Browsing: Ninad Karpe, CEO & MD, Aptech

What are you reading at the moment?
I am reading The Art of War: Five years in Formula One by Adam Parr. It is a graphic novel by former CEO of Williams F1 team, Parr and gives details of the F1 season from 2006 to 2012 through the eyes of Willaims team. I have just finished reading Ranjnikanth: The Definitive Biography, by Naman Ramchandran. This book gives copious details of the life of Rajnikanth and it has many lessons for us – determination, hard work and, above all, humility!

The one book all leaders must read... and why?
Alexander the Great by Philip Freeman. This book chronicles the life of Alexander and how he won so many battles with superior strategy and conquered most of the known world at the age of 30. A must read!

One book everyone in your sector should pick up... and why?
The Art of War by Sun Tzu. This books explains the complex concept of strategy in simple words.

What kind of books would you normally buy while travelling?
I prefer reading non-fiction books and am a big fan of books by William Dalrymple.

The books you grew up with? What did you like most about it?
Hardy boys, Agatha Christie and Tintin Comics

Your book shelf consists of....
An assortment of management, leadership, biographies and non-fiction books

Where do you shop for books?
Crossword. It is always nicer to riffle through the book before buying it.

Have your reading habits changed in the past four or five years? If so, how?
Yes, I read more books on strategy, leadership and biographies now.

One book you cherish that you received as a gift... and who gave it to you.
Tribes by Joel Kotkin. This book was gifted by my wife many years ago. In his book, Kotkin has revealed the shared traits that have helped ethnic groups – Jews, Indians, Chinese, Japanese – to triumph in international business. A fascinating book!

Which is the e-reader you read on?
Kindle

Compiled by Sanjitha Rao Chaini

(A version of this appeared in Businessworld magazine issue dated 2 December 2013 on page 102)