1. What have you found most challenging as a leader?

The most challenging things that I found as a leader is long but there are some common things:
• Decision-making: Leaders often have to make tough decisions that can significantly impact their team and organization. Balancing various factors and considering the potential consequences can be challenging.
• Communication: Effective communication is crucial for a leader, but conveying complex ideas clearly and ensuring that the entire team is on the same page can be difficult, especially in large organizations.
• Managing and motivating teams: Leading and inspiring a diverse group of individuals with varying skills, backgrounds, and personalities can be challenging. Keeping the team motivated and cohesive is an ongoing task.
• Time management: Leaders are often juggling multiple responsibilities and priorities. Time management becomes critical to ensure that important tasks are addressed promptly.
• Handling conflicts: Conflicts within the team or with stakeholders can arise, and leaders must find constructive ways to address and resolve these issues.
• Embracing change: In today's fast-paced world, leaders need to be adaptable and open to change. Embracing new technologies, methodologies, and market shifts can be challenging but essential for growth.
• Building and maintaining trust: Trust is the foundation of successful leadership. Building trust with team members and stakeholders takes time and effort, and maintaining it requires consistent actions and integrity.
• Handling stress and pressure: Leadership roles can be demanding and stressful. Leaders must develop strategies to cope with pressure and maintain their well-being.
• Balancing short-term and long-term goals: Striking the right balance between immediate results and long-term strategic objectives can be challenging, especially when there are competing demands.
• Fostering innovation: Encouraging creativity and innovation within the organization can be challenging, as it requires creating a supportive environment and allowing for calculated risks.
In a nutshell, if I sum up - small capital eats the entire business.
Leadership is a continuous learning journey, and each leader may face different challenges based on their context and industry. Effective leadership involves addressing these challenges with resilience, adaptability, and a focus on the overall vision and mission of the organization.

2. How did you become a leader? Can you please briefly tell the story?

The journey began in 2000 after completing my MBA and searching for a job. Despite several attempts, I faced failures and couldn't secure a job due to various reasons. It was a challenging time, with opportunities slipping away once I joined them. Frustrated by the job search, I made a decision in 2001 to stop pursuing traditional employment.
Being jobless, I started exploring the idea of starting my own business. However, I faced a hurdle—the lack of capital. Time kept passing, and I was still searching for the right opportunity. Then, during a casual party with friends, digital marketing became the topic of discussion.
The concept intrigued me, even though I didn't possess the necessary skills to excel in the industry. Despite this, my friends and I made a bold decision. We decided to start our own agency, offering SEO and Link Building services. Returning to Bhopal, we established a digital agency and, to our delight, the business began to grow. In 2005, I made the difficult choice to separate myself from an oral partnership commitment and ventured into starting my own company.
Since then, I have embarked on an exciting journey, experimenting with different areas of technology and striving to build sustainable brands. While still serving clients in the digital agency sector, I am also dedicated to developing brands under our own umbrella. The path hasn't been without its challenges, but I remain committed to pushing boundaries and creating success stories in the ever-evolving digital landscape.
As I continue to serve clients in the digital agency realm, I simultaneously focus on nurturing and expanding the brands we have developed. Through perseverance and an entrepreneurial spirit, I have transformed my accidental journey from job failures into a fulfilling venture in the digital marketing industry.

3. How do you structure your work days from waking up to going to sleep?

For the past 20 years, my work days have been characterized by a lack of a specific routine. In fact, I would go so far as to say that there have been no holidays during this time. Work always takes precedence, regardless of the level of engagement required. As a result, there have been sleepless nights on certain occasions. The dedication to my work has meant that my schedule is often fluid and unpredictable. The demands of running a business, managing clients, and staying on top of industry trends have consumed a significant portion of my time and energy.
This level of commitment has required sacrifices, including the loss of leisure time and the occasional restless night. While the lack of a defined routine and constant work may be challenging, I have embraced this lifestyle as a necessary part of building and maintaining a successful career. The ever-evolving nature of the digital marketing industry demands continuous effort, adaptability, and a willingness to go the extra mile. Although the journey has been intense, I take pride in the dedication I have shown to my work.
It is through this unwavering commitment that I have been able to deliver results for my clients, stay ahead of industry trends, and foster the growth of my business. While there may have been sacrifices along the way, the passion and drive to excel in my field have been the driving forces behind my work ethic. Through it all, I remain focused on achieving my goals and providing the best possible service to my clients, even if it means foregoing traditional holidays and enduring occasional sleepless nights.

4. What's a recent leadership lesson you've learned for the first time or been reminded of?

The pursuit of continuous learning and the sharing of knowledge with the community are fundamental principles to abide by. It is essential to never stop researching, staying curious, and striving to expand your understanding in your respective field. By doing so, you contribute to the growth and development of the community as a whole. Relying solely on others can limit your progress and independence.
It is important to cultivate self-reliance, taking ownership of your goals and endeavors. Instead of expecting things from others, focus on what you can do to achieve your objectives. This mindset empowers you to take control of your own success. Managing your ego is a crucial aspect of personal and professional growth. By keeping your ego in check, you maintain humility and open-mindedness, allowing you to learn from others, accept constructive feedback, and collaborate effectively.
Clear self-awareness and a genuine understanding of what you want and need will guide you towards making informed decisions aligned with your goals. While prompt decision-making is generally valued, there are instances where delayed decisions can lead to better outcomes. Taking the time to gather information, analyze alternatives, and consider different perspectives can result in more thoughtful and well-rounded decisions. Remember, good actions and intentions have a way of coming back to you.
By focusing on doing good, providing value, and nurturing positive relationships, you create a foundation for reciprocity and attract positive experiences into your life. In summary, a commitment to continuous learning, self-reliance, humility, clear intentions, timely decision-making, and a focus on doing good lays the groundwork for personal and professional growth. By embodying these principles, you cultivate a mindset that facilitates success and fosters positive experiences both for yourself and the community around you.

5. What's one book that has had a profound impact on your leadership so far? Can you please briefly tell the story of how that book impacted your leadership?

There are multiple books I can't name one. Though I do not read books often. While reading books can provide valuable insights and knowledge, it is true that experience is an invaluable companion on the journey of personal and professional growth. Real-world experiences offer firsthand lessons, practical skills, and the opportunity to learn from both successes and failures. Engaging in hands-on experiences allows you to apply theoretical knowledge, test your skills, and gain a deeper understanding of various aspects of life and work.
It can provide you with unique perspectives, problem-solving abilities, and the ability to adapt to different situations. However, it's worth noting that books can offer a wealth of knowledge and wisdom accumulated by experts in their respective fields. They can provide insights, guidance, and different perspectives that may not be readily available through personal experiences alone. Books can serve as a valuable supplement to your experiential learning, offering new ideas, research findings, and thought-provoking concepts that can broaden your horizons and inspire innovative thinking.
Finding the right balance between experiential learning and engaging with written material can be beneficial. While experience may be your primary source of learning, exploring books, articles, and other educational resources can enhance your understanding, introduce you to new ideas, and provide a broader context for your experiences. Ultimately, the combination of experiential learning and a thirst for knowledge through various mediums can enrich your personal and professional growth, allowing you to continuously evolve, adapt, and excel in your endeavors.

6. If you could only give one piece of advice to a young leader, what would you say to them?

Believe in yourself.

7. What is one meaningful story that comes to mind from your time as a leader, so far?

Late. Mr. Steve Jobs