Edward Jeevan : Cracking the Binary Quotient

As you walk into Bengaluru-based Binary Systems it's hard to miss Edward Jeevan. Sporting a usual smile on his face, he is one of the key factors to Binary's success.
Jeevan started his career with Binary after finishing his post-graduation in Electronics. Although he wanted to sail ahead on a different direction and pursue a career quite different from the regular channel routine, life had something different in store for him. Originally from Mangalore, Jeevan pursued his degree in DVS College, Shimoga district. Even before Jeevan became an engineer, he was freelancing for many small projects during his student life. Jeevan was posted in many upcountry regions like Hospet at the start of his career and later on went to handle the Mangalore belt. This region was critical since it used to bring maximum revenue to business.
Jeevan became adept in negotiating with customers and adding more revenue generating areas. During his tenure, Binary became the first exclusive partner of Wipro way back in the 90's. Jeevan recalls, "Those times though we did have limited options, I never thought of jumping companies. Once I stick to some­thing, it's difficult to change my path. I am consistent and steady."
Jeevan grew the Mangalore team of Binary from 10 to 50 members and surprisingly doubled the revenue. In course of time, he was asked to come to Bengaluru and join the board, which he did after much deliberation.
A man with only one principle which is to help the needy, Jeevan sets a perfect example for his peers. During his college days, Jeevan got his license to be an amateur radio operator. He is extremely passionate about it till today. Four years ago he met a gentleman-Sanjay Dave, Director of KS Aiyer & Co who inspired him not use ‘horn' while driving. Initially Jeevan found it extremely difficult only on the first day but since then he has not used horn till today. Infact his wife-Smita, who has just learnt driving, does not use it too! When probed about the same Jeevan said, "The purpose of horn is to make others react on road. But once you don't have it in your car, you become more aware and responsible. It has been four years and I am used to it now. Even you are in a hurry or faced with traffic, you just need to drive sensibily."
Blessed with a talented daughter Shreya, Jeevan credits his success to his wife who supports him in all his charitable doings. Like her father, Shreya started driving at a tender age of six years. Go-karting, para gliding, river rafting and hot air ballooning are some of her hobbies. Beaming with pride, an exalted Jeevan said, "Not only adventure sports but Shreya is learning Bharatanatyam too. Once in my home town she drove a tractor all by herself when she was about seven years old. We have never pushed her to do anything since children should learn by their will. We are extremely proud of her."
The family takes frequent trips around the country. Their best vacation was in Manali last year where Jeevan enjoyed river rafting with his daughter. Jeevan is part of a group called BNI and is the Founder Director of a chapter called Dynamics. The 38-member group meets every Tuesday morning to share contacts and business views. The members take care that no two businessmen share the same line of business. Jeevan has also undertaken consulting projects in FLAME, Pune. He is also an active member of Rotary and is the Secretary and life time member of Mangalore Amateur Radio Club.
When asked about work life balance, Jeevan said, "You can make time for everything. I reserve Sundays exclusively for my family. Rest of the days are hectic due to the nature of business." Always ready to help and encourage, Jeevan supports two top scoring students in the 10th standard from his hometown and rewards them. "One does find time to help the poor and needy. Whenever we come across any kind of accident on road, we do not think twice before helping. Who knows when I might require help," he added.
Jeevan has also volunteered during many national calamities.
Jeevan is also extremely fond of pets. During his student days he had two squirrels, four dogs, and a cat including wild cat as pets. He recalls, "I have currently one cat by name Minu and she is part of my family. At any point I want to be surrounded with animals as they give you unconditional love. They have the right to live as much as we do." Concerned about the environ­ment, he feels sad with the number of trees being cut in name of development.
Concluding his remarks about the same, Jeevan said, "I am not against develop­ment but disturbing ecological balance is not accep­table. Bangalore can be developed without causing damage to the existing green cover. If all of us can be responsible human beings, the world will definitely be a better place for us and our children to live."