By committing to a 36-hour weekly fast, Hemant gives his body a break, allowing it to detox, refresh, and restore energy levels, he told in the latest interaction for ‘Mind Over Money’ series.
But the benefits go beyond the physical. Fasting also brings mental clarity, focus, and resilience, qualities essential for navigating the complexities of the financial world.
In an industry where burnout is common, Hemant’s approach challenges conventional wisdom. Edited Excerpts –
Q) Thanks for taking the time out. You have a deep love for books across various genres. Which book has had the most profound impact on your personal or professional journey?
A) Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand had a huge impact on me. I read it in college when my views on work and life were still taking shape. The book made a compelling case for capitalism, and it struck a chord with me especially because it was a time when India’s economy had just begun its liberalization journey.Having lived through an era of shortages—long waiting periods for a phone connection or a vehicle and quotas for basic goods, like cement—really made me appreciate the role of capital, money, and economics. It was a revelation that shaped my perspective on enterprise.
Q) Historical narratives, biographies, and thought-provoking business books—what draws you to these genres, and how do they influence your leadership style?
A) History has always fascinated me. Books like Freedom at Midnight and O Jerusalem by Dominique Lapierre captivated me because they highlight how seemingly small events or individual decisions can change the course of history.
I’m curious about personalities and forces that shape the world and enjoy narratives about them. A great example is Neerja Chowdhury’s How Prime Ministers Decide, which illustrated so engagingly how simple compromises could shift the political landscape in India.
I also enjoy books like Good to Great by Jim Collins; they have incredible insights into game-changing strategic decisions or leaders that transformed companies and took them to a completely different trajectory of growth and prominence.
I recall the narrative on Kimberly-Clark and how a bold strategic shift transformed its destiny from a capital-intensive paper mill into paper-centric consumer products Fortune 500 company. It’s a great reminder of how the right leadership and strategy can create exponential growth.
Q) Given your busy schedule, how do you find time for reading? Any particular reading habits or techniques you follow?
A) Honestly, I do not get as much time to read as I would like to but I try to read before going to bed and also sometimes squeeze in some reading during my commute to and from work.
Q) AI is rapidly transforming financial services. How do you see it shaping the future of trading and investment platforms like Ventura?
A) AI is democratizing information like never before. Right now, many investors rely on tips or instinct, but AI will help them make better-informed decisions by helping them analyze vast amounts of data in real time.
But there is, of course a caveat: AI is only as good as the data and learning (from our expertise and experience) we feed into it.
At Ventura, we’re excited about how AI-driven analytics can make trading smarter and more seamless.We see AI as a tool to enhance client support, personalize investment strategies, and make trading platforms more intuitive. Over time, AI will reduce risk and normalize investment outcomes, making markets more efficient.
Q) You take an active role in refining Ventura’s trading platform. What are some key innovations or enhancements that excite you the most?
A) We have a growing arsenal of work-in-progress AI-based aspirations, including an AI-powered stock selection engine, trade recommendations for the derivatives market, and real-time company research. Our goal is to simplify complex processes, making investing more accessible and effective.
Q) Fasting (upwas) is a key part of your wellness routine. How has it benefited you, both mentally and physically?
A) Fasting is my way of resetting. Physically, it helps detox my system by cutting my food intake by about 1/7 every week, giving my body 36 hours to rest from digestion. I feel more energized and refreshed after my weekly fast.
Q) In a high-stress industry like finance, how do you ensure a work-life balance?
A) I’d like to caution that the concept of ‘work-life’ balance can be misleading since it suggests that work is not a part of life.
On the contrary, our ancient wisdom guides that work is worship and a means to attaining the divine. So, for me work and life are not two different things; I try to focus on enjoying what I do.
Q) You emphasize quality time with friends as a way to de-stress. How important is having a strong personal network for success in business?
A) Friendships have been the foundation of my career. I didn’t have a family network in the industry, so my first articleship came via a friend’s introduction.
Over the years, many business relationships have turned into friendships, and friends have played key roles in shaping my professional journey. So in my experience, yes a strong personal network is valuable.
Q) You actively contribute to causes like water security, sustainable farming, and climate action. What motivates you to support these initiatives?
A) I believe that nature sustains us, so we have a responsibility to sustain it in return.
Q) You are a fan of poetry and ghazals. What role does art and literature play in your life?
A) It’s hard to put into words why poetry and ghazals move me the way they do. They just resonate.
