‘Time is your most precious investment’: Malabar Gold and Diamonds' M.P. Ahammed

The first thing you do when you wake up in the morning?

I wake up at 5.30 to 6 a.m. After drinking a lot of water, I go for a walk for about an hour and a half. That is when I meet friends and get to know about what’s going on.

What is your most satisfying investment?

Time is the most precious investment. I use it to the maximum. I go to bed at 11 p.m. and wake up early in the morning. Again, I sleep for 10 to 15 minutes in the afternoon. What I feel satisfied about is that I use time well.

How do you keep your mind and body healthy?

Exercising is a habit for me. As much as possible, I eat only home-grown vegetables. A lot of vegetables are gown at home. I don't get stressed about anything. Tensions will come and go. Do everything in a planned manner. We must stay calm. Everything will happen in the way it should happen.

When do you get fresh ideas?

I get fresh ideas in the morning. Talking to others also leads to fresh ideas.

When do you learn new things?

Earlier, learning new things happened through reading and understanding things on your own. Now, there are people to help you. They will research and find out new things.

Your childhood memories?

I was born as the youngest one when my father was 62 years old. He always clasped my hand and nurtured me with great care. That is a pleasant memory for me.

What do you look for while travelling?

I look at the scenery around me. I like to learn about the lifestyle, cuisine, etc. of each region. More than business trends, I am interested in knowing about how people live. 

The person who influenced you the most?

My dad. He had all the qualities. But he had passed away by the time I entered the business.

How do you deal with failures

My father's advice was to keep on trying. Don't get disappointed with failures. Just move on with the belief that the future will be better.

When do you get thrilled in your business?

The thrill is in setting a target and achieving it. The thrill is in competing with a sportsman's spirit and succeeding in the market. But I don't see my opponents as my enemies. I am in good terms with everyone. I only oppose unfair business practices.

Your favourite sport?

I like football. I was a regular spectator of Santosh Trophy and Sait Nagjee tournaments. But I don't play football.

How do you make good decisions?

You can find a solution to any problem by talking to your family, business partners, and friends. You only have to listen to their opinions and adopt what is needed. You must discuss everything, don’t hide anything. I speak openly to those close to me. And I get the right answers.

What do you fear?

I don't fear anything. Not even death. I have come this far. Death is for everyone. There is no point in being afraid. But one should not be a burden to anyone.

How do you manage time and increase productivity?

Decide today what you want to do tomorrow. Don't poke into unnecessary things. Don't waste time on arguments with anyone. Moreover, don't insist on doing everything on your own. Delegate responsibilities.

What was the biggest crisis you faced?

We used to supply copra to a company in Mumbai and that company fell into financial crisis. If I didn’t receive that payment, I would have faced ruin. Finally, they sold their brand to Hindustan Lever to pay off the debt. That is how I understood the value of building a brand.

Any habit that you gave up? 

The habit of playing cards with friends in the evening has been there for a long time. Even now I have it. I quit smoking 35 years ago. I never drank alcohol, and I will never.

How do you manage work-life balance?

I see my business as my job. Life includes that too. My wife takes care of the household. She even handles my medication, including treatment. I only need to take care of my business.

Do you like to travel?

Mostly it is business travel. But I also find time to go out with friends.

How do you avoid losing your focus?

If you plan and decide on something, stick to it. Don't keep on changing it. You can make profit or suffer losses. Think before you decide. I never had to back down from a decision.

Your views on money?

Money comes and goes. It is not permanent. It is just a medium to buy and sell.

How do you define success?

If we try, success is assured. When we fail, we must try again.

What is your advice to startups?

You must work hard. Don't look for the easy way out.