Albert Almeida believes there is a positive side to every situation and that one merely has to recognise it. It is this approach that helps him tackle the challenges confronting him as chief operating officer (COO), Hungama Mobile.

“While people talk about challenges in this space, I see opportunities. The value-added services (VAS) market is very large and deeply penetrated, yet it continues to grow,” he says. “ I believe that there is a significant opportunity for us to expand our VAS offerings.”

“VAS is a key driver in enhancing operator ARPUs and profit margins. So, they will increasingly look to us to play a more active role in generating game-changing ideas to grow their top lines and margins.”

An optimistic outlook aside, he also relies on an inclusive style of management. “I believe in leading by example and creating a workplace where people feel comfortable and are happy to come to and give their best.” He says this approach stems from the fact that all his prior assignments were at organisations “where people were the biggest assets”.

“An organisation’s employees generate ideas that drive the business and have the insight and passion to market it to the end-consumer. The ability to get the best from people under diverse conditions has been the most satisfying part of my working life,” he says.

Before joining Hungama, Almeida worked at advertising major JWT and broadcast company MSM Limited (Sony Entertainment TV Network). He started his career with JWT and spent 14 years at the firm, working on brands like Unilever, Warner, Lambert, Diageo and Motorola. Thereafter, at MSM Limited, he was involved in launching popular TV shows such as Jassi Jaisi Koi Nahin and Indian Idol 1. Today, he heads Hungama Mobile’s business-to-business-to-consumer business.

Looking back, he says his time at Sony was rather exciting: “I count the launch and building of Jassi as a brand among my most memorable projects. It was a great concept, a challenge to market, but we struck something big to launch the brand and nothing could stop us thereafter. It re-established Sony as a strong and differentiated brand in the Indian TV environment.”

Interestingly, JWT is also close to his heart, but for altogether different reasons. “I met my wife at JWT, where we worked together for several years. Our friendship grew and we eventually decided to get married in 2000,” he reveals.

So, does he manage to strike a balance between work and play? “It is difficult to find spare time on weekdays,” he says. “So weekends are reserved for my daughter and wife, and are usually spent unwinding at the club.”