Archive · 26 Sep 2026
Pankaj Gupta on Leadership, Family, Learning and Brands
Pankaj Gupta says good leadership means making plans and helping people understand what matters.
He plans the coming week before Monday begins.
During the week, he works with teams and reviews how the business is doing.
He takes a walk after lunch to refresh his mind.
On weekends, he spends time with his wife and daughters.
He enjoys riding his Royal Enfield and practising yoga.
He also likes vegetarian food, family trips and documentaries.
His phone and technology help him keep learning, while Rolex inspires him as a strong brand.
Pankaj Gupta plans his week in advance to create clarity while remaining flexible to unexpected opportunities and challenges.
His weekdays focus on business reviews, strategy, execution, team coordination and long-term priorities.
He takes a post-lunch walk and aims for about 15,000 steps daily, or at least 10,000 while travelling.
Weekends are devoted to family, Royal Enfield rides, yoga, vegetarian food, travel and recharging.
Gupta uses technology for learning, reads company annual reports and admires Rolex for its excellence, trust and timelessness.
- Who
- Pankaj Gupta, the MD and CEO of Godrej Finance.
- What
- He describes his work routine, health habits, family activities, technology use and admiration for Rolex.
- When
- He plans on Saturdays, focuses on business from Monday to Thursday, engages with stakeholders on Fridays and reserves many personal activities for weekends.
- Where
- His work and travel take place in settings including Mumbai; he also explores Mumbai’s vegetarian food scene.
- Why
- He uses planning to create clarity, walking and yoga to stay balanced, and learning and family time to remain focused and grounded.
- Role
- MD and CEO of Godrej Finance
- Weekly planning
- He maps out the week on part of Saturday
- Work structure
- Monday to Thursday are focused on business reviews, strategy and execution; Fridays are generally for external engagements
- Walking goal
- About 15,000 steps daily and at least 10,000 while travelling
- Family activities
- Weekend rides, travel and time with his wife and daughters
- Learning interests
- Documentaries, aviation crash investigations and annual reports of successful companies
- Admired brand
- Rolex, for its association with excellence, trust and timelessness