With over 20 years media experience, Govind Shahi is an established media professional based in London. Currently heading the Viacom18 UK business in Europe and Americas where the Network has seen significant progress namely being the number 1 network in the Free-to-air market in the UK, in respect of the South Asian viewership and revenues. By launching a sister channel (Rishtey TV) and breaking the norm of moving Colours to the free-to-air mode, risking subscription revenues, he in fact helped drive up the revenues close to 10 fold for the Network in Europe.
He continues to innovate, most recently launching Rishtey on Freeview. There is always a first which is credited to him. On a personal front, Govind is a doting father, a keen badminton player and occasionally dabbles in the kitchen over weekend trying new recipes alongside his wife.
1) What is your current position?
Business Head – Europe and Americas for Viacom18 UK
2) What are your proudest achievements?
I like being an innovator, which leads me in to a number of first mover initiatives. At Viacom18 UK, it has been a whole new approach after the stint at Zee, given the Network was still very young vs. some of the competitors proving opportunities to explore new avenues like going FTA, launching new channels, etc. And looking back, whilst at Zee, bringing large scale events like the Zee Carnival and Zee Cine Awards to the UK, along with the launch of new channels.
3) What inspires you?
I am inspired by out of the box thinking and working with seniors who I can look up to as role models. I have worked with some intelligent people over the years who have helped bring out the best in me. If I have to summarise this response, I would say I get inspired by positive change or evolution and also creative people who have a vision to work towards that.
4) What has been the biggest obstacle in your career?
I cannot really say I have had any big obstacle in my career. It has been a learning curve which I could say has been steep at times especially when you deal with specific situations and also people within organisations who tend to be obstructive. Having said that, emerging from such situations is a learning experience for the future and I have not really looked back with regrets or, held anyone/anything specific as an obstacle in my career path to date.
5) Who has been the biggest influence on your career to date?
It all begins and ends at home. A happy family ensures a successful career. The support that I have got from my wife and family in the decisions I have taken, has been instrumental in helping me grow to where I am today.
6) What is the best aspect about your current role?
I enjoy my current role as I work with a leadership team that I can look upto and I have the flexibility and freedom to make decisions which impact the business. The media world is going through rapid changes and the landscape today is very different vs. what it was when I came here 15 years back. The business models of media channels have changed dramatically and there is a lot more yet to happen in the years to come. I think being in a position where I can influence the change and play a key role in this evolution is probably what I would say is the most exciting part of the current role.
7) And the worst?
Probably not knowing clearly how much the landscape will evolve due to the rapid pace of changes.
8) What are your long term goals?
I do not really like to make long term plans. I prefer to live in the present with some thinking for the near future. Things happen and circumstances influence how the future pans out. I prefer to let things take shape as you move forward in the journey of life.
9) If you were Prime Minister, what one aspect would you change?
I believe health is wealth, therefore improve the NHS, have stronger laws on HFSS, so people know what they eat. For the future generation, instil the importance of physical fitness through education so we have a young generation that grows up to be fighting fit. Stress is a killer and focus on health also helps people draw a work life balance to enjoy the best of both worlds.
10) If you were marooned on a desert island, which historical figure would you like to spend your time with and why?
Given my fondness towards Apple products and the creativity that Steve Jobs has undoubtedly bought in to the tech industry creating history, if I were to be marooned on an island, it would be have to be with Steve Jobs. Would be a great opportunity to discuss how we could dovetail that kind of thinking into the broadcast industry!
