Weekends are all about downtime. After a week full of work to meet deadlines, everybody needs some breather to relax and recuperate. From watching a favourite web series to planning a vacation, weekends are designated as family and me time. Siddharth Banerjee, CEO, UNIVO Education, talks to BrandWagon Online about his weekends, favourite vacation destination and more.
What is the one thing you like to do when not working?
I love to read extensively. From business biographies to historical fiction, I am an avid reader. Along with my wife, who shares my passion for reading, we have built up an excellent Library in our home, with books neatly catalogued across all the rooms in the house. In the age of digital devices, reading a physical book, accompanied by some nice coffee, makes for great times for reflection and contemplation.
How do you spend your weekends?
I am a lifelong learner who learns from books, digital media and people. Hence, weekends are mostly a mix of exercise, self-learning and social commitments. I am an amateur marathoner, so a weekend morning would typically start with a run, while listening to a podcast (current favourite is Acquired on Spotify). I keep upskilling myself via a curated diet of online courses and books. Weekends provide an opportunity to meet interesting people via community or social events.
What are your favourite gadgets?
Overall, I love the Apple ecosystem, from my iPhone to my AirPods to my iMac, it all seamlessly connects. Airdrop is magic! In 2025, my device to master is a drone.
Given an option to choose another career, what would it be?
I have had a great career across these 25 years with outstanding companies and an amazing set of people, and that continues in my current role building Univo Education. As a true-blue Bengali, I want to have a parallel career as a widely read author. I have made a start on this, having published two books (Speechless and 52RedPills) and aiming for more.
Which is your favourite vacation spot?
My global career has taken us around the world, but my family and I vote for GOA every single time – the beauty, the grace, the people, the susegad of Goa are incomparable.
A TV show, a movie, and an ad campaign that you highly recommend watching.
I am a little late to the party, but Ted Lasso on Apple TV has been an absolute delight to watch, and I heartily recommend it both as a CEO who leads and delivers via teams and as a team player who is constantly trying to be Better Every Day.