Introduction

Have you ever wondered what it truly takes to transform a brilliant idea into a successful business? Starting an entrepreneurial journey is like embarking on an exhilarating, unpredictable adventure. It’s not just about having a great idea; it’s about developing the right skills, mindset, and resilience needed to bring that idea to life. Entrepreneurs face constant challenges—risks, setbacks, and failures—but those who succeed transform obstacles into opportunities for growth.

Let’s explore the inspiring stories of entrepreneurs who have mastered this journey, overcome challenges, and turned their ideas into successful ventures.

From vision to victory: Real stories of entrepreneurs who’ve made it

Entrepreneurship is more than a career; it’s a calling to create, innovate, and lead. The alumni of SPJIMR’s Start Your Business (SYB) Programme exemplify what it takes to succeed.

While the entrepreneurial journey may seem daunting, many have walked this path and built thriving businesses. Meet the alums of the Start Your Business (SYB) programme—individuals who took the leap, faced challenges, and emerged victorious. Their stories remind us that with the right skills, mindset, and resilience, success is within reach.

Let’s explore how these inspiring entrepreneurs turned their vision into reality and the lessons their journeys offer.

Aditi Surana

Aditi Surana’s entrepreneurial journey began at 19, shaped by an insatiable curiosity and a drive to push boundaries. Her time at SPJIMR’s Start Your Business (SYB) programme played a key role in refining her leadership and business acumen.

Today, she is a high-performance leadership coach, behavioural analyst, artist, and content creator, coaching over 1,000 CXOs at organisations like IBM, Tata Motors, GVK, and Discovery Channel. She has helped top executives, entrepreneurs, and achievers break through performance barriers and master a growth mindset.

Beyond the boardroom, Aditi was the official coach for Femina Miss India 2022, a LinkedIn Top Voice, and a TEDx speaker known for her insights on productivity and resilience. Recognised as a BW 40 Under 40 awardee, she continues to shape high-performance conversations as an award-winning podcast host and thought leader.

Her journey is a testament to resilience, reinvention, and the power of the right opportunities—something she credits, in part, to the strong foundation laid at SPJIMR.

Asif Upadhye

Asif Upadhye’s entrepreneurial journey began with a vision to transform work culture and employee engagement. In 2010, he founded Never Grow Up®, a consultancy focused on fostering positive work environments. He later launched Yellow Seed in 2012, a content strategy agency, and Stories.PR.Digital in 2019, a public relations think tank— reflecting his passion for workplace dynamics and brand communications.

Asif pursued the Start Your Business (SYB) programme in 2007, which helped him develop his business acumen and learn to strategically position and scale his ventures. SYB equipped him with leadership and operational skills, fostering resilience and a growth mindset to tackle entrepreneurial challenges confidently.

Today, Asif continues to grow his impact through ventures like the Good Wave Foundation, which makes mental health therapy accessible. His success highlights the transformative power of continuous learning and expert guidance.

Kuldeep Shiwankar

Kuldeep Shiwankar’s transition from a corporate career at Siemens Ltd. to Managing Director of Baron Integrated Services Pvt. Ltd. is inspiring. His business now thrives across corporate catering, cafeteria management, and food processing, driven by his leadership and vision.

A turning point in Kuldeep’s entrepreneurial journey was joining the Start Your Business (SYB) programme, which equipped him with practical skills, resilience, and strategies needed to scale his business, enhance sales, and strengthen leadership. The knowledge gained from SYB helped Kuldeep transform his vision into a successful, multi-vertical business.

Kuldeep’s success demonstrates that with the right guidance and determination, entrepreneurs can achieve their dreams, showcasing the essential skills needed for success.

What sets successful entrepreneurs apart? The right skills form the foundation.

From navigating market unpredictability to building strong networks, certain skills are vital for entrepreneurial success. Here are the key skills every entrepreneur needs:

• Adaptability
• Networking
• Financial literacy
• Salesmanship
• Leadership
• Time management
• Decision-making

How do you master these skills? That’s where the Start Your Business (SYB) programme steps in. Through its carefully designed modules, the Start Your Business (SYB) programme helps you develop:

• Sales and marketing: Understand market dynamics, build strategies, and foster customer loyalty.
• Digital marketing: Harness SEO, social media, and more, to ensure your brand thrives online.
• Funding and valuation: Learn to attract investors and secure financial backing to bring your vision to life.
• Pitching skills: SYB helps you to craft compelling stories that inspire and persuade.
• Operations & strategy: Streamline operations and scale your business sustainably.

SYB equips you with the mindset, confidence, and skills to tackle real-world challenges and create a business you’re proud of.

The Entrepreneurial mindset: Thinking like a founder

An entrepreneurial mindset guides founders through uncertainty with vision, resilience, creativity, and self-discipline. These traits can be cultivated, nurtured, and sharpened.

• Visionary thinking
• Resilience to rejection
• Creativity
• Self-discipline

The Start Your Business (SYB) programme equips aspiring entrepreneurs with tools, experiences, and mentorship to turn potential into strength through:

• Experiential learning: Hands-on activities and real-world challenges enhance problem-solving abilities and practical insights.
• Networking: Connect with like-minded individuals and mentors for collaboration and growth.
• Mentorship: Personalised guidance builds clarity, confidence, and a founder’s mindset.

SYB isn’t just a programme—it’s a launchpad for transforming dreamers into founders.

Resilience: The backbone of entrepreneurial success

Resilience that transforms obstacles into opportunities. For entrepreneurs, it’s essential—the strength to keep moving forward despite challenges.

• Emotional strength to handle setbacks
• Adaptability to navigate change
• Support systems
• Self-awareness

The SYB programme fosters resilience through.

• Mentorship and feedback: Expert guidance prepares entrepreneurs to anticipate and tackle challenges.
• Community support: A supportive network of peers and mentors foster shared growth and encouragement.

SYB teaches that resilience isn’t just about bouncing back—it’s about growing stronger and smarter.

Conclusion

Entrepreneurial success stems from the synergy of skills, mindset, and resilience. Skills offer the tools to manage and grow a business, mindset fuels creativity and vision, and resilience transforms challenges into opportunities.

SPJIMR’s SYB programme empowers entrepreneurs with practical training, expert guidance, and real-world applications. Ready to start or elevate your venture? The SYB programme is your gateway to success!