Meet Author Kalpesh Desai:
Kalpesh Desai, a management graduate from India’s top business school, is a seasoned technology entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience in creating and running successful technology firms servicing financial services, insurance, manufacturing, retail, distribution, and oil & gas sectors. He has successfully launched, built, and exited two tech ventures, including one sold to ICICI Bank-founded 3i Infotech. At 3i Infotech, he led product initiatives and managed their Europe, Middle East, and Africa operations, earning recognition as one of the “Top 10 Financial Technology CEOs” by CEO Insight and featuring in an INSEAD case study.
Currently, Kalpesh is the President and CEO of Agile Financial Technologies and mentors on various advisory boards. Outside the corporate world, he channels his insights and experiences into poetry, often sharing his profound, wisdom-filled verses on Instagram, where he engages a dedicated audience through spoken-word poetry.
Let’s get to know him more deeply.
Q.1 Let’s start with Thanksgiving. If given a chance, who would you like to thank for supporting you in your author journey?
I would like to thank my family and my closest friends for encouraging me to publish my book. I would also like to thank my followers on Instagram who have been one of the biggest supporters of my book since its launch.
Q.2 “Jasmines in Her Hair” delves into the intricate nuances of human relationships. What inspired you to write this collection of poems?
I’ve witnessed fractured relationships around me and seen individuals rebuild successful connections. I realized that a universal theme of healing underpins this process, rooted in cultivating gratitude toward both current and past partners to foster a nurturing environment.
I wanted to offer readers a mirror to their own experiences, providing hope and insight as a companion and guide through their journeys of love and loss. This desire led to the creation of “Jasmines in Her Hair.”
The book is a journey of discovery into what makes relationships work and last. Divided into seven themes, it allows readers to see their own stories reflected in these verses, progressing from the throes of first love through healing and self-discovery to acceptance.
Q.3 Gratitude is a recurring theme in your book. Why is gratitude important to you, and how does it influence your relationships and writing?
Gratitude is a cornerstone in “Jasmines in Her Hair” because it fundamentally transforms how we perceive and engage with our relationships. For me, gratitude fosters a deeper appreciation for both current and past partners, creating a nurturing and healing environment. It encourages a mindset that values the positive aspects of each experience, helping to mend fractures and build stronger, more resilient connections.
In my writing, gratitude serves as a guiding principle, shaping one’s narrative and emotional journey. It highlights the power of acknowledging and valuing the good in our lives, even when we face challenging moments. This perspective not only enriches personal relationships but also offers readers a hopeful and reflective lens through which they can view their own journeys of love and loss.
Q.4 Which are the top 3 books you would highly recommend, and what’s your most favorite genre?
My favorite genre is historical fiction, with Conn Iggulden, the creator of The Conqueror Series, being my favorite author. I also enjoy reading business books, and my top choice in that genre is Eliyahu Goldratt, known for his work “The Theory of Constraints.” Additionally, I highly recommend Ruskin Bond, a cherished author from my childhood. His book “Room on the Roof” remains a beloved favorite.
Q.5 In your opinion, what role does literature, particularly poetry, play in connecting people across diverse backgrounds and cultures? How do you envision your work contributing to this connection?
Literature, especially poetry, plays a crucial role in connecting people across diverse backgrounds and cultures by tapping into universal human emotions and experiences. Poetry distills complex feelings into concise and evocative language, allowing it to resonate deeply with readers, regardless of their cultural or personal backgrounds. It serves as a bridge, fostering empathy and understanding by highlighting our shared humanity.
In my work, I strive to create poems that reflect universal themes of inspiration, love, loss, gratitude, and healing. By exploring these common experiences, I aim to build connections among readers from different walks of life. My goal is for my poetry to serve as a gateway for readers to process their own emotions and grapple with the unique distinctions that life presents.
Q.6 You’ve been recognized as one of the “Top 10 Financial Technology CEOs” by CEO Insight. How did achieving this milestone impact your professional and personal life?
I would like to think that, professionally, it has elevated the visibility of our company within the industry, opening doors to new opportunities and partnerships. It has also reinforced our clients’ trust and confidence in our leadership and vision. Personally, this recognition has been a humbling experience, reminding me of the responsibility I bear as the steward of my company.
However, I would like to say I cannot completely take credit for my professional achievements; the credit lies with a committed and enthused team that drives the success of my company. Their dedication, innovation, and unwavering support are the true foundation of our accomplishments. This recognition is a testament to our collective effort and the collaborative spirit that fuels our journey.
Q.7 How do you see your writing evolving in the future? Are there any upcoming projects or books you are currently working on that you can share with us?
I see my writing evolving to encompass a broader range of themes and styles, reflecting both personal growth and professional experiences. My current projects reflect this evolution.
For instance my next book, “You Won’t Find Me Anywhere but Here,” is a blend of poetry and inspirational prose, designed to resonate with entrepreneurs, aspiring leaders, and managers by addressing their unique challenges and aspirations. Additionally, I am working on “The Pattern Principle,” a business book that uses a storytelling format to illustrate how a CEO identifies and addresses the root causes of process failures or changes within their organization. This project aims to provide practical insights while engaging readers through compelling narratives.
Q.8 What are so far the best compliments you got for your work?
I’ve been fortunate to receive some truly heartwarming feedback. One of the best compliments has been about the emotional resonance of my writing. Readers have shared that my work captures the essence of human emotions so authentically that it feels like I’m narrating their own life stories. This kind of connection is incredibly fulfilling.
Another significant compliment is about the healing and inspirational quality of my poetry. People have described my book as a beacon of hope and healing and have said that my words provide solace and encourage personal growth through gratitude and reflection.
I also often hear that my exploration of universal themes—such as love, gratitude, and healing—makes my work highly relatable. Readers from diverse backgrounds have found common ground in my poetry and appreciate how I have brought forth common human experiences into my verses.
Q.9 Tell us a bit about your likes, dislikes and hobbies? Do you have any strategies for maintaining a balance and managing your time effectively?
I love trekking, exploring new countries and cities. As a foodie at heart, I always compile a list of must-try dishes for my travels. Additionally, I am a voracious reader, constantly seeking new books to delve into.
Maintaining balance is a rare skill, and I don’t believe I’ve achieved it yet. Honestly, I’m not even sure if it’s something I aspire to achieve till I have accomplished the goals that I have set for myself.
Q.10 What factors are most important to you when choosing a book marketer? Any 3 practices that according to you are a must while marketing a book.
When choosing a book marketer, three key factors stand out to me. First, experience and track record are paramount. I would seek a marketer with a proven history of successfully promoting books in my genre. Their experience demonstrates an understanding of the target audience and effective strategies to engage them, which is crucial for the book’s success.
Second, personalization and creativity are essential. A good marketer tailors their approach to fit the unique qualities of my book, using innovative and creative methods to stand out in a crowded market. This includes crafting compelling messages and utilizing diverse marketing channels to reach readers in a meaningful way.
Third, transparency and communication are non-negotiable. Clear and consistent communication builds trust and ensures we are aligned in our goals. I value marketers who keep me informed about their strategies, progress, and any adjustments needed along the way. This transparency fosters a collaborative and effective marketing partnership.
As for the three must-have practices in book marketing, they are as follows:
- Targeted Digital Marketing: Utilizing social media, email campaigns, and online advertising to reach specific audience segments is essential. Leveraging platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Goodreads, where readers and book enthusiasts congregate, helps maximize reach and engagement.
- Engaging Content Creation: Producing high-quality, engaging content such as blog posts, author interviews, book trailers, and behind-the-scenes insights helps create buzz and amplifies its impact.
- Influencer Partnerships and Reviews: Collaborating with relevant influencers, book bloggers, and reviewers can significantly boost a book’s visibility. Positive reviews and endorsements from respected voices in the literary community drive interest and credibility, enhancing the book’s appeal to a wider audience.
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