Mentorship Series – Shaileshbhai Patel: A Guiding Light in My Life

In life, we are fortunate if we find mentors who shape our thinking, guide us through challenges, and push us to become better versions of ourselves. For me, one such mentor has been Mr. Shailesh Patel (Patel Wire Industries)—a close friend of my father and a guiding force in my life..

First Impressions: A Tech-Savvy Visionary

I still remember my first visit to his office in the mid-90s. It was the first time I saw the internet in action—Yahoo/Altavista running on a dial-up modem! Even back then, Shaileshbhai was ahead of his time, embracing technology, modern business strategies, and innovative thinking.

His ability to adapt, stay updated, and see the bigger picture has always inspired me. Over the years, he has been my go-to person for discussions on industry trends, economic shifts, and business principles. Every few months, I make it a point to call him and get his insights—it has been one of the best learning experiences of my life.

Lessons in Business and Beyond

Shaileshbhai has been a pioneer in the conductor and cable industry, exporting worldwide since the 1970s. His knowledge of international trade, client management, and business dynamics has shaped my understanding of exports. Apart from the conductor and cable business, he also consults on setting up transformer units and power plants and is deeply involved in the export of automobile parts. His diverse experience gives him a holistic view of business, which he generously shares with those who seek his advice.

Among the many lessons I have learned from him, a few stand out:

1. Clear Communication is Key Early in my career, I was eager to market aggressively, but Shaileshbhai taught me that success lies in being clear, transparent, and precise in business dealings. Whether it’s export inquiries or client negotiations, terms should be unambiguous—especially regarding payments, timelines, and commitments.
2. Straightforwardness Over Complications "Don’t talk in circles. Be straight as an arrow." This is one of his golden rules. Whether it’s business or life, be honest, upfront, and direct. Say what can be done and what cannot be done—no false promises, no ambiguity.
3. Business is About Profit, Not Just Production One of his most impactful lessons was: ?? "You are not in the business of making conductors; you are in the business of making profit." This mindset shift changed the way I viewed business decisions. Profitability and sustainability should always be at the core of any business strategy.
4. Stay Updated & Never Underestimate Competition Business is an ever-evolving game. One of Shaileshbhai’s key beliefs is that you should always keep yourself updated on industry trends and never assume that competition is weak. Being complacent is the biggest mistake any businessperson can make.

A Mentor Who Keeps It Light & Real

One of the things I admire most about Shaileshbhai is his ability to stay stress-free and maintain humor even in tough situations. While I might overthink a problem, he simplifies it: ?? "If it’s in your control, work on it. If it’s not, don’t stress over it."

He often reminds me about the dangers of overconfidence through humor. He jokingly calls an "MBA" not "Master of Business Administration" but "Manne Baddhu Aavde" (Gujarati for "I know everything")—a reminder that no matter how experienced we are, there’s always more to learn.

The Motivation to Stay Healthy

Apart from business lessons, Shaileshbhai has also been one of my biggest critics (in a positive way) when it comes to health. I have been overweight most of my life, and he would constantly motivate me to take my health seriously.

Now that I have finally transformed my lifestyle and lost 27 kg, I owe him a special thank you. Even today, when I share my fitness updates or marathon participation, his first response is concern—"Make sure you follow your doctor's advice!" This is the kind of genuine care and mentorship that makes him special.

Shaileshbhai’s Role in Mentoring the Next Generation

Today, Shaileshbhai spends a significant amount of his time mentoring young generation, sharing his vast knowledge and experiences. His insights go beyond just business—he helps young minds think clearly, make smart decisions, and most importantly, stay humble while growing.

Final Thoughts

Having a mentor like Shaileshbhai is a privilege. His guidance has shaped me in more ways than I can count. To all the young professionals and entrepreneurs reading this—find someone who challenges your thinking, questions your decisions, and pushes you to grow. A good mentor can change your life.

And to Shaileshbhai—thank you for being that mentor for me.