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Since it's conception, Arun has seen Systech grow considerably; a testament to that development is Systech's ranking as LA's fastest growing company in 2001 and 2006 by the San Fernando Valley Business Journal and as one of the fastest growing private companies in America by Inc. Magazine in 2000 and 2001. Well-versed in a variety of fields, Arun has an extensive background in Business Intelligence, CRM and e-Business solutions for industries ranging from Apparel, Automotive, Finance, Healthcare, Entertainment, CPG and more.
Essential business philosophy: Change is inevitable. The best way to manage change is to grab the bull by the horns and come up with innovative solutions.
Guiding principle: I love interacting with people, at business or home - being engaged with others. Twenty years ago, work and fun seemed separate, but now it is intermixed. If you love challenges and you are surrounded by bright people, it can make such a difference.
Best way to keep competitive: Stay lean and mean as a company, converting every problem into an opportunity.
Yardstick of success: A consulting company depends on its people. My ideals come down to what we can do collectively, how we can innovate more as a group. When we talk about Systech's momentum, it is because we are constantly seeking new solutions, new paradigms. The thrill from devising solutions, taking them to market and watching them succeed - there's no thrill like it.
Best business decision: Focusing Systech on the initial goal of recruiting the best people to master the best technologies - and sticking with our plan. Every year at Systech has been different, and the reason we have been able to constantly adapt is that we have innovated around our core values.
Mentors: I have many. In the public arena, Jack Welch and Tom Peters have been inspirational. I often think of a professor of mine at UCLA's MBA program, Al Osborne, who had a different perspective and fresh insights beyond the same core decisions all CEOs have to make. I respect innovation and gutsy championing. It's one thing to spout theory and another to get excited, invite dissent and make your own choices.
Like best about the job: Consulting hits every industry - the whole economy is our job, from small to large companies. We recruit industry experts and also learn from every engagement. If you ever thought "I'd like to work for Nike and see how the apparel and footwear industry works," we do that, and I've had the opportunity to get knee-deep in the arenas of entertainment, finance, manufacturing, consumer packaged goods, healthcare… We help solve the most complex problems in highly specialized industries, and that kind of breadth is exciting.
First choice for a new career: I'd stay with this one. Business intelligence has always made sense for me as a primary focus, because as long as money and efficiency are a core part of a business, a firm like Systech is key. Perhaps I might take on a different role as the company grows, as chairman of spin-off Systech companies with some of our company pioneers as CEOs. Then again, there is something else: I've always harbored the dream of becoming an author and writing children's stories. Jawaharlal Nehru wrote books for kids while Prime Minister of India and I find that an encouraging thought.
Favorite Movie: Sound of Music, Gandhi. I used to watch Hatari as a kid over and over again, I loved the idea of the ultimate adventure, John Wayne on safari.
Favorite restaurant: Mi Piace in Pasadena.
Favorite Toy: I'm a technophile; I have been looking at a fantastic digital camera, but my kids' X-Box looks fun.
Favorite meal: My mother's home-cooked, five-course dinners and my wife's dosas, which are incredible.
Favorite Vacation Spot: On the California beaches with my kids.
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