I had no option but to start my own business.  At the time I thought it was the worst thing that could have happened to me but as it turned out it was the best thing because if he had not fired me I would still probably be in some dead end job earning a living whereas I was then set free to earn a fortune.   2. Empowering Women: As a strong advocate for women empowerment, how have you incorporated this philosophy into your business practices at Hirsch’s, and what initiatives have you implemented to support women in your industry? I have always been a believer that women work harder than men, are more conscientious and much more resilient.  Apart from promoting women in my own company I run networking events in all stores every month where I invite entrepreneurs to come in and network and showcase and promote their businesses – it works incredibly well.   3. Challenges in Retail: What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in the retail sector, particularly in the home appliance industry, and how have you overcome them? Staffing is undoubtedly the biggest problem – to get good staff with fantastic attitudes and a good work ethic in our country is challenging and also training them in the different aspects takes time and money but in the end a happy work force means happy customers and our aim is to have happy customers who return often.   4. Customer Experience: How do you prioritize customer experience in your stores, and what unique approaches have you adopted to ensure customer satisfaction and loyalty? Customer service has always been paramount in our company and we strive to treat every customer as if they are the only customer.  We hire for attitude and not for skills as skills can be taught but a positive attitude shows a good state of mind. Training is ongoing on a daily basis in service, spares, repairs and all aspects of the new and varied appliances we sell.   5. Future of Home Appliances: In your opinion, what are the key trends shaping the future of the home appliance industry, and how is Hirsch’s adapting to these changes? Ours is an ever changing industry – never a day goes by that we are not inundated with new and innovative products which are up for sale.  Deciding what to take and what to leave is a challenging aspect of our jobs but we always aim to do the best for our customers and provide them with the best products, at the best price, in the country.   6. Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs: What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly women, who want to make their mark in the retail sector? Start small, never borrow, start today wherever you are, with whatever you have but just start. Build your business one brick at a time. Plough your profit back into the business and maintain your lifestyle – don’t waste money on nails, hair, cars, houses until you have more than enough to ensure that you are financially independent and then arrange to buy your own premises, continue to educate yourself and your children and invest money until it works for you instead of you working for it.   My mission in life is to ensure that every woman on the continent of Africa is financially independent, and as a financially independent woman can provide accommodation for herself and her family. She can feed, clothe and educate them and herself and she can make her own choices to be with the people who are important  to her and who can build her up to be the best she can be.  share Linkedin Twitter Facebook Copy Link