2004 ALUMNI RECIPIENTS

Mahendra Kumar Agrawal, 35

Biggest achievement: As vice-president in charge of technology and operations, I played a key role in the company realizing more than 300-per-cent revenue growth.

Best skill: Attention to detail

Most admired businessperson: Anil Agrawal, my father and mentor, for his business acumen. Sunil Sethi, Xstream's CEO, for his entrepreneurial skills.

Biggest business lesson learned: With our software development division located in India, the greatest challenge has been to ensure quality, timely delivery and responsiveness. To overcome this challenge, two measures have been key. One, to appoint top-notch local managers and leaders with integrity, reliability and loyalty to the company. Second, to implement regular checks and balances to ensure proper management of financial and human resources, along with adherence to company standards and policies, to overcome and resolve conflicts and bottlenecks encountered in the shortest time possible and to ensure the team is progressing with high levels of motivation, productivity and efficiency.

Favourite charity: Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario

Professional recognition that would mean the most: Receiving Canada or North America-wide business recognition, similar to the North America-wide technology awards received twice in the past.