Balancing family and work is the biggest challenge I still face, however, with milestones achieved, there is a sense of satisfaction. When I started the startup in 2015, 'startup' word was not that common (still it is not that common in a way), but explaining the difference between any business and startup to people, family and friends was a challenge.
Tell us about your background, journey, and upbringing.
I grew up in an upper-middle-class family in Nasik, India. In those days, Nasik used to be a very laid-back town and life was very simple. Many people I knew had the ambition to focus on a simple career.
I always wanted to explore different opportunities in different places, so by the age of 18, I started going out of town for industrial training such as Mumbai and Pune (India). By 22, right after my graduation, I was already working full-time in Dubai (UAE).
When and how did you get clarity on what you wanted to do?
I always had short terms goals for the next 5-6 years. While doing graduation, I already knew which area to focus on to land a well-paying job once I graduate and had already started working towards it.
My project the last year was also aligned with what I wanted to do. After working in various countries at various levels, I reached the saturation level of the industry and wanted to change my career, 2008 global financial crisis added the fuel and I decided to upgrade my management skills to do an Executive MBA from Pepperdine University, Malibu, California.
After that, I pretty much knew that sooner or later, I will end up starting my own business.
What does your typical workday look like?
I usually get a lot of calls during the day, I probably coordinate with at least 10-15 people each day, I think this very common for the early-stage startup where you are wearing a lot of hats, and at the same time working on the automation of the business processes.
If not on the call, I would be spending time on the computer answering emails, doing accounting, or finishing the to-do list.
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Several global companies have come out and thrown their support behind not needing a formal education. What is your opinion about this?
I somewhat agree. However, I believe that basic level education is important, and choices should be given early for children to focus on their interests. The next few decades will be dominated by people who are specialized in their work, the general skill-set approach won't work.
On-the-job training along with formal education will become very common. Candidates will be judged based on the skills and execution track rather than fancy degrees.
How do you handle someone who has lied on their resume?
Depends on whether a person is trying to hide something or overselling something. Taking credits for something you have not done is very shallow, and that tells a lot about a person.
Some of these qualities of the people will always reflect in the job and had the ability to spoil the culture of the organization. Someone is showing 2 years work experience rather than actual 21 months (to look good), then I think that is something not appreciated but can be taken into consideration.
What are some of your typical challenges and how have they evolved over time?
Balancing family and work is the biggest challenge I still face, however, with milestones achieved, there is a sense of satisfaction. When I started the startup in 2015, 'startup' word was not that common (still it is not that common in a way), but explaining the difference between any business and startup to people, family and friends was a challenge.
But as we started getting some success, it became easier. We also heard a lot of 'No's from investors in the last few years, however, we took the feedback and worked on it, kept the business as lean as possible, and came to the point where the startup is not only self-sustainable but also operationally profitable.
What advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs or those eyeing the top job?
What advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs or those eyeing the top job?
Focus. It seems a very easy word/task to follow but trust me, it is very difficult to achieve. If we put all our efforts and resources into achieving one single goal, then we will surprise ourselves with results. Most successful/dominant brands/businesses could reach heights because of their ability to focus on solving one problem rather than multiple problems.
Which is your favorite book and why?
7 Habits of highly effective people by Stephen Covey. (Now it is updated with 8th habit). It breaks down to very basics things we can do in day-to-day life to achieve great success. I have never come across any simpler book than this to understand some of the great habits of successful people and the reasons behind them.
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