There are many different types of leaders. While most good leaders are intelligent, tough, determined, and visionary, great leaders like Rajiv are also self-aware, self-regulated, motivating, empathetic, and socially skilled.

During one of the toughest IT transitions I’ve seen both technically and politically, it was these qualities that provided the foundation and confidence in his team to accomplish what seemed at the moment as an impossible project.

I would not hesitate jumping into any complex and challenging initiative knowing that Rajiv is providing the steady hand and guidance the team.

February 20, 2013 via Linkedin. Omar was a consultant/contractor to Rajiv at Conde Nast.

Rajiv had the difficult task of managing and upgrading many disparate systems in the CondeNet IT infrastructure. Regardless, Rajiv made critical progress keeping CondeNet moving forward. I admire his ability to spin many plates!

February 18, 2013. Ken worked with Rajiv at Conde Nast

During the three years we worked together, I learned so much from Rajiv about being an effective manager and collaborator. No matter the issue at hand, whether choosing between competing technical approaches or strategizing organization-wide transitions, he would identify the right solution to meet stakeholder needs and get everyone happily aligned. In the toughest situations, he remains thoughtful and keeps the individual in mind, which is one reason he earns strong loyalty from his teams and admiration from his peers. I strongly recommend Rajiv.

February 17, 2013 (updated Feb 19) via LinkedIn. Land worked indirectly for Rajiv at Conde Nast

While supporting Rajiv’s initiatives, his open door policy and calming demeanor allowed for honest and productive conversations. He is open to collaborating and carefully measures your support and guidance.
He makes it clear his time is important, but respects yours as well, by giving you his full attention. His direction is always clear and staying the course is the reason for his success.

February 17, 2013. Richard was a consultant/contractor to Rajiv at Conde Nast

I had the pleasure of working with Rajiv during his tenure as an executive at Conde Nast. The best way to describe it was as having this incredibly positive, optimistic and knowledgeable epicenter whenever he was around. Rajiv never faltered , and regardless of the circumstances he always projected a sense of joy, leadership, and selfless sharing. Beyond his personal leadership skills, he was able to quickly merge the technical and business challenges into a workable plan that his staff carried out. On top of all that is a genuinely good bloke.

February 16, 2013. Bane worked with Rajiv at Conde Nast. Bane is now Chief Product Officer at A&E Television Networks.

Rajiv was one of the most insightful, self-reflective, and self-aware of the executive program participants in a Leadership and Power class I taught recently. He is very thoughtful about issues of organizational dynamics and I suspect quite effective because of his knowledge and insights.

August 21, 2012. Jeffrey Pfeffer taught Rajiv at Stanford University Graduate School of Business

Rajiv Pant combines his years of executive level management with technical expertise, providing his teams with a leader who can well-represent them in both areas. He welcomes the input of others, strives to learn how he or his team may improve, and makes himself available for feedback, guidance, or support. He believes in and champions technical innovation, always striving to find the best possible solution. Rajiv believes in his staff, promoting their successes and working with them to improve when issues arise. He will go to great lengths to find and retain strong talent, and is known for his welcoming, friendly, and humble nature. When tough decisions do arise, Rajiv is able to take action with the decisive means necessary for a keen executive. I enjoyed the many years I worked within Rajiv Pant’s technology team and would certainly look forward to working for or with him again, should the opportunity arise.

April 16, 2011. Melanie worked indirectly for Rajiv at Conde Nast. She subsequently went on to become Senior Product Development Manager at McKinsey & Company and then Digital Media Group Manager for HBO.