Dr. Jia Koundal: Author, Writer, and Omni-Channel Retail Leader, Learning & Development Expertise
Applying Insight and Innovation to Transform Sales, Teams, and Customer Experience!
Every great author begins with a curiosity about people; their choices, behaviors, and stories. For Dr. Jia Koundal, this curiosity formed not only his writing but his entire career in retail. Over 3 decades, he has explored how customers interact with brands and how businesses can respond effectively, turning observation into strategy.
As an Author and Writer, Dr. Jia has published multiple books and articles, including “Shunya on Leadership”, “Digital Transformations”, “Customer Behaviour”, “CRM”, and “Omnichannel Strategies”, blending academic depth with practical execution. His writing translates complex ideas into actionable insights, helping businesses improve sales, service, and customer engagement while guiding teams to thrive in a dynamic retail environment.
Innovation has defined his career. He developed pioneering platforms, such as Crossfire (a platform where two minds compete for better knowledge applications) for learning and capability building (PRISM), as well as Retail Sellout and Visibility Systems, which deliver measurable performance improvements. These tools enable teams to work smarter, adapt faster, and achieve tangible outcomes.
Dr. Jia’s leadership spans cultures and geographies, aligning across Indian, Chinese, Korean, and Japanese organizations, while fostering high-performance environments. Sustainability is central to his approach, showing that responsible practices can enhance brand value and long-term success.
For more than 30 years, Dr. Jia has combined the insight of a writer with the vision of a leader, forming retail strategies and empowering teams. His journey demonstrates how understanding people, whether through words or action, is the foundation of lasting success.
Let us learn more about his journey:
The Early Life of Jia Koundal
60 kilometres from Shimla lies the rural village of “Nalah” in Himachal Pradesh, where Jia spent his formative years. Life in this village followed the rhythm of the land, with limited access to higher education, schools, healthcare, roads, telecommunication, and markets. These conditions developed Jia’s character, nurturing resilience, self-reliance, and a deep understanding of the value of every resource. The family farm cultivated cooking oil, millets, pulses, wheat, vegetables, and fruits, fostering in him an early appreciation for nature and sustainable living.
Family influence played a pivotal role in his development. His father, a former army officer who later served in the state electricity board, exemplified service, discipline, dedication, and effective time management. These values became guiding principles for Jia. His mother, a devoted homemaker, provided emotional stability and unwavering support to the family. The sudden passing of his father brought unforeseen responsibilities, compelling Jia to embrace maturity and accountability at a young age, further cultivating his path in life.
Guided by his father’s discipline and mother’s strength, he learned to balance responsibility with ambition.
Today, his philosophy is grounded in:
- Adaptability → Learn, unlearn, and relearn
- Resilience → Turning challenges into opportunities
- Humility → Leading with values, not just titles
He views dealer networks, exclusive stores, and customer ecosystems as living organisms, thriving only when built on trust, service, and shared value.
A Professional Journey
The professional journey of Dr. Jia spans more than 3 decades, reflecting both depth and diversity across multiple disciplines. His career has encompassed Research and Development, Quality, Service, Sales, and Marketing Management. Over the years, he has taken responsibility for designing and executing Standard Operating Procedures, Go-to-Market strategies, Contract Manpower initiatives, Training frameworks, Dealer Relationship Management, Organizational Development, Change Management, and Strategic Design.
His experience extends across varied geographies, with leadership roles in both sales and non-sales functions, particularly in service and marketing domains which has further strengthened his capacity to plan and execute with precision. This breadth of experience has cultivated his expertise in steering operations and strategy towards measurable outcomes. He has consistently demonstrated skill in managing large-scale projects while ensuring that strategic objectives are achieved with clarity.
Currently, Dr. Jia serves as the Group Head at Panasonic Life Solutions India, where he is leading a multi-year transformation across service, retail, and partner ecosystems. His leadership is defined by the ability to build high-performing teams, deploy digital-first strategies, and deliver business results that include improved customer satisfaction, cost efficiencies, and sales growth. With a strong academic foundation, holding a Ph.D. in Management with specialization in Sales Team Adaptation to Omni-Channel Marketing, he blends scholarly insight with practical leadership, contributing significantly to the evolution of customer-focused ecosystems.
His contributions have been widely recognized. He has received the Panasonic Global President Award (Gold and Silver), Brandon Hall Awards (Gold, Bronze, & Silver) for innovation and organisational development, and the “Man of Retail” title for his transformative role in forming India’s electronics sector. These honors highlight his ability to convert vision into action and bring meaningful change to the industry.
He is particularly skilled in turning challenges into scalable solutions by aligning people, processes, and technology. Through this approach, he has achieved significant improvements in customer satisfaction, productivity, and product-market alignment.
This journey reflects more than professional milestones. It is the story of a leader who has consistently sought to integrate vision with execution, bringing together people and innovation to build ecosystems that are prepared for the future.
Early Career Challenges and Turning Points
Early in his career, Dr. Jia experienced a period of exploration and transition, moving through short-term roles while navigating the challenges of shifting from rural life to the professional world. A tenure at the Indian Forest Survey left him seeking more meaningful engagement. Consideration of his father’s former position was disrupted by family disagreements, prompting reflection on alternative paths. A friend’s suggestion to move to Delhi and pursue opportunities in the consumer industry at a pivotal moment redirected his focus toward technology and mechanics, fields that naturally aligned with his abilities.
In 1995, Dr. Jia returned to his hometown to start a business, driven by a desire to contribute to his community. Although the venture did not succeed, the experience fostered significant personal growth and resilience. During this period, he met Sunita, who would become his life partner and companion in aspirations. Their marriage in 1997, followed by the birth of their daughter in 1998, marked a period of personal fulfilment accompanied by new responsibilities.
Relocating back to Delhi marked a turning point in his professional journey. Dr. Jia began with a modest role in a multinational corporation but quickly distinguished himself through creativity, problem-solving, and leadership. His dedication and innovative approach led to accelerated growth, promotions, and eventually roles in multinational organizations where he could influence strategic operations on a larger scale. This phase of his career cemented his reputation as a capable leader and visionary, blending technical expertise with practical management skills.
Commitment to Knowledge and Ethical Leadership
Dr. Jia demonstrates a lifelong dedication to education through his MBA, a PhD in Business Management, and certifications in areas such as Leadership Transformation, CRM, Advanced Digital Marketing, Live Coaching, and Human Psychology. His academic pursuits mirror his professional experience, emphasizing ethical leadership, sustainable business practices, and the influence of corporate actions on society and the environment.
Dr. Jia envisions a future where knowledge and resources are widely shared to strengthen communities and support global ecological balance. His primary concerns include misinformation in corporate advertising, the environmental consequences of large-scale industrial operations, and the broader responsibilities of businesses toward society. His research seeks to develop frameworks that integrate customer focus with ethical and ecological priorities.
A strong advocate of mentorship, Dr. Jia invests significant effort in guiding emerging leaders. He regularly leads workshops and seminars within his organization and at academic institutions, emphasizing the principles of ethical leadership and sustainability. His mentorship style is personal and experiential, drawing from his own career journey to inspire and form the next generation of professionals.
Advancing Ethical Leadership and Sustainable Business
Industry leaders increasingly seek guidance on how to manage customer relationships, marketing strategies, contract manpower, and data-driven decision-making. Dr. Jia has emerged as a prominent voice in these discussions, participating in panels and forums that explore these evolving dynamics. His addresses frequently highlight the importance of embedding sustainable practices within corporate strategies and underscore the responsibility of businesses toward society.
Beyond these forums, Dr. Jia advocates for mental health initiatives in professional environments, encouraging programs that support emotional well-being and resilience among employees. His expertise has influenced industry norms, contributing to the creation of frameworks that promote transparency and ethical conduct in trade marketing and consumer electronics.
Recognition of his work extends internationally, with awards honoring his efforts to integrate environmental sustainability into business operations. Through his commitment to ethical leadership, societal impact, and responsible management, Dr. Jia persists to create the standards of modern corporate practice.
Philosophy and Pursuits
Life experiences from a rural upbringing and early challenges have profoundly built Dr. Jia’s worldview and professional ethos. He believes that lasting success arises from constant adaptation and the pursuit of knowledge. Central to his philosophy is a deep commitment to giving back to society and the environment, which he weaves into both his professional engagements and personal life.
Dr. Jia’s dedication to learning and exploration extends well beyond conventional professional boundaries. He actively engages in projects that challenge both intellect and creativity, encompassing technological innovations, strategic business initiatives, and other intellectually stimulating ventures. His passion for knowledge fuels personal projects that offer continuous growth and satisfaction, ensuring a life rich in discovery and purpose.
Family forms a core aspect of Dr. Jia’s existence. He prioritizes meaningful time with loved ones, nurturing connections through shared experiences, collaboration, and mutual support. Family activities often combine learning, creativity, and enjoyment, fostering a vibrant and supportive home environment. Personal reflections following a midlife turning point reinforced his understanding that family bonds and continuous learning would remain pivotal in developing both his personal and professional journey.
Nature and gardening hold a special place in Dr. Jia’s life. He approaches gardening as a way to connect with the environment, promote sustainability, and contribute to ecological health. His Gurgaon home hosts over a thousand plants, while his native town is home to more than a thousand apple trees alongside numerous fruit-bearing plants. Beyond aesthetic beauty, these gardens serve as practical laboratories for sustainable agricultural practices, reflecting his commitment to eco-friendly living.
Dr. Jia also documents his insights and experiences through a personal blog. He shares reflections on leadership, lessons drawn from diverse cultures, and personal anecdotes that inspire thoughtful consideration. Gardening experiences receive equal attention, blending practical guidance with philosophical reflections on human connection to nature. The blog further explores strategies for balancing professional demands with personal fulfillment, offering wisdom gleaned from decades of experience.
His overarching philosophy emphasizes adaptability, continuous learning, and societal contribution. Dr. Jia champions mental health awareness within corporate environments and actively participates in discussions on trade marketing, sustainability, and ethical business practices. His efforts in establishing industry standards and promoting environmental stewardship have earned recognition and awards.
What Legacy Does Dr. Jia Koundal Wish to Create?
Projecting forward, Dr. Jia envisions a future where progress is rooted in responsibility. He believes that true success lies in growth that respects both people and the planet. With this vision, he has set his focus on building a legacy that blends enterprise with ethical conduct and community upliftment.
Alongside this, he is expanding his role as a mentor and advocate, with particular interest in regions where his guidance can spark transformative outcomes. By sharing his knowledge and extending his influence to developing parts of the world, he aims to nurture leaders who can carry forward the principles of ethical enterprise while driving meaningful progress.
The life and journey of Dr. Jia reflects the strength of character and commitment that form true leadership. His biography stands as an example of how integrity, excellence in work, and a dedication to the well-being of society can create ripples far outside individual achievement. His steady pursuit of wisdom and his desire to contribute to a better world continue to inspire many across different fields.
For him, the future lies in creating spaces where business and ethics grow side by side, ensuring that success uplifts communities and strengthens the fabric of humanity.
Books Authored by Dr. Jia Koundal
- Shunya: The Silent Power Behind Purposeful Leadership
- Sales Team Adaptation To Omni-Channel Marketing: Enhancing
Customer Experiences Through Multitouch Point Strategies - Customer Relationship Management Expert System
- Behaviour – New Technology Impact On Future Generation and three journals
- Transformative Strategies: Shaping Digital Culture And Employee Attitudes Towards Digital Transformation
- Two additional journals on Omnichannel
- Two on Digital Transformations
Goal and Purpose
With over 3 decades of expertise spanning sales, service, R&D, retail marketing, dealer relationship management, training, and organizational transformation, Dr. Jia Koundal’s goal is to add enduring value to systems, people, and businesses. His career has always been guided by a sense of responsibility, not only to organizations but also to society at large.
Having already begun giving back, he frequently speaks at leading institutions such as IIMs and IITs, delivering guest lectures and keynote addresses on leadership, change management, digital transformation, and the future of AI. Through these platforms, he shares his personal and professional journey, inspiring the next generation to embrace resilience, humility, and continuous learning.
His purpose is clear:
- To bridge the gap between academia and industry, ensuring that management insights, technology adoption, and leadership practices are both practically relevant and future-ready.
- To mentor young leaders and professionals in applying theory to practice, turning academic frameworks into measurable business outcomes.
- To integrate ethics, sustainability, and innovation into business strategy, so that progress benefits both organizations and communities.
Dr. Jia’s vision is to build a legacy of knowledge-sharing and responsible leadership, where academic wisdom meets industry execution, and where business success uplifts people, ecosystems, and society as a whole.