With 29 years of experience in the IT and communications industry, Dheeraj Bhargava has earned the right to enjoy a leisurely round of golf. But despite his impressive career, Bhargava knows that the industry is constantly evolving, and he must stay ahead of the game to remain relevant.
Bhargava currently holds the position of Enterprise Business Operations Manager at Apple India, where he is responsible for marketing its products in India, including the iconic iPhone. While many might assume that products that are popular like the PlayStation, Xbox and even the iPhone market themselves, Bhargava knows that this is far from the truth. “There’s a common misunderstanding that a good product doesn’t need any marketing, and that’s why so many great ideas and startups fail,” he says. “Marketing is key. You need to get your product to the right people, through the right channels, with the right presentation. The market is saturated with so many products that if your audience loses interest, you’ve lost them completely.” Bhargava has introduced innovative methods, including a pioneering employee purchase program that has broadened employees’ ability to acquire iPhones through the use of adaptable employee benefit plans.
His experience in the industry has taught him that marketing is just one piece of the puzzle. To truly stay ahead, he believes that professionals must be willing to take risks, innovate, and challenge the status quo. “Education is not what degree or mastery you hold, but the knowledge that you retain,” he says. “There are so many PhD students nowadays, but who really applies what they know? We have been trained like sheep and therefore act like sheep. This world is for the taking, and only the lions are doing something about it by innovating, breaking boxes, and not letting themselves be limited by what they think they know, but rather, venture out into the unknown.”
Bhargava’s own career is a testament to his willingness to take risks and challenge himself. After serving as an instructor at the Army Mobile Communications School in Ahmadnagar, he went on to hold various positions in the communications sector, including Head Service Management and Delivery Executive at IBM India and General Manager for the Communications Sector at IBM India. In each role, Bhargava made a significant impact, both for the company and on the industry, implementing new processes and strategies to improve operations and drive growth, such as his Applications Network Operations Center concept.
But Bhargava’s success is not just the result of his professional experience. He is also a lifelong learner, with a PhD in Business Management, a Bachelor of Science in Electronics and Telecommunications, and an MBA specializing in Marketing & HRD-Symbiosis. Bhargava believes that education is essential, but it’s not enough on its own. “Leadership doesn’t come from books” he says. “My time in the Indian Army prepared me mentally to be a strong leader. It taught me how to make quick decisions, how to work under pressure, and how to motivate my team.”
Bhargava’s leadership skills have been put to the test many times throughout his career. In his current role, he oversees a team of professionals who are responsible for marketing some of the most innovative products in the world. Bhargava knows that to stay ahead, he must not only be a strong leader but also foster a culture of innovation and creativity. “Innovation is the key to success in the IT and communications industry,” he says. “But it’s not just about coming up with new ideas. It’s about executing those ideas and turning them into reality.”
To stay ahead in the industry, Bhargava believes that professionals must also be willing to adapt to changing trends and technologies. “The IT and communications industry is constantly evolving, and what worked yesterday may not work today,” he says. “Professionals must be willing to learn new skills, adopt new technologies, and adapt to new trends if they want to stay relevant.”
Bhargava’s own career is a testament to his ability to adapt and evolve. From his early days in the Indian Army to his current role at Apple India, he has proven time and time again that he is willing to take risks, challenge the status quo, and push the boundaries of what is possible. And with his unwavering commitment to innovation, creativity, and leadership, there’s no doubt that Bhargava will continue to stay ahead of the game and remain a leader in the industry for years to come.
