Safar Ki hi Thi Main, Safar Ki Rahi (I Was Born for the Journey, and the Journey Continues)

Seventeen years in the making—and still going strong. In this whirlwind era of entrepreneurship, it's both exhilarating and humbling to witness value being created all around me. The world is brimming with ideas, innovations, and opportunities. But what does it truly mean to create value?

Phil Knight rarely spoke about making shoes. Instead, he talked about his love for running and playing sports. That passion, that relentless drive, is what led to the creation of Nike—a brand synonymous with athletic excellence. Funny enough, I hopped onto the entrepreneurship train quite early. And when people asked me why, my response was simple: "I want to create." But then, I'd often pause, drifting off in thought, unsure of how to complete that sentence. It took me 17 years and a healthy dose of hindsight to finally articulate it: "I want to create value."

Creating value, though, isn't just a goal; it's a journey. I've embraced every twist and turn, every high and low, with a mix of excitement and dread, from moments that felt like the end of the world to life-altering phone calls, from ostrich-head-in-the-sand minutes to the pandemic hitting just three months after launching a line of luggage and travel products—every challenge brought with it an opportunity to rise above and, you guessed it, create value.

Now, let me take you back to where it all began. Picture this: a nine-year-old girl, armed with a dream and a stack of flyers printed by her dad's secretary, founded something called the "Friendship Club." I distributed those flyers all over my colony and set a time for everyone to gather in the park the next day. To my surprise, 15 kids showed up. My parents found it hilarious, especially considering some of those kids were teenagers, and how their parents thought it was ok to leave them at the beck and call of a puny little 9 year old … but they let me run with it. We organized fashion shows, played matches, and even dramatized the Ramayan with full costumes and all. Looking back, it wasn't just about the fun we had—it was about the value we created for everyone involved, even the parents.

The journey of entrepreneurship has often felt like riding a roller coaster. There were exhilarating highs, like the thrill of seeing an idea come to life or achieving a significant milestone. And there were gut-wrenching lows, like the sleepless nights of worrying about cash flow or the heartache of a failed project. But through it all, I've learned that creating value is about resilience. It's about finding joy in the small victories and learning from the setbacks.

One of the most unexpected lessons came during the pandemic. Just as we launched a line of travel products, the world came to a standstill. What seemed like a disaster, we had to turn into an opportunity ( Didn’t have much choice – It was a journey started). We pivoted, reimagined our approach, and focused on what travelers truly needed in a time of uncertainty. This flexibility and innovation allowed us to emerge stronger and more aligned with our mission.

I jumped into entrepreneurship, in all honesty, without much thought—just a spark of curiosity and a leap of faith. But I think I stuck with it and stayed on this journey because creating value turned out to be more than just a goal; it became my purpose. It’s not just about building a business; it’s about making a real difference for the people who use my products and for those who help bring them to life. The idea of turning a concept into something that positively impacts others is what drives me every day. I didn’t just choose this path for the thrill or the challenge( Honestly after so many years I could do with a little less Thrill ;) ), but because I realized that through entrepreneurship, I can create something truly meaningful. This commitment to value creation is what keeps me going, even when the road gets tough.

I also believe Creating value isn't just about achieving goals; it's about how we impact everyone involved in the process. If you’re making a product, do it well. Invest in honing the skills of those who craft it, and you’ll pleasantly surprise your customers with something phenomenal. If you’re providing a service, deliver it with excellence. Make it convenient, easy, and inspiring—so that others can learn from you and be motivated to raise their own standards. And if your role is to lead or encourage—as a boss, a team lead, or even as a friend—lead by example. Create value by fostering an environment where others can thrive and feel valued.

I did realize Creating value isn't just a buzzword for me—it's the secret sauce for turning my business into a smashing success and making my startups less of a gamble. When I focus on delivering top-notch value, I feel I am not just meeting customer needs; I am turning them into raving fans who will stick around longer than my last New Year’s resolution. This approach ensures my business grows while I bask in the satisfaction of knowing I hit the jackpot of entrepreneurship.

In short, I feel ?if you want to avoid the classic startup rollercoaster of “we’ll figure it out” and “why did we start this again?”—focus on creating value. It’s the only surefire way to make your journey not just successful but downright enjoyable.

The broader picture is about building a legacy of value creation that extends beyond immediate goals. It’s about making a positive impact on all stakeholders—customers, employees, partners, and the community. Whether it’s through a small local initiative or a global enterprise, every step towards adding value contributes to a larger, more meaningful purpose.

My 2 Bits - So, whether you're launching a startup, leading a team, or simply navigating your daily life, embrace the journey with passion and integrity. Learn from the bumps and potholes along the way, and strive to create value not just for yourself, but for everyone around you. Remember, every great story begins with a single step, a bold idea, and a commitment to making a difference.

?#Entrepreneurship #CreatingValue #BusinessJourney #StartupSuccess #leadership #valuecreation #innovation #purposedriven #startuplife

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