Daddy’s Little Dynamos – Avni Biyani

AVNI BIYANI, Concept Head, Foodhall

Biggest influence
My sheer love of everything exotic — from food to my office cabin — and my travel have helped me reach where I am today. Observing customers inspires me in many ways to comprehend a lot of our practices and selling styles. Eataly in New York and the Isetan Foodhall in Tokyo have definitely influenced me in bringing extensive additions to Foodhall.

Living the big name
Being born with a silver spoon (her parents are Sangita and Kishore Biyani) need not necessarily always have its advantages. When I first joined my dad’s business, Foodhall at Palladium Mall had just opened and people in the organisation had their own inhibitions about me. A lot has changed since then, for as time passed opinions changed.

On being a woman leader
I’ve never had any such apprehension. Future Group’s work culture has always been about equality. I believe women bring a very different perspective to the table, which is definitely an asset.

Vision for the company
My aspiration is to play a catalyst role in building our food business further.

Tech-’n’-gadgets
I love my iPhone and iPad.

Preferred corporate attire
A well-fitted long thread-work kurta with palazzo pants works any day.

Stress factors
Not travelling stresses me and makes me feel I am out of the market. I feel like I’m missing out on advancements in the world which I could incorporate in Foodhall.

De-stressing formulae
Cooking, travelling and the movies.

Happiness is
Doing things that you like — and I’m doing exactly that.

Style quotient
Easy-going.

Shopping haven
New York, London, Milan.

Favourite read
Pride & Prejudice.

Major interests
Food, travel, politics.

Fashion is…
Individualistic.

Lessons learnt
Without hard work, one cannot succeed.