Category: Leaders

A SPLENDID CAREER TRAJECTORY

Dr. Sudhakar’s impressive professional journey showcases the unique combination of his scientific and business acumen. He began his career as a scientist at Wockhardt Ltd., a prominent pharmaceutical company, where he spent 12 years working his way up the ranks in marketing and business development. With his diverse skill set and technical expertise, he led the international and domestic operations for the business unit.

Motivated by the desire to shift the predominant use of chemical-based products and services to natural, safe, cost effective and efficacious alternatives, the visionary leader founded Serene Envirotech Solutions Private Limited in 2020. Later, embarking on his mission of creating a healthier and more sustainable future, he introduced next-gen technological products for Human Healthcare and Wellness segment.

One emerging technology innovation is using Molecular Hydrogen as an anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. Several scientific studies have revealed that inhaling hydrogen or consuming hydrogen-rich water has selective anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and provides amazing health benefits to humans.

Serene Envirotech Solutions Private Limited has launched noteworthy products for preventive healthcare and wellness segment – Hydrogen Inhaler and Hydrogen Water Bottles under the brand name ‘udazH.’ The products are India’s pioneering portable, personal wellness tools. Under Dr. Sudhakar’s leadership, the start-up is actively pursuing the development of numerous other innovative products in the wellness segment.

AN INTELLECTUAL GENIUS

Dr. Sudhakar has obtained his M.Sc. and M.Phil degrees from the renowned APS University in Rewa, Madhya Pradesh. He earned his Doctorate (Ph.D.) in Microbiology and conducted research at the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), Nagpur, for a project sponsored by the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India. His intellectual prowess and scholarly pursuits are reflected in his extensive research endeavours, as he has contributed to over 20 academic research publications in various esteemed national and international scientific journals, magazines and conferences.

The well-versed leader also possesses an illustrious background in the realm of business management and marketing. He has pursued diplomas in these areas from the prestigious institutes, JBIMS and NMIMS – affiliated with University of Mumbai – between 1998 and 2000. For his outstanding academic achievements, he got many accolades, including the Foundation Day Award from NEERI in 1994-95, recognising his remarkable contributions to Research and Development excellence. Under his able leadership, the company garnered four awards within a year of its launch. It has been awarded the National Award of Fastest Growing FMCG Product in Healthcare and Wellness, and the Most Admired Entrepreneur for Leadership and Excellence in 2022.

A MULTITASKER

A real go-getter, Dr. Sudhakar strives to stay ahead of the curve and carve out new opportunities for himself and his companies. He has built a reputation of introducing world-class innovative products to the Indian market. The multitasking leader has his fingers in two more pies as the Managing Director of JENS Enviro Technologies Limited, a German partnership venture into water and wastewater treatment and related technologies, and SRIBS Biotechniqs Private Limited, a firm developing animal, aquaculture and agriculture healthcare products and marketing in India, Vietnam, and beyond.

Miracle and belief are two crucial foundations of alternative healing practices. For Ms. Vandana Sharma, these have been inevitable parts of her journey as a healing professional. She unlocked the potential of “Powers of Powers” and dedicated her whole life to using energy, and bringing happiness and peace to others’ lives. She established Sekhem Healing Centre Pvt. Ltd. in Jaipur to touch as many lives as possible globally. The centre is now serving people from all castes and religions and healing them from cancer, blindness, autism, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, Thalassemia, MS, OCD and other deadly diseases. Ms. Sharma’s strong belief in her ability to heal others comes from the success in treating her diabetes, heart problem, arthritis, fibromyalgia and hernia without medication or surgery. Her superpowers work equally great on humans, plants, animals and even machines. She has changed weather, flight timings, rescued people from flood and hurricanes and from crashing in stock market. The centre offers more than 50 services and programs, namely the SuperHuman / SuperKid Program, Parenthood with Power of Powers, SuperPowerBusiness Program, SuperSportsPerson Program, Employee Engagement Program, Spiritual Heart Connection, Manifestation Masterclass, Kundalini Awakening with Power Of Powers, and so on, to cater to different needs of her clients. So far, she has healed over 19,000 people, and the number is increasing day by day.

BEYOND HEALING

Ms. Sharma is not a Superwoman of the 21st Century just because of her extraordinary healing powers. She is also known for her entrepreneurial spirit and philanthropy. She is the Chairperson of Astra Edutech Association, SaAstra Superkids Preschool, VanJay Digital, VanJay Business Strategic Consultants, Sky Tech Exports, Power Of Powers Foundation, and Indian Space Society Trust. She knows the dynamic nature of these times and keeps up with the recent market and technology trends. This is why her business grew even during the pandemic. Ms. Sharma invested her time in helping people during the pandemic. She started a mission called “Bring A Smile On Every Face On This Planet” and revived more than 7,500 COVID-19 patients with her healing powers. She also provided them with food, clothes, and shelter during that period. Her tireless humanitarian efforts encompass education for girls, marriage, woman empowerment, and healthcare. She has started schools for orphans and children with disabilities. Currently, she runs three NGOs, namely, Power of Powers Foundation (India), Indian Space Society Trust (India), and Bring A Smile On Every Face On This Planet Initiative (UK).

GARNERING GLORY

Ms. Sharma is counted as the most powerful energy healer of all times. Several platforms have recognised her fantastic work globally. The Governor of Rajasthan, Mr. Kalraj Mishra presented her with Emerging Business Icon Award for her entrepreneurial endeavours. She was Recognised as “Change Maker” by Economic Times and NavBharat Times for her extraordinary contribution to the field of healing, health and wellness. She received the Extraordinary Leadership Award in Health, Healing, and Wellness 2022 in Dubai. She has featured in top publications such as Fox, Khaleej Times, First India, Women Entrepreneur India, Economic Times, ZEE Business, Rajasthan Patrika,Daily Hunt, and Asian News. Earlier a homemaker, Ms. Sharma is now an inspiration to women as she has emerged as a leading entrepreneur and influencer. However, she is not ready to stop here. She is the daughter of The Divine Power of Powers, so her healing is a magical experience for everyone and so she has the courage and confidence to reach the zenith of success.

Mr. Mehdi has got amazing opportunities to work with some of the top brands in the creator and entertainment space. His first foray into the music industry was as a Senior Regional International Music Buyer for Virgin Megastore (MENA). Then, he tested his entrepreneurial skills with the launch of GrooveMaster (ME) in 2012, a music content management system, working alongside Under Armour, Air Jordan, Nike, and more. He has also been the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Tangou Digital, US (2017), Strategic Advisor and Partner at TBE Entertainment, UAE (2018), and Co-Founder of Studio Drops (2021). Mr. Mehdi has also been a consultant for key brands, including Samsung, beIN Media Group, and GT Bank. Thirty years of rich work experience in the creator and entertainment space has given him a solid foundation and vast knowledge of helping brands grow through integrated music services.

He put all this knowledge into starting Pulse World, where he is the Founder and CEO (2019). Thanks to his work at Pulse, Mr. Mehdi is a vital part of the Metaverse and Blockchain Revolution in the Middle East. He has a successful record across music technologies, sound branding, content management, intellectual properties, and emerging and financial technology markets.

A TRUE CHAMPION

Mr. Mehdi’s most important pillar of inspiration is his family that has been his biggest supporter and harshest critic. He believes in empowering the team to increase work efficiency by challenging them and letting them learn from their mistakes. A true team player, he loves helping others succeed, implements an open-door communication policy, and ensures positive behaviours and values within the business, and a constructive culture of inclusivity.

THE MASTERMIND BEHIND PULSE MUSIC

Through Pulse World, Mr. Mehdi has successfully tried to overcome most challenges by implementing self-sovereign identity for all actors within their platform, a four-layer SSI stack, with a governance layer to meet user data requirements, smart contracts to help simplify the IP/content licensing, and a new micropayment system (digital wallet) for creators (greater flexibility and faster payments). He strongly advocates using Blockchain and Metaverse to disrupt how brands can use music to engage with their followers more meaningfully by integrating the brands into the listeners’ music discovery experience. For this, he invested three years in researching, reviewing, and fine tuning Pulse World’s concept before eventually launching it. Today, it is the world’s first social-music entertainment application where artists can engage, thrive, and earn like never before. It also enables the users to immerse themselves in the Metaverse with complete access to an NFT marketplace and take advantage of its Subscription Model.

HIS PLANS

Mr. Mehdi plans to connect to more users locally while aiming to be a global brand. He has a keen eye on emerging markets/communities where the penetration rate for digital service providers is ‘low’ due to limited connectivity and non-affordability of subscriptions. He also plans to double Pulse’s revenue and triple its profits in the next five years by launching high-quality products, establish Pulse World as the top player in the industry, and maximise the UAE’s position as a new central hub for blockchain, decentralised technologies, and all Web3 businesses.

BACKED BY AN EXPERT TEAM

Pollucare Engineers India, founded by Dr. Saibabu, boasts a highly capable team of experts with a wealth of international experience in the realms of environmental, sustainable, and social development. Under his guidance, the company has emerged as a thriving and dynamic environmental enterprise, seamlessly integrating its operations across the borders of India and Bangladesh.

Armed with a wealth of experience and vast knowledge, the leader has fearlessly led his team on a quest for excellence, resulting in the successful design, installation, and commissioning of a multitude of treatment plants. From sewage treatment plants (STP) to effluent treatment plants (ETP), water treatment plants (WTP), desalination units, reverse osmosis systems (RO), evaporative systems, and complete zero liquid discharge (ZLD) systems, there’s no challenge too great for his trailblazing team. With an impressive roster of clients, the company, under Dr. Saibabu’s stewardship, has made a notable impact in its field, exemplifying a steadfast commitment to promoting positive change and progress. It’s innovative solutions have earned it widespread acclaim, and the team’s contributions to the infrastructure development projects in Asia have been nothing short of remarkable.

With a wealth of experience in environmental engineering and a keen understanding of project management on a global scale, Dr. Saibabu is an exceptional leader, entrepreneur, and environmentalist at the forefront of driving the company to success. Under his leadership, Pollucare Engineers India is entrusted with the responsibility of serving as the project management consultant for various government projects. The company’s expertise in Environmental Pollution Control is deemed significant in these projects. One of the corporations in Tamil Nadu has entrusted the firm not only with project management consultancy, but also with monitoring all work being executed in the Solid Waste Management project.

A TECH-SAVVY ENTREPRENEUR

Driven by an unwavering passion for quality and technology, and armed with a formidable network of government connections, Dr. Saibabu has been tirelessly providing cutting-edge consulting and affiliation services that help mitigate industrial pollution at prices that will not break the bank. His unbridled commitment to excellence has helped him become an industry leader, with his innovative solutions being lauded by clients far and wide. With a firm grasp on the latest advancements in pollution control, Dr. Saibabu is a true pioneer in his field, and a beacon of hope for a cleaner, brighter future.

VISION FOR SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

Dr. Saibabu is a trailblazer in the field of social development, and his visionary approach has earned him widespread acclaim. He has been a driving force in nation-building activities aimed at tackling one of the most critical issues in the country – wastewater management. Through his tireless efforts to reduce, reuse, recycle, and recover wastewater, the leader has been able to make a significant impact on the environment, and his innovative solutions have inspired countless others to follow in his footsteps. Currently the company has employed 1000 people and planning to give employment for 2500 people in 2026.

LEADERSHIP AWARDS

Dr. Saibabu’s steadfast dedication has garnered numerous accolades for Pollucare Engineers India, including the 2022-23 Start-up Award in the Pollution Control and Waste Management Sector from the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Government of India. Additionally, his exceptional aptitude for leadership has garnered him extensive acknowledgment and admiration, culminating in his recognition as an Emerging Entrepreneur of India for the year 2021 by The Economic Times.

FROM SALES TO STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP

Soumya Acharya is a technology pundit who has a deep understanding of technology and its potential applications. His ability to think strategically and architect complex solutions has enabled his organisation to develop cutting-edge solutions that address real-world challenges faced by businesses across various industries.

That is the quality that has driven him through the years and made him a thought leader in the industry. One of the keys to Soumya’s leadership style is the emphasis on letting go of traditional conformity and transitioning from a control-based culture to one that is self-governed.

The business leader does not believe in hierarchical management styles and values his team’s availability and reachability more than their physical presence. For him, the strength of the team lies in each member, and the strength of each member is the team. This ethos is reflected in the company’s culture and values, which are lived and exemplified by the leadership team.

EMBRACING SELF-GOVERNANCE

Soumya believes in building a workplace where people have fun and work feels like play. He believes that a free and fun work environment is the key to creative thinking, collaborative brainstorming, and out of the box solutions, and leads to innovation in technology. For him, success is about creating a workplace where people are happy, motivated, and inspired to do their best work. The leader believes that it is not so much about the employees’ physical presence as it is about their availability and reachability. The team of over 50 has more than 100 years of combined CX experience and has completed over 50 projects in over 10 countries.

In addition to fostering a positive workplace culture, gender equality is the focus of his work culture, and recruitment is very value driven and organic. CXP Lab is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workforce leading to better perspective, decision-making and problem-solving.

NURTURING FUTURE LEADERS

Soumya’s leadership style is liberal and infectious. He is also passionate about nurturing and developing future leaders by encouraging everyone in the team to work with freedom, make mistakes, and learn from experience thereby empowering them to be decisive, and take ownership.

By providing opportunities for growth and development, he is helping create a pipeline of talent that will drive the success of the organisation in the years to come. CXP Lab has a dynamic team with more than 100 years of combined CX experience. The company has completed over 50 projects in more than 10 countries – a testament to the team’s expertise and Soumya’s leadership. Under Saumya’s leadership, the CXP Lab aims at empowering companies to deliver more efficient and effective customer experiences using innovative technologies and design thinking.

EXPLORING UNCHARTED TERRITORIES

Led by a people-oriented leader, the team at CXP Lab has won several awards. Yet, what excites Soumya more is a day he meets an interesting industry peer, has an interesting conversation or comes up with a path-breaking disruptive idea.

Soumya Acharya is a leader who understands the importance of creating a positive workplace culture, fostering diversity and inclusion, and investing in the development of future leaders.

He understands that technology is a tool that can be used to simplify businesses. His enthusiasm for exploring uncharted territories is what always keeps him relevant.

Saumya’s commitment to these values is reflected in the success of his organisation, and he serves as a role model for other leaders who seek to build successful, sustainable organisations that are grounded in strong values and a commitment to people.

MAN ON A MISSION

Muppala Sreedhar, fondly addressed as CA Sridhar by his contemporaries, is a renowned educationist, chartered accountant, and entrepreneur from Telangana. He established the Tapasya College of Commerce and Management and the Tapasya Educational Institutions in 2009 to offer excellent pedagogy training to enrich students.

Within a short period, Muppala Sreedhar has turned the institute into an institution of repute in commerce and management education. Today, the group has seven branches in Hyderabad and four in Bengaluru. Simply put, the entrepreneur has marked a strong presence in the field of education in South India.

The educational institute is one of the many ways through which Muppala Sreedhar aims at achieving his vision. His aim is greater, and for that, he has founded several other firms, such as Tapasya Infra-Ventures, Tapasya Financial Corporation, and Tapasya Agri Feeds.

Today, he is a proud founder of some of the best-performing companies in South India. The way he has taken each of the firms towards success has earned him respect from both young businesspeople and industry veterans.

STRONG ROOTS

Success did not come to Muppala Sreedhar overnight. He strived hard since childhood to be where he is today. Coming from a farmer’s family, he realised in his childhood that only education could help him grab the best opportunities. His parents, Shri Venkaiah Muppala and Smt. Aruna Muppala, too ensured that Muppala Sreedhar gets all the attention and support to grow higher in life. All these efforts and support paid off when Muppala Sreedhar not only qualified as a Chartered Accountant, but also emerged as a topper.

This milestone changed his entire life. Muppala Sreedhar later joined Deloitte and worked as a Deputy Manager for three years. But, over time, he realised that his passion was somewhere else. Thus, he switched to teaching and founded the Tapasya Educational Institutions.

In the past 12 years, he has taken pride in imparting commerce education to over 55,000 students. His institute has also acquired three more colleges, namely, Ideal Degree College, Ushodaya Degree College, and Rachnoutsav College of Commerce and Management, to train more and more students for a brighter future.

A GOLDEN HEART

Muppala Sreedhar has also invested significant time and resources in giving back to society. He has initiated several programs at Nellipaka’s Gram Panchayat. For instance, Muppala Sreedhar started ‘NTR SevaSamithi’ to elevate the gram panchayat in terms of education, health, and employment. He also founded a high school with an integrated library facility for poor children. The initiatives also include donation drives of sports kits to the children in the area and the organisation of tournaments to encourage a competitive spirit.

In terms of healthcare, Muppala Sreedhar has organised free mega health camps in association with Care Hospitals, Prabhu Diabetic Research Centre, and Vasan Eye Clinic. Similarly, he undertook the repairs of water tanks and the construction of solar panels, toilets, and dustbins to show his support under the Swachh Bharat Mission. The list of social initiatives of Muppala Sreedhar continues. He had been driving excellent initiatives during the COVID-19 crisis as well. For all the work he has done in the field of education, business, and social activities, he has been felicitated with several honours and awards. He received the ‘Leadership Award’ for excellence in education from the then Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh in 2013. He also received the ‘Times Education Icon Award’ in 2017 and 2019.

LAYING THE RIGHT FOUNDATION

MR. SRINIVASA RAO VELUVOLU IS A LEADER WHO LEADS FROM THE FRONT. IN THE TWO DECADES OF HIS ENTREPRENEURIAL CAREER, HE HAS SUCCESSFULLY BUILT A BUSINESS OF SCALE IN THE REAL ESTATE INDUSTRY AND EARNED AN UNSHAKEABLE REPUTATION FOR DELIVERING QUALITY HOMES WITHIN COMMITTED TIMELINES

A JOURNEY OF DETERMINATION

Mr. Srinivasa Rao Veluvolu hails from the West Godavari district in coastal Andhra Pradesh. He completed his post-graduate degree in Commerce and followed it up with a Masters in Business Administration. He moved to Hyderabad to pursue a professional career. He joined as a Trainee and, in a short period, went on to lead the Commercial function in Linkwell Telesystems, a pioneer in the Telecom domain.

THE BEGINNING OF A NEW CHAPTER

Mr. Rao’s passion for becoming an entrepreneur led him to venture out on his own despite having a thriving professional career. His entrepreneurial venture started with becoming a distributor for Tata Cellular.

Through his hard work and determination, he became the leading distributor in the circle. He soon expanded to other districts of Andhra Pradesh and later broadened his business and reach by becoming a Partner for Tata Indicom, ICICI Home Loans, and Iqara Broadband.

In 2004, Mr. Rao ventured into Real Estate and began trading in land. A year later, he officially established his company Nikhila Constructions and Developers (NCD), which over the years has become a trusted brand in the realty landscape in Hyderabad. The founder’s vision and hard work took NCD to greater heights and contributed in building its position as a preferred builder known for quality homes.

Mr. Rao has believed that unlike any other product category, building and selling a home brings along certain additional responsibilities to the builder. Hence, it is important that the home is built with quality and delivered in time. The Best Customer Testimonials for NCD have always been its customers choosing to purchase their second home again in an NCD-developed gated community. Additionally, almost 25% of the sales in every company project happens through references of existing customers.

GROWING FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH

Under Mr. Rao’s leadership, NCD has earned a reputation for delivering projects within stipulated timelines. He wants to develop communities with modern features and facilities where homeowners can lead a happy life. To date, NCD has delivered over 1,500 homes.

Over the next few years, the company plans to develop around 5,000 additional homes. It has identified the fast-growing Mokila/Shankarpalle belt in the Western Corridor of Hyderabad as the area where it will execute its plans.

To accomplish the goal, Mr. Rao has brought together a strong team of professionals from various industries with cumulative rich experience of over 250 years. The rich experience has helped the leader in implementing best practices and processes in running the organisation. The team ensures that the company projects are delivered to customers in time.

FOUNDATION OF THE NCRD

Mr. Rao wanted to make a difference in the lives of the poor and needy, and, therefore, founded Nikhila’s Centre for Rural Development (NCRD).

Through NCRD, the visionary has been providing the deprived people support and access to basic requirements such as education and medical facilities, among others, as he believes education can change their lives and fortunes. Since NCD operates in the Mokila/Shankarpalle belt, Mr. Rao has begun NCRD’s work with the people of the area, by providing them facilities and support to lead a better life.

In the financial year 2023–2024, the company aims to provide ambulance and medical camps in the villages. In addition, distribution of books and conducting tuition camps are being planned to ensure that the education of the next generation of the villagers does not take a back seat.

Mr. Sanjay Awasthi, a native of North India, was the owner of Vaibhav Castings – a scrap melting business – prior to establishing Tembo Steels in Uganda.

The company’s furnace may have been small in size, but it was mighty in its capabilities, breaking records in the region as the most efficient and productive steel plant around. His experience in the scrap melting business equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of the steel manufacturing value chain, from raw materials to finished products. Now, as the chief of Tembo Steels, he brings his vast experience and expertise to bear, propelling the company to new heights of success.

A 100% INDIGENOUS STEEL MAKER

Mr. Awasthi takes pride in identifying his company as “the most diversified and integrated steel producer in the continent” which makes Tembo Steels a company with the largest product portfolio in Africa through primary route, covering all four verticals of steel with 1.8 million tons of varied integrated steel product capacity. Tembo Steels adheres to the Buy Uganda, Build Uganda (BUBU) initiative, which promotes local production and consumption.

Mr. Awasthi, being the first generation, embarked on his entrepreneurial journey in Uganda in 2000, and with unwavering courage and determination, he set forth to establish a formidable enterprise without any roots or family/friend connections in Africa. In 2001, he laid the foundation stone for Tembo Steels, a visionary project situated in the picturesque town of Lugazi. In 2002, under his astute leadership, the production of ribbed bars commenced at the Lugazi facility, setting the stage for a revolutionary leap in the steel manufacturing industry in Uganda.

MANY FIRSTS TO HIS CREDIT

Never one to rest on his laurels, Mr. Awasthi’s visionary spirit led him to commission yet another pioneering endeavour in 2004. This time, he spearheaded the establishment of the first-ever structural mill in the region, located in Iganga. The state-of-the-art Structure Mill was designed to produce light sections, representing a ground breaking advancement in the field of structural steel production.

Remarkably, this facility is known to create the lightest sections in the world, translating it to a world benchmark. In 2005, Tembo Steels achieved a ground breaking milestone by successfully installing the world’s first mini converter capable of converting cast iron into liquid low-carbon steel for Africa. The initiative was a response to the need at the time as despite having abundant Cast Iron across Africa at the time, there was no user. Mr. Awasthi and his team’s innovative approach and determination led to the development of this cutting-edge technology right in Uganda, positioning Tembo Steels at the forefront of steel manufacturing advancements.

Following this breakthrough, in 2006, Tembo Steels initiated the production of hot-rolled sheets (HRC) in Uganda from the primarysteelmaking route. To this day, it remains the only primary steel producer of HRC in the region. Tembo Steels was thefirst company in the world to produce 0.7 mm HRC through continuous configuration. In 2008, the company introduced Thermo Mechanically Treated (TMT) – a great initiative that delivers higher strength and helps users save up to 20% on steel consumption. In 2012, it introduced wire rods production using a cutting-edge block mill – a first in the entire East African region.

LEADING BY EXAMPLE

Mr. Awasthi remains passionately committed to learning and innovating for the better. He sees every challenge as an opportunity to learn, grow, and push the boundaries of what is possible. By constantly challenging himself and his team to think outside the box, he has been able to foster a culture of innovation and excellence that has propelled Tembo Steels to unprecedented heights in the steel manufacturing industry.

Mr. Awasthi leads by example, staying updated with the latest management practices worldwide and industry insights, and encourages his team to do the same. His management style reflects his simple yet powerful philosophy of staying ahead of the competition through cutting-edge technology and innovation, and constantly refining management strategies to achieve organisational success. He is also a firm believer in empowering his team and fostering a collaborative work environment. He understands that innovation is the cornerstone of success, and encourages his team to think creatively, take calculated risks, and push boundaries.

PRIORITISES WORK-LIFE BALANCE

Mr. Awasthi understands the importance of maintaining work-life balance. Despite his busy schedule, he recognises the importance of making time for his hobbies. As an introvert, he finds solace in activities like cooking, outdoor sports and gardening, where he can immerse himself in his thoughts and connect with nature. But that’s not all – Mr. Awasthi also has a thirst for adventure and loves to travel and explore new places. Uganda holds a special place in his heart, as it is his home country. Nevertheless, he often takes his family along on his journeys to remote and unexplored corners of the country.

Born and brought up in Pakistan, Mr. Rupani pursued his education in the USA. He relocated to the West for higher education. To finance his studies, he actively pursued different part-time job opportunities, including working at school stores and gas stations.

HUMBLE BEGINNINGS

In 2009, Mr. Rupani and his brother and partner, Asif Ahmed, made the decision to move from Pakistan to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). At that time, they did not have an established business in place. Beginning with a modest operation consisting of six individuals, they embarked on a journey of perseverance and dedication. By 2016, their relentless efforts propelled them to become the leading partner of Etisalat, earning multiple prestigious awards within a remarkably short span of time. Subsequently, their team expanded significantly and currently comprises over 200 talented professionals. They also successfully developed their own product, DGTX, which is now being marketed and sold by Etisalat.

Determined to succeed, Mr. Rupani delved into the realm of entrepreneurship, encountering both triumphs and challenges along the way. The experiences served as invaluable lessons, equipping him with the resilience necessary to overcome life’s obstacles. Under his stellar leadership, DGTX has achieved remarkable success by addressing a critical challenge pertaining to compliance with new taxation laws faced by small businesses in the Middle East.

An acronym for Digital Taxation, DGTX emerged as a comprehensive solution, offering an all-encompassing approach. For a mere 500 Dirhams, it provided a wide array of services, including a point-of-sale system, tax calculation, document archiving, representation in case of issues, and access to a tax agent.

Bolstered by an impressive clientele of over 4,000 actively engaged customers and fortified by FTA certification, DGTX is currently in an advantageous position to venture into the area of corporate taxation, scheduled for implementation in June 2023. Furthermore, it aims at capturing a customer base of 10,000 within this domain, leveraging its groundbreaking infrastructure, advanced software system, and highly proficient customer service team to deliver an unrivalled back-office framework of the utmost quality.

Additionally, with a valuation of $56 million in 2021, Mr. Rupani envisions expanding the company’s offerings beyond taxation solutions over the next five years. Plans include venturing into data mining and diversifying its services. The company also aspires to extend its presence beyond the UAE to other GCC nations. The primary objective is to facilitate the growth and prosperity of businesses by equipping them with the necessary tools and expertise to navigate regulatory compliance and achieve their aspirations.

EXCEPTIONAL TRACK RECORD

Mr. Rupani brings a wealth of vast and diverse global experience to the table. Throughout his career, he has led multiple businesses, overseeing teams ranging from 300 to 400 people across different regions. “The experiences I have gained over the years have provided me with a distinct advantage in foreseeing market fluctuations and adapting surefire strategies accordingly,” says the leader.

EMPOWERING INDIVIDUALS

Driven by a commitment to facilitating the advancement of others, Mr. Rupani has dedicated himself to the noble cause of guiding individuals towards their desired destinations. Presently, the Dubai-based entrepreneur leverages his acquired wisdom to inspire and mentor others, drawing upon his personal triumphs and tribulations. He has undertaken the ambitious endeavour of offering comprehensive guidance to aspiring individuals through his insightful podcast titled “Powerpreneurs.”

Mr. Rupani champions the notion of embracing calculated risks and mustering the courage to take decisive action in pursuit of success. For him success is a journey not a destination. He also expresses that knowledge alone is insufficient; instead, it is the profound impact of one’s actions that lays the groundwork for accomplishing personal aspirations. Concurrently, he emphasises the significance of self-confidence and acknowledging one’s inherent capacity for attaining success in life.

The leader intends to dedicate his life to philanthropy and to help others achieve their dreams, aiming to empower young people through knowledge, funding, and opportunities. He hopes to inspire the upcoming business leaders to make a positive impact on society and lead meaningful lives.

GLORIOUS ACHIEVEMENTS

Mr. Rupani’s visionary leadership and his adeptness in foreseeing and adapting to emerging trends have played a pivotal role in catapulting his company to new heights. The esteemed Arabian Best of Best Award presented to him for digital transformation stands as a testament to his dedication and relentless efforts. A distinguished honour, the award holds a position of prestige, honouring exceptional individuals and organisations that have made noteworthy strides in advancing the digital transformation landscape within the UAE.

ESTABLISHING A NAME

Mr. Dhaval J. Shah graduated from the Dharmsinh Desai Institute of Technology with a Bachelor of Engineering in Electronics and Communications Engineering. He saw an opportunity to use his expertise and passion for sustainability to make a difference in the lighting industry. He learned the trade under the expert guidance of one of his close relatives, Mr. Sanjay Shah and launched his own company, Lance LED, in 2011 under the corporate banner of Lance Energy Solutions Private Limited (LESPL).

Lance LED is a group of professional engineers with over 30 years of combined experience dedicated to providing energy efficient solutions using LED technology.

COMMITTED TO CUSTOMERS

Dhaval has established his company as a national leader in the lighting industry with Fortune 500 clients and a reputation for excellent after-sales service and dependable products. One of the keys to his success is his emphasis on providing comprehensive solutions to architects and project management consultants. The young leader and his team handle everything, from designing customised lighting plans to installation and maintenance, to ensure clients receive the best service possible. The five-year warranty on all products demonstrates the company’s commitment to quality.

Under Dhaval’s leadership, Lance LED has established a pan-Indian presence with a sizable customer base and a solid supply chain network. The company’s manufacturing facility is in Ahmedabad, and its products are sold in seven Indian states, primarily in the south and west. The organisation intends to expand its operations in the country’s north and east.

CREATING A SUSTAINABLE ENVIRONMENT

Dhaval’s technical knowledge and leadership help his team stay ahead of industry developments and advancements. The company’s vision is to make profits and create a brighter and more sustainable society for future generations. By 2020, Lance LED had accomplished significant energy savings of 102264 KW, demonstrating its commitment to improving the environment.

Dhaval and his team are dedicated to encouraging sustainable and eco-friendly practices in the industry and providing high quality, sustainable lighting solutions that meet clients’ needs, save money, and contribute to cutting carbon emissions in India.

AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS

Dhaval has won numerous honours for his business, including the Credit Suisse Award for the CS IT BDC Project Udaan and the Brand of the Year Award, which was chosen by WCRC’s process assessors and consumer-voted research. Lance LED’s product offerings show his dedication to excellence and innovation. The company’s commitment to sustainability ensures a brighter future for all.

TOWARDS A RADIANT TOMORROW

Dhaval’s business significantly changed India’s lighting industry by raising awareness worldwide and offering energy efficient lighting solutions. Nowadays, Lance LED is a flourishing company creating benchmarks for innovation and sustainability. The young leader is enthusiastic about the future of his business and the Indian lighting sector. He is focusing on maintaining his company’s expansion and its impact for many years to come, with a mission to combat power shortage. He plans to create and commercialise LED solutions that offer highly energy-efficient lighting and alternative energy resources to reduce the global carbon footprint.