Launching a start-up is thrilling, but it comes with its fair share of challenges. Many young entrepreneurs have brilliant ideas but struggle with leadership, decision-making, and long-term vision. What separates those who succeed from those who struggle?
The answer lies in the development of core leadership capabilities, a resilient mindset, and a strategic approach to business building. While experience does contribute, leadership is ultimately a learnable skill, refined through education, mentorship, and self-awareness.
This guide explores how young entrepreneurs can unlock leadership potential and build successful, sustainable businesses.
Why do many young entrepreneurs struggle to lead effectively?
Starting a business is not just about having a great idea—it is about having the ability to lead a team, make tough decisions, and drive sustainable growth. However, many young entrepreneurs face significant leadership challenges that hinder their ability to scale and sustain their businesses.
Lack of leadership experience
Many young entrepreneurs struggle with confidence in decision-making. Hiring, investment strategies, and business pivots often feel overwhelming. Leadership is not about simply giving orders; it is about inspiring people, making informed decisions, and taking responsibility. Without experience, many hesitate to take bold steps, but leadership is a skill that develops through learning and mentorship.
Fear of failure
Young leaders often hesitate to take risks, fearing financial loss or business failure. However, failure is an essential part of success. Every setback refines strategy and builds resilience. Great leaders see failure as an opportunity to pivot and improve.
Difficulty in delegation
First-time entrepreneurs often try to do everything themselves, leading to burnout. True leadership means hiring smartly, delegating tasks, and empowering a capable team.
Financial decision-making struggles
Many entrepreneurs lack financial literacy, leading to poor cash flow and investment decisions. Strong financial acumen ensures business sustainability and growth. Leadership is built through experience, learning, and strategic decision-making.
What leadership traits help young entrepreneurs succeed?
Entrepreneurial success is not just about having a great product or a brilliant idea—it is about how effectively an entrepreneur leads their business through growth, challenges, and change. Leadership in start-ups requires vision, resilience, sharp decision-making, and the ability to manage and inspire teams. These qualities differentiate high-impact entrepreneurs from those who struggle to sustain their businesses.
Let’s explore the leadership traits that define impactful entrepreneurs—and how to cultivate them.
Visionary thinking and innovation
How can you inspire beyond profits?
Ritesh Agarwal
Founder of OYO
At just 19, Ritesh reimagined budget hospitality, building a global brand grounded in customer-centric innovation.
How to develop it:
- Articulate a compelling mission and vision
- Track market trends and anticipate shifts
- Focus on creating long-term value, not just short-term gains
- Inspire others with a clear, purpose-driven narrative
Adaptability and growth mindset
How do you respond to failure?
Kunal Shah
Founder of CRED
Before founding CRED, Shah endured multiple failures. What set him apart was his willingness to adapt, learn, and try again.
How to develop it:
- Reframe obstacles as opportunities to grow
- Seek feedback regularly
- Surround yourself with mentors and advisors
- Take calculated risks with confidence
Decision-making and problem-solving
How do you make tough calls?
Narayana Murthy
Founder of Infosys
Despite early financial constraints, Murthy made bold strategic decisions that transformed Infosys into a global IT powerhouse.
How to develop it:
- Rely on data and analytics, not intuition alone
- Use decision-making frameworks (e.g., SWOT, cost-benefit analysis)
- Consult others—but take ownership
- Review and learn from past decisions
Financial literacy and strategic acumen
How do you ensure long-term sustainability?
Deepinder Goyal
Founder of Zomato
Goyal scaled Zomato by balancing user acquisition with financial discipline and market adaptability.
How to develop it:
- Build fluency in financial statements and KPIs
- Prioritise unit economics and cash flow management
- Understand investor expectations
- Align financial planning with growth strategy
Team leadership and culture building
How do you cultivate a high-performing team?
Nikhil Kamath
Co-founder of Zerodha
Kamath built Zerodha into India’s top brokerage by fostering transparency, autonomy, and a flat team structure.
How to develop it:
- Hire talent with diverse skill sets and fresh perspectives
- Empower your team to take initiative
- Communicate openly and listen actively
- Invest in leadership development within the team
What can we learn from young entrepreneurs who built thriving start-ups?
Naman Jain – From idea to business success
Co-founder of XSN Nutraceuticals Pvt. Ltd.
Before joining SPJIMR’s Start Your Business (SYB) programme, Naman Jain had a vision to enter the nutraceuticals industry but lacked business expertise. Like many young entrepreneurs, he struggled with market research, branding, and securing investments.
Through mentorship and structured learning, he learnt how to refine his business model, create a viable market strategy, and pitch to investors effectively. Today, as the co-founder of XSN Nutraceuticals Pvt. Ltd., he has successfully turned his start-up idea into a thriving business.
Aditi Surana – Innovating in the mental health space
Founder of APT
Aditi Surana wanted to build India’s first mental fitness gym, but coming from a non-business background, she needed the right tools to scale her idea. Through SPJIMR’s SYB programme, she developed the skills required to structure her business plan, manage finances, and market her services effectively.
Today, APT – India’s only mental fitness gym – is a testament to her ability to combine innovation with business acumen. Her journey proves that structured learning and mentorship can transform an idea into a sustainable venture.
How can SYB help you build leadership skills?
Great founders are not just builders—they are visionary leaders. SPJIMR’s Start Your Business (SYB) programme offers a transformational platform for aspiring entrepreneurs to gain:
Strategic business education
Mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs
Practical exposure to start-up ecosystems
Skills in leadership, finance, and team management
The programme bridges the gap between ambition and execution, equipping entrepreneurs with the tools and mindset to lead confidently.
Register your interest for this programme
Please fill in the following details
Additionally, scholarships are also available for candidates with high potential and commitment.
Are you ready to step up as a leader and turn your entrepreneurial dreams into reality? Explore how SYB can accelerate your leadership journey today!