Jugaad

/dʒʊˈɡɑːd/ noun Indian

noun: jugaad

Jugaad is a Hindi term that embodies creative problem-solving using limited resources and unconventional methods—a hallmark of India's frugal innovation culture.  In New Zealand, this mindset aligns with the "Number 8 wire" mentality, symbolising ingenuity and adaptability—the ability to improvise and create solutions with what's on hand.

Both embody a resilient, can-do mindset, shaping Jugaad HQ’s approach to practical, low-risk market entry solutions. At its core, Jugaad is about finding a way forward—innovating, adapting, and making things work despite challenges or constraints.

Meet the team

Sreedhar Venkatram

Partner

Sreedhar is currently the Head of India, BestSeat360 New Zealand.

Formerly, he was the Chief Executive Officer – South Asia for Playmaker Labs and CricHQ, New Zealand and Director, CricHQ India Pvt Ltd (the Indian subsidiary). 

Prior to joining Playmaker Labs and CricHQ NZ, Sreedhar was working with New Zealand Trade & Enterprise (NZTE), Mumbai as Senior Business Development Manager. He was also appointed as Acting Trade Commissioner for over 9 months in his tenure around 2008-2009. New Zealand Trade & Enterprise is the trade and economic development agency of Government of New Zealand. In Mumbai, they function under the New Zealand Consulate General located in Bandra Kurla Complex. He was with NZTE for nearly 11 years and during his tenure he has assisted various NZ businesses scale their commercial presence in both India and Sri Lanka. His sector specialization includes ICT, Aviation, and Creative & Services. During his tenure he was also the Beachheads Network Manager for NZTE India Beachheads Programme and was part of NZ PM visit to India and other Ministerial Missions from New Zealand. 

Prior to NZTE, Sreedhar has been the Regulatory Advisor for FedEx (Federal Express Corporation) in India and was instrumental in getting various Government permissions for setting up gateway and faster movement of cargo / shipments. He has also worked for Government of India – Export Promotion Councils in assisting Indian businesses to set footprints in the global markets. He was part of various business missions when he was with Export Promotion Council.

Sreedhar is also the Chapter Head for India New Zealand Business Council in Mumbai, India. He is also associated with All India Management Association – Young Leaders Council in building Young and Transforming India. 

Sreedhar holds Masters in International Business from Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT), New Delhi and his specialization includes International Trade Procedures and International Marketing.

Michael Henstock

Partner

Michael is a strategic engagement and communications expert with extensive experience in international brand building, marketing, and sales development across New Zealand, India, the UK, and Europe. A natural connector, he specialises in strengthening critical relationships, driving market expansion, and positioning brands as industry leaders.

Michael has led teams across private (in-house & agency) and public sectors, delivering high-impact engagement, marketing, and communication programmes. His expertise includes global brand development, stakeholder management, B2B and B2C marketing.

Michael has worked with the New Zealand BLACKCAPS and Indian cricket teams, managed multiple trade delegations into India, and built an extensive media network across the region. Politically astute with a strong risk radar, he has successfully navigated complex commercial and public environments, mitigating risks while driving results.

Edwin Paul

Partner

Edwin is a fond father, an old-school audiophile, a voyeur of the future, a passionate chef, an empathetic leader, a driver of innovation, a complex problem solver, an incessant entrepreneur, and an angel investor... discovering his IKIGAI.

Originally from Madras, Edwin has made Aotearoa his home for over two decades. He is deeply committed to fostering commerce and trade between India and New Zealand, having founded and managed businesses in both countries. As a pioneer in facilitating mutually beneficial bilateral business engagements, Edwin has accompanied New Zealand's Prime Minister and Ministers on business and ministerial delegations to the subcontinent. With an unbridled passion matched only by his connections and capabilities, Edwin excels at delivering impactful collaborations between diverse stakeholders, drawing from his extensive experience in G2G and B2B relations and providing commercial and social benefits across borders.

Edwin's commitment to education is a part of his past and a driving force for his future. As a proud alumnus of the University of Auckland and the University of Oxford, he is devoted to transnational educational initiatives, helping them thrive and positively impact the communities they serve.

Selwyn Thomas

Partner

Chief Executive, Talent Tribe Consulting International

Selwyn Thomas is a highly experienced Human Resources leader with over 30 years of global expertise, having held senior leadership roles in prestigious multinational organizations. With a Master’s degree in Human Resource Management and professional certification from the Australian Human Resource Institute, he brings deep industry knowledge and strategic insight to every initiative.

Career Highlights:

  • Associate Director – People & Infrastructure, Asia Pacific Region at Ernst & Young

  • HR Director for a global engineering conglomerate (GE & Alstom) across India & Europe

  • Leadership roles spanning Finance & Insurance, Entertainment & Media, FMCG, Manufacturing, and Consulting in India, Australia and New Zealand

A New Zealand citizen, Selwyn offers a global perspective on HR best practices, adding significant value to organizations navigating complex workforce challenges.