MAM
Weekend Unwind with: Aditya Kuber, CEO & co-founder Ideabrew Studios
Mumbai: Moving on to the next in our series of lighthearted snippets that peek into the minds of corporate executives by having them share their mantras to deal with the curveballs that life throws at them—not necessarily revolving around work life—and sometimes going beyond work.
This week’s guest is Aditya Kuber, CEO and co-founder of Ideabrew Studios. Kuber is a media professional with over 20 years of experience in B2C, B2B, and market and business development, having worked with Sportz Interactive, Yahoo!, Times of India, and Sakal Media Group, as well as assisting in the establishment of Audioboom India in 2016. He led the launch and scaling of BookMyShow Jukebox, its music and podcast streaming business, before going on to launch his entrepreneurial venture, Ideabrew Studios, “one of India’s largest podcast networks” in August 2020.
So here goes…
Your mantra for Life
Try. Don’t be afraid to fail.
A Book you are currently reading / plan to read
The Obstacle is the Way by Ryan Holiday.
Your Fitness mantra, especially during the pandemic
Tennis and regular workouts at the gym.
Your comfort Food
Almost anything homemade!
When the chips are down a Quote/Philosophy that keeps you going
This is a new challenge. Face it.
Your guilty Pleasure
Bad movies and ice-cream!
When was the last time you tried something New?
That would have to be when I started yoga a few months ago.
A life Lesson you learnt the hard way
No substitute for hard work.
What gets you Excited about life?
Possibilities and the fact that there’s so much left to experience.
What’s on top of your Bucket List?
Watching at least one match of every tennis Grand Slam.
If you could give one piece of Advice to your younger self, what would it be?
Get smarter! Work harder! There are no shortcuts in life.
An Activity that keeps you motivated/charged during tough times
Looking around to see that I am not the only one fighting a battle.
What lifts your Spirits when life gets you down?
My family and friends.
Your go-to Stress Buster
TV! Any action film will do!
One thing you would most like to Change about the world
Lack of opportunities for so many underprivileged people.
Brands
Hyatt chairman Thomas Pritzker to step down over Epstein ties
Thomas Pritzker admits terrible judgment regarding past associations
CHICAGO: Thomas Pritzker, the long-standing executive chairman of Hyatt Hotels, has announced he will step down from his role and will not seek re-election to the company board in 2026. The decision marks the end of an era for the hospitality giant, which Pritzker has led for over two decades.
The departure follows Pritzker’s public admission regarding his previous links to Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. In a statement addressing his resignation, Pritzker expressed deep regret over the association, acknowledging that his failure to distance himself from the pair sooner was a significant lapse.
Pritzker framed his exit as a necessary step to protect the Hyatt brand. He stated that maintaining contact with Epstein, a convicted sex offender, and his associate Maxwell demonstrated “terrible judgment” for which there was “no excuse.”
The move comes amid ongoing scrutiny of high-profile figures in business and politics. Since Epstein’s 2019 arrest and subsequent death, a vast cache of Justice Department documents has detailed his extensive connections to global elites, many of whom continued their associations after his initial 2008 conviction.
Pritzker has served as executive chairman since 2004, guiding the hotel group through major transformation. He led the company’s public offering and shifted to an “asset-light” model, focusing on management and franchising. He also navigated the company through the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, showing strategic foresight.
While Pritzker highlighted the growth and resilience of the company under his leadership, the controversy surrounding his personal associations has made his continued presence on the board untenable.
As Hyatt prepares for a future without its long-time leader, the focus will likely shift to ensuring the transition does not disrupt the company’s current momentum. Pritzker will remain in his position until the 2026 board changes take effect.
