Shariq Sheriff firmly believes that creating exceptional experiences drives success. The dynamic co-founder of Area83 – one of the premier luxury adventure sports resorts based in Bengaluru, has precisely created exceptional experiences for his customers at Area83 and is reaping its success. A multifaceted professional with talents spanning various domains, Mr Sheriff has a rich background in art direction, landscape design, architectural design, resort development and hospitality industry. He is well known for his expertise in the realm of outdoor adventure and adventure park design and setup.

After completing his undergraduate degree in business management from St Joseph’s College of Commerce, Mr Sheriff pursued his master’s degree in international business from University of Exeter in the UK. His quest for skills and experiences led him to Kalu Yala University in Panama, where he obtained a diploma in outdoor recreation and film making, further broadening his horizons.   

Mr Sheriff’s hands-on approach has allowed him to build Area83 from the ground up, instilling it with his unique vision and unwavering commitment. Sharmila Chand chats up with the Mr Sheriff and is awe-stricken by his dedication and commitment to building his dreams and strengthening them with solid management principles and practices.

Your five management mantras

*Dream it, build it: My foremost mantra reflects the unwavering belief that if you can dream it, you can build it. In the world of management, this translates into encouraging visionary thinking and fostering a culture of innovation.

*Hands-on leadership: This mantra advocates that effective managers should lead by example, getting involved in the nitty-gritty of their projects and businesses. By actively participating in execution of ideas, managers can gain a deeper understanding of their operations and inspire their teams through their commitment.

*Exceptional experiences drive success: My success with Area83 revolves around the principle that creating exceptional experiences is the key to attracting customers and guests. In management, this mantra emphasises the significance of customer-centricity.

*Cross-disciplinary skills: I have a diverse skill set, ranging from art direction to architectural design. A multi-disciplinary approach can lead to innovative solutions and a broader perspective when facing complex challenges.

*Commitment to safety and well-being: My first-aid responder certification highlights the importance of safety and well-being in my management philosophy. It underscores the significance of prioritising health, safety and welfare of employees, customers and stakeholders.

A game that helps your career

I play competitive football. The sport enriches my professional life by instilling valuable lessons. Football emphasises teamwork, a concept I integrated into management to foster collaboration, communication and unity among my teams. It also imparts discipline and resilience, vital for managing complex projects like resort development.

Turning point in your career

The turning point in my career occurred during a bungee jumping experience in New Zealand. Immersed in an array of adventure activities, I was struck by the absence of similar experiences in India. This epiphany inspired me to conceptualise Area83, India’s premier luxury adventure sports resort. This pivotal moment crystallised my vision for offering world-class adventure and hospitality, ultimately shaping my career trajectory.

Secret of your success

I attribute the success to unwavering commitment to hard work and an absolute focus on my objectives. I believe that success is not merely a product of ambition but the outcome of continuous, purposeful endeavour.

Your philosophy of work

Love what you do, and infuse it with unwavering passion. I firmly believe that this approach is essential to sustain interest and unlock one’s full potential.

A person you admire

I hold my father, Mr Akmal, in deep admiration for his relentless work ethic and remarkable business acumen. Inspired by my father’s tireless dedication, I comprehend that genuine success is a product of unwavering hard work and determination, a lesson that I carried forward in my career.

Best advice you got

The most impactful advice I have received was to tenaciously pursue dreams and wholeheartedly follow passions, instilling in myself a resolute can-do attitude that fuels my journey.

Your sounding board

My sounding board is my brother, Tariq, who provides valuable insights on the practical aspects of ventures while contributing to expansion of my visionary undertakings. Tariq's sense for execution complements my innovative vision.

Your favourite books

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey holds a special place in the literary repertoire due to its teachings on instilling discipline in one’s life to attain success. Through its timeless wisdom, the book imparts insights into cultivating essential habits that not only shape personal and professional excellence but also resonate with my own pursuit of achieving greatness.

Your fitness regime

My approach to fitness is straightforward; it is my love for sports that drives me to stay active. Whether I am engaged in a game of football, or dedicating hours at the gym, or meticulously overseeing Area83’s operations, I am on the move and maintain an active and balanced lifestyle.

Your message on management to youngsters
I recognise the value of traditional education. But I also highly encourage pursuit of one’s unique dreams and passions. Young, aspiring managers should be open to exploring non-conventional paths and taking risks. They must advance their own dreams rather than being a cog in a machine and building someone else’s dream.