BrandWagon Chai pe Charcha with Amway India’s Rajneesh Chopra

After a week driven by targets and timelines, weekends offer space to unwind and reconnect. From spending time with family to catching a match or discovering a new destination, downtime plays an important role in staying grounded. Rajneesh Chopra, Managing Director, Amway India, talks to BrandWagon Online about how he switches off, his favourite travel destinations, and more.

What is the one thing you like to do when not working?

When I am not working, I like to utilize the time to update myself on emerging industry and social trends or geo-political developments. I also take the opportunity to utilize that time to reflect on new ideas, plan ahead and think of ways how we can make great impact – always with the belief in progress over perfection. Beyond that, when not working, I enjoy listening to good music, catching up on some good reading, or playing a game of pickleball. These activities refresh and recharge me, so I come back sharper, with fresh ideas and greater clarity.  

How do you spend your weekends?

Weekends are usually my reset button. It is my time to step back and focus on what matters most -- a time to reflect and gain fresh perspectives so I return to work with renewed energy. When I am not travelling for work, I make it a priority to dedicate at least one full day exclusively to my family – no distractions, just being fully present and enjoying quality time together. I believe that our families warrant our time and attention, and I am committed to offering them the best of myself. The rest of the weekend is a mix of catching up on the latest on Netflix or listening to some good podcast. And if there’s a cricket match on, you’ll definitely find me hooked on it. These moments help me stay grounded and maintain a healthy balance between my professional and personal life. 

What are your favourite gadgets?

For me, the best gadgets have to be the ones that you use every day and cannot do without. I have always gravitated towards gadgets that make life simpler, more productive, and better connected. My current go-to devices are my smartphone, smartwatch and headphones, which I rely on daily, whether it’s to stay organized, track my schedule, keep in touch, or simply unwind with some music or a show.

Given an option to choose another career, what would it be?

If I were not in my current role, I would have likely pursued professional cricket, and you’d find me on a cricket field instead of a boardroom. Cricket is a sport I have loved and nurtured since my early years. It’s a passion that once had me seriously considering a career in the game. What also draws me to the sport is how it reflects the 3 Cs that I value very deeply - Commitment to continuous improvement, Collaboration as a team to achieve shared goals and Clarity in strategy and execution. These values guide me on and off the field and to this day, my passion for cricket remains close to my heart, embodying the discipline, teamwork, and perseverance that I value in all aspects of life. 

Which is your favourite vacation spot?

I love travelling and so it’d be impossible to pick one. But Thailand, Mexico and Australia have to be amongst my most favourites. Each of these places offer a unique blend of culture, natural beauty and experiences and of course delectable cuisine. Travelling not only allows me to rewind but also recharge and return with a renewed perspective. 

A TV show and a movie, and an ad campaign you highly recommend watching?

I gravitate towards content that inspires, challenges perspectives, and leaves a lasting impression. A TV show I would recommend is ‘Designated Survivor’ for its gripping storyline and the way it explores leadership under pressure. When it comes to movies, there are quite a few that have stayed with me and recommend watching, like Dil Chahta Hai and 3 Idiots for their relevance and relatability, along with classics like Mission: Impossible and the James Bond series.