PETER VIRDEE: The Complete Singh

Working Style

From back then to now, over the decades, has there been a change in your working style and personality? And in which way.   

If you go back more than a decade, I was of the mindset that if we are doing business, there is only going to be one person who will win that business transaction, and that’s going to be me! I was very ruthless. There was no messing around. I had the mindset of a sharpshooter, it was more of a battle of the minds and hands down – I had to win it. However, as time progressed, I have begun to realize and appreciate that it’s important to do a fair deal, to do a fair transaction, its got to be balanced. The other person has to earn something from it as well – it’s got to be a win-win for both parties, that’s really where the reward is. These are also the teachings from my Sikh beliefs and out of the Guru Granth Sahib, that it’s important to be fair, what they say is a “Sacha Sauda,” the right transaction, the right deal to do, so that everybody is a winner and not just one person.  So that’s how my life has changed, I’ve started implementing the teachings of the Guru Granth Sahib into my business which has helped me a lot in the way I conduct my work. It gives me great satisfaction personally and professionally to know that a fair deal has been done.

Has your family shaped your beliefs or is it self-realized?

Being brought up in a Sikh family or any religion for that matter, we are taught one thing for sure, and that is, being religiously inclined. But something has to trigger within you to instill that sense of feeling for you to experience that direct connection yourself. You are always told what to do, and by just doing something for the sake of doing it has no impact until you actually feel that personal connection yourself, that’s when things start to change for you – mentally and spiritually. So yes, the foundations were always there, which was the most important factor, but the cherry on the cake is when I actually felt that deep connection myself. I was so grateful to have the foundation from my parents, as this is what cemented my faith and beliefs and took it to the next level for me.

What would you say triggered you to implement these beliefs?

The feeling started to grow stronger within me during 2008-2009. Not that I didn’t have the feeling within me prior to that but I didn’t acknowledge it as much because I was being too selfish, focusing on other matters that I felt were more important. You see, when things are going good you don’t think of God, it’s our nature. Only when things go wrong, you start diverting your focus to him. So in 2008, we had a big recession and coming out of that recession… Only God knows how that happened! So going through that phase re-instilled my belief in God more than ever, it was one of my most difficult experiences in my life and overcoming such an obstacle – not thinking it was at all possible at the time, really solidified my connection with God. I felt more connected to him because I felt ‘He’ really protected me through what I would say was one of my darkest periods in life. After I overcame that phase in my life, I stopped worrying and stressing over matters which I knew I had no control over because it was that experience that made me realize there is seriously a much higher power up above taking care of everything.

Other than money, what really keeps you motivated to go on with full force?

My charity and my foundation. I enjoy earning money but for me it’s not just about earning money, it’s about earning enough money to be able to give that much away. My buzz is actually giving money to good causes, and being a part of a greater and better cause that impacts other people’s lives. I find it extremely gratifying, and personally rewarding… And in the end, that’s what I work for.

My father, through his actions, instilled in me many of my life’s values, (amongst many others) to be kind, generous and charitable, as my father was always one to give money to people in need, even at times when money was tight, he was never one to hesitate when it came to giving. So it’s always been part of my growing up, and it’s also an important part of Sikhi, that we have to give a contribution of our wealth to charity which I very much promote. Hence the reason I support a number of noble causes that are doing some amazing work in the world, and if I could be a part of it – it gives me great fulfillment to know that I was a part of that change – even if it’s in the smallest way.

 

Is your family involved with your work and how much importance do you give to a family working together?

When it comes to my work, indirectly my whole family is involved as I always have their good wishes, their blessings and their love. However, in the day-to-day operations, it’s more of myself. But on the same note, I believe it’s paramount for family to work together because with family you can just close your eyes and trust them. You know they’re always going to have your best interest at heart and make the right decision for you. I’m very fortunate to have a close-knit family who works together as one unit; it is bond which promotes strength, unity, and reliability – it is an amazing support system when you need it.

Are you an easy person to work with?

I wouldn’t say I’m an easy person to work with. I have a short censor to stupidity, so to speak. Anyone around me who doesn’t have the keenness to learn or develop, I really can’t deal with them. I don’t mind a person who doesn’t know what to do and requires some training,  I have no problem teaching them and spending the time with them if needed, but if I have to teach somebody the same thing repeatedly, then I’m sorry it’s just not for me. I’m an easy person to work with if you want to learn but if you’re of the mindset to just clock-in and clock-out and have no interest to develop and grow in the workplace, then there is no room for that type of person in my organization or domain for that matter. I’m only interested to work with people who want to grow with me, and who have the drive and self-motivation to aspire and develop from the work their doing. If they lack willpower then they lack the need to grow in life – willpower is like a muscle which needs to be worked, strengthened and constantly flexed. The same philosophy applies to an individual’s cognitive skills, if it stays stagnant then there is no growth, and that is not what my organization is about. I want the individual to have an experience of their lifetime, they should have an inborn desire to be self-actualized – be all that they can be and take something valuable with them, where they feel they will use this skill later on in life and develop it further within their realm, and not just sit in a boardroom meeting and switch off.

What do you look for when you decide whom to work with?

You have a sixth sense. So with respect to working with someone when it comes to doing a deal or a partnership, I always prefer to meet them in person. You can usually get a feeling or a vibe about the person through their behavior or body language.  I always believe the devil is in the detail – be it of a person’s nature or the complexity of a deal, I’ve noticed that it is often the small details that become an obstacle. However, once I’ve overcome that hurdle, that’s when I start going into contractual stages of the deal.

You know everybody plays a good story when you first meet them. They all come across amazing, honest and like their in it for your best interest. The only time you get to know somebody is when things go wrong. That’s when you really get to know their true colors… How authentic they are and just how genuine are their intentions.

I always say, when the going is good, everyone’s your friend. The music is on and the party couldn’t be better… But when the music stops – that’s when you need to stop and look – who’s in the room?

How much do you believe in taking risks?

You need to take risks in life – if we don’t, it may keep us from reaching our full potential. I believe there are two types of risks: the first being the calculated risk and the second, is where you don’t know what’s around the corner – I take both of them. So one thing you’ll come to know of me is I’m not afraid to take risks, I believe the bigger risk is not taking a risk at all. Sure of course there’s always the chance of it not working out but I prefer to look at the alternative – and believe there’s a greater chance of it working out. It’s like Neil Armstrong said, “There can be no great accomplishment without risk,” and I’m a strong believer of that which is why I continue to take risks in life and challenge every opportunity that I get. I’m an optimist with experience and I believe you need to leverage your views in order to make great gains, otherwise you’ll never know what can come of it. I tend to follow my instincts and my logic, I do my Ardaas and then I leave it in the hands of God.