Category: Leaders

A HOPEFUL BEGINNING

After completing his graduation from Mumbai’s Mithibai College, Mr. Chintan Patel, at the age of 26 set out on his adventure. He decided to build a bedsheet weaving plant and founded Deesan Group with his father in 2004. With only 24 looms, the young textile entrepreneur had a single spinning mill that was used to make yarn for nearby factories. Today, with over 1,500 looms, the company is the leading manufacturer of premium monogrammed bath and hand towels. It is also one of the top three largest manufacturers and suppliers of ready-to-dye fabric (greige fabric) in the country. It produces bed sheets, terry towels, and clothing for both domestic and international markets. The company’s ability to produce at a more affordable price than others is due to its vertical integration. It pays fairly to local cotton farmers and employs 21,000 people.

QUALITY COMES FIRST

Mr. Patel’s key to success in a cut-throat market is his dedication to organised schedule, time management, and quality. Quality is always the first aspect that the entrepreneur considers. It sets his company apart from other players in the industry not only in India, but across the world. The company has launched a line of kids’ towels – started by Mr. Patel’s wife, Hiral – that is made without using unnecessary chemicals.

CARING FOR THE ENVIRONMENT

Mr. Patel also aims to improve the environment. He ensures that his company recycles water from its weaving and dyeing units. The water is not thrown away untreated because it contains harmful chemicals. As part of another environmental project, Deesan Group has planted nearly a million neem trees around its factory locations. The leader assists his father’s dream project of rainwater harvesting, called Shirpur Pattern of Water Conversation. The objective of the project is to conserve rainwater and thereby increase groundwater table, in turn helping farmers grow three crops a year.

CONTRIBUTION TO EDUCATION

Along with exercising leadership in the textile industry, Mr. Patel has broadened his horizons in education. As the Vice President of Shri Kelvani Mandal, he oversees the Mithibai College, Narsee Monjee College of Commerce and Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies, three well-known institutions among the nation’s top colleges and universities, and does not receive any funding from the education industry.

To develop the next generation of forward-thinking individuals who will increase employment prospects nationwide, Mr. Patel is steadfastly devoted to granting students access to transformative learning opportunities throughout India. His family founded the Shirpur Education Society (SES) in October 1979. As the trustee of SES, he has been bridging the gap by supporting education of children for over 40 years. In his opinion, education is the key to success in life. He recommends students to have the perfect combination of education and experience to earn more opportunities in life.

AWARDS AND ACCOLADES

Mr. Patel has received numerous honours for his business accomplishments and social contributions. He received the Philanthropist of the Year Award at the Iconic Gold Awards in 2021, the Met Connect Social Entrepreneur of the Year Award for his work in water conservation, and the Global National Stardom Awards in 2022 for his work in the education sector. Along with his father, Mr. Amarish Patel, he received the Maharashtra Ratna Award in 2023 for their contributions to social and educational fields.

Dr. Hema Divakar has been committed to providing exceptional healthcare services to women for the past 30 years. Her efforts have included ground-breaking research that has been translated into tangible solutions, playing a pivotal role in shaping a nationwide shift that impacts women’s health. After completing her MD at Wadia Hospital in Mumbai in 1989, Dr. Divakar joined forces with her husband, Dr. G.V. Divakar, a respected ophthalmologist, to establish the Divakar’s Speciality Hospital in Bengaluru. The hospital was founded with the objective of providing a one-stop-shop for all women’s health-related needs. It caters to new-borns, girls, and women of all ages with a wide range of services. She also Chairs the FIGO Committee for Well Woman Health Care (international obgyn organisation considered as the global voice for women’s healthcare). Moreover, she is a National Convener for Health Sector Skill Council and a leader for FemTech and Digital Skill Transfer in India and Asia. Over the past 25 years, she has set new standards in healthcare and positively impacted countless women’s lives.

A TRUE CHANGEMAKER

Driven by her passion for healing, Dr. Divakar aspired to go beyond simply treating patients who came to her for medical assistance. To achieve a sustainable and lasting change in healthcare, she started the Asian Research and Training Institute for Skill Transfer (ARTIST), which serves as a platform to train frontline healthcare workers to provide well-researched and accurate information.

Under ARTIST, Obstetrics and Gynaecology (O&G) specialists undergo training and upskilling through short and smart modules. Postgraduates, medical officers, staff nurses, health counsellors, health educators, and women also receive knowledge-based seminars and training to increase awareness. The program conducts skill transfer training across the country in various phases.

Dr. Divakar has brought together a team of expert healthcare professionals, leaders of professional organisations (both national and international), key opinion makers, researchers, academicians, and leading clinicians in practice. This unique blend of top resources works together under one umbrella to design and deliver these trainings. The program is a one-of-a-kind initiative that is making a positive impact throughout India.

In Bangalore, there is an institute called ARTIST Skill Gurukul, which focuses on enhancing the skills and competencies of obstetricians, gynaecologists, and healthcare providers in India. With Dr. Divakar at the helm, the specialists at ARTIST have conducted extensive surveys on the Knowledge, Attitudes & Practices (KAPs) of ObGyns throughout India. Their findings have identified significant gaps in KAPs, which they leverage to design training programs and modules to provide education where it is most needed.

POWERING PROGRESS

Dr. Divakar is a highly respected figure both in India and abroad, occupying prominent positions. She was earlier the head of the Federation of Obstetrics and Gynaecological Societies of India (FOGSI). Under her leadership, the FOGSI adopted a four-pronged approach to tackle four different issues: ABCD – anaemia among adolescent and pregnant women; building contraceptive choices; cancer cervix; and diabetes.

Dr. Divakar played a lead role in conducting outreach services, including anaemia detection and treatment, de-worming, menstrual hygiene, and health awareness camps for 50,000 girls every year for the last ten years. Furthermore, she led an instrumental role in handling anaemia during pregnancy which included study and operative research on the use of intravenous iron sucrose. She has also pioneered a revised health scoring system for Indian women that takes into account post-partum depression. She has collaborated with many leading universities like Columbia University, IIM, and Indian College of O&G to pioneer new systems and methodologies for multiple causes.

AWARDS GALORE

Dr. Divakar’s exceptional work has been recognised on multiple occasions. In 2015, she received the FIGO Women Achievers Award for her remarkable contributions to the advancement of science and research in O&G, both internationally and domestically.

Her other prestigious awards include the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Governing Council of Diabetes in Pregnancy Study Group India, two separate Lifetime Achievement Awards from the Karnataka State Gynaecologists Association and the Bangalore Obgyn Society; and the Global Award for Music Therapy from Medscape India and the Social Entrepreneurship Award from USAID and MSD for Mothers. She has also been conferred with the ‘Icons of Healthcare’ Award in Singapore. She is dedicated to providing accessible healthcare for women and raising awareness through education initiatives aimed at patients, caregivers and medical practitioners. What sets her apart is her ability to work collaboratively with NGOs, institutes, medical associations, and corporates, welcoming anyone willing to join her mission. She has transformed healthcare into a generation-defining movement.

It has often been said that good things come to those who wait, but, in reality, even greater things come to those who work determinedly and relentlessly. The story of Mr. Niren Anand, Founder and Managing Director, Evertrade India is of perseverance and hard work. It is an inspiring journey that will move aspiring entrepreneurs globally for years to come. Mr. Anand belongs to a simple middle-class family. He was born and brought up in the small city of Darbhanga in Bihar. After completing his education, he armed himself with a specialised degree in footwear design from Footwear Design & Development Institute (FDDI).

Mr. Anand’s keen interest in sports took him to work for the renowned sports merchandise company Yonex. He then went on to work for Singapore-based Sports Ultimate Private Limited. He gained rich experience in sports footwear manufacturing and marketing, and decided to venture out on his own. He established his first venture Evertrade Group in China in 2011.

Evertrade Group is a prominent footwear design and manufacturing company. Under Mr. Anand’s leadership, it has become a renowned name in the B2B circle, and many leading brands have associated with it. Owing to Mr. Anand’s keen interest in sports since childhood, his venture also has a specialised focus on sports footwear.

SCALING NEW HEIGHTS

Evertrade has been scaling new milestones since its inception. Apart from being one of the few successful India-owned ventures based out of China, Evertrade has also been the first-ever factory to be approved by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).

Mr. Anand has also ensured that his company stands apart not only because of the high-quality products that they manufacture, but also because of the organisation’s ethos, values, and best practices. He ensures that only the most high-end technology and machinery are used to produce world-class products.

It was not an easy achievement for a native Indian to move to China and start a business there from scratch. With no knowledge of the local language or the business community, Mr. Anand set out on the mission to build a brand that reflects his passion as well as affinity to sports. “It was the best decision I ever made,” he says. Another notable feat that Mr. Anand has to his credit is that at Evertrade, 80 percent of employees are women – a commendable effort by him to ensure employability for more women. “Our aim is to make women more empowered and financially independent,” he shares.

AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS

The brand he has built has won many accolades from the community and industry organisations. It won the ‘Excellence Brand’ award in China by the Brand Association of China’s Import & Export Department. At the Odisha Conclave held in 2022, Mr. Anand was a Guest of Honor. One of India’s renowned manufacturing magazines Machine Maker featured Mr. Anand on its cover page and in a book written on various Indian manufacturers.

For his undeterred efforts and commitment, he was appointed Senior Advisor at UNCTAD India. He was also nominated for the HIERRA Award that is presented by Empretec to High Impact Entrepreneurs. Empretec is UNCTAD’s program for India that promotes entrepreneurial competencies in start-ups, scale-ups, and stakeholders.

SETTING AN EXAMPLE

Being an Indian-origin businessman in China puts a huge responsibility on Mr. Anand. He represents the country in a foreign land and his efforts will eventually get translated into fostering the Indo-China relationship and promoting Indian culture. Mr. Anand takes this responsibility very seriously. Over the last decade, he has built strong ties with the local community in China and carved a niche for himself in the country.

Mr. Anand always offers a glimpse of India’s culture and festivals by organising events locally. Evertrade sponsored an Indian classical music event for the very first time in Xiamen in collaboration with the Consulate General of India, Guangzhou, Philippines and Thailand. The event garnered immense praise from the Minister and Chairman of the China Council of Industry and Trade. In 2018, Mr. Anand organised ‘Diwali Meet’ on the medical campus of Xiamen University and a Holi event at the charity market in 2019. These efforts collate into a much larger movement to form a strong foundation for Indians in China and to sensitise the Chinese about the Indian culture and values.

Mr. Anand is fully committed to working for the upliftment of rural communities and working through Empretec India Foundation and many other UN agencies.

The COVID-19 pandemic was hard for Mr. Anand’s business and his sales declined by 20 percent year-on-year. However, he was positive about his business and started actively seeking new opportunities. He sought out time to plan for the coming years and chose to invest in a new factory back home.

THE ROAD AHEAD

Mr. Anand is now looking to build a manufacturing unit similar to the one in China, in Odisha, India. With this new unit, he plans to bridge the demand and supply gap in the footwear segment and put India in the lead among top footwear manufacturers. With a whopping investment of ₹62.44 crore, Mr. Anand is setting up this manufacturing unit spread over 10 acres. The new manufacturing facility will be a single unit responsible for generating employment opportunities for more than 1200 people. Like his unit in China, the Indian manufacturing unit will also work on women empowerment by employing as many women as possible.

It is estimated that the Indian manufacturing unit will have the capacity to produce 2.5 million pairs of shoes annually. This ambitious venture began taking shape after Evertrade signed an agreement with the Government of Odisha in 2019 during the ‘Invest in Odisha’ event.

A GLOBAL INDIAN

Mr. Anand is also working on some novel ideas such as biodegradable packaging, and setting up a bamboo fibers factory in Nagaland in collaboration with the state government and aid from the United Nations. Among other plans, he is ready to explore more countries such as Vietnam, Indonesia, and Korea for raw materials and other resources.

What Mr. Anand has built in a decade requires passion, determination, and resolve in abundance. He is a great example of what one can accomplish if one sets one’s mind to. Leaders like him do not stop at creating one successful venture. The fact that he is now working even harder to replicate his success in his homeland says a great deal about his commitment to his roots. He is truly a Global Indian working diligently to strengthen his country’s position on the world map.

From humble beginnings in an agricultural family in Kankol in the Kannur district of Kerala, Madhavan’s journey to success is nothing short of remarkable. He embarked on his professional journey in 1988 in the electronics industry, followed by becoming the Managing Director of TULEC in Adyar, Chennai, laying the foundation for his illustrious career in the corporate world. His association with LPFLEX dates back to 2005 when he joined the company as a Network Partner. In 2011, he became its first Indian employee, thereby carving a niche for himself in the German company’s legacy.

EXPANSION STRATEGY

Madhavan’s passion for excellence and commitment to providing cutting-edge solutions has established LPFLEX as a reliable partner for clients worldwide. Under his able stewardship, the company has emerged as a formidable brand, catering to diverse clientele across the globe. It boasts an extensive portfolio of products and solutions that encompass a broad range of capabilities, including design and engineering, and caters to diverse industries such as retail, education, entertainment, advertising, oil and gas, hospitality, infrastructure, shopping malls, real estate, corporates, communities, government, and the service sector. Widely acknowledged for their unparalleled quality, its products, coupled with innovative branding solutions, have made a significant impact in over 100 countries.

Madhavan’s vision and exemplary leadership skills were instrumental in establishing LPFLEX MENA and India regional offices and manufacturing facilities, which strengthened the company’s foothold in the global market. He is now setting his sights on expanding these facilities in key strategic locations such as KSA, India and Dubai. The move is aimed at keeping pace with the growing demand for digital, retail and lighting solutions, and bolstering the company’s bottom line. It is also a testament to his visionary approach, as he seeks to multiply the company’s turnover in 2023 by leveraging the burgeoning demand for sustainable, renewable energy-aligned products that showcase latest technology advancements.

A TECH-SAVVY LEADER

Madhavan has fostered a work environment that welcomes and cultivates innovation, sparking a new era of cutting-edge technological advancements at his company. Under his guidance, the team is exploring uncharted territories, blending hardware with the cutting-edge technology of AI and VR, to offer clients the latest and greatest solutions.

To the leader, the key to any successful business is the ability to adapt to new technologies and changing market conditions. He says, “The market moves at an accelerated pace, and to remain globally competitive, we must accelerate even faster by strategically embracing the latest technology and adapting to the ever-changing landscape.”

He also believes in placing customers at the forefront. To him, his company’s distinguishing achievement lies in its ability to cultivate customer loyalty spanning decades. He believes that in the service industry, the retention of clients is paramount, and this is only achievable by upholding exceptional standards of quality, steadfast delivery commitments, and top-notch after-sales support.

A HUMBLE INDIVIDUAL

Madhavan is a true embodiment of humility and grace. He attributes his success to the dedication of over 350 team members who provide 24/7 after-sales and online support to the company’s global clientele. It is his spirit of teamwork and collaboration that has been driving LPFLEX towards new frontiers of innovation and excellence. He holds the visionary Steve Jobs in high esteem and embraces his ethos that “extraordinary accomplishments in business are never the result of a solitary individual, but rather the concerted effort of a dynamic team.”

Reflecting on his career highpoint, he identifies a particular milestone that stands out as a source of personal pride. Born and raised in a small village in Kerala, he is delighted to have been able to work with several global brands and elevate their visibility further. This achievement attests to his commitment to excellence, as he has consistently demonstrated an ability to deliver impactful solutions that resonate with diverse audiences.

Despite LPFLEX’s accomplishments to date, Madhavan is not one to rest on his laurels. He believes that this is only the beginning for LPFLEX. He is committed to pursuing new avenues of growth and innovation, building on the company’s successes, and striving to make an even greater impact in the years to come.

GIVING BACK TO SOCIETY

LPFLEX, under Madhavan’s stewardship, is committed to various CSR initiatives such as organising blood donation camps and promoting the welfare of differently-abled children and young adults. This is in complete alignment with the overarching vision and values of both Madhavan and the company, which aim to facilitate individual success and enrichment, while contributing to the betterment of the wider community. These efforts are geared towards building a brighter future for all.

Mr. Biswanath Patnaik’s unwavering dedication to academic excellence is a true reflection of his limitless potential. His fascination with the world of business and finance began at a young age and has continued to grow. In 1997, he embarked on his academic journey by graduating with a degree in Economics from Utkal University in Bhubaneswar, Odisha (India). Two years later, he obtained an MBA from the university, cementing his reputation as a scholar and a leader. Determined to broaden his horizons further, he went on to pursue a degree in Law from Arunuday University, New Delhi.

UNIQUE LEADERSHIP STYLE

Mr. Patnaik’s leadership style is nothing short of extraordinary. Drawing on his wealth of experience, he embodies a unique combination of transformational, charismatic, participative, and entrepreneurial leadership qualities, which enables him to inspire and motivate others to reach their full potential. As a firm believer in the power of mentorship and guidance, he is committed to nurturing young leaders and fostering a culture of innovation and creativity. He encourages new initiatives, trusts in delegation, promotes teamwork, and provides incessant support to ensure that his team is empowered and motivated to achieve their goals.

The leader believes that a skilled leader acknowledges the significance of celebrating individual differences and has the flair to synergise those distinctions to derive the finest results from the team. This approach fosters a culture of ceaseless enhancement, originality, and go-getting in the workplace.

A MULTITASKER

Mr. Patnaik’s impressive investment portfolio extends well beyond his home country of India, as he has strategically acquired controlling stakes in a diverse array of companies located in key global markets such as London, Warsaw, Zurich, Singapore, the UAE, Mauritius, and Ghana. As a member of the board in several sectors, including publicly-traded stock exchange listed companies, he brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his role. In addition, his position as Director of the Afrinex Clearing House, a prominent stock exchange in Mauritius, underscores his reputation as a astute investor and financier. He is currently spearheading an ambitious expansion strategy that will bring these companies into new markets across Asia, the Middle East, Africa, the GCC region, Japan, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.

CUSTOMERS COME FIRST

Mr. Patnaik emphasises the importance of customer-centricity to all members of the organisation, urging them to continually seek ways to provide greater value to their customers. He holds the belief that highly satisfied customers are instrumental in attracting new customers, generating repeat business, and driving up revenue and profits.

The leader draws inspiration from multiple sources, including Lord Jagannath, his family, and the renowned financial expert Warren Buffett. Emulating Warren’s philosophy, he acknowledges that in the world of investing, there are no predetermined limitations, but only obstacles that arise when one fails to take action. When investing in a company, he scrutinises its annual reports, observing its progress and strategic outlook. He carries out a comprehensive investigation and executes decisions with great caution and deliberation, preferring a less frequent trading approach.

A BENEVOLENT LEADER

Mr. Patnaik is highly regarded for his charitable contributions across domains, from education and healthcare, to the welfare of underprivileged girls. His most notable contributions include a substantial donation towards building a five-storey hostel for underprivileged girls, Shrimati Mamata Devi Chatrawas. He sponsors the education of 500 underprivileged girls, empowering them with vocational and nursing skills.

He also serves as the Chairman of the International Committee of Social Action Foundation, a Delhi-based NGO committed to advancing social causes, and contributes to religious institutions, such as the Swaminarayan BAPS Hindu Temple in Abu Dhabi, the Vishv Umiya Mata Temple in Gujarat, the Shree Jagannatha Temple in London, and the Iskcon Temple in Mauritius.

GARNERING ACCOLADES

Mr. Patnaik’s entrepreneurial acumen and investment prowess have earned him several accolades and recognitions, such as the prestigious Economic Times Award for Best Investment Banking in 2022. His commitment to social causes has also led to awards, including the esteemed ‘Mahatma Gandhi Samman’ conferred upon him at the House of Commons, British Parliament, Westminster, London.

His impressive feats have been highlighted in various top-tier international publications, earning him a spot in the esteemed ‘10 Unstoppable Business Leaders’ of 2022 and recognition in the Forbes Achiever’s World. Also, he was bestowed with the ‘Pride of the Nation’ award in the Emerging Investment Banking category. His achievements have also been lauded in the esteemed chambers of the UK Parliament multiple times.

Abhay Bhutada, an experienced Chartered Accountant, showcased his lending expertise through the establishment and successful operation of TAB Capital Limited, a digital-lending Non-Banking Financial Company specialising in retail loans, MSME financing, and consumer lending. Serving as the Founder, Chairman, and Managing Director, he propelled TAB Capital’s growth for three years. Later, in 2019, the Poonawalla Group acquired TAB Capital, leading to the formation of Poonawalla Finance Private Limited. As MD and CEO, he played a pivotal role in building the lending business for Poonawalla Finance, adopting a digital-centric lending approach. In 2021, he orchestrated the acquisition and integration of a renowned financial services conglomerate, rebranding it as Poonawalla Fincorp. By implementing technology-driven and digital-first lending strategies, he significantly bolstered Poonawalla Fincorp’s business in the past two years.

Under Abhay’s sterling leadership, Poonawalla Fincorp has experienced an extraordinary surge in the financial industry. This non-banking financial institution, valued at nearly $3 billion, has witnessed unparalleled quarterly profits, net income, and loan disbursals over the past two years. It has experienced significant growth in assets under management, which have risen by an impressive 37% year-on-year to reach Rs. 16,143 crore. Loan disbursals have also seen a remarkable increase, reaching Rs. 6,371 crore, a growth of 151% compared to the previous year. Currently, Abhay is leading Poonawalla Fincorp to embark on a new trajectory by targeting a range of customers, offering innovative products, and embracing digital transformation.

CUSTOMER-CENTRIC LEADERSHIP

Abhay’s unrelenting focus on customer centricity lies at the very core of his strategic approach, transforming visions into tangible realities with astounding precision. While he relentlessly pushes the boundaries of conventional finance through technology, he remains deeply committed to nurturing a people-centric environment at Poonawalla Fincorp, where the ethos of productivity, dedication, and hard work is richly rewarded. The approach has helped in creating an environment where the workforce not only thrives amid conducive work dynamics, but also flourishes with ample opportunities for skill enhancement and self-discovery.

A FORWARD-THINKING ENTREPRENEUR

Abhay believes that the integration of fintech, non-banking financial institutions, and traditional banking services is vital to effectively address industry’s future needs. He is spearheading Poonawalla Fincorp’s efforts to significantly transform the financial landscape and empower customers by providing them with their preferred lending solutions. He describes this endeavour as the “intersection of technology and finance,” where technological advancements disrupt conventional lending practices. Focused on growth through tech-led businesses and a branch-lite model, he wants his company to lead the market in consumer and MSME financing. He also emphasises the importance of selectively targeting customer segments, a strategy that helped in building their MSME lending business. As a goal-driven leader, Abhay has set his sights on establishing the company as the foremost trusted financial services brand in India, guided by its Management Vision 2025. His mission is to empower individuals and businesses by providing exceptional, customer-centric products and solutions.

A COMPASSIONATE INDIVIDUAL

Under Abhay’s leadership, Poonawalla Fincorp actively contributes to the betterment of society. It has implemented projects aimed at enhancing the quality of life, such as promoting education and providing essential support in areas like food and healthcare. During the pandemic, it contributed Rs. 5 crore to PM CARES Fund. It also played a significant role in various construction projects, including a 120-bed super specialty hospital, shelter home, old age home for women, and schools for marginalised children in West Bengal and a digital lab for underprivileged children in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu.

GARNERING ACCOLADES

Abhay’s exceptional leadership has garnered numerous accolades for his company, including titles such as the Economic Times Future Ready Organization 2023-24 and the Marksmen Daily’s Most Preferred Workplace 2022-23. Its dedication to customer-centricity was recognised with the Economic Times CX Awards 2022 for the Most Customer Centric Brand, and digital prowess led to the title of Best Digital NBFC of the Year at the 4th Annual NBFC Summit 2022. The company bagged the Gold Award at the 37th Annual Convention of Quality Control Forum of India 2022 and the Cybersecurity Financial Team of the Year 2022 Award by Quantic India.

Abhay’s personal achievements include being named The Economic Times Most Promising Business Leader of Asia at the Asian Business Leaders Conclave 2020, The Economic Times Promising Entrepreneurs of India 2020, and the Young Entrepreneur of the Year in 2017.

Mr. Sudhir Gupta became a connoisseur by chance. He came across his passion by accident, but just then realised it to be a reason enough to drive him throughout his life. One of the rare few who get the chance to turn their passion into their vocation, Mr Gupta today has successful businesses that are out-of-the-box and still tied to bottles — from niche, discontinued fragrances to outstanding factices. Today, he has the biggest collection of factices in the world. His passion has not only driven him to make a world record, but also helped him accomplish his ventures, right from the fragrance house to the new store and museum. Committed to the preservation of these bottles, the entrepreneur aims to expand his projects to support his unique collection of factices.

Eau De Luxe initially explored the most exclusive boutique perfumeries producing some of the world’s most captivating scents. It was everything about niche and discontinued fragrances, but later diversified to skincare and cosmetics. Today, the online retail platform is devoted to selling luxury perfumes and skincare products for better value. Eaudeluxe.com comes with a great look focusing on simplicity, better navigation, and promotions on a daily basis and on special occasions.

Mr. Sudhir Gupta also runs a retail perfume store, Maison G, and a factice museum, Facticerie: The Factice Collection, which opened in Hackensack, New Jersey, in October. The avid collector of oversized, custom-crafted glass bottles manufactured by fragrance houses for purely marketing and display purposes believes that each of these bottles is an eternal expression of a lost art as unique as its fragrance. While pursuing these bottles, he also realised that as the retail fragrance industry was growing, these amazing replicas of iconic fragrance bottles were becoming rare artifacts, as perfume makers were no longer producing these labour of love. The realization set him on the path of preserving these bottles for the future generation of admirers. He made contact with antique dealers and auction houses all over the world to collect these glass bottles. Today, he has been successful in conserving more than 3,000 factices.

A COLLECTOR ALWAYS

Mr. Gupta moved to the United States from India in 1992. He only had an engineering degree and plans to work tirelessly in the US to earn money and study for a master’s degree. His goal was to build a future his humble background in India could not provide. To sustain himself in New York, he took up a low-paying, entry-level cleaning job in a perfume shop on Canal Street. As luck would have it, he came across a factice in the basement of the store. It was an oversized Nina Ricci L’Air du Temps perfume glass display bottle with ornately entwined frosted doves on top. The extraordinary bottle was one of the most beautiful things he had ever seen. The enchanted man was obsessed with possessing it and started saving money from his meek weekly paycheck of $200. He was finally able to pay the shop owner $2,000 to buy his first factice perfume bottle.

But then, the collector did not stop at just one bottle. The fascination of owning factices soon grew over him and he now needed a way to fund his passion. He moved on from the thought of accomplishing a master’s degree to buying and selling extraordinary, niche perfume brands from home, and used the profit to collect more factices.

BIGGEST LESSON OF LIFE

In 2008, Mr. Sudhir Gupta opened his first business, a retail store in Westchester, New York. The time of the Great Recession proved to be a bad time to launch any business. The shop had to close down, as Mr. Gupta could not pay his loans. But, he also refused to sell his factice collection to come out of debt, and instead decided to give the business another try. He took more loans and ventured into the wholesale perfume business.

Mr. Gupta worked relentlessly for his new business, giving 80 to 120 hours a week. He was the only employee of his company, and so, bought the products, took their pictures, and catalogued them for sale. In due course, the sales of perfumes to wholesalers on online platforms reached $1 million, and he could finally hire more people and give power to his venture. He also made a name for himself through his niche business, as resellers and customers admired his venture and difficult-to-find fragrances. Eau De Luxe took off with word of mouth and soon became the company recognised as one of the most successful companies in America by Inc. 500 five times in a row, from 2014 to 2018. This year, Eau De Luxe was recognised in the Inc. 500 Honor list.

Looking back on his journey, the leader has one piece of advice for the young entrepreneurs – to follow their passion. “Only passion can keep you going. Follow your dreams, do not look for results. You have to keep failing to rise again,” he says.

THE WORLD TITLE HOLDER

Mr. Gupta’s first collectible, the Nina Ricci L’Air du Temps factice has led to an exquisite collection of factices. The collection includes more than 1,400 rare and historic factice fragrance bottles valued up to $1,00,000 from world-renowned fragrance houses such as Hermès, Nina Ricci, Donna Karan, Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, Gucci and others. The collection features a 1920s Caron urn, “Les Fontaines Baccarat,” from the estate of Madame Alexander, created by Baccarat, and estimated to be worth $1,00,000. The treasure also includes a PARERA Tentacion factice from 1927. One of only two in the world, the other is on display at the Museu del Perfum in Barcelona. The oldest factice in the collection is a unique 1920s bottle for Gardenia by “the first American perfumer,” Richard Hudnut.

In September 2022, his rich collection of factices helped Mr. Gupta enter the Guinness World Records title for the largest collection of factices in the world. The honour was celebrated with a reception thrown at Bergdorf Goodman’s BG Restaurant, with guests such as Miss Universe Harnaaz Sandhu and official Guinness World Records adjudicator Michael Empric present. The restaurant was ornately decorated by Mercedes Acosta, the creative director of Facticerie: The Factice Collection. More such occasions are expected, as Mr. Gupta vows to strengthen his collection further. He believes that these bottles made throughout the 21st century by artisans of fragrance houses mostly based in France are part of our heritage. The collector and curator initially kept his exquisite collection private and safe at home, warehouses and other storage spaces.

This, however, changed in October, when the entrepreneur launched the perfume store Maison G and factice museum, Facticerie: The Factice Collection, in Hackensack, New Jersey. The objective of the exhibition space is to create awe for factices and drive sales at the store. It has been aesthetically designed for the tasteful collection using bits and pieces from the interior of the iconic Upper East Side pharmacy, Lascoff Drugs that closed in 2012 after 113 years in operation.

The pharmacy store was frequented by dignitaries like Albert Einstein. Mr. Gupta was able to retain all the wooden fixtures and cabinets of the store to maintain its old-time appeal and showcase his collection of bottles appropriately. Every time any admirer visits the store, the proud collector picks each of his acclaimed bottles affectionately and shares the story of its origin and journey to the collection.

NEW AVENUES OF BUSINESS

After launching a fragrance house, store and museum, Mr Sudhir Gupta now plans to re-launch his fragrance line, Ode Paris Love Potion. This range was launched in 2019 when he signed an exclusive one-year contract with Lord & Taylor — America’s first department store that is making a comeback as a modern-day digital collective store. However, the American retailer went out of business during the pandemic.

For the existing business, he plans to widen his marketing approach. Unlike his previous approach of marketing by word-of-mouth, he is keen to add social media marketing to attract Generation Z for promoting both his brands, Maison G and Ode Paris.

While the entrepreneur goes on an expansion spree, he has not shifted his focus from his passion of life. He still gets calls from antique houses and individuals in possession of factices world over to contribute to his collection. After giving 30 years of relentless service to these bottles, the man only has words of gratitude to everyone who was part of his amazing journey.

Dr. Mark Mabhudhu is a professional engineer armed with a B. Sc. (Hons) degree in Metallurgical Engineering from the University of Zimbabwe. He has a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Studies (2000), an MBA from New Buckinghamshire Chilterns University (UK), and a Master of Philosophy (Information and Knowledge Management) degree (Stellenbosch, 2008). He is currently working on completing his DBA degree.

In addition, Dr. Mabhudhu holds a D. Eng. Metallurgical Engineering (Honoris Causer) from Commonwealth University in collaboration with the London Graduate School of Business (2022).

A professional with vast knowledge and rich experience, it is not possible to mention the global mining industry and not take his name. Dr. Mabhudhu has almost three decades of experience in this sector.

Most of his experience has been with new mining operations from inception, for example, Auridiam Zimbabwe Private Limited’s River Ranch Diamond Mine, BHP Minerals Private Limited’s Hartley Platinum, Diamond operations in Botswana, and the ZCDC’s Chiadzwa Diamond Mines. He has also done significant work across the globe, in countries like Angola, DRC, and RSA on brownfield diamond projects across the diamond value chain as well as in countries like the UAE (Dubai), Belgium, England, Israel, India, and the USA.

Dr. Mabhudhu is one of the few diamonds industry leaders who have witnessed the Kmberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) develop from its foundation years in the early 2000’s to its current form and state to date.

SETTING NEW BENCHMARKS

Dr. Mabhudhu was roped in as the new CEO at ZCDC in September 2020 with his tasks chalked out. The organisation was in a dire state financially, operations had stopped, and employees had gone for nearly seven months without being paid salaries. Dr. Mabhudhu was faced with the herculean task of getting the organisation back on its feet.

Under his aegis, ZCDC has now become one of those state-owned organisations that are performing extraordinarily well. It is his unwavering hard work that made the company exceed the diamond production targets by 300% – a clear demonstration of leading from the front. He also incorporated several new initiatives that further enhanced the business performance. A new-age state-of-the-art ore processing plant with remote security surveillance system that include drone surveillance technology, as well as integrated CCTV monitoring, resulted in zero security breaches and zero diamond pilferage incidents. These milestones resulted in ZCDC performing extraordinarily well in 2022 and all is set to achieve its targets for the coming years.

AWARDS AND RECOGNITION

Dr. Mabhudhu has been recognised for his hard work many times. He won special recognition for outstanding optimism, patience, understanding, and bravery under stress at the Megafest National Business Awards in 2020. He was chosen the ‘CEO of the Year’ under multiple categories. He was also named ‘Zimbabwe CEO’s Network Outstanding Public Sector Leader and Outstanding Leader in Business.’ In 2021, he was also chosen the ‘Outstanding CEO of the Year.’ He has been featured in CEOs Network’s Top 20 Outstanding Leaders in Business Category. These are just a few awards that Dr. Mabhudhu has won for his business ethics, professionalism, and vision.

LEADER OF THE PEOPLE

For the past three decades, Dr. Mabhudhu has been diligently serving in the mining industry. He has witnessed the industry going through different phases and has been an active part of the progress. As he grew in ranks, he found himself leading new projects and initiatives. He has seen many new projects from start to finish.

Dr. Mabhudhu believes that people management is the hallmark of successful organisational management. To him, a leader must excel in people management to achieve the desired goals. One of his key differentiating skills as a leader is also people management. As a CEO, the biggest challenge one can face is to bring in the right talent to the organisation, and this Dr. Mabhudhu has overcome through people management. He has in fact excelled in this department and that is attested by the resounding success of the organisation.

Dr. Mabhudhu’s communication style is open and transparent. He thrives on making sure that the employee base fully understands where the organisation wants to go in terms of its vision and aspiration. He ensures he has a solid relationship with his colleagues and employees. As a CEO, he does everything to ensure he is approachable, and every team member, regardless of their level in the organisation, finds him accessible. Sound decision-making capacity is one of the most coveted skills for any leader, and Dr. Mabhudhu believes that he has brought that successfully to ZCDC. Through his distinct leadership style, he brings maturity, stability, and overall positivity to the whole organisation.

WORKING FOR THE GREATER GOOD

Dr. Mabhudhu has an insatiable drive to fulfil his goals. He derives inspiration from people who achieve success through sheer hard work, innovation, and commitment to the cause. In his case, his cause is not only a successful business, but also improving the quality of life of the general population. He has charted out his path for himself where he leads various initiatives that result in the greater good of society and not just the business.

At a personal level, although bound by the limitation of resources, Dr. Mabhudhu has been a part of many initiatives to assist schools in the areas where he went for his primary and secondary education. His other social initiatives have included equipping schools with building materials to fix dilapidated classroom blocks and joining up with old classmates to purchase COVID-19 related materials for school children in affected schools. Such initiatives might be modest but they touched the hearts of many.

Dr. Mabhudhu also leads numerous initiatives at ZCDC for the long-term benefit of the communities in which the company does business. He believes it is the responsibility of the organisation to take great care of these communities. His approach is to make sure that as a company ZCDC is unflinchingly focused on community empowerment initiatives.

These initiatives include local enterprise development, health, education, infrastructural development, and general care for the disadvantaged. Under his leadership, the company has committed up to 10% of its revenue to community development initiatives. As a company, ZCDC has also developed a community based consumables buying framework whereupon all their edibles are sourced locally. This has created a co-existing ecosystem where even the local businesses benefit from the big companies.

Dr. Mabhudhu envisions a great future for ZCDC Pvt. Ltd, where it emerges as a world-class diamond producer for the long term benefit of the nation, and he is right on the path to achieving this goal.

A WELL-VERSED LEADER

Raghava is an accomplished professional, holding a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, followed by a Master’s in Business Administration. He has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills throughout his career, holding various prominent positions within diverse business organisations. After spending over 15 years in the corporate world, he transitioned into an entrepreneurial role in 2015.

The visionary leader was born in a farming family in Andhra Pradesh. From his early childhood, he observed his father’s tireless efforts in the fields, instilling in him the core values of hard work, frugality, and discipline. The experiences cultivated his appreciation for rural life and the unspoiled beauty of nature, shaping his perspectives as he matured. The profound connection he developed with nature during his formative years inspired him to embark on an entrepreneurial path focused on promoting sustainable living and preserving the environment.

CREATING SELF-SUSTAINING COMMUNITIES

Under Raghava’s exceptional leadership, NSR Ventures has attained unprecedented levels of success. It is an emerging company that has undertaken transformative initiatives such as Green Woods – a groundbreaking project that exemplifies a model for fostering green and sustainable living. The organisation embodies the principles of Nature, Self-Sustainability, and 3R (Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle), aiming to create a harmonious living environment that seamlessly integrates modern comforts with greenery, serenity, and a pollution-free atmosphere. Through his guidance, the organisation has not only achieved remarkable milestones, but also emerged as a frontrunner in promoting environmentally-conscious practices.

Raghava’s entrepreneurial journey has been characterised by his unwavering commitment to honesty, integrity, perseverance, and a clear sense of purpose. Fueled by his passion to pursue his dreams and make a positive impact on people’s lives, he achieved notable success in the initial stages of his career. This experience has instilled in him a heightened sense of confidence, propelling him towards his vision of establishing additional self-sustaining communities.

MOBILISING COLLECTIVE ACTION

With the inception of NSR, Raghava envisioned the creation of a self-sustained community, where residents would have reliable access to locally sourced resources such as water and power. Demonstrating his ongoing commitment, he actively participates in national forums and associations, leveraging his influence to drive the positive change he aspires to bring about in society.

INSPIRING ACHIEVEMENTS

Raghava has recently been adorned with a cascade of prestigious awards. The ET Inspiring Leaders 2022 bestowed upon him the coveted accolade for Business Excellence in the realm of Real Estate, specifically recognising his remarkable contribution to eco-friendly and sustainable development. The Global Choice Awards 2022 honoured him for his outstanding accomplishments in the creation of eco-friendly homes. The APAC Business Awards 2022 has honoured NSR Ventures, recognising it as the Most Sustainable Community Development Company.

Raghava was also awarded with the distinguished Business Leadership Award at the prestigious 63rd National Summit & Awards for the Role of CSR in Nation Building. This recognition reflects his remarkable professional achievements and commitment to nation-building, a significant endeavour supported directly by the Government of India.

The success saga of Dr. Vijay Kalantri is nothing short of inspiring. Despite being a first-generation entrepreneur, his boundless energy and entrepreneurial drive have enabled him to diversify his business portfolio from power projects and textiles to port development and logistics. His innovative business acumen has allowed him to revitalise the financial position of WTC Mumbai, and optimise the use of its resources and channel them towards trade promotion and corporate social responsibility.

A GROWTH-DRIVEN LEADER

Under Dr. Kalantri’s guidance, WTC Mumbai, established in 1970, has emerged as a pivotal trade support centre, offering a range of multifaceted trade facilities and services to businesses. His strategic vision and tireless efforts have led to the establishment of WTCs in various regions of the country, including Goa, Jaipur, and Bhubaneswar. Furthermore, through his thoughtful insights and expert guidance, many other WTCs in India have flourished, with 37 centres now spanning the length and breadth of the nation. With his adeptness in various domains such as business management, public speaking, networking, trade promotion, team building, and strategic thinking, he has demonstrated remarkable leadership as the helmsman of WTC Mumbai, steering the organisation towards the attainment of its mission and vision. From his formative years, he has ardently championed the advancement of trade and industry, evident from his affiliations with numerous industry associations and bilateral chambers of commerce, and his successful businesses.

Dr. Kalantri’s exceptional leadership has not only helped promote trade and commerce in the country, but also helped India establish its position as a major player in the global business arena. His invaluable aptitude in networking and economic diplomacy has been instrumental in transforming WTC Mumbai into a preeminent enabler of India’s international trade, with robust connections to diplomatic missions, chambers of commerce, multilateral organisations, and other like-minded global entities. With his strategic acuity, he has adeptly steered discussions and shaped decisions on the board of WTC Association (WTCA), New York, and expanded the WTC brand across new frontiers. He has repeatedly been elected as Director on the board of WTCA, New York, a testament to his hard work and visionary leadership. Dr. Kalantri’s visionary initiatives have facilitated India’s trade relationship with Poland, Uzbekistan, Latin America, CIS countries, and the European Union.

Dr. Kalantri also places a strong emphasis on fostering innovation, cultivating creativity, and promoting skill development by organising various events, workshops, and personalised guidance for industries. This approach is aimed at empowering businesses to adapt to the rapidly-evolving trends and technological advancements while ensuring sustainability.

DONNING MULTIPLE HATS

Dr. Kalantri also serves as the President of the All India Association of Industries, the promoter of Dighi Port Ltd., which is Maharashtra’s pioneering private sector port, and port-based Special Economic Zone. He is associated with the Indian Council of Foreign Trade and the Indo Polish Chamber of Commerce & Industry, and is a member of many Reserve Bank of India committees. His contributions to international business bodies such as the International Labor Organization and UNIDO-India Industries Council deserve a special mention.

A SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE LEADER

Under Dr. Kalantri’s leadership, WTC Mumbai has made significant strides towards adopting sustainable practices and reducing its carbon footprint. His strong commitment to sustainable development has led to the establishment of the M Visvesvaraya Center of Excellence for Business Acceleration and Skill Development, which supports MSMEs, women entrepreneurs, and start-ups to enhance their global competitiveness and provide skilling programs for the economically weaker sections of society.

Under his sterling leadership, WTC Mumbai conducts regular research on emerging trade opportunities and geopolitical developments. It maintains a close bond with its members to understand their challenges and aspirations. It also maintains dynamic government relations to facilitate ease of doing business and coordinate with state governments to provide localised solutions to the industry.

GARNERING ACCOLADES

Dr. Kalantri’s tireless commitment to excellence has earned WTC Mumbai the coveted “Premier Accreditation” by the WTCA, New York, for its outstanding business services and facilities in 2022. Throughout his illustrious career, he has been a leading advocate for social welfare and has earned recognition from both private institutions and government bodies for his outstanding contributions. In 2014, the Russian Federation conferred upon him the prestigious ‘Pushkin Award.’ In 2005, the Government of Poland bestowed upon him the highest civilian honour, the ‘Commander Cross of the Order of Merit,’ for his exceptional service.