Ruchin Kohli strongly believes in the success of team work. The founder and director of Occasion Xperts – a leading event and entertainment management company based out of New Delhi in 2010 – has always kept his team in the forefront and allowed it to work wonders.

Under his leadership, Occasion Xperts has earned a reputation for organising diverse and high-impact events across multiple sectors, including corporate events, experiential marketing, medical conferences, film festivals and various MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) events. The company has also emerged as a frontrunner in hosting events that align with environmentally-conscious values and sustainability goals.

Demonstrating a strong commitment to addressing global environmental challenges, Mr Kohli has spearheaded his event company in curating landmark environmental events such as the International Solar Festival and many other such programmes of global significance.

Mr Kohli is an influential figure in the event and entertainment management industry. With a deep commitment to innovation, meticulous planning and seamless execution of events, Mr Kohli and his team have led Occasion Xperts in setting industry benchmarks.

In a lively conversation with Sharmila Chand,
Mr Kohli throws light on his management principles and practices and the manner in which they have helped him succeed in his business.

Your five management mantras

·         Empower your team: Give people the tools and trust, and they will surprise you with their capabilities. A strong team is your biggest asset.

·         Client-centric thinking: Always put the client’s vision first. In events, you are not just managing logistics, you are creating memories.

·         Stay agile: Be ready to pivot. Adaptability is not an option. It is survival, especially in event management.

·         Digital fluency: Digital fluency is essential in today’s event industry. With tech evolving fast and AI reshaping experiences, being digitally literate helps us deliver fresh, immersive ideas that elevate branding and create memorable, engaging events.

·         Vision + execution = magic: Ideas are great, but disciplined execution is where the real magic happens.

A game that helps your career
I believe that sports or games keeps you fit, and I just love swimming whenever possible. However,  we make it a point to engage within our realm of work for several team-building  activities in order to break the ice among new team members and maintain an environment of camaraderie regularly.

Turning point in your life
The turning point was when I decided to leave a stable job to pursue my passion for creating experiences. Founding Occasions Xperts was a leap of faith, but it aligned with who I truly am.

Secret of your success
Consistency. You can be creative, ambitious and driven, but if you are not consistent in your efforts, it all fizzles out. Show up every day and deliver every time.

Your philosophy of work
I believe in building something that outlasts you. Work is not just a livelihood, it is your signature. I work with the intention of creating impact and making people feel something unforgettable.

Your inspiration
Honestly, there are multiple people who inspire me for different reasons. My parents, of course, for their values and support. Shah Rukh Khan for his relentless hard work and the business empire he has built with grace and grit. Our honourable prime minister for putting India onto a global stage in ways we had not imagined before. And then, there is daily inspiration too – my colleagues, who each have their own unique stories and fellow event managers in the industry, who constantly push boundaries. Inspiration, for me, is everywhere, and it keeps me grounded and driven.

Best advice you got
“Do not chase success. Chase excellence, and success will follow.” This has changed how I approach my business.

Your journey and lessons learnt
The journey has been a mix of long nights, tough decisions and beautiful moments of creation. I have learnt that resilience is the real currency of entrepreneurship. And people – your clients, vendors and team – matter more than any spreadsheet.

Your favourite books
I do not get time to read many books, but I can talk about the one I can recall – Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek. Leadership in events is about more than just giving orders. It is about creating a culture of trust and support. This book helped me understand how putting the team first builds resilience and commitment, especially when deadlines are tight, and stakes are high.

Your fitness regime
My fitness regime is simple and sustainable. I focus on clean eating and avoid carbs till some extent, which helps me feel more energetic and focused. I also make it a point to take regular walks throughout the day. It keeps me active, clears my mind, and helps me reset between busy work schedules.

Staying calm during stress
I focus on the solution, not the panic. Breathing exercises, quick meditation, or even five minutes of silence help me reset. Stress does not solve problems, clarity does.

Your five business mantras

·         Purpose before profit: Know why you started the business. Purpose fuels perseverance, when profits fluctuate.

·         Build trust: Relationships built on trust lead to repeat business, referrals and a strong reputation.

·         Listen more, talk less: Clients often tell you exactly what they need, if you are listening.

·         Invest in people: Your team reflects your vision.
Empower, reward, and mentor them consistently.

·         Stay relevant: Keep evolving. The market moves fast. Stay curious, keep learning, and innovate constantly.

Your message on management to youngsters
Management is not just about controlling people or tasks. It is about inspiring, enabling and aligning energy. Keep learning, stay humble, and never be afraid to take responsibility.

Lastly, how would you define yourself?
I would define myself as a practical thinker with a creative mindset and a calm approach to challenges. I am deeply observant and learn a lot just by watching and listening. I truly believe that everyone around us has something to teach. Whether it is a colleague, a client or someone I meet in passing, I take inspiration from real experiences. I thrive on collaboration, believe in constant learning and love turning ideas into impactful, memorable events.