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TheShareStory.in is an initiative to build a community of Entrepreneurs, Founders, Startups & Industry Stalwarts to celebrate success & to learn from shortfalls, and to Contribute, Inspire & Embellish Entrepreneurship by sharing their exciting Stories!

As a part of our initiative, we invited an avid professional, Mr. Aditya Jhunjhunwala, who loves building the future of young entrepreneurs by means of The Enterprise Fellowship. Being the Co-Founder of the venture, we asked him for an interview with us to know how he is creating an impact on the lives of the youth of India! Let’s learn more about his exciting journey and his hustles in the following interview!

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Tell us a little bit about yourself and your journey, please;

I work with the youth to help them build an entrepreneurial mindset and get ready for the rapidly changing world that we live in. Currently, I am part of the founding team of the Enterprise Fellowship, which is a year-long part-time practical-MBA for budding young entrepreneurs. Participant, or ‘partners’ as they are called while they are a part of the program, learn business strategy, innovation, and sustainability concepts as they are encouraged to incubate their own projects and business models.

Fast or slow, big or small, art or science, tradition or rebellion. The dance of opposites inspires and thrills me! I believe that even in chaos, there is always a hidden order in everything that exists. 

As a student, I have been a part of exchange programs for Australia and Denmark. These have truly been amongst the best periods of my life. In the process of discovering other cultures, my journey of finding myself began.

I am a Mechanical Engineer by training and have done the PGDBM course from IIM – Ahmedabad.

My first job after IIM was with IBM. I was tasked with managing a few key global accounts. I spent 5 years in the corporate world, before venturing to start my own business of innovative ceramic gifting products (www.adipa.com). My ventures have led me to travel and do business in France, Dubai, Israel, Canada, and the USA.

I am very passionate about India and the youth of India. I believe that India is going to have a very important role to play in the world in the years to come.

What was your key driving force to become an entrepreneur?

I come from a Marwari family and have grown around the atmosphere where the talk of business models, interest rates, and innovation is common. It is in my blood.

What are some of the most rewarding aspects of the job?

I work with people of the age group of 18 to 25 and get to hang around with them the whole day. It’s always exciting to work with them. Also, it’s very fulfilling to be able to make a difference and give back something to society.

Do you believe there is some sort of pattern or formula to becoming a successful entrepreneur?

Yes. Never give up. Be humble. Keep learning.

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Tell us about The Enterprise Fellowship. How many students have you helped so far, and how? 

Enterprise was born on 24th September 2018. It has evolved with 6 years of the dedicated trained program that I did with 700+ youth. Through a training program, I co-founded called ‘Dancing with Tigers’. Working closely with young students, I realized that:

  1. Youth is hungry to work on real-life projects
  2. The youth is not lazy. They need some guidance.
  3. People need a platform where they can explore themselves and possibilities for their careers.

Enterprise was born from these insights.

How do you think the training landscape has transformed over the years?

No one wants to listen to ‘gyaan’ anymore. People want interactive workshop style training. Also, peer learning is becoming very big.

What kind of culture exists in your organization, and how did you establish it?

  • A culture of coming up with ideas, and executing them swiftly.
  • A culture of ownership.
  • A culture of openness.

What business-related book has inspired you the most? (or, what is your favourite book?)

Good to Great by Jim Collins.

What do you look for in an employee while expanding your team?

  • The hunger to learn.
  • Sincerity and stamina to work.
  • Nothing more, nothing less.

What key activities would you recommend entrepreneurs (or students) to invest their time in?

Grab the opportunities that allow you to work closely with other entrepreneurs.

What is the toughest decision you had to make in the last few months?

To step back from the day to day operations and let the team take the charge.

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Has the pandemic affected your organization negatively?

No. It has been a door opener for new opportunities.

A growing start-up in India that you would love to be a part of?

Ours!

What piece of advice would you give to college graduates who want to become entrepreneurs?

  • Don’t do it immediately once you pass out it’s hard. 
  • First, slog your butt off for a few years. Fire your gun off someone else’s shoulders first. Feel the pinch. Only then decide if you want to take the leap. 
  • In the meanwhile, build an entrepreneurial mindset in everything you do.
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