Life in Focus: Sanjay Jain, Group CEO, PDS

Sanjay Jain is the Group CEO of PDS, a global supply chain solutions partner, offering end-to-end, customised and scalable services to retailers and apparel brands worldwide through a plug-and-play model that is asset light. The company has a global presence spanning over 90+ offices across 22 countries. While PDS remains a promoter-driven organisation, it was founded by Pallak Seth, who currently serves as the Executive Vice Chairman. Sanjay has been entrusted with institutionalising governance, processes and operational discipline, ensuring the business continues to scale in a structured and sustainable manner. With over 30 years of leadership experience, he has successfully steered large-scale business transformations across various conglomerates who have been industry leaders in their respective domains.

Define Success: For me, success is not a fixed destination, but a journey shaped by discipline, consistency and belief. It is showing up even when motivation fades, understanding that the journey is a marathon, not a sprint and that small, steady steps often carry us farther than quick leaps and trusting yourself in uncertain times. Success isn’t about perfection; it’s about refusing to quit. I also believe success brings with it the privilege of giving back. Whether as a mentor or by connecting opportunities, I remind myself of my wife’s words: If God has empowered you, it is your duty to help. True success lies in impact, not titles.

Travel and Exploration: I love discovering new experiences around the world and that has led to compiling an extensive list of travel destinations on my bucket list. The ones I’m most excited about are trekking to the Everest Base Camp, witnessing the Northern Lights and going deep-sea diving into the depths of the ocean.

Favourite Food: My favourite food is Dal Makhani with Lachha Paratha, though contrary to popular opinion, I prefer to leave out the butter!

Life Mantra: I believe opportunities knock on our door more than once. If the first is missed, it is vital to recognise the second knock and be prepared to embrace it. Equally, I hold strongly to the value of being a good human being.

Thoughts on Work-Life Balance: Work–life balance is extremely critical for sustained success, both professionally and personally. For me, it is about maintaining good health, nurturing happiness and creating a sense of equilibrium that allows me to give my best in every sphere of life. I also deeply value the role my wife plays in sustaining this balance, as her support at home enables me to focus fully on my responsibilities while ensuring our personal life thrives in equal measure.

Advice to Young Professionals: There are no shortcuts to success. Commitment, hard work and perseverance are essential to achieving your goals. Stay true to your beliefs, embrace continuous learning and never compromise on integrity. Focus on the quality of your work and the value it creates, rather than chasing money – success will follow as a natural outcome.

Thoughts on AI: AI represents an opportunity knocking at our door, one that we must be ready to embrace. The key lies in approaching it with curiosity, responsibility and agility, so we can harness its potential to create meaningful impact.

Daily Routine

I usually start my day early, between 5:30 to 7:00 a.m., which I consider my ‘me time’ for reflecting on the previous day and planning ahead. From 7:00 to 8:00 a.m., I focus on fitness, either swimming or working out at the gym. By 9:00 a.m., I am at office and continue through the day until about 6:00–7:00 p.m. Evenings are reserved for catching up on emails and messages, chatting with my family and then an early dinner which is always followed by a short walk with my wife. I usually wind down between 11–11:30 p.m., closing the day with a final check of my messages.

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