Rajeev Gupta is the Joint Managing Director of RSWM Ltd., part of the LNJ Bhilwara Group, one of India’s largest textile manufacturers. With over 30 years of experience in textiles and related industries, he is known for his strategic foresight and operational excellence. At RSWM, he leads initiatives in innovation, sustainability and efficiency, driving the company’s growth in domestic and global markets. A former senior leader at Reliance, Trident and Vardhman, he specialises in business turnarounds and operational excellence. He holds an MBA (Gold Medalist) and is a Certified Cost and Management Accountant.
Travel and Exploration
Switzerland and Goa
Bucket List
Writing a book on management lessons, scuba diving. I believe the best of me is yet to come.
Define Success
Success is not having regret that I could have done that. If happiness doesn’t follow success, it is not true success.
Favourite Food
Simple home-made food and fruits
One Superpower You Wish You Had
The power of super speed so that I can do all the things I want to do.
Thoughts on AI
Global market expansion is fuelled by technological innovations and advances in AI, IoT and automation. Tech tools are revolutionising traditional operations by enhancing efficiencies and lowering production costs. Textile manufacturers are producing novel, high-quality fabrics while simultaneously maintaining their cost-effectiveness.
Advice to Young Professionals
- Believe in yourself, irrespective of whether others believe in you or not. They will only start believing when you believe in it. You need to have internal motivation.
- Build the right team for you which your business requires.
- Stay focused.
- In the longer run, quality is not costly.
- Preserve cash and control your temptation to spend more.
Thoughts on Work-Life Balance
It is a myth. If you enjoy your work, there is no need to balance – life becomes balanced on its own and if you have a supportive, loving family. I am blessed to have such a family— my wife, son, daughter-in-law and daughter have always stood by me.
Daily Routine
I start the day with morning walk, then news and prefer to reach office on time. After office, on my way back, I like to catch up with industry friends and engage in networking. I also make sure that no mail message or call goes unanswered before bed. Deep thinking time is the last ritual of the day.
3 Must-Watch Movies
- Godfather
- Bridge of Spies
- Lagaan
Passion and Hobbies
Coaching people is my passion as I gain perspective and energy from this. I also enjoy cricket and music, especially old ghazals from Jagjit Singh.
Life-Changing Event/ Incident
A training program at the age of 26 where I figured out my personality and wrote my life’s vision.
3 Must-Read Books
- Goal by Eliyahu M. Goldratt (The book is about complexities in manufacturing business, also simplifying priorities and achieving efficiency in operational set-up)
- Dhirubhai Ambani: A Complete Biography by N. Chokkan (There is a lot to learn from his journey specially the management principles)
- Start With Why by Simon Sinek (The book gives us a deep dive into the organisational purpose)
Favourite Car
Mercedes
Life Mantra
There are two life mantras I believe in – never settle, keep on evolving. Secondly, never underestimate the other person.
