Khalid Wani's Inspiring Journey

From the valley of Kashmir to the heights of the global technology industry, Khalid Wani has traced an impressive path. Wani currently heads the business vertical for India and Southeast Asia at Western Digital, the renowned data storage company. He is also part of the six-member India leadership committee overseeing the operations of Western Digital's massive 4,000 person research and development facility in India.

A Forbes-recognised thought leader and TEDx speaker, Wani has been acknowledged as one of the top ten tech executives in the region by DT India. With two decades of experience operating across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia Pacific, he has authored multiple articles for leading publications like The Times of India, Financial Times, Economic Times, The Hindu, and Business Times.

Passionate about building core skill sets amongst the youth of Kashmir and making them industry-ready, Wani is an avid biker and traveller who has visited over 60 countries. He serves as visiting faculty at NIT Srinagar and has undertaken guest lectures on communication, soft skill development, and entrepreneurship at prestigious institutes such as NIT, Amity Business School, IIFT, American University of Sharjah, BITS Pilani, and many more colleges and universities across the world.

In an exclusive interview with Greater Kashmir's Business Editor Mukeet Akmali, Khalid Wani speaks about his remarkable journey from Kashmir to handling business for a multinational tech giant.

MA: Tell us about your early days in Kashmir. Where did you grow up, and what was your childhood like?
KW: Reflecting on my early days in Kashmir fills me with nostalgia and gratitude, despite the challenge of growing up amidst conflict my childhood was filled with cherished moments spent with my siblings and cousins in the heart of Srinagar.

What are some of your fondest childhood memories in Kashmir?
We were fortunate enough to have lived close to Dal Lake and our school, that was Burn Hall, was just a 15-minute walk from our home; most days we would walk along the lake to go to school and on our way back we had multiple pit stops either at a small local grocery that used to sell the orange candies and the famous phantom candy or the ice cream vendor on the Dal Lake. Since our home was close to Shankaracharya mountain one of our most frequent activities was trekking the mountain. I am sure we should have done it at least a few dozen times.
Can you share any specific incidents or experiences that shaped up your personality during your early years?

Recalling specific incidents from my formative years in Kashmir I am reminded of the unwavering warmth and empathy that defined the people of the community. Despite the adversities their kindness and compassion remained steadfast instilling in me the value of empathy, service, and courage to make tough decisions with grace. These early experiences laid the foundation for my leadership style which is based on three essential characteristics. Empathy ( the ability to empathise with your team and help them overcome the challenges they are facing). Willingness to serve ( I think eventually that is what leadership is all about). The ability to make difficult choices.

What were your academic interests during your school and college days in Kashmir, and what are the academic achievements?
Though I always felt that I could have been a good doctor, I never had any specific academic interests during my school and college, and pretty much grew up as an average student. But one thing that I always enjoyed doing was meeting people and dreaming of travelling the world and eventually I ended up doing something that saw me travel over 60 countries and spend a lot my time developing business across Middle East, Africa, India and South East Asia.

What inspired you to pursue a career in the corporate world, and how did you navigate the transition from Kashmir to the multinational arena?
As it happens, I took a decision to continue my college outside of Kashmir and moved to Delhi and secured admission in a college, only to realise that Delhi is an expensive city and if you need to live well you need to figure a way out to make some money. So I started a part-time job and was fortunate enough to get a job in GE Capital financial services. I remember my first day at the job, and I had an opportunity to attend a town hall of all employees that was being addressed by the then leader of GE Capital who I shadow follow till now. His name was Tiger Tyararajan. When I heard him speak I was in awe and completely mesmerised by his leadership style and I said to myself that if I aspire to be someone I would like to be him and that is what started my journey in the corporate world.

Could you describe the challenges you faced as a Kashmiri youth entering the professional world, and how you overcame them?
As a Kashmiri youth venturing into the professional realm, I grappled with the challenges of limited exposure and resources that hindered my industry readiness. Overcoming these obstacles demanded resilience, adaptability and a growth mindset, embracing the importance of mentorship. I navigated the complexities of the corporate landscape recognising that every setback was an opportunity for learning and personal development.

What were the turning points or defining moments in your career that led you to your current position?
Throughout my career there have been numerous pivotal moments that have shaped my journey to its current position, however, I have never meticulously catalogued these instances in a diary. Instead I’ve chosen to cherish the successes as moments of gratitude and failures as opportunities for growth and improvement.

How has your Kashmiri upbringing and cultural background influenced your leadership style and approach to work?
My leadership style and approach to work have been deeply influenced by my Kashmiri upbringing and cultural background; rooted in empathy, service and the ability to make tough decisions with compassion, these values have served as pillars in shaping my leadership philosophy.

What advice would you give to young individuals from Kashmir aspiring to build successful careers in the corporate sector?
To young individuals from Kashmir aspiring to forge successful careers, I encourage them to focus on building strong communication skills, cultivating patience in pursuing their ambitions and fostering resilience in the face of obstacles. Embracing setbacks as stepping stones for growth and seeking mentorship are crucial elements of building a sustainable and thriving career.

Looking back, what are your proudest accomplishments, and what goals or aspirations do you have for the future?
Reflecting on my proudest accomplishments I find true fulfilment in empowering others to achieve their potential. Having traversed diverse continents and cultures over the past 2 decades, witnessing the impact of community support on business growth and leadership development has fuelled my aspiration to nurture and cultivate more budding business leaders from our hometown.

How do you balance your professional commitments with your personal life and remain connected to your Kashmiri roots?
Balancing my professional commitments with personal pursuits I find solace in my passion for travel and motorcycling and integrating these passions has allowed me to explore the world. As for my connection to my Kashmiri roots, it is quite deep-rooted and I always feel that as a person it shows.