KATHMANDU: Jugesh Shrestha, CEO of Am-ravati Group (AG), believes that instead of sticking to the age-old procedures, it is essential to change them in tune with the time and trends to achieve success. A graduate in marketing and management from Tribhuvan University, Shrestha heads three groups — Amravati Travels, Amtrip and Amravati International — simultaneously.

Having worked in Soaltee Crowne Plaza for almost 14 years and with the experience of two-and-half years at Galileo Distribution System, Shrestha joined AG in 2009 as its CEO. His career took off as the telephone operator at Soaltee Crowne Plaza and over the years he wore different hats before being appointed the director of sales and marketing. “I consider myself quite lucky to have achieved the corporate goals and managed to cope with the hurdles tactfully,” says Shrestha. However he left the job and switched to Galileo Distribution System.

Explaining the reason behind the decision, Shrestha says, “It was a necessary move because my work in Soaltee required me to be on-call at all times and I hardly got to spend any time with my family. This was beginning to bother my conscience, especially after my son was born.”

According to Shrestha, Galileo provided flexible working hours, which was just what he was looking for at that point in time. Later on he joined AG as it was owned by the same people with whom he used to work for Soaltee. “It was a wonderful opportunity to work with the same bunch since I had good rapport with them earlier,” adds Shrestha.

AG has 135 staffs and as a motivational tool, the company holds different trainings programmes and seminars to update them with the new technology and equip them with easy and effective working style. Apart from the constant trainings, AG also organises three annual programmes without fail — family picnic, staff picnic and the team building exercises.

Shrestha believes that business is not a one-man show and for operating the business successfully, every staff needs to work towards the organisational goal. Shrestha attributes his nature of not dictating and allowing flexibility to his employees to be the main reason for the organisation not having any conflict. “I believe in giving my staff total freedom as long as they are able to deliver as expected,” he says.

Talking about the challenges, he says, “It’s really difficult to expand our projects because of the uncertain scenario in the country, whereas other problems that come along can be sorted out as they are created by the people.” Stating success and

failure to be two sides of a coin, Shrestha says every leader must have the power to convince other stakeholders for implementing and launching new ideas and products.