Digital
Weekend Unwind with: Tonic Worldwide co-founder and COO Samir Asher
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 Tonic Worldwide co-founder and COO Samir Asher.
Asher heads technology and innovation in the digital first integrated agency.
Having set up a team of 160+ people across India, Asher believes in a people-first entrepreneurial culture encouraging the development of talent across verticals. He has been consulting brands for their digital and business transformation initiative by enabling their D2C presence and leads search and organic discoverability for these brands along with their other tech initiatives. He has consulted over 200 brands across multiple countries at Tonic.
He has led multiple industry-first tech initiatives like neurosensory gaming, multi-screen interactive engagement, immersive experiences in the metaverse and generative AI.
So, without further ado, here it goes…
- Your mantra for Life
Eat cake, stay awake, and laugh till your abs ache!
- A Book you are currently reading / plan to read
Hooked: How To Build Habit-Forming Products – nir eyal
- Your Fitness mantra, especially during the pandemic
Fitness and I go way back. I used to love my gym time; it was where I’d escape, just me and the weights. But when the pandemic hit, things changed. I started working out twice as much at home, getting creative with resistance bands on my terrace and sweating it out with High Intensity Interval Training. If anyone looked up, they’d think they were witnessing a one-person fitness flash mob!
- Your comfort food
A warm bowl of Dal chawal or Tandoori Chicken, Salad
- When the chips are down a quote/ philosophy that keeps you going
Treat them like a video game level. Jump, dodge, and power through, knowing that victory awaits at the end!
- Your guilty pleasure
Well, if we’re spilling secrets here, let me confess: my guilty pleasure is a smooth single malt whisky on the rocks.
- When was the last time you tried something new?
I attempted to breakdance like a pro. Let’s just say the only thing I successfully broke was my dignity!
- A Life lesson you learnt the hard way
Geeky gadgets, social apps and tech wizardry may be exciting, but don’t forget to cherish real-life connections. The best algorithms are often found in the hearts of loved ones.
- What gets you excited about life?
The thrill of conquering new challenges, whether it’s tackling a trail, digital innovation, mastering a new skill, or achieving personal goals. Pushing my limits ignites my excitement for life’s journey.
- What’s on top of your bucket list?
Wing walking! Now, if only I could stumble upon a magical lamp to grant me that wish. Fingers crossed!
- If you could give one piece of advice to your younger self, what would it be?
Don’t take life too seriously. Dance like no one’s watching (but be aware that someone might be recording it for making a viral meme)
- One thing you would most like to change about the world
One thing I would most like to change about the world is the prevalence of internet bullying and the lack of people helping each other. It’s disheartening to see the harm caused by online cruelty and the missed opportunities for kindness and support
- An activity that keeps you motivated / charged during tough times
I find motivation and energy through a powerful combination of exercise, music, and gaming. And when I crave a sense of peace, I embrace moments of solitude to recharge and reflect.
- What lifts your spirits when life gets you down?
I take a moment to reflect on the positive aspects of my life and express gratitude for the little things that bring me happiness.
- Your go-to stress buster
My go-to stress buster involves enjoying a cup of cinnamon coffee while listening to my favorite music. It’s a delightful combination that instantly uplifts my mood and helps me relax.
Digital
OpenAI’s Stargate lead Peter Hoeschele exits with two senior leaders
Trio behind compute push set to join new startup amid leadership reshuffle
SAN FRANCISCO: Peter Hoeschele, a key figure behind OpenAI’s early Stargate data centre initiative, has exited the company, according to a report by The Information.
The departure is part of a broader leadership shift, with two other senior executives, Shamez Hemani and Anuj Saharan, also set to leave in the coming days. All three are expected to join the same new startup, although details about the venture remain under wraps.
The trio played a central role in OpenAI’s Stargate effort, an initiative aimed at building large-scale data centre capacity in-house to reduce reliance on external infrastructure providers. Their exits mark a notable moment for the company’s compute strategy as it continues to scale rapidly.
OpenAI spokesperson said in a statement to The Information, “We’re grateful for the contributions Peter, Shamez, and Anuj have made to OpenAI and wish them the very best in what comes next.” The company also pointed to the recent appointment of Sachin Katti to lead its industrial compute organisation, signalling continuity in its infrastructure roadmap.
OpenAI has indicated that it does not plan to directly replace Hoeschele’s role, suggesting a possible restructuring of responsibilities within the team.
As competition intensifies in the race to build next-generation AI systems, leadership changes in core infrastructure teams are likely to draw close attention. For now, the spotlight shifts to what this departing trio builds next, and how OpenAI adapts as it scales its ambitions.
