Ayushman Baruah

About

Award-winning business and IT journalist with experience across newspapers, magazines, wire agencies, IT companies, and digital media – with leadership and expertise in news, views, and insights in the technology sector. After more than a decade in the media industry, I have learnt the meaning of leadership gradually, by design rather than by fluke. Leadership has always inspired me, so I have consciously observed how leaders “respond” to situations, which is in stark contrast to how managers “react”. If I were to choose one quality of a leader, it would be professionalism – something I am a stickler for.The word “professional” is often loosely used. While the standard definition may define a professional as anyone skillful at a particular job, in reality that skillful person may not be a true professional. As Subroto Bagchi articulates in his book ‘The Professional’, a professional is defined by 3 characteristics, which also defines me as an individual. 1) The ability to work unsupervised – I have always believed in working with the same dedication and sincerity when nobody is watching me. 2) The ability to certify completion of a job – Just like a professional painter who knows exactly when to drop his brush after his painting is complete, I write, edit, and rewrite an article until I feel it’s complete. Thereafter, I find it extremely difficult to accommodate any changes. 3) The ability to behave with integrity at all times – I believe integrity is something within and this is something I will never compromise with. I would prefer to lose a job or let a relationship go sour than compromise on integrity. Finally, I like to describe myself as a "student" of journalism as I am always learning. Apart from core skills in reporting, writing, and editing, I take special interest in speaking at seminars, moderating panel discussions, and leading initiatives. Besides, I am a passionate and die-hard believer and proponent of the fact that good journalism is good business.When I am not working, I love to travel or spend time with the fish in my aquarium. It helps me relax after a tiring day's work and connect with nature and discover my inner self. I am an optimist who believes tomorrow will be even better than today which is already good.