The Story Behind the Coach
17 years in the corporate world. Two published books. One deliberate choice to serve others.
Technology Leader. Coach. Author. Lifelong Learner.
I am Vivek Agrawal — a technology leader turned ICF-certified executive coach, and the author of two books on leadership and performance. For 17 years, I built products, led teams, and shaped technology strategy at some of India's most respected organizations. My most significant chapter was as CIO of IndiaMART (2020–2024) — India's largest B2B marketplace — where I led technology for a platform serving millions of SMEs across the country.
In 2022 and 2023, I was recognized as a two-time CIO100 India award winner — first in the Game Changers category, then in The Disruptive 100 category the following year — a recognition that meant a great deal, but also made me reflect on what truly matters: the people behind the technology, and the leaders behind the people.
In 2024, I made a deliberate choice. I stepped away from the corporate world to do the work I believe matters most — coaching leaders to grow, advising technology teams to perform, and writing books that make leadership real and accessible. I run my coaching and advisory practice through Vivikt Growth LLP, based in Noida.
How I Got Here
Not a straight line — but every step was intentional.
Begusarai, Bihar — Where It All Began
Grew up in Begusarai, a small town in Bihar. Studied at St. Paul's School. Learned early that curiosity and hard work are the only shortcuts that actually work.
B.Tech in Computer Science
Completed Bachelor of Technology in Computer Science — the foundation of everything that followed. Technology was never just a subject; it was a lens through which I understood the world.
MBA in Finance — FORE School of Management, New Delhi
Pursued an MBA with a Finance specialization at FORE School of Management. This is where business thinking met technology instinct — and the combination became my competitive edge.
14 Years at IndiaMART — Assistant Product Manager → CIO
Joined IndiaMART InterMesh Limited as Assistant Product Manager and grew through six promotions to become Chief Information Officer — leading technology for India's largest B2B marketplace with 60%+ market share and millions of SME users.
View full details →S P Jain School of Global Management
Continued learning while leading — completed a programme at S P Jain School of Global Management. Because I believe learning never stops, regardless of the title on your door.
CIO100 India — Back-to-Back Awards
Recognised two years in a row at CIO100 India (Foundry IDG) — Game Changers (2022) and The Disruptive 100 CIO (2023). Two of the most prestigious recognitions in Indian technology leadership.
View full details →The Deliberate Pivot
Resigned as CIO from IndiaMART in May 2024. Not a reaction — a decision I had been moving toward for two years. Founded Vivikt Growth LLP to pursue coaching, advisory, and authorship full-time.
The Performance Playbook — Published
Published 'The Performance Playbook' with Notion Press (October 2025) — a systems-thinking framework for leaders who want to optimize performance in their teams and organizations.
Seekhna Band Toh Jeetna Band — Published
Published second book 'Seekhna Band Toh Jeetna Band' — a memoir and leadership guide tracing the journey from a small town to the C-suite. The title is the philosophy: the day you stop learning, you stop winning.
Director of Membership — ICF Delhi NCR Chapter
Elected Director of Membership for the Delhi NCR Chapter of the International Coaching Federation — contributing to the growth and integrity of the coaching profession in India's capital region.
Coaching, Advisory, Writing & Building
Today Vivek coaches founders and senior leaders through Vivikt Growth LLP, advises technology and product teams, serves as Director of Membership at ICF Delhi NCR Chapter, and continues writing. Noida-based. Globally relevant.
The Beliefs That Shape My Work
Seekhna Band Toh Jeetna Band
The day you stop learning, you stop winning. This isn't a motivational poster quote — it's the belief that has governed every decision I've made, from Begusarai to the boardroom.
Technology is Always About People
After 17 years in tech leadership, the clearest thing I know is this: the best technology strategy in the world fails without the right people, culture, and leadership behind it.
Coaching is the Highest Form of Leadership
The most valuable thing a senior leader can do is invest in someone else's growth. Coaching is not a soft skill — it is the hardest and most impactful skill a leader can develop.
Stories Are How We Transfer Wisdom
Data informs. Frameworks guide. But stories — honest, vulnerable stories — are how real learning travels from one person to another. That's why I write.
Self-Awareness Before Skill Addition
Lasting leadership change begins with self-awareness, not skill addition. My coaching draws on evidence-based ICF methodology and timeless principles from the Bhagavad Gita — because authentic leadership is both modern and ancient.
Education & Credentials
B.Tech in Computer Science. MBA in Finance from FORE School of Management. ICF ACC certified coach. Executive programmes at ISB, S P Jain, and Great Learning — all completed while holding demanding leadership roles.
View Full Education & Credentials →Beyond the Title
Behind every career milestone is a family that made it possible. I am a husband and a father — and those roles matter more to me than any award or title.
I believe that the best leaders are whole people. That the quality of your personal life shapes the quality of your professional decisions. That you cannot sustainably give to others what you haven't cultivated in yourself.
Outside of work, you'll find me reading, thinking, writing, and spending time with my family in Noida.
Meet the Family →If Any of This Resonates — Let's Talk
Whether you're looking for a coach, an advisor, a speaker, or just want to connect — I'd love to hear from you.