The Pianist

His mantra for relaxation is to play the piano and to spend time with his family. Meet Dr Lloyd Nazareth, Associate VP, Wockhardt Hospitals Group

At a time when most executives cannot wait to be a part of the fast, flashy and faddish bandwagon, Lloyd Nazareth (48), chooses to spend his time in his own laidback ways. He listens to jazz, but at the same time keeps off from the 'jazz' of the world outside. No techno, no hip-hop, and surely not any pop musician give him the kind of pleasure that he derives from playing the piano. No wonder, the self-taught pianist spends one passionate hour everyday with his favourite instrument—his way of shedding all stress extending from the workplace.

That apart, he reads a lot, but again, he is quite choosy about it. "No pulp fiction. I don't read any of these paperback novels. I like reading more serious stuff, like biographies and autobiographies," he adds, while mentioning that 'Straight from the Gut' by Jack Welch is one of his favourites.

Not that he is a couch potato, but given a choice, he would choose to stay at home with his family, comprising his wife and four children, and, probably, watch a movie. Even if he has to go out, he prefers to be in the company of his family and the choice of destination is, usually, a nature resort. These small weekend trips are a regular feature—an attempt to break the monotony of daily life.

"I believe that 70 per cent of our waking time is spent working. If that can be made exciting, a major portion of our life becomes interesting," he says. And so, regular efforts are aimed at bring in changes at work, as and when possible, like changing work patterns among others.

Your best prize in life so far

The Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation for Wockhardt Hospital, Mumbai. I felt extremely gratified.

Your first day in school

I got lost. My mother asked me to wait at the school, Our Lady of Salvation (Mumbai), so that she can pick me up. I decided to walk it back myself, but walked in the opposite direction until somebody found me.

Your first ambition

I cannot recall anything specific, but I always wanted to stand first in the class.

Your first promotion

As long as I enjoy my work, I am happy. The mere idea of promotion is not enough.

Your first day at work

I can't recall.

The first time you fired somebody

As a part of your job, you might have to do it. I cannot recall firing anybody at any point. I first try to have a discussion, it might be a heated discussion, but I don't think I ever fired anybody.

The toughest decision you have taken

When I decided to shift from 100 per cent clinical practice to complete administration. Especially, given the fact I had already put in 12 years of hardcore practice in pathology, it was really difficult.

The best memory of your childhood

I enjoyed every bit of my time spent with my family.

Your happiest moment/funniest moment

I don't know. I am not the ‘filmy’ type, to remember all that—happiest moment, funniest moment etc.

Three things that you cannot do without

My family, interesting work and music.

One trait that you would like to change about yourself

My impatient nature.

One parental advice that you remember

Listen to everyone, but do what you think is right. I still believe in it.

Your first vehicle

My motorbike—a Hero Honda. It really outlived its expectations. I just had to 'fill it-shut it-forget it'.

Sriram Iyer