An award winning business news Presenter and Editor, Shaili Chopra spends a lot of her time moderating high profile business discussions. She recently released her second book - The Big Connect: Politics in the age of Social Media. She's worked with NDTV, ETNOW and interviewed leaders like Warren Buffett, George Soros, P Chidambaram, Mukesh Ambani, Ratan Tata and many others. SHEROES in conversation with the pro -
How do you think politics has changed in the age of Social media?
Politicians have realised that social media is not a toy but a tool. SoMe is about people and these people are online and networking at all times. Politicians have realised they need to be where their new constituency is, which is on the web. On the social network. No surprise old politicians are learning the game and getting online to reach out to the youth. Politics is about reaching out to people and in today's world social media may well be the most powerful and cost effective tool to reach people.
Golf and business, what gave you the idea? Did you expect it to work so well?
As a business journalist, who could play golf I caught up with several friends and business executives on the golf course. One day Prannoy Roy of NDTV saw my golf swing and said it made perfect sense for an anchor like me to converge the two concepts ....business and golf for a show. This was a perfect opportunity, given that the sport was my passion. Over the years, even as I moved on to ETNOW, I continued to do Tee Time With Shaili Chopra. I have always believed in golf and I think that’s what came through in my shows - the ability to quiz the most respected guests with precision and incisive questions and at the same time know my game. I think if the anchor of a show like that doesn't know her stuff, it comes through. My background in both made it a formidable combination. Today I run India's biggest resource on golf, golfingindian.com and a digital TV channel on golf.
What is one temptation that you have resisted very strongly to pursue what you are pursuing?
I can’t say I am resisting any temptation right now. I am following my dream. Being my own boss. I think it takes guts to do stuff on your own. I want to make sure I never regret anything I have done and so I am not going to miss one opportunity to do something new, something different, something exciting and fulfilling.
What is one interaction that was the most challenging for you, where it was hard for you to get honest answers?
I think there have been many. My interview with Warren Buffett was insightful and fun. My exclusive chat with the Indian Finance Minister in Washington at the cusp of change in America was ground breaking given how well it articulated the state of the Indian economy and the fallout of American impact. I particularly liked my piece with Indra Nooyi as it was her first ever conversation about her personal life, friends and family. I have liked different interviews of mine for different reasons.
In reporting assignments, it's hard for me to forget I was at the Taj terror attack site with a colleague of mine before anyone else could reach out. I was proud that I was part of the reporting twosome who got accolades for a most balancing effort put in reporting the events. And this even though I was a business journalist.
Message to all SHEROES out there.
As someone said, allow yourself to be a beginner. No one starts off being excellent