And here is a Neo-traditionalist: Meet Scott Kriens, CEO of Juniper

Neo-traditionalist? What's that? 

Well, we are not really into coining phrases. But that is what best describes this relentless chief executive who believes in executing, executing, and executing.

Let me explain. 

One, in the age of challenging traditions and growing paranoia, here is a CEO who talks of "repecting others"--actually elders, if that sounds better. Because these "others" are the Nortels, Ericssons, Alcatels--his partners and the companies that Cisco, his main competitor, thinks are too old fashioned for the new Internet economy. "These are great companies who have learnt what the customers want through years. You cannot just discard all that experience," says Kriens.

And that brings us to the second reason why one can call him a neo-traditionalist. Kriens really belives in learning. "Listen to your customers attentively," he says, admitting that there is nothing new about the concept. Just that few actually do it. "My India visit is for that--learning," says Kriens. Listen before you tell, is what he believes in. And for learning, it is not just customers and partners that Kriens relies upon. Juniper's investments are in start-up companies who are working in related areas of technology. "That is a very good way of learning" he says. It gives Juniper an idea about what broader direction the technologies will take in the coming years. 

"History is a great teacher," repeats Kriens, at least thrice in his one hour interview with Voice & Data, in diffrent contexts. Again something that is not politically too correct to say in the age of successful iconoclasts. 

And of course, staying focused. The philosophy that Juniper and Kriens are espcially known for. "Nothing succeeds like focus," he says, giving example of Intel, Oracle, and Microsoft. Invent, focus, execute...and repeat is what his single line mantra of success is. Just think about it.