TFF Edition #1 - A.M.A with Amitabh Singh Jolly, Founder/CEO @ Jolly Good Fellows
A.M.A with the Chief Chill Officer of Jolly Good Fellows - Amitabh Jolly
About Jolly Good Fellows
Jolly Good Fellows is a passionate and cheerful team dedicated to crafting transformative retreat experiences. As preferred partners for those seeking an escape from routine, they curate programs combining leadership and life vision coaching with mindfulness.
With a range of outdoor and local activities, Jolly Good Fellows creates an integral part of the retreat experience. As per Amitabh’s words, “The retreats at Jolly Good Fellows will help you find your inner child back.” and his aim is to build a world filled with Jolly Good Fellows!
Considering this, many questions arise in our heads - How did Amitabh come up with this idea? What led him to build Jolly Good Fellows? We’ll come to learn it all here today!
What was Amitabh’s Journey in building Jolly Good Fellows? How did he actually come up with this idea and went on to execute it?
Amitabh shares his realization that in the post-pandemic era, people face stagnation, fear, and even depression due to the uncertainties of life. Determined to make a change, he understands that controlling external factors is beyond his reach.
He wants people to break free from societal conditioning and find happiness on their own terms, regardless of age or circumstances. With this core belief, Jolly Good Fellows is born as more than just a company in February 2023.
What was Amitabh’s inspiration behind starting Jolly Good Fellows and what was his ‘Aha’ moment?
For many, their ‘Aha’ moment can be something that led them to a realization but for Amitabh, it wasn't an 'aha' moment but an 'oho' moment.
One that stemmed from a major personal deception. It made him realize that he couldn't rely on external circumstances or people for his happiness and joy. He understood the importance of finding internal fulfillment and embracing his true self, even if it meant letting go of certain things.
The turning point came when Amitabh attended a retreat in Himachal in December 2022. It was during this experience that he discovered his passion and what he wanted to dedicate his life to. He found immense joy in bringing transformation and awakening to people's lives.
What motivates Amitabh or is the driving force behind him waking up and going to work every day?
Amitabh Singh reveals that it's the opportunity to connect with people. Specifically, he seeks to connect with individuals who share his mindset, appreciate his work, and resonate with the initiatives he undertakes. Building relationships with like-minded souls is a primary source of motivation for Amitabh.
He mentions an instance of someone reaching out to him on LinkedIn, discussing happiness and joy, and finding alignment with his ideas. These are the kind of connections Amitabh actively seeks in his work and it is this connection with others that inspires and drives him every day.
What are the plans for Jolly Good Fellows in the next 5 years?
Amitabh reveals his vision for the next five years. With a mission to create a transformative movement, Jolly Good Fellows intends to conduct retreats, organize summits, and bring people together in boot camps. Amitabh believes that genuine transformation doesn't require expensive therapies or renowned gurus.
Instead, it can be ignited by ordinary individuals sharing their experiences and disrupting conventional thinking. Jolly Good Fellows aims to collaborate with schools, colleges, and corporations to awaken people to the power of living an authentic life. Amitabh hopes to inspire others to leave behind a legacy of meaningful memories.
What were the past and current challenges faced by Amitabh as an entrepreneur, and how has he been tackling them?
Amitabh Singh shares his previous experiences when he used to sell technology solutions, it didn't pose significant obstacles since it was a thriving market. However, as the founder of Jolly Good Fellows, he now faces the challenge of establishing a new brand and effectively conveying its unique differentiators.
Amitabh acknowledges that words alone cannot fully express their offerings; instead, it is through the experiences they create that people truly understand the concept of joy and transformative retreats.
The challenge lies in disrupting traditional notions of retreats and travel, where Jolly Good Fellows aims to provide experiential learning, akin to the educational practices in schools of Finland and Europe.
According to Amitabh, why is Personal Wellness important for founders and entrepreneurs?
True wellness, according to Amitabh, encompasses mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health. He believes that striving to be someone else or seeking approval from others leads to a fake version of oneself, resulting in suppressed emotions and potential health issues.
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Amitabh draws attention to the genuine expression of emotions, highlighting the freedom that comes from finding ways to express oneself without suppression.
Discovering the joy factor unique to each individual's life journey is key. Amitabh asserts that when one is aligned with their true self, their conviction and authenticity radiate through their words and actions, leaving a positive impact on those they interact with.
Coming to hiring for Jolly Good Fellows, who does Amitabh think will be the ideal candidate?
Amitabh believes that the ideal candidate for Jolly Good Fellows must deeply resonate with the core values and vision he discusses. They should be genuinely excited about a career centered around joy, boot camps, retreats, and transformative experiences.
These individuals have a passion for traveling, meeting new people, and engaging in this kind of meaningful work. Along with these, they should bring their unique skills to the table, whether in marketing, sales, content creation, or facilitation.
While monetary gain matters, it's not their primary motivation. Amitabh seeks those who genuinely love what they do and his current team comprises individuals who share his passion.
What are the tips that Amitabh has for aspiring or upcoming entrepreneurs out there?
According to Amitabh, it's important to find what you love doing and embrace the journey. Success isn't just about long-term goals; it's about finding joy in the small achievements along the way. Each step, like creating a logo, launching a website, or gaining the first client, should be celebrated.
Amitabh advises breaking down big goals into smaller, manageable steps and enjoying the process one day at a time. He also encourages entrepreneurs to pursue their passions rather than follow trends or market demand.
As for resources, while Amitabh is not an avid reader, he suggests "Atomic Habits" as a book that resonated with him. He emphasizes the significance of focusing on processes that bring balance and align with personal values, such as journaling or practicing forgiveness.
If you are aiming to find your authentic self and take a short break from your usual life to go for a retreat or even just want to talk to a boy next door about life in general - do connect with Amitabh Jolly , Founder of Jolly Good Fellows . You will love the experience!
-As aired as LinkedIn Audio Event by Smug Hawk - A.M.A with Amitabh Jolly: Why Personal Wellness is Crucial For Entrepreneurs on 5th July 2023.
Note: Since we are starting out new on the Newsletter, we are experimenting with using and not using AI to create concise content for us. However, the facts, figures, and information are purely based on the A.M.A. interviews we create.
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