Get All Access for $5/mo

The Discoverer: Ashok Vashist, Founder and CEO, WTiCabs Growing up as the son of an Indian Navy officer, Vashist was fortunate to be surrounded by the sea from an early age and had sailing and swimming be part of his childhood

By Punita Sabharwal

You're reading Entrepreneur India, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media.

Ashok Vashist, Founder and CEO, WTiCabs

Like the calm surface of the sea despite the chaos beneath, as an entrepreneur, Ashok Vashist, Founder and CEO, WTiCabs strives to maintain composure and resilience in the face of adversity, always moving forward like the unyielding waves on the shore. Here's the man sharing his experiences.

What got you into scuba diving in the first place?

Growing up as the son of an Indian Navy officer, I was fortunate to be surrounded by the sea from an early age. Sailing and swimming were part of my childhood, naturally drawing me towards diving as I got older. This proximity to the ocean sparked my interest in exploring its depths.

How often do you go scuba diving? Any favorite diving spots?

Due to the demands of running a business and the distances involved, I manage to go diving about once every two years. It's not as often as I'd like, but I make each trip count. Some of my favorite spots include the Andamans and Lakshadweep in India, as well as international destinations like the Maldives, Phuket, Phi Phi Island, and Bali. Each location offers unique underwater landscapes and marine life.

A diving spot you have on your bucket list yet to be ticked?

My bucket list is extensive! I'm eager to explore the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, Silfra in Iceland for its crystal-clear waters, Sicily in Italy for its rich marine archaeology, Malta for its underwater caves, and the Canary Islands in Spain.

What have you learned about yourself through this practice?

Diving has taught me a profound lesson: whether in good times or challenging ones, you are ultimately alone. It's crucial to make the best use of your solitude, both underwater and in life. This realization has been invaluable in my personal growth and business approach.

What does your fitness regime look like?

I try to maintain a consistent routine of walking and swimming at least three times a week. It's important to stay active, especially with a busy schedule. As for diet, I aim to eat in moderation, though I must admit it's an area where I sometimes struggle with self-control.

Are there any similarities between being a diver and being an entrepreneur?

Absolutely. Both in diving and in entrepreneurship, you often find yourself in a position of solitude. As a diver, you're alone with your thoughts in the vast ocean. Similarly, as an entrepreneur, you frequently face decisions and challenges where you stand alone. However, both fields also teach you that there's always room for improvement and new achievements. Just as the ocean depths hold endless discoveries, the business world constantly offers opportunities for those willing to explore and excel.

Punita Sabharwal

Entrepreneur Staff

Managing Editor, Entrepreneur India

Business Ideas

63 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2024

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2024.

Side Hustle

The Side Hustle She Started in a High School Locker Room Hit Multimillion-Dollar Revenue — and Taylor Swift Is a Fan: 'Invest in Yourself'

Elena Bonvicini, now 25, was inspired to start her side hustle during a 2016 visit to her grandparents in Wisconsin.

Growing a Business

At 24, She Was Fired From Her Advertising Job. Then an 'Incredibly Important' Mindset Helped Her Build a Multimillion-Dollar Business.

Melissa Ben-Ishay's brother Brian Bushell encouraged her to follow her passion — and it led to major success.

News and Trends

The Role of Digital Payment Infrastructures in MSME Growth

Around 80 per cent of MSMEs reported positive impacts from adopting digital technology, with Aadhaar banking and UPI being the most utilized services at the last mile.

Science & Technology

How Can Marketers Use ChatGPT? Here Are the Top 11 Uses.

With the recent developments in AI and the popularity of ChatGPT, you may want to integrate AI into your marketing practices. Find out how.