BrandWagon Chai pe Charcha with Volkswagen India's Nitin Kohli

Weekends are all about downtime. After a week full of work to meet deadlines, everybody needs a breather to relax and recuperate. From watching a favourite web series to planning a vacation, weekends are designated as family and me time. Nitin Kohli, Brand Director, Volkswagen India, talks to BrandWagon Online about his weekends, favourite vacation destination and more

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

When I step away from work, I like to slow the pace and really take in the world around me. There’s a different kind of clarity that comes from the simple things like a long walk through the city, an hour in the gym, and time spent in nature with no agenda except to be present in the moment.

I’ve always had a taste for the finer details in life, not just in the form of well-designed spaces or a perfectly plated meal, but even in the craftsmanship of a fountain pen, the ritual of brewing a good cup of tea, or the texture of live music filling a room. These aren’t luxuries for me but  grounding rituals that remind me to pay attention. To stay curious. To find creativity in the everyday.

And most importantly, they help me return to work with a sharper mind, a broader perspective, and a deeper appreciation for the people and experiences that make life richer.

How do you spend your weekends?

Weekends are my time to step back from the week’s intensity and truly reset. I often find myself on long drives. There is something about the open road, a good playlist and a quiet café stop that instantly offers a fresh perspective. I also enjoy unwinding with a good book or exploring new experiences, whether it is indulging in luxury dining and wine tasting or soaking in the atmosphere of an evening gala.

Wellness is an equally important part of my routine, so I make time for movement and fitness. Every now and then I seek a rush of adrenaline, like the white water rafting.

Moreover, I am drawn to films, articles and design, that challenge the way I think, and I find chess both enjoyable and a great way to sharpen strategy and patience. Of course, the occasional bit of retail therapy has its own charm. These moments, in all their variety, leave me returning to work refreshed, focused and ready to see the bigger picture.

What are your favourite gadgets?

I embrace technology for its ability to simplify and streamline. I rely on an integrated Apple ecosystem which includes my iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch, to stay organised, efficient, and connected on the go. It enables me to respond quickly, track personal milestones, and maintain a rhythm, no matter how packed the day is.

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

If I were not in brand leadership, I’d be chasing two very different, but equally exhilarating worlds, motorsports or education. Motorsports has always pulled me in with its pure adrenaline: the precision of every turn, the split-second decisions, the symphony of man, machine, and strategy at full throttle. It’s high-stakes, unforgiving, and yet deeply addictive, much like leading a brand in competitive markets.

On the other end of the spectrum is education, which fuels a different kind of drive and speaks to the mentor in me. I find it deeply fulfilling to guide future leaders, helping them connect bold ideas with real-world impact, and nurturing a spirit of lifelong learning. The thrill here isn’t in speed, but in shaping the arc of someone else’s journey, helping them see possibilities, connecting bold thinking with meaningful action.

Whether it is the adrenaline rush of a racetrack or the quiet satisfaction of a classroom, the common thread for me is the pursuit of mastery, the challenge of unlocking potential, and the belief that true impact comes from pushing limits, both yours and those of the people you lead.

Which is your favourite vacation spot?

One of my most cherished vacations was a road trip to Jim Corbett National Park. It was less about the destination and more about the journey, forest-lined roads, good music, meaningful conversations, and the joy of being fully present without distractions. Ladakh is next on my bucket list. Its vast, untouched landscapes feel like they invite both reflection and stillness.

 

Over the years, there are many experiences I fondly recall, I have soaked in the calm of the Swiss Alps to the vibrant beaches of Bali, experienced drifting cars on ice at -30 Degrees, to witnessing the northern lights, braved river rafting closer to home and wandered through the coffee estates of Coorg with the aroma of freshly brewed filter coffee lingering in the air.

Even shorter escapes, like Mysore to Bandipur forest followed by a hearty South Indian breakfast, or a quiet weekend at Raffles Udaipur, have been incredibly memorable. I find that food, much like travel, is a way to understand people and places better.

Any book you are currently reading?

I keep revisiting books that offer timeless perspectives, like The Alchemist, Ikigai, The Secret, each of them has something enduring to say about purpose and balance. Ikigai in particular resonates deeply, it’s a quiet reminder to find alignment between what you love, what you’re good at, and what the world needs. In the rush of everyday decision-making, it helps me pause and reflect on purpose, not just in work, but in life. It’s a book that brings me back to the ‘why’ behind what I do.

Currently, I’m about to start The Almanack of Naval Ravikant. I’ve heard it offers a refreshing take on happiness, and how to think independently. I’m always looking for books that make you pause, not just about what you do, but why you do it.

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

My watchlist is quite curated, with an overall preference for content that is light, smart, and sharp while still being family friendly. I tune into Suits from time to time for its sharp storytelling, strategic depth, and its portrayal of leadership under pressure. On the lighter side, The Big Bang Theory is a go-to for unwinding with family; it’s fun, witty, and always leaves you smiling. Classics like Sholay or The Godfather are in a league of their own, more than just films, they are masterclasses in character, dialogue, and narrative craft.

One leadership thought which has stuck with you

“Lead with integrity”, it’s a simple yet powerful principle that I hold close. In a fast-evolving business world, integrity is your anchor. I believe leadership is about empowering others, making space for growth, and having the courage to take tough calls when needed. I try to be a leader who listens, builds trust, and stays grounded in values. For me, integrity, empathy, and resilience are the true cornerstones of lasting leadership.