Life of a fashionable risk taker

CHENNAI : Mohan Ram K, Managing Director, Zingbi is probably one of the most sorted-for-life person we’ve come across. “I have always wanted to become an entrepreneur— from the time I was in middle school, to be precise. I worked my way towards it and here I am!” says the owner of the designer wear fashion brand which provides customers a unique buying experience. In a tete-a-tete with CE, Mohan talks about his love for sports, adventure and more. 
Excerpts follow.

Why an entrepreneur?
I don’t have a specific answer to that. I have always wanted to get into the field of business. But, unlike most others, I did not have a role model or an inspiration. It was just a calling and I identified it at a very young age. I am glad that I was successful in achieving it and becoming the first generation entrepreneur in my family!

Did you have other aspirations or an alternate a career option?
I had a natural inclination towards sports. I am a former district hockey player and even led the team in my college, during final year. Apart from that, I am also good at cricket, volleyball, badminton and table tennis. Sports could have been a possible alternate career but, I never aspired to become a sports man. It has certainly helped me in leading a fit life. 

If you had a chance to play a sport or a console game, what would it be?
I would play ‘Assassins creed’ anytime, anywhere! That has been my favorite game. It’s very adventurous. I am an avid gamer and I even have a setup for it at home. After Zingbi, I have been extremely occupied with work...so I play only when I get time. Another game that has been an all-time favourite is ‘Road rash’. It was my favourite during my college days (smiles). 

Would you call yourself an adventure seeker?
Certainly! I travel a lot for business but I also make sure that I travel to satisfy my wanderlust. From Paragliding in Goa, river rafting in Bali to Scuba diving in Andaman, I have done it all. Next on my list is Bungee jumping and sky diving.

On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate your work-life balance?
To be completely honest, it doesn’t look great and I wouldn’t want to put a number on it. Since the multi-designer store has been launched, I have been working on getting designers on board and making customer experience seamless. The next two years are very crucial for us and I have my plate full. I know what I will be doing until October this year and getting closer to those goals is my priority. So, I mostly get to spend very less time with my family. Fortunately, they have been extremely understanding. My father, mother and wife are my biggest support system.

Do you have a retirement plan?
I want to travel more, take backpacking trips to different parts of the world. I also want to become an Edupreneur. Education is one of the basic necessities of life, just like food, shelter and clothes. Good education has made me what I am today and someday, I would like to build an institution that provides quality education for children from disadvantaged communities.