'Value your team and rest all is taken care off'

Battles are fought by soldiers, but the wisdom of battle-hardened generals set the dice rolling with their battle plans, strategy, and scenarios. The corporate world works on similar lines, and organizations and companies of today are run by CEOs, CCOS, COOS, CTOS, and CFOs. The travel industry is no different today. We have a battery of professional senior executives who bring in their vision, expertise, and knowledge combined with years of understanding of market dynamics to the table. TTJ had a tête-à-tête with Aarish Khan, Chief Commercial Officer - India Business, TBO.com, to know more about him and his journey in the industry over the last 18 years.

- Gurjit Singh Ahuja

What motivated you to choose travel industry as a career? How do you view your professional growth over the years?

From an early age, I was fascinated to travel and see the whole world through my eyes, observing and experiencing varied cultures, landscapes, and people, and then, as destiny would have it after completing my BBA, I joined the travel industry. I adore my profession and have now been associated with the industry for over 18 years.

Over the years, I have personally observed that the travel industry has a huge potential and so much more can be tested and tried in this dynamic industry. This keeps me charged and always on my toes.

My effective 18 years have been very fascinating and challenging, having observed various changes, advancements, and new evolving ideas, which have now made customized travel products available instantaneously with a click of a button.

Professionally, my journey from a Reservations Manager to Chief Commercial Officer - India Business of TBO has been in and around brilliant minds who indeed boosted my career and groomed me personally on my soft skills and behavioural aspects. I believe various on-the-job exposures and learnings are the real opportunities that every individual should capitalize on and learn from.

My hunger for performing and delivering is hand in glove with various teams and people across the industry that I get connected with. The more you expand your horizon, the more is the learning.

Analyzing competition, their approach to the market, viewpoints, and their best practices helps me learn and contribute more to my team and organization.

What are the three key challenges within your workspace?

Hiring the Right Talent