Tarun Kochhar, CEO

WHETHER IT’S DABBLING IN BRAND IDENTITY, PUTTING TOGETHER A HR BLUE PRINT FOR ORGANIZATIONAL GROWTH, OR CREATING EFFECTIVE LEADERS WITH A PACK OF CARDS, POSSIBILITIES IS THE BUZZ WORD FOR TARUN

An engineer from BIT Mesra and Alumnus from XLRI Jamshedpur, Tarun has had a multifaceted term with Hindustan Lever in Human Resources, Marketing and Sales. His versatility allowed him to work across myriad roles from managing HLL’s employer brand equity, to developing category- wise business strategies to designing OD interventions
Tarun is a compulsive ‘creator’ and it’s in the moments of insight, of connect, of choices and expression for him, that Tarun discovers the ‘chi’ of his work each time; what he calls ‘magical moments’. He is the all-in-one entity at Carpediem - brand consultant, organization change agent, facilitator, coach and mentor for senior management
Tarun seems to have the innate ability to piece together themes and patterns to create a complete, alive picture whether it is people, designs or his favorite pastime: jigsaw puzzles.
So we tried piecing him together to figure him out… the closest we got was to a scrabble word that reads U-N-I-Q-U-E….

Shampa Kochhar, Director

This ones seasoned, a ‘score’ with the plectrum
NIIT, Kotak, Citibank & AOL as the spectrum
Can build an HR strategy with her left hand
That to the challenge of an MC would stand

An uncanny intuition, to the future does sprint
Many visions that post facto, appear in print
So much so, businessmen have later realized
Had they but lent an ear to utterings so prized

A global professional, in business and tongue
Skilled at growing people, experienced & young
A role based in Europe she couldn’t refuse
Between France, Spain or Italy; little to choose

Quick, perceptive and so often quite witty
Our very own HR Head, the lass in this ditty
A streak that runs creative, we often enlist
Not cloudy or fuzzy, but a true blue realist

Sandya Chandran

FAILING TO PREPARE, YOU ARE PREPARING TO FAIL

This quote by Benjamin Franklin, could very well have been coined by Sandya.

What do you get when you cross a doting mother, a seasoned business strategist and an eternal optimist? You get Sandya - project manager extraordinaire who can deep dive into reports and analyse data like Virat Kohli bats.

Sandya is the nerd friend you had in college who grew up to be the smartest person you’d have the fortune of knowing. Even today, she makes sure to take out time for her books - the volumes that make her an expert on everything from the intricacies of Japanese culture to the art of money management. And very importantly, when she isn’t fighting her daily new fire or boosting her ever-increasing intellect, you’ll find her indulging in one of man’s favourite relaxation activities - sleep.

Sandya is also the perfect mix of the old and the new - while her work ethic and thoughts are WAY ahead of the times, her strength and resilience come from the teachings of the great Sri Sathya Sai Baba. All of this together has shaped her into a grounded, witty, positive person who every person would be lucky to have on their team.

Sumantra Ray

OUR IN-HOUSE BUTTERFLY, FLITTING FROM IDEA TO IDEA; WHILE WE STAY READY TO NET THE PRIZED ONES!

Jack of all trades, master of business administration. His love for brand building is a by-product of his obsession with predicting human behavior. Likes riding around the country on a motorcycle and passing it off as market research. Has spent more than 10 years helping brands turn strategy into communication that fuels engagement. Loves ideating with equal enthusiasm for big-budget 360-degree campaigns for fizzy drinks, as well as frugal employer brand activation for tech giants. Often distracted, but always excited. Someone who rides way ahead of our gang on the ‘digital marketing’ front, but is leading the gang up the curve ...

Neeraj Kochhar

Neeraj’s career is as diverse as it is impressive. He began his journey in the U.S., studying performing arts and briefly working with a renowned New York theater company. However, in the mid-90s, he made a bold shift into digital marketing, just as the internet was gaining momentum. Over the past 25 years, Neeraj has excelled in various roles, from performance marketing to programming, with experience spanning continents. His interest in technology was sparked by a tech-savvy roommate at NYU, which led him to teach himself programming and dive headfirst into the digital marketing world. Neeraj’s journey is a testament to his adaptability and passion for learning.

Outside of work, Neeraj is a man of many passions. He’s an avid photographer, capturing the beauty of nature, and a lover of theater, tennis, music, literature, and international films. His deep appreciation for the arts is matched by his commitment to environmental causes, influenced by his time as a farmer, where he cultivated a deep connection to the land.

Neeraj lives by the values of authenticity, perseverance and integrity, whether he’s at work or exploring his varied interests.

A visionary with a diverse and inspiring career, Neeraj's journey is a testament to the power of adaptability, passion, and lifelong learning.

Divya Bharath

HERE COMES AN ALL ROUNDER, ALWAYS GEARED UP FOR THE NEXT CHALLENGE

The true embodiment of the philosophy, “Whatever you do, do it with all your heart and soul”, Divya is a dynamic finance pro who unexpectedly found her groove in OD consulting! After earning her MBA in finance, Divya’s career began in the fast-paced world of banking, with stints in Singapore and Chennai. However, life led her to consulting, where her versatility truly shines. Her ability to transition seamlessly between roles, from coaching to task mastering, and her knack for connecting with both CEOs and frontline staff, set her apart.

During the pandemic, Divya ventured into OD& EB consulting with Carpediem, transforming a part-time role into a full-fledged passion. She found herself drawn to the depth and diversity of various projects, where she blends practicality with emotion, ensuring every task is executed with precision and heart. Her expertise in organizational change and marketing, paired with her intellectual curiosity, makes her a valuable asset in challenging environments.

Outside of work, Divya is a full-time mother, classical singer, avid reader, and curator of traditional medicines. A dance-loving fitness enthusiast, she enjoys swimming and engaging in deep conversations. She’s also got a quirky talent—telling the time without a clock, thanks to her keen intuition.

Divya's a whirlwind of energy, charging into every obstacle with unwavering enthusiasm. She's not just a passenger on life's journey; she's the captain at the helm.

R Dinesh

AN ADVENTOROUS SORT, HE IS ON A SELF-INITIATED MISSION OF TAKING HIS BRANDS WHERE NO BRAND HAS EVER BEEN BEFORE

Very gentle on the surface but aggressive within, he believes that things happen in the market and not through prolonged time spent in the refuge of the ivory tower.
A graduate in BBA from Madras Christian College and Masters in Business Administration, he started his career marketing bakery ingredients. We scooped him out of the rich icing and landed him into growing the nascent organic foods market. And get Chennai to go 'Organic', he did!
Raised in the dream tourist destination, Coonoor, camping and trekking were staple for him. Has had fair experience with 'hook and line' as well, however in Chennai, where he currently lives and works, he fishes in different waters A marketer and a gentleman, please welcome D

Rutuja Mehendale

EXPERIENCE IN TOURISM + MUMBAI-LEVEL SURVIVAL SKILLS + INSIGHTFUL BRAND CONSULTING + A FRESS NEW MBA =

It just seems that Rutuja knows everything. She has worked on social media, organisational development, EVP building and even planning secret gifts for her coworkers and has excelled at every single one of them.

Carpediem’s extravert, she can build friends with a handshake. It’s no wonder that clients consider her to be one of their own and we fear someday one of them might give her an employee id.

Apart from work, Rutuja has a lot of love for networking and talking to people. A true people person, she thrives on engaging with others and connecting with them on a deeper level. Wait, there is more - she is a music enthusiast, loves giving food recommendations to fellow consultants visiting Bombay or Pune and of course, setting fire on the revered dance floors of the Mumbai club circuit.

Whenever there is a film to be made, Rutuja is the chosen one behind the camera. Let’s hope that this charming personality, so talented at capturing moments, continues to have great moments at Carpediem!

Satish Kumar

BLISS-FULLY COOL AS A CUCUMBER' EVEN IN THE MOST TORRID CHENNAI CONDITIONS, IS THE HALLMARK OF THIS YOUNG MAN.

Satish graduated in computer applications and thereafter did a masters in International Business. A career in Heavy Metal so far, he first marketed pumps in Chattisgarh before switching to marketing steel.

At Carpediem, Satish plays a Market Development role in building the iSteel brand. He independently champions all below the line activities (no pun intended) and plays a support role in the strategic development of the brand. Perhaps the one person in our team who literally lives in with the client!

Coming back to heavy artillery, Satish loves long rides, a spot of speed and lots of Rajnikant in his life. 'Our man' in Chennai, makes friends with a handshake and is ever willing to hold out the same hand. Many a 'MOM' (Marketing Operations Manager) has he inducted being the oldest young one in the ground.

Shreya Gupta

Meet Shreya, the brains behind some of our coolest employer branding initiatives! Shreya brings a unique perspective to the research and development team by leveraging her expertise in neuroscience and psychology which helps in ideation and content creation, ensuring innovative and impactful results.

Shreya isn't all work and no play, though. She's a master at balancing her professional life with a wide range of hobbies. Whether it's traveling the world, diving into new cultures, or getting creative with art and music, Shreya always finds time to explore her interests. She believes in taking care of herself – both physically and mentally. She encourages her colleagues to do the same, whether it's doing yoga or practicing mindfulness.

Known for her calm demeanor and adaptability, Shreya is a reliable and supportive teammate. Always willing to lend a hand or a listening ear, she's a rock for the team. But don't be surprised if she throws in a spontaneous idea or two – that's Shreya keeping things fresh! She embodies the spirit of Steve Jobs' mantra: "The only way to do great work is to love what you do." Her passion shines through in every project she tackles.

Shreya's journey is an inspiration – a testament to the power of curiosity and a love of learning. She's here to foster a positive and collaborative environment and encourage us all to embrace the joy of discovery.

Anusha Nair

STILL WATERS RUN DEEP!

Anusha is our in-house success story - she started as an intern and in a jiffy has earned her stripes, taking on the avatar of ‘Project Champ’. Hats off to her! Because of Anusha, we as Carpediem can tell you one thing for sure - having a budding psychologist running social media for your clients is an A1 decision. They know how your audience’s brains work. And since she does, she breathes life into every employer branding project that Carpediem takes up.

That's not all Anusha is, though - she is also a collector. She collects EVERYTHING - from unique stones to delicious donuts and delicate seashells. This gives her an eye for detail, a way to see innovation and beauty in even the smallest slivers of content. Someone who can take a normal set of words and turn them into a world-beating banger.

Deeply thoughtful about how companies can make a difference to the lives and experiences of employees, Anusha could very well play a role in our organisation development practice. Guess she is happy to be in an environment that lets professionals find their calling!

Waquee Ahmed

IS IT A SWISS KNIFE, IS IT A DECATHLON MASTER. IT’S A MAN FOR ALL SEASONS

Introducing the "Adaptable Ace"! Picture a civil engineer turned marketing maestro, effortlessly juggling 4 browser windows with 62 tabs like a circus performer spinning plates and a faint outline of Waquee would start to appear.

A true enigma, this maestro of ideas kick-started his career by making folks laugh on the small screen and shed tears on the big screen. As adept with numbers as he is with words, you'll find him conquering Sudoku and Scrabble battles with the grace of a chess grandmaster.

Never one to shy away from testing new playgrounds, this fan of the beautiful game swings his badminton racket with the elegance of a ballerina and steps into MMA bouts with the fervour of a gladiator. His playlist? It's a wild ride, from the soulful melodies of Mukesh to the rebellious chaos of Arctic Monkeys and the enlightening stories of audiobooks. Just like his eclectic taste, his love for diversity knows no bounds!

An advocate for genuine connections, he treasures the warmth of an embrace over the stiffness of a handshake and delves deep into the humanity within brands. This "Adaptable Ace" knows how to mix business with pleasure, like a wizard blending different spells to create magic!

Aman Hussain

Meet Aman, our resident "chess master" and the undisputed king of all things biryani! This financial whiz started out navigating the world of banking, but his adventurous spirit craved more. So, he embarked on a three-year startup odyssey, where he and his comrades became masters of cost-cutting like financial ninjas. Now, he brings his unique blend of sharp suits and startup swagger to Carpe Diem! Off the clock, Aman indulges in his love for cooking, music, chess, and thrilling motorcycle tours across South India.

Fun fact: Aman's a university gold medalist in photography! He has an eagle eye for detail.

What makes Aman tick? He believes in treating everyone with respect and getting things done the right way. His friends and family describe him as a capable, creative problem-solver who's always up for a new challenge. Oh, and did we mention he loves to learn and innovate? So, raise a virtual fork (or spoon, we don't judge) and welcome Aman to the Carpe Diem team!

Manasi Mohanan

Manasi's journey through the world has instilled in her a deep appreciation for people and their potential. Her background in industrial psychology, coupled with her strong HR skillset, makes her a champion for employee success. She's a communicator, a great listener, and a skilled writer, ensuring you will always get clear answers and a helping hand when needed. When she's not navigating the world of HR, Manasi keeps her active spirit alive. Whether it's dancing to her favorite tunes or hitting the pavement for a morning run, she thrives on a healthy routine (fueled by a love for coffee, of course!). Known for her reliability, her loved ones affectionately call her the "go-to person”. On a global scale, Manasi yearns for a more connected world. Her experiences have fostered a belief in the power of unity and building bridges across borders.

Sifat Sawhney

Ever wondered what a psychology whiz, branding enthusiast, and dessert buff rolled into one looks like? Meet Sifat, our resident branding dynamo! Don't let the honors degree in psychology fool you - she started off in employee engagement but soon discovered her calling in the world of branding, now shining in employer branding.
A trifecta of talent, Sifat juggles psychological insights, branding savvy, and research prowess like a pro, all while whipping up eye-catching visuals that make even the driest report pop. When she's not busy making magic happen for our team, you might find her devouring a good book, pumping iron at the gym, binge-watching the latest Netflix craze, or enjoying an awesome meal.

Oh, and did we mention Sifat's a trained Bharatanatyam dancer? With 10-12 years of dedication to this beautiful art form, she has developed determination, emotional depth, and a caring nature. Her motto? Just keep swimming! Sifat's journey is a vibrant tapestry of curiosity, resilience, and a drive for excellence that's truly contagious.

Geethapriya R

Sometimes you must dangle your feet in the water to attract the sharks.
— Enola Holmes

This is Geethappriya in a nutshell. A dynamic marketing professional, she blends analytical precision with imaginative flair, crafting compelling narratives that resonate deeply. Marketing allows her to express her creativity and independence, aligning perfectly with her values. Known for her sharp eye for detail and a passion for understanding the "why" behind things, Geethappriya is a powerhouse of ideation and creative thinking.

Outside of work, Geethappriya transforms from a shy socialite into a stage sensation, finding freedom in singing and playing the guitar. An avid reader, especially of political and feminist literature, she also writes broken poetry and book reviews. Geetha’s friends affectionately say, "When she doesn't have her nose in a book, she's off trying to out-bard the bard”. Whether in work or life, Geethappriya embodies passion and accountability. She’s driven by a belief in educational reform to shift societal mindsets and is committed to lifelong learning, always striving for more. Geethappriya’s journey is a vibrant blend of creativity, passion, and relentless growth.

With a heart full of creativity and a mind set on making a difference, Geethappriya isn’t just about chasing dreams—she's about shaping them!