Ram Bahadur Ghale, a Young and Dynamic Entrepreneur from Nepal, Tells Us how to Deal with Covid through Innovation
We talked to Ram Bahadur Ghale of Liberty Holidays about his multiple fields and he had the following to say:-
First of all, how are you and your family doing in these COVID-19 times?
Ram Bahadur Ghale: Namaste and Greetings from Nepal!
I am fine, and all of my families are also healthy and safe. 2020 begun with a bad bang. The world has already struggled with the Coronavirus pandemic for 9 months plus.
During this situation, we supported some foreigners who were living and travelling in Nepal to return back to their homes. We also contributed some funds and food to the needy people who were having difficulty at this time.
Tell us about you, your career, how you founded Liberty Holidays.
Ram Bahadur Ghale: I am affiliated with multiple fields like Tourism, Entertainment, IT, and philanthropy.
Liberty Holidays Inc Pvt. Ltd. (Tourism Industry)
CEO & Founder · April 30, 2010, to present · Kathmandu, Nepal
Liberty Films Pvt. Ltd. (Entertainment Industry)
Director · May 11, 2015, to present · Kathmandu, Nepal
Creative Hands (Nonprofit Organization)
Founder · June 17, 2007, to present · Kathmandu, Nepal
Best Nepal – (Information & Technology)
CEO · 2005 to present · Kathmandu, Nepal
Ghale Treks & Expedition Pvt. Ltd. (Tourism Industry)
CEO · 2000 to present · Kathmandu, Nepal
How does Liberty Holidays innovate?
Ram Bahadur Ghale: A direct answer: By making significant changes inside the company, experimenting with new ideas, bringing in new young people with commitment, integrity, transparency, and trust.
How the coronavirus pandemic affects your business, and how are you coping?
Ram Bahadur Ghale: The global COVID-19 pandemic has led to a dramatic loss of human life worldwide and presents an unprecedented challenge to public health, food systems, and the world of work. The pandemic has forever changed our experiences―as customers, employees, citizens, humans― and our attitudes and behaviors are changing as a result.
As I am in a multi-field, the tourism and entertainment industry has been cracked down on, and these two companies temporarily shut down. Employees are on unpaid holidays because there is no work till a new normal situation. Since March 2020, the company has paid the employees 50% salaries for 6 months’ work from home basis. I hope the normal situation comes back soon and our employees resume their jobs.
Did you have to make difficult choices, and what are the lessons learned?
Ram Bahadur Ghale: In these difficult times, we didn’t know then that COVID-19 would inflict illness and death in most communities across the world and affect every economy, some much more than others.
Yes, I had to make difficult choices since I could not pay my employees’ salary after 6 months as there was no work. I have learned from the COVID-19 pandemic. The lessons include aspects of businesses, education, online presence, network communication, cybersecurity, healthcare, and the purpose of life.
How do you deal with stress and anxiety?
Ram Bahadur Ghale: During these stressful times: I had to schedule my exercise time, work in my garden, family work support, cook, spend time with friends and family, cycle, and work from home.
Who are your competitors? And how do you plan to stay in the game?
Ram Bahadur Ghale: Times are not always the same. Everyone has competitors, those who are operating in the same market that offers similar products or services. Still, I create new products even in the same industry, research the market and customer interest, know my past and future competitors, marketing and extending offers, and provide excellent customer service and customer feedback.
Your final thoughts?
Ram Bahadur Ghale: Let us not forget what the pandemic lockdown, shutdown, isolation taught us about our own resilience, strength, and courage. When pushed into a challenging situation, our true colors shine. 2020 has been a year unlike any I have ever seen. Let us use these unique circumstances to grow in ways we never have before. Personally, I would like to request all, as global citizenship, let us be healthy, think positively, love others, be honest, and make a clean green environment and beautiful world.