Smart People: Nandan Nilekani

"I was never ambitious in life," says Nandan Nilekani, the man who was at the helm of affairs when Infosys crossed the $1 billion revenue landmark recently. If one has the impression that the Infy management has a reputation for understatement, these words reinforce that.

Nilekani does not wear his responsibilities lightly. The first impression he exudes is that of pinpointed focus in everything he does, supplemented by crisp answers.

Nilekani was in the city of his alma mater - IIT Mumbai - for addressing a media meet. The hectic scheduling of his visit had a side effect of bringing out his vulnerable side: "I feel like a parcel being tossed around," he said in a candid moment amid a deluge of phone calls, frantically confirming last minute engagements before catching a flight back to Bangalore.

For a man who started off as a software engineer and never in his wildest dreams imagined that he would head one of India's most admired companies someday, Nilekani has surely come a long way. Under the able tutelage of Narayan Murthy, the man who hired him for the first time at Patni, Nilekani has inherited his predecessor's penchant for excellence.

Nilekani is not armed with any ceremonial management degree. Neither are the six other founders of Infosys. That probably goes to emphasis that management education is not necessary for good governance. The intention to be true and fair is more important.

Having established an impeccable corporate governance record, Nilekani's biggest challenge today is to lead Infosys to global leadership: "The biggest challenge for Infosys is becoming more proactive problem solvers than being reactive solution definers. I want to make things different," he adds.

Nilekani shares the sentiments of the usual quick rich techies - social work is a priority when he is done with his shareholders. Nilekani says he is committed to raise the level of public governance in the country.

Currently, he chairs an organisation named 'Bangalore Agenda Task Force' which is a mixture of public and private partnership dedicated to make Bangalore a better city. Outside Bangalore, he is involved in projects involving the improvement of 56 cities in Karnataka apart from e-governance and municipal governance. "My objective in life is to be an object of change," says Nilekani.

Nilekani works 12-14 hours a day and any break apart from work and social causes is treasured for catching up with family. He is not a sports freak, but keeps fit by exercising regularly. He loves the city he lives in. "There is more sense of community in Bangalore and there is a sense of pitching in to make a difference" he says.

How does he manage to do his bit with his hectic schedule? "Managing time efficiently is the key," he says. Sure. That is the reason he is finally heading for a vacation after non-stop work for two years.

He is looking to spend 10 days with wife, children and wildlife. Even as we say it is a welcome respite from making millions, investors ask how long will Infosys take to make the next billion?

"Less than 23 years (that is the time Infy took to make its first billion)," Nilekani says quirkingly!