Mumbai: With another weekend upon us, it is time to unwind with the latest Q&A edition of Indiantelevision.com’s Weekend Unwind—a series of informal chats that peek into the minds of business executives through a fun lens in an attempt to get to know the person behind the title a little better.

In this week’s session, we have The Starter Labs, Zoo Media founder Rehan Dadachanji.

With a dream to build a diverse and dynamic digital marketing agency, Dadachanji co-founded ‘The Starter Labs’ in 2016.

A relentless multitasker, Dadachanji manages a plethora of on ground duties at TSL, right from Business Development, Human Resources to anything else that comes his way.

Before beginning his entrepreneurial journey, he was part of stalwart organizations like McCann Erickson and Coca-Cola, as well as marquee start-ups such as BookMyShow .

An alumnus of Jai Hind College, Dadachanji is also a true blue sportsman with exuberant passion for football. He represented his college at state level championships, still plays for Bombay Gymkhana in professional leagues, and participates in many other international tournaments.

Dadachanji is embraced by friends and co-workers alike for his unparalleled wit, one that is on its finest display during his infamous “reaction videos” at Sangeet functions.

While working hard and dreaming harder, he also believes in giving back to society. Dadachanji has been instrumental in ushering several successful campaigns for numerous NGOs, and is always the ‘go to’ person to source out help for a social cause.

An aspiring maverick who went on to chart an inspiring career, Dadachanji is often spotted talking to fellow thinkers of the next generation at platforms like upGrad, WZCC, and BNI amongst others.

So, without further ado, here it goes…

•     Your mantra for Life

Keep Going! While this may not sound grand or sexy, I believe that consistent effort and work can move mountains. 

•     A book you are currently reading / plan to read

Give and Take by Adam Grant, a world renowned psychologist. It talks about fundamentals of how helping others will drive your success. What I love about this book is that you can pick it up and read it for just a few minutes and it’ll interest you. A podcast that I love listening to is “A CEO’s Diary” - the Simon Sinek episodes are brilliant!

•     Your Fitness mantra, especially during the pandemic

Starting a workout - any work out. Whether its for 10 minutes or 1 hour, just start and then don’t feel guilty about when you stop. There are some days I just have enough energy to stretch and other days where I just don’t feel like stopping!

•     Your comfort food

Sushi and Coca-Cola (not together though!)

•     When the chips are down a quote/ philosophy that keeps you going

“A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor” - Franklin D Roosevelt

•     Your guilty pleasure

Lying down and doing absolutely nothing. I can do this for hours!

•     When was the last time you tried something new?

A couple of weeks ago I tried wearing white sneakers to the office to look more Gen Z. I don’t think it worked though.

•     A life lesson you learnt the hard way

The world around us was built by people no better than you and me - we have the opportunity to change whatever we want - as long as we put a ton of work behind it.

•     What gets you excited about life?

Solving problems. Whether they’re business challenges or helping someone deal with something they can’t figure out, I enjoy solving problems. 

•     What’s on top of your bucket list?

Scuba diving! I’ve gone snorkelling and sky diving but haven’t had the chance to go scuba diving yet. Attending a FIFA World Cup game live.

•     If you could give one piece of advice to your younger self, what would it be?

No philosophical advice but I’d tell myself to learn about investing earlier!

•     One thing you would most like to change about the world

Accessibility to good and easy healthcare. Far too many people deal with 

•     An activity that keeps you motivated / charged during tough times

I love playing football. I try and play 8-10 times a month. Substitute football for squash in the monsoon. Having your head out of your phone and focusing on something else is a great feeling.

•     What lifts your spirits when life gets you down?

Spending time with a few friends. Not drinking, dancing, and partying in clubs - just a fun lunch or dinner. 

•     Your go-to stress buster

I try and not let stress affect me much. I generally don’t look for an activity to bust my stress, I try and deal with it directly.