Peerless Mutual Fund MD & CEO talks to 'DNA'

DNA talks to Akshay Gupta, MD & CEO, Peerless Mutual Fund.

1. What is your job like?
My job is exciting, challenging with new twists and turns every day. This keeps my adrenaline pumping all the time.

2. What’s the smartest business idea you have ever had?
Not doing any business on my own.

3. And the most embarrassing?
Starting a bar in downtown Amsterdam.

4. Who has been your biggest influence?
Difficult to zero in on one name but my parents, a couple of bosses, wife and brother all have had some impact on me.

5. How important is money to you?
Important to just keep me ticking the way I live my life. Beyond that it is an unnecessary evil.

6. What is your most important work ethic or maxim that you practice every day?
Work hard, excel and party hard.

7. What does your secretary think about you?
She might perceive me to be a difficult and demanding person.

8. Has your personal life suffered due to work?
Yes. Unfortunately, in all my assignments, I have had to start from either scratch or close to scratch. Hence, I had to stretch all the time, which meant neglecting family at times.

9. How do you want to be remembered by your colleagues?
Someone who gave his best all the time.

10. What are your working hours?
While I tend to follow the office hours (9.30am-6.30 pm), I am active on my laptop/phone in the evening (7pm-11pm) taking calls, writing mails and messaging.

11. What is the most valuable memento in your office?
My team.

12. Does retirement scare you?
Nothing scares me as long as I have my body and mind in sound condition.

13. Have you ever been tempted to start out on your own?
Yes, but never had the courage to do it.

14. What do you hate the most at work?
Shams.

15. How do you unwind?
I listen to music, play with children, watch movies and have a massage regularly.