Just been through with this wonderful book by Rashmi Bansal, Stay Hungry.. Stay Foolish!
Incredible, to say the least.. The book showcases 25 personalities who made it big, by starting on their own, throwing away fat pay cheques, setting their own agenda and destiny. All of them were graduates from the hallowed portals of the venerable IIM Ahmedabad. Rashmi herself is an IIM A alumnus; no doubt why she easily connects with each of these brilliant role models for those who cherish a dream of this kind..
The book features Sanjeev Bikchhandani at number 1 slot, the founder CEO of Naukri, India’s largest job portal that has become close to the hearts of millions of job seekers and movers.. Refusing to work for MNCs and big time deshi companies, he chose to start on his own. The servant’s room in his father’s house made way to a makeshift office. The initial years were tough, business was not coming in as easily as he thought, Internet era was just about to unfold, people had so much of skepticism on small time entrepreneurs, and there was a family to support! Cash flow was so meager that month ends became regular nightmares for him.
Surabhi, his IIM A classmate, and now wife, stayed along all through the tough times. Her high paying job at Nestle somehow kept his business going and the family scraped through the hardships. I was touched by the understanding the lovers had as a pre-condition for marriage.. Sanjeev would not work for anybody, and Surabhi should be ready to support him at least for 5years till he make it big in life.. Both stuck to their commitments to each other. She supported the family for five years without cribbing, and he made it big, chasing his passion. Today, Naukri stands at 600crore revenue! The man behind is a big time success, and a role model for those who want to chase their dreams..
My favorite from Sanjeev… Start on your own only if you are looking for something beyond money.. If money is your whole focus, you would not stay through the tough times.. On the other hand, if you are driven by an insatiable passion to start on your own and set your own agenda, go all out, and am sure you will survive the monster waves.
BTW, the title is adapted from Steve Jobs’ speech to the graduating class of 2005 at Stanford Business school
http://news-service.stanford.edu/news/2005/june15/grad-061505.html
And.. the book comes at an incredibly wallet friendly price tag.. But as always, I am more than glad to lend you a copy:-)
So long
Roy