Embarking on a road trip astride a motorcycle is a journey tailor-made for the boldest of spirits. There’s nothing like the feeling of freedom that comes from riding a bike – some might even liken it to the sensation of flying. Yet, as exhilarating as it may appear, setting out on a bike road trip demands a unique blend of mental and physical preparedness.
It all began in 2001 when my father offered me a position in the Swiss Military as the Sourcing Manager. I took it as a challenge and began overseeing diverse product categories, from travel gear to electronics. During this phase, my creative instincts took hold, and I ventured into designing while ensuring that quality standards aligned with Swiss precision. I ascended the ranks swiftly and became the sourcing head. The growth of the Swiss Military in Europe, notably in Switzerland, France, and Germany, opened up an exciting prospect for global expansion. The brand’s careful approach led them to entrust me with the pivotal role of Managing Director, where I merged my operational logistics and finance background with a newfound passion for product design.
While my professional life was thriving, I felt a spark missing. I’ve always been a person who loves personal growth and someone with an unquenchable thirst for more. This longing led me to biking. A chance encounter at the Harley Davidson showroom, originally meant to buy my then four-year-old son a small knick-knack bike, led me to leave with the imposing Harley Davidson SuperLow for myself. Without any prior experience with such a beast, I was initially unsure of what to do with it. A friend played a catalyst and pushed me into an impromptu road trip. That marked the beginning of my biking journey. I joined a group of bikers in Delhi – the Group of Delhi Superbikers (GODS), a revered super biking community founded in 1998. We covered extensive distances on our two wheelers, from the Himalayas in Sikkim and Bhutan, to Kyrgyzstan, and even New Zealand. These biking adventures not only stoked my passion but also imparted priceless lessons in resilience and brotherhood. The passion I held for biking mirrored the essence I instilled in the Swiss Military’s products – a commitment to freedom, a daring approach to risk-taking, and an enduring spirit of adventure. It served as a well of inspiration and a symbolic vehicle for driving innovation and achieving excellence in product design and development.
Indeed, the connection between my biking journey and my role as the Managing Director of the Swiss Military runs deep, threading its way through my professional and personal life. I’ve come to understand the unique needs and desires of adventure enthusiasts, and this knowledge has significantly influenced the products we offer at Swiss Military. One critical insight from my biking expeditions is the paramount importance of reliable gear. Just as a biker relies on a well-maintained motorcycle to navigate challenging terrains, adventurers or travellers require top-notch equipment to conquer their journeys. This revelation inspired me to delve into product design and development with a fresh perspective. Take, for example, backpacks. On the road, every inch of storage space is invaluable. A biker needs a backpack that can withstand the rigours of the open road, endure varying weather conditions, and provide convenient access to essentials like water bottles and snacks. Through my biking experiences, I recognised the need for rugged, weather-resistant backpacks equipped with thoughtful compartments for organised storage. With my heart and soul in the brand, over the last 13 years, Swiss Military has become a global lifestyle brand, present in 26 countries.
My journey from adrenaline-fueled biking adventures to the boardroom has been a transformational one. It’s a testament to how personal passions can seamlessly integrate with professional endeavours.
