Brands
Weekend Unwind with Dorby’s Mehul Agarwal
Mumbai: With another weekend upon us, it is time to unwind with the latest Q&A edition of Indiantelevision.com’s Weekend Unwind – a series of informal chats that peek into the minds of business executives through a fun lens in an attempt to get to know the person behind the title a little better.
In this week’s session, we have Dorby director and CEO Mehul Agarwal. With a Bachelor of Management Studies and nearly a decade of experience in the building materials industry, he co-founded Dorby in 2017, aiming to revolutionize interior design. Under his leadership, Dorby has become one of the market leader’s in laminate manufacturing and home décor products, focusing on quality and innovation. Mehul envisions elevating Dorby as a top lifestyle brand, transforming spaces into artistic expressions. Outside of work, he enjoys traveling and exploring new business perspectives.
Without further ado, here it goes…
Your mantra for life
I firmly believe that success is a lifelong journey, not a destination. In a world of constant evolution, a growth mindset is essential. At the same time, it’s important to always remain a lifelong learner. Even in the surface décor industry, I’m constantly discovering new things. Every experience, every challenge, and every success offer valuable lessons. Staying curious and open to new perspectives helps me continually adapt and grow, both personally and professionally.
A book you are currently reading or plan to read
I am engrossed in ‘The Power of the Subconscious Mind’ and ‘The Catalyst’. These books have been incredibly illuminating. They’ve shown me the profound impact our thoughts and environment have on our choices and outcomes. It is fascinating to discover how subtle shifts in perspective or surroundings can catalyse significant transformations. The insights have also been invaluable in shaping my leadership philosophy, particularly in the interior décor segment, where the right design choices can evoke emotions and set the tone for a space, ultimately influencing how people feel and interact within it.
Your fitness mantra
My fitness mantra is simple: build a stronger mind and body. It is essential to cultivate mental resilience along with better physical strength. Consistency, discipline, and willpower are my guiding principles. I believe a healthy body is the foundation for a sharp mind and ultimately a fulfilling life.
Your comfort food
Sushi and Thai curry with rice are my go-to comfort foods. The combination of flavours is incredibly soothing and satisfying. When faced with a demanding schedule or stressful situations, indulging in a favourite meal helps me recharge and find balance.
A quote or philosophy that keeps you going when the chips are down
“I wish that I could show you when you are lonely or in darkness the astonishing light of your own being.”
This tiny poem, written by the 14th century Persian Sufi poet Hafiz is a constant source of inspiration for me. They remind me that even in the darkest moments, there’s an inner strength and resilience waiting to be discovered. It’s a powerful reminder to look inward for solace and find beauty amidst adversity.
Your guilty pleasure
I have a sweet tooth, so desserts definitely qualify as my guilty pleasure.
The last time you tried something new
I recently taught myself to make sushi and some other Asian dishes. It was a challenging but immensely rewarding experience. Experimenting with new flavours and techniques is a great way to step outside of my comfort zone and savour my hard work later.
A life lesson you learned the hard way
Life has taught me the importance of preparedness. Nothing is guaranteed, so I’ve learned to cultivate resilience and adaptability. Having a Plan B and a strong support network are essential. While optimism is crucial, it’s equally important to be prepared for unexpected challenges.
What gets you excited about life?
Bringing innovative ideas to life, especially in business, really excites me. The journey from a raw idea to a tangible product or service that makes a difference is incredibly exhilarating. Witnessing growth and expansion is what fuels my passion.
What’s on top of your bucket list?
Visiting Antarctica is at the top of my list. It is the wildest, coldest, and most remote continent on Earth—a place where nature is still truly untamed. Experiencing that kind of raw beauty is something I’ve always dreamed of.
If you could give one piece of advice to your younger self, what would it be?
Persistence is key. Don’t be discouraged by setbacks. Every challenge is an opportunity for growth. Trust in the journey, even when the path seems uncertain. Remember, life often leads us to places we never imagined, but that are ultimately where we’re meant to be.
One thing you would most like to change about the world
I would love to see a world where empathy, compassion, and respect are universal. A world where diversity is celebrated, and everyone feels like they belong. It is a vision that inspires me, and I believe it’s attainable through collective effort and conscious change.
An activity that keeps you motivated and charged during tough times
When faced with challenges, I find breaking down overwhelming tasks into smaller, manageable steps to be incredibly effective. Taking that first small step, no matter how insignificant it may seem, is crucial in overcoming procrastination. It’s a strategy that helps me maintain momentum and stay focused on my goals, even during the most difficult times.
What lifts your spirits when life gets you down?
Spending time with my loved ones— friends, family, and my dog, Euro. They always know how to lift my spirits and remind me of what really matters. They inspire me to face challenges with renewed optimism.
Your go-to stress buster
Enjoying the breath-taking sunset over Marine Drive from my lounge is my ultimate stress reliever. The serenity and beauty of that moment create a perfect sanctuary, allowing me to unwind and recharge, no matter how demanding my day has been.
Brands
Microsoft faces worst quarter since 2008 financial crisis
Cloud giant battles soaring AI costs and fierce competition from nimble startups.
MUMBAI: When the tech titan starts looking a little wobbly, even the Magnificent Seven can feel the tremors because Microsoft is currently starring in its own sequel, “Clouds and Doubts.” Microsoft is on track for its worst quarterly performance since the 2008 global financial crisis, according to Bloomberg, as investors grow increasingly uneasy about rising capital expenditure and intensifying competition from nimble AI firms. The company has been pouring money into AI infrastructure, yet markets are questioning when these hefty investments will finally deliver stronger revenue growth.
At the same time, investors are shifting away from traditional software stocks amid fears that AI startups such as Anthropic and OpenAI are developing autonomous agents capable of replacing established products, including those from Microsoft. Jonathan Cofsky, portfolio manager at Janus Henderson Investors, noted growing concern that customers may bypass Microsoft and deal directly with AI vendors, potentially disrupting its core business and putting pressure on pricing and margins.
Microsoft’s stock has tumbled 25 per cent in the first quarter, putting it on course for its largest drop since a 27 per cent fall in the fourth quarter of 2008. It has also emerged as the weakest performer among the so-called Magnificent Seven technology stocks, while a broader index tracking the group has fallen 14 per cent over the same period. The shares slipped a further 1.7 per cent after markets opened on Friday, marking a potential fourth consecutive session of declines.
Cofsky pointed out that Microsoft has become more capital intensive and that improved investor confidence will hinge on assurances that software growth will not slow materially. Despite the sell-off, the stock is now trading at less than 20 times projected earnings over the next 12 months, its lowest valuation level since June 2016. Its valuation remains slightly above that of the S&P 500 Index, although it has recently traded at a discount to the broader benchmark for the first time since 2015.
Bloomberg data shows Microsoft’s capital expenditure, including leases, is expected to surge to $146 billion in fiscal 2026, up around 66 per cent from $88 billion in fiscal 2025. Spending is projected to climb further to $170 billion in fiscal 2027 and $191 billion in fiscal 2028, based on average estimates. Investors are growing cautious about such levels of spending without clearer signs of stronger growth.
Microsoft’s Azure cloud division has reported a slight slowdown in growth compared with the previous quarter, while its Copilot AI product has seen limited user traction, prompting internal changes aimed at improving performance. Ben Reitzes, an analyst at Melius Research, warned in a March note that Microsoft’s upside in Azure could be constrained as the company works to address challenges related to its AI models and Copilot offering, adding that these issues are unlikely to be resolved in the short term.
Of the 67 analysts covering Microsoft, 63 maintain buy ratings, three hold ratings and one a sell rating. The average 12-month price target of $592 implies a potential upside of more than 64 per cent, the highest on record based on data going back to 2009. The stock is also trading below its 200-day moving average by the widest margin since 2009.
Reitzes suggested the dominance of buy ratings may indicate complacency among analysts, while highlighting risks in Microsoft’s productivity and business processes segment as well as its More Personal Computing division. In contrast, Tal Liani of Bank of America reinstated coverage with a buy rating, citing durable multi-year growth prospects across cloud and AI. Jake Seltz, portfolio manager at Allspring Global Investments, maintained that Microsoft retains strong long-term value and that its AI strategy is likely to be validated over time, viewing near-term concerns as a potential opportunity for longer-term investors.
The report highlights a growing divergence in market sentiment, with optimism around long-term AI potential weighed against immediate execution risks and investor uncertainty. In the world of big tech, even the mightiest clouds can have silver linings but right now, Microsoft’s investors are scanning the horizon for clearer skies.
