Suchirindia: Spearheading the real estate & hospitality sector
Real estate has always been a challenging sector to handle. It becomes more difficult to thrive in our country which has been witnessing slowdown for last several years. In such circumstances, if any company flourishes then it’s really worth admiring. Today, we are going to talk about a company and the leader of the company, who has carved a niche for itself in the real estate and hospitality sector in the Indian market. We are talking about none other than Suchirindia group and its CEO Lion Dr. Kiron. He also happens to be the honorary consul of the republic of Bulgaria for Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
Talking about Suchirindia, the group evolved as a fore runner leveraging a rich, vibrant and diverse project portfolio. The group is powered by astute leadership of Lion Dr. Kiron, an authority on the subjects of realty, construction, infrastructure and continuum. He drives the group up the value curve consistently projects backed by experience, expertise and exposure in executing large projects. In an exclusive interview, we talked toLion Dr. Kiron and asked questions pertaining to his leadership skills and how led the firm. Read below the complete interview.
Business View Magazine: Walk us through your company’s Profile.
Lion Dr. Kiron: Suchirindia established in 2005, is one of the fastest growing groups with diversified interests in the areas of Infrastructure, Real Estate and Hospitality sectors. The company headquartered in Hyderabad is building world class projects spanning a wide spectrum– railways (Infrastructure), affordable homes, luxury villas (Real Estate), and state of the art theme resorts (Hospitality). The group is now experiencing hyper growth and is uniquely placed to create a pan India footprint. The organization also has executed some prestigious international projects in Sri Lanka, Kazakhstan etc. Suchirindia has developed over a staggering 5.1 million sq. meters of townships spread across 9 different geographical locations. In terms of revenue, the total value of these projects runs into 500 crores. Brand Suchirindia has been at the forefront in bringing value, global expertise &experience, and creating job opportunities.
Business View Magazine: What do you feel is the biggest strength of your company right now?
Lion Dr. Kiron: Suchirindia’s strength is showcased by sheer numbers. The group is currently executing Railway projects in Bihar worth Rs. 105 Crores. Bids are submitted for projects worth Rs. 150 Crores for future projects.The group is executing multiple commercial and residential ventures across the country. One of the prime projects measures 2.8 sq. meters to 3.2 sq. meters at a single location. Hospitality is yet another sector where the group has robust presence. Honey Berg is a 40,000 sq.ft, 3 Star resort located near Genome Valley, Shamirpet, Hyderabad. The total cost of the project is Rs. 160 million. Papyrus Port on Bengaluru highway has a built up space of about 35,000 Sq. Ft. area, the total cost of the project is Rs. 130 million. Darling cave is yet another prestigious resort which is quite popular in and around Hyderabad. Moreover millions of satisfied customers, enormous employment generation and a host of awards reiterate the group’s standing. Yet Suchirindia takes maximum pride in its CSR activities through Suchirindia Foundation through which it reaches out to thousands of needy people including physically challenged, orphans, destitutes etc. The customer centric approach of the group and its CSR activities are Suchirindia’s biggest strengths apart from exponential numbers.
Business View Magazine: What goal do you have for the company?
Lion Dr. Kiron: To make it into a Made in India brand with a global footprint. Increasing presence in the infrastructure, hospitality and realty sectors is top priority. More than anything else, the group’s main aim is to empower the common man to have a great lifestyle along with smart investment opportunities.
Business View Magazine: What more can you do in your role to help achieve this?
Lion Dr. Kiron: All our projects are testimonies to the same. I am personally driving the growth story of the company in the proposed sectors. I have a strong feel of the market pulse and it has stood me in good stead throughout my career. Comprehending and augmenting market needs as an early mover is the game changer. And of course we are firmly on the path to achieving the status of green venture pioneers in the realty sector.
Business View Magazine: What was the path you took to get to where you are today?
Lion Dr. Kiron: Simply put, the unconventional path. Right from my childhood I had this desire to be different from the pack. And that trait has led me to where I am right now. A classic example is the fact that I am a first generation entrepreneur in a family of government employees.
Business View Magazine: What have been the biggest challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Lion Dr. Kiron: Managing market perception was one of the biggest challenges with the stigma attached to realty sector. From a personal level, I had no local standing, no mentor or no support when I first ventured on my own. Yet I withstood the initial hiccups and succeeded out of sheer willpower.
Business View Magazine: What are your outside interests?
Lion Dr. Kiron: I love adventures. Skydiving, scuba diving, bungee jumping and mountaineering are some of my favorite adventure activities. My recent skydive from a height of over 40,000 feet in Honolulu was an amazing experience. I am also an avid Golfer with an honest sixteen handicap. Wanderlust is my biggest weakness. I have explored more than 150 countries till date including Arctic and Antarctica.
Business View Magazine: What does your company’s hierarchy look like?
Lion Dr. Kiron: Properly corporate. I am a firm believer in corporate governance and was the first to herald corporate style functioning into realty sector. Our group is headed by a team of highly seasoned directors with specific roles and responsibilities.
Business View Magazine: When it comes to the company, what are you most proud of?
Lion Dr. Kiron: My team undoubtedly. The extended Suchirindia family is fully invested in aligning their individual goals with those of the group’s. They have always been with me and am proud of the fact that Suchirindia has generated more than 13000 jobs as we speak.
Business View Magazine: How do you spend your day?
Lion Dr. Kiron: My day starts with a strenuous 2 hour workout including cardio, weights and kickboxing. Breakfast with family or business associates is a given. I visit my office for a few hours and head out to meet customers, associates and others. I also look into the Bulgarian consulate affairs being the Honorary Consul of Bulgaria to Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. Lunch is mostly a working affair. Evenings are for review meetings and nights are strictly for socializing. Of course I do take some time out for a hit on the Golf course or the Tennis court sometimes.
Business View Magazine: What is your favorite style of attire?
Lion Dr. Kiron: It depends on the occasion. Formal Seville Row suits for business engagements, Burberry for casuals, Breitling watches, Hugo Boss fragrance, Carrera glares, Gucci casual footwear, Bally formal shoes and of course Sergio Tachchini for sportswear. And it’s vibrant Bandhgalas from Sabyasachi for ethnic wear.
Business View Magazine: What do you see as the most difficult task in being a Leader?
Lion Dr. Kiron: Change management, people management and decision making are the three key challenges. Any leader who conquers these areas is on the path to sure shot success.
Business View Magazine: What’s the biggest factor that has helped you be successfulleader?
Lion Dr. Kiron: Instant and accurate decision making, fair play, effective people management and a totally customer centric approach have got me where I am today.
Business View Magazine: What do you do when you are not at work?
Lion Dr. Kiron: As I mentioned earlier, I apportion my time for a bit of everything including sports, socializing, family time and fun stuff. And yes, I also allocate considerable time for CSR activities. I have also adopted some villages and I go there often to check on the progress.
Business View Magazine: Can you name a person who has had a tremendous impact on you as a leader? Maybe someone who has been a mentor to you?
Lion Dr. Kiron: Not exactly a mentor but an inspiration and they are Abdul kalam and Richard Branson. I am actually a mix of both, in the sense my persona is heavily influenced by these icons.
Business View Magazine: What are the most important decisions you make as a leader of your organization?
Lion Dr. Kiron: First and foremost, it’s identifying prime business opportunities. Right from my early days I have had this uncanny ability to spot business opportunities with huge potential. It enables us to deliver well rounded, appreciation oriented projects to customers. That apart, my decision making is vital in deciding collaborations; AryavarthaNagari our recent venture is a classic example of seamless collaboration. Key decisions in hiring talent in the senior leadership roles rest with me. And of course, as the Bulgarian Consul, I adopt a highly judicious approach in making connections.
Business View Magazine: How do you encourage creative thinking within your organization?
Lion Dr. Kiron: If you observe everything I do is steeped in creativity. Right from my projects to venture launches and customer interactions, every initiative has a creative angle. I encourage each and every member of Suchirindia family to go creative on multiple fronts. Our internal newsletter with content contributions from employees and team outings are great examples of the same.
Business View Magazine: Where do the great ideas come from in your organization?
Lion Dr. Kiron: I am proud to say that they pour in from every level. Right from senior leadership to junior associates, everyone contributes. Our organization’s cultural ethos is based on creative thinking and it applies to business as well.
Business View Magazine: Which is most important to your organization—mission, core values or vision?
Lion Dr. Kiron: It’s an optimum mix of all; they all can co-exist creating a fine synergy to power the organization. Our mission and vision are perfectly aligned to our value system and ethics framework. Customer interests take precedence over commercial benefits. That’s been one of our critical success areas.
Business View Magazine: How do you or other leaders in your organization communicate the core values?
Lion Dr. Kiron: It’s a daily engagement for the entire group. Every leader including myself lead from the front and set an example. Some of the more conventional modes of instilling the same in the employees are training programs (conducted by internal and external experts), intranet communication and periodic brainstorming sessions. All our internal branding resonates with our core value network.
Business View Magazine: What advice would you give someone going into a leadership position for the first time?
Lion Dr. Kiron: Follow your heart. Never ever compromise on your values and beliefs. Place employee/customer interests ahead of self benefit. Be fair and embrace the concept of inclusive growth. Create a unique legacy which you can leave behind as an inspiration for the future generations.
Business View Magazine: What has helped you get to where you are [influential/effective/in the forefront] and what advice would you have for others who want to set off in a similar direction?
Lion Dr. Kiron: My hard work and creative thinking. I have always relied on my ability to create wealth and distribute the same all across via smart project planning and execution. And I am a balanced person who divides time between business activities, social service and adventures. Overall it’s my ability to balance life perfectly along with an indefinable X factor that’s got me a long way.
Business View Magazine: What is the best advice you can give to our readers?
Lion Dr. Kiron: Believe in yourself and never give up. There’s always hope. My recent motivational videos convey the same concept. Failure is the stepping stone to success; so never be afraid to fail. I advise one and all to first fail and then learn from the failure. Be an inspiration to others and tread the unbeaten path to script your own destiny.
Business View Magazine: Is there anything we’re leaving out here that needs to be addressed?
Lion Dr. Kiron: Play to slay like Mohammad Ali. Embrace elegance in whatever you do like Roger Federer. Fly high to conquer like Richard Branson. Lead to succeed like Jack Ma. Create knowledge wealth like Abdul Kalam. Think to deliver winning strategies like Winston Churchill.