Interviewer: Hello everyone! Vivek Burman, co-founder of
the Mavi Group, is our special guest today. We appreciate your participation on
the call, Vivek!
Vivek: Thank you for hosting me. It's a pleasure to speak with you.
Interviewer: Let's dive right in. What prompted you to
create the Mavi Group?
Vivek: The concept originated from multiple discussions between the
other co-founder and me, my Singapore-based colleague Manfred Schmoelz, whom I
had known since 2016. Occasionally, during late-night brainstorming sessions or
over coffee, Manfred and I would have some very serious conversations. With our
varied experiences and perspectives, we felt a growing sense of responsibility
to address the problems and inefficiencies we witnessed in our respective
industries. Gradually, these discussions started becoming more organized, such
as by jotting down specific concepts and strategies. With a combined 50 years
of expertise in banking, insurance, and service industries, we began by
pinpointing common ground where our skills could complement one another and produce
exceptional results. We turned a corner when we saw a golden chance in the fact
that many of the existing solutions were behind the digital revolution that was
happening in the Asia-Pacific region at the time.
Interviewer: How did you transition from these discussions
to actually founding the company?
Vivek: Once we had a solid framework of ideas, the next step was
validation. We reached out to industry contacts, potential clients, and even
some mentors to get their feedback. The response was overwhelmingly positive,
which gave us the confidence to take the plunge. In early 2020, we decided to
formalize our vision. We chose the name "Mavi" to reflect our
personal commitment—'Ma' from Manfred and 'Vi' from Vivek. It symbolized the
fusion of our ideas and aspirations. We also wanted a name that would resonate
across cultures, especially in the diverse Asia-Pacific region.
Interviewer: The timing, early 2020, was quite challenging
with the onset of the pandemic. How did that affect your launch?
Vivek: It was indeed a challenging time, but it also underscored the
importance of what we were trying to achieve. The pandemic accelerated the need
for digital transformation and highlighted gaps in existing services. We
realized that our vision was more relevant than ever. We adopted a flexible
approach, quickly pivoting our strategies to address the immediate needs
brought on by the pandemic. Because of our nimbleness, we were able to provide
solutions quickly and earn the confidence of potential customers. The
experience tested our mettle and helped us hone our purpose, but in the end, it
was worth it.
Interviewer: What are some key milestones Mavi Group has
achieved since its inception?
Vivek: Since our founding, several milestones have shaped our journey.
One was raising our initial funding, which was a vote of confidence from
investors who believed in our vision. We also established strategic
partnerships with key players in the automotive and insurance sectors, enabling
us to expand our service offerings. Another significant milestone was the
launch of our digital platform tailored for the Asia-Pacific market. Thanks to
this platform, we've been able to offer our clients cutting-edge solutions that
have been instrumental in assisting them in navigating the challenges of
today's service industry. As part of our commitment to long-term growth, we’re
continuously innovating to stay ahead of market trends and ensure that we
remain a trusted partner for our clients.
Interviewer: That is awesome! What specific challenges are
you addressing, and how do your solutions stand out?
Vivek: Our research revealed significant unmet needs in the automotive
and insurance sectors, especially in the areas of after-sale support and
tailored insurance products. Innovative disability and ageing solutions are
provided by our subsidiaries, such as Biometric Care Services, in collaboration
with insurers in the Asia-Pacific region. Mavi Automotive is another member of
the group that focuses on developing and managing extensive after-sale programs
for automobile manufacturers that are focused on enhancing customer loyalty
towards the brands . Our dedication to innovation and trust, along with our
customer-centric approach, are what make us unique.
Interviewer: What is your long-term vision for Mavi Group?
Vivek: Through consistent innovation and exceeding the expectations of
our customers, we intend to achieve our ambition of becoming a global leader in
our respective sectors. Our goal is to broaden our operations beyond the
Asia-Pacific region while maintaining our commitment to our core values of
leadership, respect, trust, and contribution to the community. Our ultimate aim
is to improve the quality of life for all of our stakeholders.
Interviewer: Who is your target market, and how did you
identify it?
Vivek: In the Asia-Pacific region, we primarily work with insurers and
automobile manufacturers. We decided to focus on this market because of its
rapid development, wide range of requirements, and extensive opportunities for
expansion. Our considerable expertise in this region has enabled us to
comprehend the specific requirements and preferences of our target audience,
which in turn has enabled us to tailor our services in accordance with those
requirements.
Interviewer: What are the key features of your products
and services?
Vivek: The specialized insurance solutions offered by Biometric, which
are centered on the issues of disability and ageing, as well as the robust
after-sales programs offered by Mavi Automotive for automobile manufacturers,
are among our most notable features. Prioritizing customer-centered approaches
and customized solutions to meet specific needs is important to us. Our
products are meant to be comprehensive and flexible, allowing them to adapt to
our clients' evolving needs.
Interviewer: Let's talk about your team. How did you
create it, and what characteristics do you seek for when recruiting new
members?
Vivek: Putting together the team required finding people who shared our
vision and beliefs. A customer-centric approach, innovation, and resilience are
some of the qualities that we look for in potential team members. Our team is a
mix of seasoned specialists and new talent, all working towards a common goal.
Therefore, we place a lot of importance on cultural fit, respect for each
other, cooperation, and working together to make sure that everyone shares our
vision.
Interviewer: How do you retain the corporate culture as it
grows?
Vivek: Maintaining culture is critical. We emphasize open
communication, ongoing learning, and empowerment. Regular team-building
activities and workshops help us stay connected and focused on our key
principles. We also celebrate our accomplishments, big or small, to build a
sense of belonging and shared success.
Interviewer: How do you approach leadership and
management?
Vivek: My approach is collaborative and inclusive. I believe in
empowering my team members, encouraging them to take ownership, and creating an
environment in which everyone feels appreciated and heard. I use open-door
communication and make sure that feedback flows both ways. This way of working
contributes to the development of trust and drives collective success.
Interviewer: How do you keep your people motivated and
committed to your vision?
Vivek: It is critical that we communicate our goals clearly and
celebrate our accomplishments. Regular feedback meetings and recognition
programs keep the team motivated and focused on our vision. We also invest in
their professional development, giving them the resources and assistance they
require to succeed.
Interviewer: How do you stay abreast of industry trends
and innovations?
Vivek: Proactivity is the key to staying ahead. I try to attend key
industry conferences, read extensively, and engage with thought leaders. Our
team also conducts regular brainstorming sessions where we explore new
technologies and trends, and how we can adapt them to meet our clients’ goals.
It's a combination of ongoing learning and strategic thinking.
Interviewer: That seems like a decent strategy. How do you
see the future of your industry evolving?
Vivek: The future is quite exciting. I believe we will see a
significant shift towards sustainability and digital transformation. It is not
enough to make incremental improvements; we must fundamentally rethink how we
do business. We're talking about leveraging AI, blockchain, and other
cutting-edge technology to make things more efficient and customer-friendly.
Interviewer: And what role do you envision Mavi Group
playing in the future?
Vivek: At the Mavi Group, we want to be at the forefront of this
transition. We’re putting a lot of effort into research and development to
create unique solutions that will set new industry standards. Our goal is to
lead by example and inspire others to follow in our footsteps. I believe what
sets us apart is our deep-rooted understanding of the sectors we operate in,
combined with our commitment to innovation and client-centricity. Our extensive
experience allows us to anticipate market needs and deliver solutions that are
not only effective but also forward-thinking. Moreover, our personal devotion
to the venture, as reflected in the name Mavi, drives us to constantly strive
for excellence. We're not just building a company; we're building a legacy that
aims to positively impact people's lives. Our approach is holistic, focusing on
sustainable growth and adapting to the dynamic changes in the Asia-Pacific
region.
Interviewer: Switching topics, what keeps you motivated
during difficult times?
Vivek: It's all about passion and purpose. It is simpler to overcome
obstacles when you believe in what you are doing and can see the positive
impact it is having. Furthermore, having a dedicated team and the support of my
family help me keep going.
Interviewer: Speaking of family, how do you strike a
balance between work and personal life?
Vivek: It's undoubtedly a juggling act, but I've learned to prioritize.
I set clear limits and make sure to spend quality time with my loved ones. I
also practice mindfulness and take brief breaks to recharge, which helps me
keep my equilibrium.
Interviewer: Excellent insights. Who are your role models
and mentors?
Vivek: I've been fortunate to have several mentors. Personally, my
parents as well as my in-laws have been a huge influence in my life, instilling
in me the principles of respect, empathy, hard work, and integrity.
Professionally, I respect leaders such as Elon Musk for their vision and
unwavering pursuit of innovation.
Interviewer: How do you stay productive and focused with
so many demands on your time?
Vivek: Time management is critical, and I use various tools to keep
track of tasks and priorities. Over the years, I have also developed some
unique techniques to help me maintain focus and productivity. Regular exercise
and sports are also part of my routine to keep my mind sharp and stress under
control.
Interviewer: That is wonderful, Vivek. Thank you for
sharing your experiences and views with us. It has been a pleasure.
Vivek: Thank you! It's been lovely speaking with you.
Excellent thought and vision towards looking at things.
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