{"id":1335,"date":"2015-06-30T10:19:34","date_gmt":"2015-06-30T10:19:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/timelesslifeskills.org\/cttc\/?page_id=1335"},"modified":"2023-05-12T06:24:49","modified_gmt":"2023-05-12T06:24:49","slug":"1335-2","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/timelesslifeskills.org\/cttc\/1335-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Vikram Achanta"},"content":{"rendered":"

[vc_row bg_type=”no_bg” css=”.vc_custom_1426771006217{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}”][vc_column width=”1\/3″]

\"\"

Vikram Achanta<\/h2>

Co-founder & CEO,
\nTulleeho<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>[\/vc_column][vc_column width=”2\/3″][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

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Over the next few years, I see technology playing a greater role in training via dedicated applications, YouTube channels, and other mechanisms that marry self-learning with classroom learning.<\/span><\/h5>\n<\/blockquote>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Post Delhi University and IIM Calcutta, Vikram spent eight-and-a-half years as a management consultant \u2013 the first three-and-a-half with Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), and then five with IBM\u2019s Management Consulting division. He turned entrepreneur when he decided to tap into, almost literally, the country\u2019s budding partying scene, with the cheekily-titled tulleeho.com. They started small-but-smart, offering perks for pub reviews and have stayed strong over the decades by steadily gaining serious ground as a drinks training and consulting firm. Today, they run workshops, the Tulleeho Bartending Academy, the Tulleeho Wine Academy, and offer extensive beverage training. They\u2019ve even brought out The Tulleeho Book of Cocktails. Vikram also writes for several magazines, including Outlook and Man\u2019s World, on the topic of beverages. <\/strong>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row bg_type=”no_bg” css=”.vc_custom_1426770983594{margin-top: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: contain !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1435659067869{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}”]When you started on Tulleeho, the entrepreneurship mode wasn\u2019t very common \u2013 not everyone was quitting cushy corporate jobs to strike out on their own indie careers. What made you take the decision to explore \u201cuncharted territory\u201d, so to speak?<\/strong><\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]There were a few contributing factors. One was boredom with my current job, as well as not being particularly good at it. Second was greed \u2013 www.tulleeho.com was born in the first dot-com boom-bust cycle, and there were some early nibbles from potential investors \/ acquirers. Third was the excitement of doing something new, which had never been done before in India.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row bg_type=”no_bg” css=”.vc_custom_1426770983594{margin-top: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: contain !important;}”][vc_column width=”2\/3″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1435659154306{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}”]What sort of formal education is an absolute essential for your profession? Also, could you share with us the kind of internship or experience that would be helpful for a young person considering this line of work?<\/strong><\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]What matters most is the peer group at your academic institution. And by and large, I think you\u2019ll find a more evolved and mature peer group at the post-graduate level, than at the graduate level. That combined with the nature of the curricula and its execution, certainly led to the cultivation of certain analytical and managerial skills for me, which have come in use as an entrepreneur.[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1435669707624{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}”]If you had to draft an elevator pitch for your profession, what would it be?<\/strong><\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text](I would say it’s) an indispensable bridge between the beverage and the hospitality industry, building the skill levels of the hospitality industry in India.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/3″]

<\/div>[vc_column_text]<\/p>\n
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What matters most is the peer group at your academic institution. And by and large, I think you\u2019ll find a more evolved and mature peer group at the post-graduate level, than at the graduate level.<\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n
\n
<\/h5>\n

[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row bg_type=”no_bg” css=”.vc_custom_1426770983594{margin-top: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: contain !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1435670032646{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}”]\"thumb_DSC02271_1024\"What are the new trends you notice that are changing the complexion of your profession? How do you see this profession faring 20 years down the line?<\/strong><\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Bartending standards are increasing. This is also coupled with increased sophistication of training methodologies which we need to implement. Our training standards would also need to keep evolving accordingly. I can\u2019t see that far into the future, but over the next few years, I see technology playing a greater role in training via dedicated applications, YouTube channels, and other mechanisms that marry self-learning with classroom learning.[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1435659745953{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}”]What do you do when you are stuck with a problem?<\/strong><\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]It may not be just a problem, it may be a situation I need advice on. I have a couple of trusted advisors, whom I consult in case I need expert insight on a particular situation. If the problem relates to a project \/ client issue, then I normally consult with the concerned manager \/ team. I may occasionally attempt to crowdsource an answer via social media.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row bg_type=”no_bg” css=”.vc_custom_1426770983594{margin-top: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: contain !important;}”][vc_column width=”2\/3″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1435659792621{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}”]Describe a typical (business-as-usual) day at work.<\/span> <\/strong>[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]A typical day would include elements of\u00a0a) project monitoring\u00a0b) proposal development for new business\u00a0c) following up on payments\u00a0d) handling some statutory requirements related issues\u00a0e) HR \/ Admin related issues.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/3″]

<\/div>[vc_column_text]<\/p>\n
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I occasionally attempt to crowdsource answers via social media.<\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n
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<\/h5>\n

[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row bg_type=”no_bg” css=”.vc_custom_1426770983594{margin-top: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: contain !important;}”][vc_column width=”1\/3″]

<\/div>[vc_column_text]<\/p>\n
\n
The head should rule the heart. If you\u2019re thinking of turning entrepreneur, then set yourself some timeline linked targets and benchmarks, and if you don\u2019t achieve those, move on.<\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n
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<\/h5>\n

[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”2\/3″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1435659963930{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}”]What would your advice be to a young person at the start of his or her career and confused about pursuing passion versus being pragmatic?<\/strong><\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]The head should rule the heart. If you\u2019re thinking of turning entrepreneur, then set yourself some timeline linked targets and benchmarks, and if you don\u2019t achieve those, move on. Easier said than done as I know myself, but I can\u2019t overemphasize the importance of this.[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1435660036166{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}”]If you could do some time-travelling and go back to meet yourself at 17, 25, 35, what would you say to your selves then?<\/strong><\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]At 17 \u2013 Apply your mind. At 25 \u2013 Find a new job. At 35 \u2013 Get back to a real job![\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row bg_type=”no_bg” css=”.vc_custom_1426770983594{margin-top: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: contain !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1435660098957{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}”]What are the pitfalls of your profession and how do you mitigate them? Did you have any fears when you were just starting out about this line of work, and were any of them justified?<\/strong><\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]The pitfalls of our profession are linked to issues like Human Resources. We are a unique organization, and hence our staff members make for very attractive hires for anyone looking for beverage training professionals. There\u2019s very little you can do to hold them back, especially when the new company is likely to be a large multinational offering a global job and a glamorous lifestyle. The only good part of this is that our alumni network increases, which becomes a source of business for us, and the Tulleeho brand keeps crossing new geographical boundaries.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row bg_type=”no_bg” css=”.vc_custom_1426770983594{margin-top: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: contain !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1435661625166{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}”]\"IMG_1143_1024\"What is the kind of supplementary informal learning that will give you that edge on this job? Is there any specific reading that you engage in \u2013 trade magazines, books, any online resources (blogs, courses, Facebook or Linkedin communities etc.)<\/span><\/strong>[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]There are a lot of information sources available relating to beverages, from blogs, to websites, to e-zines to YouTube channels.[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1435660206543{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}”]What is most rewarding about your job?<\/strong><\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Being responsible for the lives of 12 people. Building hospitality skills in India via quality execution. Constantly working on new initiatives.[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1435660249885{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}”]Do you still have days when you think, \u2018What the hell am I doing with my life?\u2019 How do you get over that, if you do?<\/strong><\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]All the time. Go for a run![\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row bg_type=”no_bg” css=”.vc_custom_1426770983594{margin-top: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: contain !important;}”][vc_column width=”1\/3″][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

\n
(On your resume, be sure to include) Interests outside work, showing that the individual has other dimensions to his or her personality.<\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n
\n
<\/h5>\n

[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”2\/3″]

<\/div>[vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1435660384266{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}”]What\u2019s your advice for a resume that\u2019s just about to enter circulation? What are the musts it should have that recruiters look for?<\/span> <\/strong>[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Relevant experience and educational qualification. Quality of professional references. Interests outside work, showing that the individual has other dimensions to his or her personality.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row bg_type=”no_bg” css=”.vc_custom_1426770983594{margin-top: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: contain !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1435660436855{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}”]How does one network in the beginning to get that initial presence felt, in this profession?<\/strong><\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Via social media networks connected to your line of work. Events. Try to write for magazines \/ papers on your subject of interest.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n
Interview conducted by Pooja Pande.<\/h6>\n

[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p>\n<\/section>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

[vc_row bg_type=”no_bg” css=”.vc_custom_1426771006217{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}”][vc_column width=”1\/3″][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”2\/3″][vc_column_text] Over the next few years, I see technology playing a greater role in training via dedicated applications, YouTube channels, and other mechanisms that marry self-learning with classroom learning. [\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Post Delhi University and IIM Calcutta, Vikram spent eight-and-a-half years as a management consultant \u2013 the …<\/p>\n

Vikram Achanta<\/span> Read More »<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"no-sidebar","site-content-layout":"plain-container","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"disabled","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"disabled","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/timelesslifeskills.org\/cttc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1335"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/timelesslifeskills.org\/cttc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/timelesslifeskills.org\/cttc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/timelesslifeskills.org\/cttc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/timelesslifeskills.org\/cttc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1335"}],"version-history":[{"count":40,"href":"https:\/\/timelesslifeskills.org\/cttc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1335\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2046,"href":"https:\/\/timelesslifeskills.org\/cttc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1335\/revisions\/2046"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/timelesslifeskills.org\/cttc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1335"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}