The Indian life insurance sector is evolving at a rapid pace, being driven by the need for increased financial security, widespread digitalization, and the push for increased accessibility. As this shift has taken place, penetration in insurance remains low, creating a gigantic opportunity to grow. Policybazaar, which is one of the leading online insurance aggregators, is at the center of this revolution, simplifying insurance for millions and bringing it to underserved segments across the country. Vivek Jain is Policybazaar’s Chief Business Officer, Life Insurance. With deep experience in consulting, startups, and Policybazaar leadership, he provides insightful inputs on industry trends, technological disruption, and company vision. The following insightful interview profile offers a glance at his journey, perspective on the industry, and customer-focused approach of Policybazaar. Interviewer: Hello everyone, today we have Vivek Jain, the Chief Business Officer, Life Insurance, Policybazaar with us. Vivek, could you please brief about yourself, your past journey, and then we can start? Vivek: Hi! I graduated from IIM Calcutta in 2013 and started my career in consulting with Boston Consulting Group for about two and a half years, where I worked across industries in BFSI and retail, as well as consumer goods. It was a very diverse experience. Then, I briefly worked for a couple of years with an auto-tech startup and have been with Policybazaar for over seven years now. Interviewer: How did you encounter your current role at Policybazaar? Vivek: In the last seven years at Policybazaar, I have handled multiple roles. I started by setting up a part of the term insurance business way back in 2018. Term was always a big part of the Policybazaar portfolio, but we were trying to establish a new segment within it. In those first one and a half years, I was involved in both sales and the business and strategy side. Then, for the next five years, I led the savings business, and for the last four months, I have been the Chief Business Officer, leading the life insurance business, including both term and savings. Interviewer: What leadership principles guide you in steering the life insurance business at Policybazaar? Vivek: At Policybazaar, the customer is at the center of everything we do. Any innovation, whether on the product, business, or process side, is designed for the customer. Our guiding principle is to win the customer’s trust and do what is right for them, creating transparency and helping them choose the most suitable products and plans. Interviewer: How have you observed the Indian life insurance market transform over the past decade, especially with the advent of digital platforms? Vivek: Over the last ten years, we’ve come a long way in life insurance, but there’s still a long way to go as the penetration in India is still in the low single digits. However, people are starting to better understand the importance of term and life insurance. With new-age and online platforms like Policybazaar, we see a lot of traffic coming from not just metro cities but also Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. There is growing awareness, but much work remains. Interviewer: Did you notice any change post-pandemic? Vivek: Post-pandemic, several things happened. People became more aware that they should have term and health insurance because life is very unpredictable. During COVID-19, even young people faced risks, and if they were the only breadwinner, their families suffered. Experiencing that phase made people realize the importance of these products, and we’ve since seen more people coming to our website to understand the plans. Interviewer: Did you introduce any changes to policy coverage due to COVID-19? Vivek: Regarding life insurance, any kind of death except suicide in the first year is covered in all life insurance policies, including death due to any pandemic like COVID-19. There was no significant change in terms and conditions because of the pandemic. Interviewer: What shifts have you noticed in customer behavior regarding life insurance purchases, and how has Policybazaar adapted? Vivek: We now get a lot of traffic from outside metros and Tier 1 cities. People are becoming more comfortable making payments online and are becoming digitally savvy. We’ve created streamlined digital journeys focused on customer experience. In the last three to four years, we’ve also built significant “feet on street” capacity. About 2,000 people are available across 70-80 major cities to meet customers, explain, and help them choose the right plans—this helps build trust and reach areas others might not. Interviewer: How is Policybazaar leveraging technological advancements to enhance customer experience in purchasing life insurance? Vivek: We have always provided a smooth, engaging digital journey, with deep integrations with our insurance partners that allow customers to research and compare policies online. In the past three to four years, we’ve developed AI and machine learning tools to identify risky customers at the application stage, including face and voice matching with documentation, which helps prevent fraud and impersonation at the source. This benefits both genuine customers and insurers. Interviewer: Can you share an example of how Policybazaar has gone above and beyond to assist a customer during the claim process? Vivek: We have a dedicated claims assistance program. For every life insurance policy issued, we send the nominee a claims card with a helpline number. Anyone needing help can call, and we will assist with the process. There have been many instances where nominees are not familiar with the process or are doubtful about claim payouts. In some cases, we send team members in person to help at the claimant’s home, especially if forms are complicated or the family is in emotional distress. Interviewer: What are the current trends in life insurance that you believe can shape its future? Vivek: Several trends are emerging. We now have special plans for NRIs, allowing them to buy term insurance with video medicals from abroad. We have also started a new segment for women, offering discount plans and features like critical illness cover and health management services. Another innovation is the smart exit feature, which

Few people exhibit resilience and transformative leadership like Dr. Ruchi Mishra Sharma in a world where unseen hardships frequently overshadow obvious achievements. Behind honors, medical certifications, and international speaking engagements is a tale of exceptional bravery and unwavering resolve rather than one of ease. Her path, which was shaped by her own trauma and deep recovery, has developed into a mission that affects people’s lives on other continents. She is no stranger to reinvention, having had medical training in India and subsequently requalified in the UK. Her most striking metamorphosis, however, started in the private moments of introspection when old scars cried out for a voice, not in an operating room or examination room. She overcame the darkness of postpartum depression and childhood sexual trauma by refusing to remain silent. Rather, she transformed her suffering into meaning. She is leading today with a potent fusion of emotional intelligence and clinical understanding. As the creator of Freedom and Empowerment Hypnotherapy with Ruchi, she is helping women in overcoming trauma by using innovative techniques like coaching, heart healing, and Rapid Transformational Therapy (RTT). Her strategy, which is based on empathy, sincerity, and strong clarity, has completely changed the way that people think about leadership in healing environments. The tale of Dr. Sharma is one of legacy in motion rather than merely one of survival. Her leadership is serving as an example of what can happen when someone has the courage to stand up, not only for themselves but also for the innumerable others who are still trying to break free from quiet. The Weight of Silence Dr. Sharma’s journey began in an Indian household where academic achievement was paramount, where success was measured by degrees and societal standing. The studious girl who would become a medical doctor carried a secret that nearly destroyed her sexual abuse endured at the age of five, buried so deeply that she convinced herself it couldn’t affect her life. “I thought I had buried it so far deep inside that it could not affect my life. But the reality was that the shadows of it gripped me; I was living in a cage.” she reflects. The cage manifested in various forms throughout her life. Despite her academic success earning her MBBS in 2008 and MS in Ophthalmology in 2011 she struggled with self-worth and identity. When she moved to the UK in 2011, she had to rebuild her medical career from scratch, as her Indian qualifications weren’t recognized. The determined doctor cleared the challenging PLAB 1 and 2 exams in 2012, demonstrating the resilience that would later define her transformation. The Breaking Point The birth of her son in 2020 should have been a joyous milestone, but it became the catalyst for Dr. Sharma’s deepest crisis. Postpartum depression consumed her, and the accumulated weight of decades of suppressed trauma threatened to crush her spirit entirely. “I remember looking deep into my son’s eyes, with the heat of uncontrollable tears streaming down my cheeks, as I felt completely helpless. I had hit rock bottom. I struggled with low self-confidence, low self-esteem, and non-existent self-worth. I just did not feel enough.” she recalls. At this crossroads, she faced a choice that would define not only her future but the futures of countless women she would eventually help. She could remain trapped in the darkness, or she could begin the painful journey toward healing. The Healing Revolution Dr. Sharma’s path to recovery led her to Rapid Transformational Therapy (RTT) and coaching—modalities that would not only save her life but become her life’s work. She trained under Marisa Peer, became a certified level 2 Heart Healing Practitioner, and earned her certification as a Jay Shetty Certification School life and success coach. “I chose to train and be able to help other women as these transformed my life and helped me align to my deeper calling and purpose.” she explains. Her own healing became the foundation for what would become Freedom and Empowerment Hypnotherapy with Ruchi, launched in July 2022. The transformation was remarkable. The woman who once “would rather die than be on stage” began speaking at international conferences. She has delivered impactful talks on four different stages in Paris over the past two years, sharing her story and healing methods with global audiences. Building an Empire of Healing Dr. Sharma’s vision is both audacious and deeply personal: no girl or woman should have to suffer in silence, because there is a way out. Her mission is to reach, touch, and transform the lives of one million women a goal that may seem ambitious for someone who once grappled with fears of visibility. Her approach combines her medical background with cutting-edge therapeutic techniques. Working primarily with women who have experienced sexual trauma and childhood abuse, she helps them break free from decades of pain in sessions that clients describe as immediately transformative. “I feel light. I feel seen. I feel heard,” clients tell her after their first RTT session. These words capture the essence of Dr. Sharma’s work—helping women move from disconnection to wholeness, from silence to voice, from trauma to triumph. The Balancing Act Managing her dual roles as a medical doctor and transformational therapist while being a mother to her four-year-old son requires extraordinary skill. Dr. Sharma works at the NHS on Mondays and Tuesdays, dedicates mornings to her private clients, and reserves afternoons for her son. “My dreams, goals, vision and me being the best mum that I can are all parts of me. I would really want to reassure the women out there that you do not have to choose one over the other.” she emphasizes Her philosophy extends beyond time management to emotional regulation. She uses what she calls the “HELICOPTER” technique stepping back from immediate problems to gain a broader perspective. This approach, born from her own struggles with overwhelm, helps her maintain clarity during challenging times. Recognition and Impact Dr. Sharma’s work has garnered significant recognition. She has received the Hoinser Award for

In a universe where uncertainty tends to give rise to hesitation, Jake Ohama has made it his guiding principle. His career path is far from conventional, from conceptualizing stadium-sized events upon graduation from university to changing Japan’s fashion scene with innovative ideas such as the Tokyo Girls Collection. As Founder and Animation Director of Rabbitwarren Animation Studios, he is now at the nexus of purpose, art, and innovation, leading a movement that is revolutionizing leadership and story as well. His style of leadership is founded on vision, resolve, and firm conviction in mass creativity. Rather than directing the outcome, he has faith in his teams by specifying their assignment in meticulous detail and then delegating to enable them to bring to the forefront their creativity. With its very first animation project winning the support of 30 million individuals globally within just two quick years, an unprecedented record for a group that was completely new to the game. Rabbitwarren’s meteoric rise has been fueled by this godly strategy. His passion for human connection lies at the root of every endeavor. He is converting every obstacle, both personal and professional, into creative energy, whether creating cultural symbols such as the Kobe Collection or leading the internationally targeted Unconditionable Project. His approach, powered by quantum physics and unwavering positivity, which is focusing on an active reality: that leadership is less about control, and more about flow, bravery, and vision. Japanese Jake Ohama goes on to produce not only tales, but a legacy of oneness, self-expression, and conscious transformation, proving that even the most unexpected projects can be truly fantastic in effect with the right attitude. From Campus Organizer to Fashion Pioneer Ohama’s talent for large-scale event management, first evident during his university fundraising efforts, quickly caught the attention of California’s prestigious Riviera Country Club. Hired straight after graduation, he found himself overseeing operations for events attracting up to 150,000 attendees, including the US Open. The scale and complexity of these events provided invaluable experience that would prove instrumental in his later ventures. “Running a business comes with inevitable setbacks and challenges. A true leader adapts the company’s direction, when necessary, inspires their team, and fosters a shared sense of purpose and growth.” he reflects, speaking from his current base in Singapore. This philosophy guided his transition from event management to entrepreneurship. Recognizing the emerging potential of mobile internet commerce, Ohama founded a company that would fundamentally change how fashion was consumed and experienced in Japan. His vision materialized in the creation of two groundbreaking fashion events: the Kobe Collection and the Tokyo Girls Collection (TGC). TGC became a cultural phenomenon, attracting between 30,000 and 60,000 attendees per event. More than just a fashion show, it revitalized Japan’s fashion industry and earned government backing, demonstrating Ohama’s ability to create enterprises that transcend commercial success to achieve broader cultural impact. The Mobile Commerce Revolutionary As a pioneer in mobile commerce, Ohama’s company achieved significant milestones through strategic partnerships with global brands including Louis Vuitton Japan and Coca-Cola Japan. These collaborations weren’t merely business transactions but represented a new paradigm in how luxury brands could engage with mobile-first consumers. The success of his fashion ventures has established Ohama as a visionary in understanding how technology can reshape traditional industries. Yet, he remains characteristically modest about these achievements, often stating that they are newcomers and do not consider themselves successful at all despite his company’s recognition with multiple awards, including the Nikkei Internet Award 2002 and the 6th Japan Online Shopping Awards. This humility perhaps stems from his philosophical approach to business and life. “In life, work and personal challenges don’t clash they’re two sides of the same coin. I’ve never focused on balancing them. Instead, I believe the environment and circumstances we grow up in naturally shape our passion for work and our life’s goals.” Ohama explains. A Quantum Perspective on Time and Purpose Ohama’s worldview draws heavily from quantum physics, particularly the concept that time is an illusion where past, present, and future exist simultaneously in the “eternal now.” This perspective profoundly influences both his business strategy and personal philosophy. He has even captured this concept in a song he wrote called “Now Here – Focus On Now,” which reflects his quantum view of time. “From a quantum mechanics perspective, time is an illusion. Everyone’s life has a natural ‘flow.’ Trusting and following that flow while steadily moving forward is crucial.” he says. This philosophy was tested during the 2011 Tohoku Earthquake, when Ohama’s company pivoted to support relief efforts while launching innovative global fashion projects like World Runway. The experience reinforced his belief in adaptation and resilience as core business principles. The Hiroshima Declaration and UNCONDITIONABLE PROJECT February 22, 2022, marked what Ohama believed would be a pivotal moment in Earth’s cycle. On that date, he traveled to Hiroshima to launch the “UNCONDITIONABLE PROJECT (UCDNBL),” an ambitious initiative rooted in a fresh artistic vision aimed at reminding humanity of its fundamental unity. The choice of Hiroshima as the launch location was deeply symbolic. Hiroshima, a city scarred by nuclear devastation, stands as a global symbol of peace, advocating for human unity and the futility of division, as Ohama has often emphasized. The timing proved prophetic just two days after the declaration, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine underscored the urgency of his message about human connection and peace. UCDNBL is founded on six core perspectives inspired by concepts from quantum physics: freedom, passion, time, consciousness, living in the present, and embracing abundance. The organization views life as a “painting of consciousness,” where individuals across the globe are empowered to freely shape their own perspectives, according to Ohama. The RABBITWARREN Phenomenon The pandemic forced a significant pivot in Ohama’s plans. Originally preparing to launch the WORLD RUNWAY project—a global fashion tournament—the impossibility of large-scale events during COVID-19 led to an unexpected opportunity. The team pivoted to developing an animation project that could be worked on remotely. What emerged was RABBITWARREN, the first phase of the UNCONDITIONABLE PROJECT

Leadership becomes the real key to success in the dynamic field of construction, where accuracy must be balanced with pressure and vision must be turned into tangible reality. Ajinkya Sarvagod, the Vice President of Engineering of Kohinoor Group Pune, is one of the few people who is successful in achieving this delicate balance. He is providing nearly two decades of diverse expertise in the residential, commercial, and infrastructure sectors, and is well known for his keen execution skills and people-first leadership approach. His path has been characterized by constant development, self-discipline, and a desire for greatness. It began with his profound admiration for his elder brother, a gold medalist and top railway official. Sarvagod combines innovative design thinking with systems-based execution methodologies, whether it is building massive infrastructure like the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway or creating opulent homes like those of cricket legend Virat Kohli. Using creativity and instantaneous decision-making to boost efficiency, he is a strong supporter of digital project management and the Kaizen technique. What really sets him apart is his conviction that teams should be empowered. He leads by fostering a sense of purpose, coaching experts, and bringing all stakeholders together around a common goal rather than by giving orders. As a thought leader and guest lecturer, he has an equal stake in developing the next generation of talent and improving industry standards. His dedication to business performance is beyond engineering, as seen by his position as an Independent Director with the Institute of Directors, which is demonstrating his profound knowledge of governance concepts that he learned from his father, a renowned criminal lawyer. Ajinkya Sarvagod is a wonderful example of leadership that is flexible, responsible, and prepared for the future. Building structures is only one aspect of his work; other goals include fostering trust, pushing the envelope, and leaving a legacy of operational excellence and visionary impact that the industry may emulate. The Foundation of Excellence Sarvagod’s journey began in the academic corridors of Government Polytechnic, Solapur, where he was honored as the Best Outgoing Student during his diploma in civil engineering. This early recognition was merely a glimpse of the excellence that would define his career. “My inspiration to pursue a career in construction came from my elder brother, Mr. Raj Sarvagod, a civil engineer, gold medalist, and Class I officer in Central Railways. From a young age, I looked up to him as my mentor and role model. That admiration laid the foundation for my lifelong passion for civil engineering.” he reflects. The influence of his brother proved instrumental in shaping not just his career choice but his approach to leadership and excellence. After completing his bachelor’s degree from WIT Solapur, where he served as President of the Civil Engineering Students Association of India, Sarvagod was recruited by K Raheja Corp through campus placement a milestone that marked the beginning of what would become a remarkable journey in the construction industry. Mastering Diversity: From Luxury Residences to Infrastructure Giants What sets Sarvagod apart in an industry often characterized by specialization is his remarkable ability to excel across diverse project categories. His portfolio reads like a comprehensive guide to modern construction, encompassing everything from luxury residential developments to massive infrastructure projects like the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway. “With over 19 years of experience, I’ve delivered projects across residential, commercial, and infrastructure domains. My leadership style evolves with each project’s unique requirements while maintaining a consistent focus on quality, innovation, and stakeholder satisfaction.” he explains This adaptability is perhaps best exemplified in his approach to different project types. Luxury residential projects, such as cricket icon Virat Kohli’s Alibaug residence, demand what Sarvagod calls “creative design thinking, personalization, and meticulous attention to detail.” In contrast, large-scale infrastructure projects require “systems thinking, Kaizen-based execution, and strong coordination with government authorities and turnkey contractors.” The ability to seamlessly transition between these vastly different requirements speaks to a deeper understanding of construction as both an art and a science. “I adapt by tailoring strategies across each project phase—from approvals and market research to cost planning, execution monitoring, and seamless handover—balancing precision with vision at every step,” he notes. The Innovation Imperative In an industry traditionally resistant to change, Sarvagod has emerged as a champion of innovation. His implementation of Kaizen methodology and sophisticated Management Information Systems (MIS) is revolutionizing project delivery across his organizations. This commitment to continuous learning and innovation is further evidenced by his current pursuit of IIT Delhi’s Executive Programme in Entrepreneurship Development 2025, demonstrating his dedication to staying at the forefront of industry evolution. “Kaizen and MIS systems have transformed our operational approach. Through Kaizen, we drive continuously improving inefficiencies, refining workflows, and encouraging innovation from all levels of the team.” he explains. This isn’t merely about adopting new technologies; it’s about fostering a culture of continuous improvement that permeates every aspect of project execution. The MIS platforms provide real-time tracking of progress, cost, and resources, enabling what Sarvagod describes as “early identification of bottlenecks and faster decision-making.” The results speak for themselves. This data-driven approach ensures accountability, agility, and consistent delivery of high-performance results, particularly crucial on complex or fast-track assignments that characterize much of today’s construction landscape. The Art of Client Excellence In a client-centric industry, Sarvagod’s approach to managing top-tier clients has become a benchmark for excellence. His philosophy centers on what he calls “end-to-end ownership of quality, time, and cost.” From concept to handover and extending into the facility management phase every interaction is governed by precise micro-level planning and Kaizen-level tracking. “Managing top clients starts with understanding their vision. We integrate value engineering, innovative design, and cost-effective construction methodologies to deliver an enhanced final product.” he emphasizes. This commitment to excellence has earned him recognition not just from industry peers but from clients who have experienced firsthand the difference that attention to detail can make. For Sarvagod, “Having a delighted customer on board” isn’t just a goal—it’s policy. Leadership Through Empowerment Perhaps nowhere is Sarvagod’s leadership philosophy more evident than in his approach to