24 hours with ... Arvind Saxena

Ever wondered what an ideal day in the life of someone from the marketing world looks like? We're here to spill the beans on it.

Name: Arvind Saxena

Designation: CMO, NEC Corporation India, and head–Marketing Centre of Excellence (MCoE) for global smart cities (GSC), NEC Corporation.

Professional and personal mantra: Like a craftsman sharpening his tools, my mantra is rooted in persistence, creativity, and constant learning. Inspired by Harivansh Rai Bachchan’s timeless line, 'कोशिश करने वालों की कभी हार नहीं होती...’  (Those who keep trying, never fail), I believe that perseverance always wins. For me, success comes from constant reinvention, creative destruction, and simplifying complex ideas so that they resonate with everyone. A doha (couplet) by Sant Kabir, 'जाति न पूछो साधु की, पूछ लीजिये ज्ञान...’  (Don't ask which caste an ascetic belongs to; seek to receive knowledge from him instead), guides my belief in continuous learning.

4.30 AM: My mornings start at 4:30 AM with a giant cup of Earl Grey tea, followed by yoga and meditation. These moments of stillness ground me, but I also enjoy bringing creativity into the routine by cooking breakfast for my son before he leaves for school and preparing some dishes for my office colleagues. This blend of mindfulness and productivity sets the tone for a busy day. Being an early riser also helps me stay in sync with my team members and stakeholders based in Japan by addressing urgent matters promptly.

7 AM: After dropping my son off at the school gate, I like to spend some time on reading knowing there is so much to learn every day. Being apolitical, I consume content related only to my industry, golf, and personal life.

11.30 AM: I follow a free-calendar and open-door policy, fostering an informal work atmosphere where colleagues can connect at any time for assistance. This ensures discussions remain productive and collaborative, maintaining a positive work environment driven by ownership. This is also when I take a short break to enjoy my sole meal with colleagues, blending focus with a relaxed vibe.

4.00 PM to 5.30 PM: I balance my time dedicated to NEC’s leadership and functional stakeholders, ensuring both receive full support and engagement. In the last work hour or so each day, I meet external partners and collaborators to explore new opportunities.

6:30 – 7 PM: The day winds down with a recap of what has been accomplished and planning for the next day. By 7 PM, it’s family time, a moment to switch off from work and recharge with those who matter most, usually over a single meal and dinner at the golf club.

10 PM: I retire to bed by 9:30 PM. As an early riser, I find harmony between my professional life, passion for golf, and the Japanese work culture that values precision and balance.

Weekends are reserved for early morning golf and quality time with my family and closest friends. Whether I am perfecting my swing on the course or unwinding with loved ones, these moments give me the opportunity to reflect on the week gone by and rejuvenate for the next one. As they say, “The most important shot is the next one…” and so is each morning.