CEO Insights Magazine

Every sector today is going digital. The television sector is not far behind. It started as satellite broadcasting back in the early 2000s, to terrestrial broadcasting and today, it is completely digitized. The opportunity to enjoy TV series in a high-quality mode without any disruptions has enhanced the viewing experience for customers. Taking that into consideration, Dish Media Network was founded in 2010, laid the first stone with an aim to become the largest digital-pay TV supplier. He is also the Chairman of Kamana Sewa Bank, a National Development Bank, promoted by banking experts. Having acquired his Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering and Master’s Degree in the same from the University of Arkansas, he is well versed in international practices and thus, equipped with pertinent technical prowess to handle extremely complex situations. In an exclusive interview with CEO Insights, Sudeep spills the beans on his journey to date.

Throw some light on your professional background and experience. What drives you today as an industry leader?

I have been very blessed with my accomplishments. I completed my education in the United States and then went on to work there. In 2008, I came back to Nepal and decided to stay and make a difference here. We then decided to start the first DTH company in Nepal, prior to that, only analog cable TV services were available. In 2015, I took the  helm as the CEO of the network, now known as the Dish Media Network (DishHome), the only DTH service provider in Nepal. That same year, we surpassed the number of customers from 3000 to 7500 and by 2019, we crossed 1 million customers. We connected the customers in Nepal and were able to give them exceptional service.

I am also involved with other small companies as the Strategic Partner. One of them is a Development Bank in Nepal. Since my chairmanship, we have expanded to 131 branches across the country.

How would you define Digital Home International as an organization and its position in the market? What is the unique proposition that your organization offers to clients?

DHI supports Digital-Pay TV broadcasters by producing set-top boxes as per their needs and criteria set by them. Moreover, the strong infrastructure assists DHI in executing orders of any set-top box type while adhering to quality standards and client specifications. DHI, in long run, means to gain and continue clients through a manageable plan of action with the best help and administration. DHI likewise has a dream to work with full uprightness assisting the customers with standing out in the market. Our primary product was Set-top box, now we have expanded our product portfolio and entered into Home Appliances vertical as well.

What are the major challenges you have experienced in your journey so far? How did you overcome them and what did you learn from them?

There are challenges in every business because you are trying to do something different. When we startedoff with Dish Media Network, capital expenditure, was a major challenge. We were also worried about the services we provide to customers, increasing sales and creating a ‘brand’ buzz. Establishing a brand requires both time and money. There is a lot of planning required. So we started by creating content, did CSR events and brought the team together toward the same goal. Once that was done, we were able to create the noise and were also able to acquire other companies.

Soon, when we decided to explore other avenues, I had to challenge myself again and learn. In the end, we don’t know it all, so it is important to continually learn, research, and work toward the business accordingly.

What is your success mantra? Also, tell us about the plan you have for the future.

My mantra to success has always been ‘teamwork’. We have a lot of brainstorming sessions. I transfer ownership to the management team and they transfer it down further. I have also been blessed with a supportive board member. Teamwork has been the key to our success! As far as the future is concerned, we hope to someday connect all the internet users in Nepal. Our goal is to connect every household to a broadband network.

“As Entrepreneurs, what you need to understand is bthat, there are downsides too. Ensure that there has been ample research & understanding of the market”

In the light of your strong experience, what advice would you give to budding industry leaders?

When we started Dish Media Network, we were very excited so we only looked at the bright side. However, as Entrepreneurs, what you need to understand is that there are downsides too. So, before deciding to build something, ensure that there has been ample research. Understand the market and always look at the long term. Everything should be planned, and carefully executed. Understand the backend, the service, and

the sales aspect of it. Lastly, do not give up. There will always be a hump. You have to push through and be patient. Great things always take time to happen.

When we started DisHome we were very excited, we looked only at the bright side but there are downsides too. So research, understanding the tech part, customer service, focus on after- sales service, don’t look at it as one time, look long term, and keep at it. There will always be a hump you have to go through, you have to push through that and you have to be patient.

Sudeep Acharya, Managing Director, Dish Media Network

Sudeep studied and worked in the US for some time and then moved back to his hometown in Nepal. He is an experienced Chief Executive Officer with a demonstrated history of working in the broadcast media industry. Skilled in Customer Service, Strategic Planning, Business Strategy, Program Management, and Project Management.

Hobbies: Reading, Watching Movies, Cycling, Swimming and Travelling

Favorite Cuisine: Chinese

Favorite Book: Biographical books, “Long walk to freedom about Nelson Mandela”.

Favorite Travel Destination: Bali, Sanya in China