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'I want to know the secret of Warren Buffet's wizardry'

Vijay Samyani, founder of Concept Brands Group, on his deep admiration for the business magnate and why you only learn when you're taking risks

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What is your best childhood memory?
Back in my school days, I once did a tightrope walk at NCC Scouts. It's memorable for me because I completed the stunt in one go. It was thrilling and scary at the same time because the rope was mounted at a height of 25 metres and its walking distance was 20 metres long. I even had my photo published in the school magazine - but I couldn't get a hold of that photo for myself, because it cost Rs10 and I could not afford to pay the amount at that time.
If you could move anywhere in the world, what place would that be?
Minsk, the capital city of Belarus. From its museums to its mountains, it's just one breath-taking sight after another - not to mention the mouth-watering Belarus cuisine. If I ever go on a relaxing holiday, it has got to be Minsk. 
The biggest learning point or experience in your life to date.
Even with the last penny in my pocket, I will take a risk. We tend to view risk-taking negatively, often regarding it as dangerous and even unwise. Most people I know who have achieved success in life have done so because they've been willing to take on a challenge that others were too afraid to. But beyond the external opportunities and recognition risk-taking can bring, it also provides an opportunity for personal growth. You only learn when you are at risk. It teaches you the true value of things and what it means to lose them. I have learned so much from my mistakes and it's those things that've got me to where I am today.
What is the one skill you'd love to learn right now - and why?
I'd love to learn paragliding because the idea of flying free, like a bird, fascinates me more than anything else. Seeing the land from the sky, feeling the wind blowing through my hair, soaring across the mountains and swooping above rivers. It would be great!
What advice would you give your younger self, if you could?
Always bring out the best in people. I can't tell you how many times I've been in that place in my life myself. Everyone is down at times and we all have our doubts and fears, but I do believe that everyone has their own unique capabilities too. Sometimes, all we need is a little encouragement. A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle. 
If you could go back to any era in time or witness any major event in history, which one would it be, and why?
There is no historical event that I wish to revisit, but if I could go back in time, I would go back to April 29, 1994. It was my sister's wedding day - and I missed it because I was tied up with work commitments in Dubai. To this day, I wish I could have been there.
Your greatest fear.
The people who are closest to me, my family and my friends, are the source of my strength and motivation. They are the driving force that keeps me going because they believe in me, even when I doubt myself. I am the most sensitive person when it comes to my two beautiful daughters and loving wife. The thought of losing them scares me more than anything else in the world.
If you could trade lives with one person for an entire day, who would it be and why?
Warren Buffet. I have always wondered what it would be like to have, and run, such an empire. If I am so busy these days, how much more would I be working when I get to his level? People call him a wizard, but if could be him for a day, perhaps I could see the secret of his wizardry.
Your favourite movie character of all time - and why.
My all-time favourite is Abhishek Bachchan's titular character from the movie Guru, as it portrays the role of a very ambitious man who started his life from a very small village, yet dreamt of becoming a famous business tycoon - and how he did it. 
If you were the head of your country, what is the first thing you'd do?
I would get the media under control. Media is one the biggest sources of information for people. Sadly, unchecked freedom given to these channels can lead to the spread of misleading information throughout the country. Also, many people use the media for their own agenda, including spreading hate, creating controversy and so on. I think it is important to put at least some restrictions on them, so the news remains positive and informative.  
- Staff Reporter
 

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