This summer, WashingtonExec is reaching out to successful leaders in government and government contracting to learn more about their habits, experiences and perspectives.
Deepak Hathiramani was the founder of Vistronix Intelligence and Technology Solutions, a national security solutions provider until its acquisition by ASRC Federal Holding Corp. in August 2016. He currently serves on the advisory board of several government contractors and is a member of George Mason University’s Volgenau School of Engineering Advisory Board, the University of Texas at Austin Department of Computer Science Advisory Council and the Northern Virginia Technology Council Senior Advisory Board.
WashingtonExec: What is on your summer reading list?
Hathiramani:
- “Flash Boys: A Wall Street Revolt” by Michael Lewis
- “The Billion Dollar Spy: A True Story of Cold War Espionage and Betrayal” by David E. Hoffman
- “Russian Roulette: The Inside Story of Putin’s War on America and the Election of Donald Trump” by Michael Isikoff and David Corn
- “When: The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing” by Daniel H. Pink
- “Everybody Lies: Big Data, New Data, and What the Internet Can Tell Us About Who We Really Are” by Seth Stephens-Davidowitz
- “The Five People You Meet in Heaven” by Mitch Albom
Each book gives me a different perspective. I always enjoy reading Michael Lewis, and “Flash Boys” was no exception. A book about a small group of Wall Street rebels who figure out that the U.S. stock market has been rigged to the benefit of insiders, “Flash Boys” is an eye-opening expose of the inner workings of Wall Street. “Russian Roulette” is a story of political deception unprecedented in American history — it weaves together tales of international intrigue, cyber espionage and superpower rivalry. “Everybody Lies” is a fascinating, illuminating and witty look at what the vast amounts of information now instantly available to us reveals about ourselves and our world — provided we ask the right questions! “The Five People You Meet in Heaven” promises to be a different read focused on the true meaning of life.
WashingtonExec: Tell me about a time in your life when you had to really stretch yourself in order to learn and grow.
Hathiramani: Effective leadership is about learning and growing. Leadership is an art formed under pressure and intensity. Throughout my career, there were several instances where I was required to step outside my comfort zone and learn and grow. The one instance that comes to mind is during the early 2000s when the business was imploding, requiring us to constantly recalibrate and realign the company to ensure survivability. During this difficult time, I learned a couple of very important lessons — the importance of standing by your core values, the importance of working the right people, and the importance of following your passion in spite of the curve balls life throws at you.
WashingtonExec: If you could go back and give your younger self career and/or life advice, what would you say?
Hathiramani: Although there are several life lessons, a few definitely stand out.
First, it is all about the people you surround yourself with! In the words of Warren Buffet, “Look for three things in a person — intelligence, energy and integrity. If they don’t have the last one, don’t even bother with the first two.”
Second, only by attracting the best people will you accomplish great deeds. Be willing to always surround yourself with people smarter than yourself. Endeavors succeed or fail because of the people involved.
Third, as Babe Ruth explained, “Never let the fear of striking out get in your way!” To succeed, you must be willing to step outside your comfort zone and take calculated risks.
Fourth, learn to live your children’s childhood! All too often, we fail to recognize the importance of work-life balance and let life pass us by. Business and life is all about forging human bonds. Years from now, what will matter is the difference you made in the life of your child, your spouse or significant other, a family member or a colleague.
And last but equally as important: Have fun and enjoy the journey. It is never too late to become the person you always dreamed of being.
WashingtonExec: What is your favorite city to visit? What do you enjoy doing there?
Hathiramani: One of my favorite cities to visit is the city of Bombay, now known as Mumbai. Both my wife and me spent the early years of our childhood in Bombay and have some very fond memories. We both cherish going back and reminiscing about old times, spending quality time with family and friends, and enjoying the city that has had a lasting impression on our upbringing.
WashingtonExec: Tell me about an app, device or type of technology you personally love and why.
Hathiramani: One of the most important devices I have grown addicted to is my iPhone and numerous apps — all of which have allowed me to manage my time more efficiently while improving my productivity.
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