PETER VIRDEE: The Complete Singh

Leisure

What all are you passionate about in terms of leisure and recreational activities?

You know ‘leisure’ is defined as free time, which I have very limited of! (Laughs) But of course whenever I do find the time, I enjoy a number of leisure activities… I enjoy reading and believe it’s a prudent investment of leisure time. Across the board I read anything, whatever I can pick up along the way – I read books and ebooks; however, I have to say there is nothing like reading a good novel. It’s a great distraction and exercises my brain. At the same time, I like to skim the newspaper regularly to find out what’s happening around the world; this keeps me up-to-date on current local and international events. Besides reading, I also love to work out. I do a training called ‘cross-fit’, it’s brilliant in its design and purpose as it strengthens a number of muscles –  it’s a great cardiovascular workout, I love it.

When it comes to the social scene, I’m probably out 4-5 nights a week, entertaining. Meeting with friends and socializing is something I really enjoy doing but it’s the matter of finding the time to do it! I also love traveling, it’s one of my passions and I’ve been very fortunate to have travelled extensively around the world for both business and pleasure, having the opportunity to enjoy different cultures and a number of experiences. Needless to say, sports is also on top of my list. Whether its playing them or watching them – I always try to find time one way or another.

How do you make the time out for all of this?

Multiple priorties and competing responsibilities is not impossible to manage. You can get into a cycle of work, home and just that but it’s upto you on how you manage your own time so it works for you effectively. You are the master of your own destiny and you manage your diary according to your needs. Managing your time means less stress and better focus. There is no such thing as, “I’m too busy or I didn’t have time for it.” That’s the excuse you give someone when you don’t want to see them or you don’t want to deal with them. But when you want to talk to someone, you will make that time for them, even if it’s from here on the way to the restroom – you will make the time to call. So my philosophy is you make time for everything you want, when you want.

Do you socialize or network a lot?

My socializing is mostly on weekends, and that’s only if I’m not working. Otherwise during the week, I’m attending corporate dinners, charity events, or I’m a keynote speaker or things of that nature.

How important is it to network in today’s times?

Very important. With social media being such a powerful driving force, it has changed the method of how we network and the way we interact. It has significantly reduced the level of human interaction, where many have lost the flavor and charm to develop a more genuine connection.  A face-to-face interaction is much more effective then communicating via phone or messaging. If I can do a face-to-face then I’ll do it – that’s always my preferred method of communication. I’m a visiting professor at Manchester University and am on the advisory board for Nottingham School of Business, so I do a number of talks and lectures at the University which enables me to have a strong interaction with the students on many levels. This role in particular, I enjoy very much, as it gives me great gratification to know I might have been a part of that student’s development and achievements in some aspect of their life. In addition to this, I also sit on my own foundation and on other charity boards as well. I was the first Indian to sit on Coutts Bank board, and the first Indian to be on the board of the English National Opera, which I am very humbled and privileged to be a part of. So I’m fortunate to be a part of a number of different engagements, which enables me to form mutually beneficial relationships with individuals of diversity within and around my network.