It is easy to mistake Rajiv Dubey, Head of Media of Dabur India, for a cyclist/athlete. Extremely fit for  a man of 46, he not only controls Rs 400 crore of adspend but also manages to cycle at least  50 km almost four times a week! Of all the media heads  I know, and I know almost all, he is easily the most prompt, courteous and organised. There is NO attitude. Just a focus to do the job and do it well…
I began by asking him
What’s your biggest strength?
Numbers he replied. I am very good with them. I have been doing them for years. I also understand the industry very well. And especially Dabur where I have been almost since I began my career.
What’s your biggest weakness then?
I am a very safe player, take very few risks. This works for me, he says
Hard work or luck?
Only hard work. 100% turned things around. Bosses have always been good to me and given me a free hand with zero interference.
Your favourite CEO?
N R Narayana Murthy, he says instantaneously. He let people perform. Had confidence in them, didn’t interfere. Most importantly he didn’t keep the job indefinitely and knew when to exit. In many companies, a succession plan is absent and people like to keep their jobs. Not him.
How would you like to live your life again?
Pursue sports at a serious level. Running and cycling are my passions, he says. He’s been a late starter in the running bit but has made up for lost time and is an eager participant in all the marathons across the country. In cycling he says he’s in the 2% that will beat the rest of the 98% Quite an achievement!
If a movie were to be made about your life who’”d you like to play you?
Irrfan Khan. I like the fact that he’s from a small town like me (Lucknow), has tehzeeb which Delhiiites lack and portrays the small nuances rather well. All these factors are essential in playing me
On a scale of 1 to 10 how wierd are you?
He seemed to like this question. Normal according to him is boring and he doesn’t trust those people quite as much. He himself is quite wierd for a lot of people, he says. The thinking and the things he likes are quite different from what is seen to be normal. He likes weird peiople, he says.I s fond of punk rock, in keeping with his character traits. People who are simple and straight are boring for him
What didn’t you get a chance to include in your resume?
An IIM degree, though he’s an Electronics Engineer and an MBA from Nagpur.
Describe yourself in four words?
Passionate, Objective, Wierd, Sporty
What’s your superpower?
Cycling: When I am on the bike I feel invincible!
How do you destress?
Cycling and running. I stretch a lot.Yoga, though my wife practises it, is boring.It’s something I might do when I m 75! I see him cycling even then though.
Dream job?
Anything interesting in Apple
If Bill Gates gave you ten million dollars, how would you change the world?
Change peoples habits. Two lakh people die on the roads each year. I would take a city at a time and teach people discipline and road safety.
Rate me as an interviewer?
6.75, with a smile!