by ABFRLadmin | March 31, 2026
We asked our Functional Heads at ABFRL about the daily habits that keep them sharp and focused at work.
Success is rarely the result of a single, heroic effort. More often, it is the accumulation of small, intentional actions repeated day after day. In the fast-paced world of retail and corporate strategy, where “reactive mode” is the default setting, the ability to maintain clarity and drive depends on one’s personal operating system.
At ABFRL, our leaders don’t just manage brands; they manage their energy, their focus, and their growth through disciplined rituals. We spoke to our Functional Heads across different departments to learn about the micro-habits that power their macro-wins.
Tackling the “Must-Wins” and “Must-Dos” First
For many of our leaders, their daily routine at work begins even before the first email is opened. Their goal is to move from being busy to being effective. Parag Dekhane, specializing in Buying & Merchandising, treats his schedule like a blueprint, time-blocking deep focus and protecting “must-win” outcomes to avoid falling into a reactive slump.
Arindam Chakravorty, Design specialist, builds a mental map for the day while drinking tea every morning. By wrapping up the operational “must-dos” early, he clears his mind for “thinking time” where he strategizes on brand aesthetics, innovation and more. This rigor isn’t just for the office; it’s a lifestyle habit that carries into his weekends, proving that consistency is a full-time commitment.
The Power of Connection and Active Listening
Efficiency can also be achieved through an empathetic approach. Somdeb Basu, specialist in Sales & Marketing, shares how he prioritizes checking in on a “human level” before diving into work with his team. He also highlights the habit of transparency by sharing mistakes and action plans openly to build a foundation of trust across the organization.
For Baraneedharan Balasubramanian, Manufacturing Operations specialist, staying sharp means practicing active listening and open-mindedness hence helping stakeholders move beyond assumptions. By maintaining a medium to long-term to-do list, he stays grounded even when the daily pace feels chaotic or slow.
Path to Effectiveness Through Consistency and Energy Resets
The discipline required for a high-stakes job is remarkably similar to the discipline required for physical fitness. Supriya Lodha, Finance & Accounts specialist, draws a direct parallel between training her body and her work. By building in a short daily reset, she stays disciplined, focused, & proactive instead of reactive, helping her work effectively.
For some, the reset is more spiritual. Meghna Zutshi, Sales & Marketing specialist, begins her day with chanting. Once she sets her internal energy, the day’s tasks need mere execution.
Learning and Introspection for Clarity
In a fast-moving industry, the most valuable asset isn’t just your current skillset, it’s your capacity for learning. Pallavi Sarkar, specializing in Human Resources, notes that knowledge compounds much like capital which significantly enhances effectiveness. By dedicating 30 minutes daily to reading or listening to podcasts, she ensures her knowledge is constantly expanding. She pairs this with nightly journaling, believing that emotional clarity is the secret ingredient to leadership clarity.
This sentiment of carving out space to reflect is shared by Shubhi, General Management specialist, who keeps aside 20 minutes of dedicated time for introspection every single day. This micro-habit acts as a filter, helping her prioritize better at work while ensuring she remains fully present with the people who matter most. For these leaders, the day doesn’t just go by passively; they shape it with clarity and intent.
Journaling to Track Impact
Staying on track requires a constant eye on the goal. Awanish Kumar, Sales & Marketing specialist, uses daily task journaling to stay rigorous, but he pairs this with a regular review of larger business objectives. This habit ensures that his department remains perfectly aligned with the broader brand goals.
When Small Habits Create Big Impact
In an era of constant change and shifting priorities, these small habits provide an anchor to stabilize and refocus. As our Functional Heads demonstrate, the path to major career milestones is paved with minor, everyday actions. By mastering these daily rituals, they don’t just manage their roles, they lead their respective teams with conviction and purpose.
