In the green room at Phocuswright with... Rajesh Magow

Rajesh Magow, co-founder and CEO, India

With responsibility for MakeMyTrip’s business strategy and operational leadership in India, Magow has helped the company become a leader in the country’s online travel industry, with more than $4 billion in gross bookings in fiscal year 2018. At The Phocuswright Conference 2018, he’ll participate in a discussion on the potential for this still-emerging travel market. 

In a series of interviews with executives participating at the event in Los Angeles in November, PhocusWire finds out what makes them tick...

What book do you recommend to others and why?

Plenty of good books but I would recommend the one I am currently reading, Factfulness by Hans Rosling. It gives a good perspective of world evolution backed by facts and it’s a perfect guide to think clearly about the world around us.

What do you do to alleviate stress?

Playing a sport for me is a great stressbuster, it helps me declutter my mind and focus only on the game. It’s like a battery recharge for me. Spending time with the family also helps me deal better with stress - it rejuvenates you like nothing else.

Why isn't the travel startup survival rate higher than it is?

Well, I am not sure if it is only true in the travel space, failure of startups could be attributed to many factors but perhaps the most important one is not being at the right time at the right place.

What are you like outside of work?

Someone who likes to follow non-work-related interests like playing and watching sports events and spending quality time with family.

What was your childhood aspiration?

No big aspiration, take life as it comes!

Who is the person you most admire within the industry?

Jack Ma of Alibaba is quite an inspirational story.

What is your proudest professional achievement?

Ringing the bell on Nasdaq in 2010 was a high point for the company and for me personally.

What's your morning routine?

I am an early riser, start my day with my badminton game before getting ready to go to work. That’s pretty much all the work out I usually manage.

What gives you energy?

Winning the game with fair play whether it is at work or in sport!

Describe your desk or working environment.

Nothing fancy, usual stuff like team, individual and family pictures, company events, milestones and accolades earned individually or by the company.

What one mistake do you witness others making more than anything else?

Burning money blindly!