In 60 seconds - Gautam Gandhi, Head of New BizDev India for Google

One teacher I remember, and why

My entrepreneurship Professor, Tom Emerson, at CarnegieMellonUniversity. He taught me the power of storytelling. From him I learnt that when you have a good story, everybody wants to be part of it: your investors, customers, employees, just about everybody.

One most valuable work lesson, thus far

Turn over every rock. Investigate as many opportunities as you can, you never know which “rocks” turn into “diamonds”.

One thing I look for the most in a new recruit

Somebody that does not come with a sense of entitlement but has the drive, and is willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done.

One thought from a book I am currently reading

“What we think is what we become” – such a simple thought, yet so powerful on so many levels. I read this in a book by Anthony De Mello.

One tip for time management

Create To-Do lists and follow them daily.

One key thing in my fitness routine

Be consistent and do some exercise everyday. Whether it is going for a walk, going to the gym, playing badminton – keep your body in motion.

One signal that tells me there is a problem

When I have to struggle with a decision, I know that it is usually wrong. The best decisions are the ones you don’t have to think about too long. This comes from learning to trust your instinct.

One technique for handling anger

Meditation.

One essential ingredient in my investment portfolio

Invest in people, not business plans.

One good thing about the new generation

Irrational optimism.

One worrying thing about the young

Irrational optimism.

One thing that clinches a deal

Good design and extreme creativity.

Gautam can be reached out @gkgandhi