My Thinking Cap is Always on

I make a mental note of my to-do list, which helps me plan and gear up for the day ahead.

 

Who: Manisha Kumar Chhabra

What: Founder & CEO of WOW Marketing

What is the first work-related thing you do when you wake up?

I make a mental note of my to-do list, which helps me plan and gear up for the day ahead.

Describe your work in a sentence.

My thinking cap is always on, as it is the key to being innovative, creative and distinctive.

I call it the “H Mantra” — honesty and hard work. There is no shortcut to success. Stay committed, be passionate and always believe in your work.

In your workday, what is the one thing you cannot do without?

Being thankful to God, my parents and my amazing team.

What is your biggest inspiration? (What gets you out of bed every day?

My pet project — WOW Marketing, launched three years ago. That, as well as one of its successful brands, Numaish Lifestyle Exhibitions, keeps me in the groove every day and challenges me to generate new ideas and concepts.

Who’s your role model as the perfect professional?
Richard Branson, who once said, “If your dreams don’t scare you, they are too small”! I love the way he is always coming up with new business ideas and ventures. It is very inspiring.

What is your favourite place in the UAE for a business lunch?

There are many interesting places at DIFC — from Royal China to Zuma.

What’s your idea of switching off? And what’s your idea of an ideal weekend?

My idea of switching off is to switch off my phone and enjoy the worldly pleasures around me — which rarely happens! My ideal getaway for the weekend is to dine near the seashore and watch the latest movies.

What is the last thing you (usually) do before you go to sleep?

That is usually family time and I unwind in front of the television to watch some of my favourite shows.

As told to Rohit Nair