Sudheesh Avikkal isn’t your typical corporate success story. From starting out as a receptionist in Mumbai to becoming one of the youngest-performing CEOs in the European Union, his journey spans decades of leadership across sectors and continents. Now, he is on the verge of launching a fan-first app that aims to change how audiences engage with sports, travel, and entertainment. In this exclusive interview with India Today, Sudheesh opens up about his roots, values, and the passion project that’s close to his heart.

Q: Sudheesh, you’ve had a long and inspiring career. But let’s begin at the beginning. What were your early days like?