Dr. Siddhartha Pandey

On inquiring background about Dr. Siddhartha Pandey, and his journey as an entrepreneur he apprise us that

“I have successfully led and drives the Human Resource Department for companies like Balasore Alloys Ltd., EMC ltd., Bhushan Power & Steel Ltd., Electro steel ltd., Adhunik ltd., Simplex Infrastructure and Shristi Infrastructure Limited. I have headed the CII (Eastern Region) and also been an active member of Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC), Bengal Chamber of Commerce and Industries (BCC&I), and Merchants’ Chamber of Commerce (MCC) and also a member of WORLD HRD Congress. I am a regular playwright in Times, Various Social Sites, Magazines, LinkedIn, and a social activist too, plus a winner of many HR leader awards”.

He further narrates that, there's no "magic pill" that effortlessly launches you out of your cubicle confinement and into the free world of entrepreneurship. For some, the dream to be your own boss grows for a long time, even years, before it finally comes to fruition. "After a successful corporate career in a Fortune 500 company, the tipping point came where my inner instinct led me to redefine life and the impact I want to create. I knew that I didn't want my boss's job, any of the other senior management roles, or to work between 12 to 14 hours a day. I also knew I didn't want to sacrifice my quality of life, and regret not living. "That's when I decided to start my business. I brainstormed which skills I could build upon, and what people needed.

On requesting him, why did he choose entrepreneurship over a job? he explains that;

Being an entrepreneur means taking on a challenge and working hard to get through it. “Getting a new career or building a business is never easy, and not everybody will support you in your journey. With any business venture, it takes a while to gain the knowledge, establish you as a business owner, and gain the reputation to attract the clients. “It can be a long process and it may take time to get significant ROI but to be honest with you, the results are worth the struggle. Feeling like getting just stuck in a box and feeling just like a number being in a top management job was making a straight line. Being an entrepreneur one can have many advantages too like you have the opportunity to change the lives of others, you serve as a role model, creating something from nothing, no career hamster wheel.

On inquiring about what gets him out of bed in the morning i.e. what’s his source of motivation ?, Dr.Siddhartha explains that ;

The Source of motivation is to think that “Remember why I started”, it is not money or the experiences but it is to earn a taste of fame along the way and what I might leave behind should be appreciated because if I create something meaningful that’s going to outlast. The satisfaction is saying, this is my company and with this I will never hit a growth ceiling. I don’t know if it’s a lack of confidence or something else but you always want to prove yourself, you’re never quite satisfied – and that might express itself in being very competitive. You just want to do your own thing and are prepared to take huge risks to do it.

Someone works for money and some work for his emotions attached to him, but on inquiring about that, what comes first for him - money or emotions? Dr. Siddhartha explains;

“There is no secret that emotion always plays a vital role in human life. Entrepreneurship might seem like a glamorous career choice; and in many ways, it is. However, this independent path can have its downsides. Working alone, or representing your own brand, are a major responsibility and many entrepreneurs face emotional challenges, from loneliness to fear. So every time we have to control those emotions and overcome those with flying colors. When we start an idea it was well planned so the money will routinely come if there is a quality-driven business”.

On inquiring about his way of handling the pressure and managing stress, Dr. Siddhartha Pandey explains that;

“I will say there is no exact science to handle a pressure or stress, few points I can consider to manage the same like break down the problem into the task it will ease out to tackle the same, schedule time for socializing, give time to family, biking with friends, spent time in exercise or yoga or meditation. Try to think of stress as energy. Energy which we can use to propel our business to success. Minimizing stress by staying productive and keeping on top of your work is hugely important. If you struggle to keep focused try a productivity app to keep your motivation up”.

What is one strategy that you believe has helped you grow as a person/startup?

Most of the advice and success stories for start-ups feel very vague, vapid, and in actionable, If you don’t have a tangible plan, you’re actually losing business -- or you’re increasing the chance of losing business to competitors. One strategy will not suffice a business success but yes technology is playing a major role to run a business like in the time of the pandemic. The value proposition of a business will always be an added advantage.

On inquiring about his opinion about “the keys to success”, he explains that ;

Passion is a simple yet profoundly all-encompassing narrative to describe the essence of a true entrepreneur. With passion, an entrepreneur possesses an inherent fuel and inexhaustible stamina that constantly drives his actions forward. Impetus and self-confidence also play a vital role in a tenacious entrepreneur – one who can dream of the unreal, and work relentlessly to convert it into a reality.

What advice would you give to someone starting out as an aspiring entrepreneur?

Entrepreneurship is very challenging, you are going to get hit and knocked down. Learning to take the punches and continuing to get up turns you into a stronger business owner and individual. Challenge yourself and be competitive with yourself, value your work, utilize the power of manifestation. Today, entrepreneurs can push beyond the clichés and their limits to develop businesses that add value to clients – and that adds meaning to entrepreneurs’ lives.