In September 2017, Dr Param Shah was appointed as the Director of Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry, United Kingdom (FICCI). A postgraduate doctoral degree (PhD) in Management and a Master in Business Administration (MBA), Param has also studied law, commerce and intellectual property rights. He specializes in International Marketing & Corporate Laws. He has over 17 years of experience ranging from academics to managing trade bodies.
An alumnus of the prestigious International Visitor Leadership Programme (IVLP) of the United States Department of State, Param began his career as an academic. He was associated with various Universities in India, as a Faculty in Finance and Corporate Laws. He has been an academic advisor to the ICFAI University. He has about 40 published papers on various aspects of management and other economic issues to his credit.
He has been recently included in the ‘100 most influential people’ in UK India relations by India Inc Group.
His commitment and expertise has earned him appointments to various government bodies. Ministry of Human Resources Development (MHRD) appointed him to two central bodies - the Central Regional Committee of the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), a statutory body for technical education in India. And on the Board of Governors for the Board of Apprenticeship and Training. The Ministry of Shipping, Government of India appointed him to the Advisory Board of the Kandla Port Trust, Gujarat, which is amongst the most significant ports in India.
He is also a member of the Advisory Board of the Indian Career Education & Development Council, a non-profit organization set up with support from the Australia India Council, Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. And when he is not driving business policies, he is often seen behind binoculars, watching birds, which is one of his passions.
1 Which place, or city or country do you most feel at home in?
I was born in Mumbai and lived there until we moved to Ahmedabad as a family. I studied and worked all my professional career here and met my better half as well. Having made London home now, my heart still beats for Ahmedabad.
2 What are your proudest achievements?
I am proud of every mile stone that I have achieved, however, some of my achievements that have made my family and particularly my late father proud are my most cherished achievements. I have many times been written off by the very people whom I looking up to, bouncing back from there to achieve milestones in life has always made me proud.
3 What inspires you?
I draw inspiration from every person I meet. I try to find one good quality in every person I meet. I like passionate young entrepreneurs, especially founders of innovative start-ups. They always get my creative juices going. Their ‘never say die’ attitude and breaking the traditional barriers to achieve the impossible has always inspired me.
4 What has been biggest obstacle in your career?
Myself. Ever since I survived a road accident very early in my career, I have always been an optimist which at times has slowed things down, but never went wrong.
5 Who has been the biggest influence on your career to date?
The two biggest influencers of my life have been my father and my wife. Both have taught me to live life selflessly. Beyond family one person who has influenced and been instrumental in shaping my career is my mentor and good friend.
6 What is the best aspect about your current role?
Representing FICCI, the largest and the oldest Apex Business Organization of India in the UK, in itself is one of the best aspects of my current role. Meeting different people and forging strong trade and industry linkages between these two greatest democracies.
7 And the worst?
There is nothing bad in my current role.
8 What are your long-term goals?
Personally - learn, unlearn and relearn. I believe the day one stops learning, that’s the day he stops growing. Professionally – to play my part in strengthening the trade & industry relations between India and the UK.
9 If you were Prime Minister, what one aspect would you change?
Politics will never be a career option for me. However, hypothetically speaking if I do become the Prime Minister I would like to introduce more transparency and accountability by governments towards public.
10 If you were marooned on a desert island, which historical figure would you like to spend your time with and why.
I would like to spend my time getting insights on Arthashastra (Economics) and Nitishastra (Policy Making) from Chanakya.
