Why You Need To Master The Ability To Adapt And Pivot To Become A Successful Entrepreneur
Through personal experience over the years I have realised agility in adapting to change has helped me succeed in unfavourable situations. So if 1 advice, either professional or personal, I would give to any individual would be open to change, always.
The ability to adapt and pivot will make you better entrepreneur and overall individual
Below are some personal anecdotes from my journey that have allowed me to be the person I am today.
1. Changing Path
THERE WILL BE DETOURS, KEEP PIVOTING
As I embarked on my college journey, I envisioned a future as an architect. Little did I know that the path I had chosen was laden with obstacles. The high costs of the degree, coupled with complex licensing requirements and the uncertainty of the H1B lottery, made me reevaluate my options. It was a tough decision, but I realised that Management Information Systems offered better opportunities, though it demanded a higher GPA for admission into the Business School.
Undeterred, I shifted my focus, determined to secure a place in the Business School. Hard work and dedication paid off, not only earning me admission but also a prestigious induction into the Gamma Beta Phi Honors Society. This early experience taught me the value of being agile in response to life’s unpredictable twists and turns.
2. Perseverance and Adaptability
THERE’S AN UPSIDE TO EVERY REJECTION
The Keys to unlocking opportunities in Life as an international student in the United States came with its own set of challenges. Despite limitations, I remained vigilant about market opportunities and equipped myself with valuable analytics skills. My persistence paid off, leading to an internship at Bank of America, a remarkable achievement given the restrictions faced by international students in the job market.
But the road to success wasn’t smooth. It took a staggering 419 job applications before landing a position at Communicus. The arduous journey only reinforced the significance of staying agile and adaptive. Each rejection fueled my determination to keep pushing forward.
3. From Resilience to Reinvention: Transforming Challenges into Opportunities
KEEP YOUR OPTIONS OPEN, BUT DON’T LOSE FOCUS
H1B visa restrictions compelled me to return home, forcing a shift in my career trajectory. To secure the job I desired, I had to convince employers of my versatility, transitioning from an IT role to a front-facing business position. This transformation was no easy feat, as it demanded cultural and professional adjustments.
However, my unwavering focus on the positives, such as avoiding visa hurdles, motivated me to push through the challenges. Joining Dineout in India, I discovered my latent ability to sell and market, customising solutions for B2B and B2C businesses. The experience was both rewarding and eye-opening, laying the foundation for my future in sales and marketing.
4. Embracing Opportunities and Impacting Bottom Lines
CREATING IMPACT BRINGS REWARDS LIKE NO OTHER
As I continued my journey in the business world, agility remained my constant companion. At Flyp@MTV and later at Zomato, I seized opportunities to innovate and contribute beyond the conventional scope. Developing alternate sources of revenue and customising solutions for clients became my forte.
During the Logout Movement (where restaurants decided to exit aggregator apps), I utilised my agility to bring clients back to Zomato and navigate the challenges of a Covid-impacted world. My efforts not only boosted Zomato’s bottom line but also earned me additional responsibilities as an Area Sales Manager. The role allowed me to streamline the customer experience department, further underscoring the significance of being agile in a constantly evolving landscape.
5. Agility: A Hallmark of Leadership
PERSEVERANCE IS A PREREQUISITE TO EVERYTHING, LITERALLY
Throughout my journey, sales became more than just a profession; it became a school of mental agility and ownership. The pandemic-induced market conditions led me to take a voluntary pay cut, an action that was rewarded with ESOPs from Zomato. This experience strengthened my belief that agility is a defining trait of true leaders.
From navigating college choices to forging a career path in a foreign land and later in my homeland, adaptability has been my guiding light. It allowed me to take detours, explore new avenues, and ultimately lead me to fulfill my dream of launching BYOB, to assist job seekers with: Resumes, LinkedIn profiles, Interview Preparation Documents and Video Resume Scripts. And help CXOs across industries build a personal brand in a consistent manner on LinkedIn. And PR publications such as: Wall Street Times, US insider, Forbes, Medium etc.
