Executive Profile:
Neil Wadhawan

Neil Wadhawan was a student at Boston’s Northeastern University when, along with Raj Raheja, he founded Heartwood Studios, which specializes in digital storytelling. Now the company’s CEO, Wadhawan describes himself and Raheja, its chairman, as “serial entrepreneurs” who’ve been involved with several technology start-ups. Heartwood is “the best business so far, and growing rapidly,” he says. Its leading-edge Cubix software creates a virtual experience of shopping in a 3-D store and represents “the future of the Internet,” he adds. “This is very new and we’re all excited to be contributing to it.”

Résumé
Name: Neil Wadhawan
Title: Chief Executive Officer
Company: Heartwood Studios
Location: BR6
Number of employees: 18
Year company was founded: 2002
Number of years at Bishop Ranch: Moved in September 2005

Company Profile
Headquarters: San Ramon
Business: “Digital storytelling through visual extravaganza.”
Business approach: “We don’t just let our technology sell itself. We go to customers, work to understand their needs and apply technology to satisfy those needs.”
Biggest challenge: “Figuring out what not to do in 3-D!”
Biggest risk taken: “Every day is a risk—especially for a business owner.”
Favorite task: “Cold-calling a chief executive officer of another company, getting him on the phone and getting a project with him.“
Least favorite task: “I have no qualms about anything. I like every aspect of my job.”
Source of inspiration: “My father. He’s been a great inspiration, a great mentor and teacher, and a great best friend.”

Personal Philosophy
Best way to motivate co-workers and staff: “Let them know what they’re great at and, once they identify their talent, they can rock and roll.”
Suggestions for up-and-coming executives: “Be patient with your staff when you have challenges, understand their point of view and then come to the table with your opinions.”

Off Hours
Favorite stress-buster: “Working out.”
Favorite vacation spot: “India. My family is from there.”
Favorite music: “World music, hip-hop, rock.”

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