Sandip K Baksi joined AstorMueller India as COO in August 2022, bringing nearly 20 years of expertise in omnichannel retail and brand building. With a proven track record of working for industry giants like Adidas, Reebok and Reliance Retail, Sandip is a leader known for driving exponential growth and crafting innovative strategies that set brands apart in competitive markets. A global traveller and a music enthusiast, his diverse experiences fuel his passion for delivering excellence in every endeavour.
In an exclusive conversation with Apparel Resources, Sandip shares his mantra for success, his organisational dreams for future, his thoughts on AGI (AI’s version next), and most of all, his dynamic approach towards life.
Travel and Exploration
I enjoy the sea and seafood and love exploring obscure beaches/castles outside of the core tourist sectors, in India (Kerala and Karnataka) and Europe (Spain, Italy etc.). I also love going for long exploratory walks (discovering new areas, sometimes even in Bengaluru).
Favourite Car
Maruti Wagon R (my first and all-time favourite car; ‘best value for money’ car for Indians)
Define Success
Success is not about being the best, it’s about always getting better today than the day before.
Bucket List
To build the most-loved footwear organisation in India. Visit at least 100 countries in the world and eat my favourite foods at the place of their origin.
Favourite Food
The Classic Cheeseburger
Thoughts on AI
AI’s version next or AGI has the potential to change the world and our everyday routines as we know it. AGI is a huge opportunity that needs to be explored strategically, balancing innovation with ethics, ensuring that its benefits are widely distributed while mitigating likely risks.
Advice to Young Professionals
Have BIG dreams! You would GROW into them.
Thoughts on Work-Life Balance
Balancing work and life is not necessary! Do the things you really want and create structures to support them. Imbalance in the chosen direction is absolutely fine.
Life Mantra
Impossible is NOTHING
Daily Routine
Wakeup: 6 am
Family Time: 6 am – 7 am
Work: 8.30 am – 8.30 pm
Lunch: 1:00 pm – 1.15 pm
Mid-day Stroll | Break: 2:00 pm – 2.30 pm
Family Time/Dinner: 9 pm – 10 pm
Late Night Stroll: 10:30 pm – 11:00 pm
Bed Time: 11.30 pm
3 Must-Watch Movies
The Shawshank Redemption
(stands for hope and planning)
Luck by Chance (stands for always being prepared)
Ek Ruka Hua Faisla (for skill of convincing)
(The movies stand for always being hopeful and ready to pick up any opportunity)
3 Must-Read Books
Start with Why by Simon Sinek (helps us to focus on the purpose of our being in business)
The Lean Startup by Eric Ries
Jugaad Innovation by Jaideep Prabhu, Navi Radjou and Simone Ahuja (The other two books are a guide to build a frugal business)
Passion and Hobbies
Cooking improvised recipes
Watching movies and listening to music
