Dr. Sheetal Nair, Author, Storyteller, Coach, Storyteller, Co-Founder of DSSG Bespoke Solutions Pvt. Ltd on an Interview with MostPopularStories, let’s get to know more about his entrepreneurial journey. He is a seasoned business leader and entrepreneur with over 15 years of experience both in a corporate setup and as an Entrepreneur.
- Tell us a little bit about yourself and your journey as an
entrepreneur
I became an entrepreneur by chance, always wanted a career in HR & Training but when I got an opportunity to help my father’s business. I took it up with zeal & was able to turnaround a business purely focussed on security services to an end to end manpower solutions company. (www.dssgroup.co.in & www.elsengard.com)
2. Why did you choose entrepreneurship over a job?
I always wanted to have the tile of “Dr.” as a prefix & to earn that ‘Dr’ before my name, I decided to do a PhD. Which made me realize that a huge chunk of my time will be invested in researching, so I joined my Dad’s business, which was engaged in Security services. Everything has potential, for a trained eye and diligence to push it. So, from 850+ employees, we shot to employing 6,500 people across the country. We then evolved into five companies, so business flew off the charts. We also dabbled in the cafe business, which multiplied to four joints across Vadodara.
So, you see my choice was not something planned but a spontaneous decision backed by being at the right place at the right time.
3. Describe the services that you offer to your customers and in what way they are unique?
We offer Bespoke or tailormade solutions to our clients, this means that even though the one line requirement of each client might look the same, we go ahead & do an initial assessment for the client. A lot of times this not only makes our job easier but also makes this a cost-effective affair for the client. So, for us even though the requirement may look generic the solutions are pretty much unique.
4. What difficulties which you have faced or you are facing?
I was an HR professional with a penchant for Training, while the business I had joined was that of Security Services (www.dssgroup.co.in). Security more than a decade ago was an unorganized sector & I was constantly plagued with questions on being a misfit in this industry. I had to showcase the importance of Human Resources in managing manpower either highly skilled or unskilled. In a way, this friction helped me to shape up a company that not only dabbles in security services but also manpower requirements for any kind of organization. Establishing a brand which could reach out to all the clients & their requirements was the next challenge, which I was able to bridge with the help of my education & networking created due to me being a part of bodies like CAPSI, IIM Ahmedabad Alumni Association, ISTD, ICF, QCFI, WAD, etc.
5. How do you handle the pressure and manage stress?
Everyone is different, and so are the ways they choose to manage their stress. For me I divide my day into different parts which allows me to take a break & focus better, I have seen a lot of people prefer pursuing hobbies such as gardening, playing music, and creating art, while others find relief in more solitary activities: meditation, yoga and walking. For me, I try to bring creativity into the fray of whatever I do, helps me think about the problems or issues at hand under a different light. Hence, the problem ceases to remain a problem & things which usually would’ve given stress end up making you smile.
6. How many hours a day do you work on average & can you
describe/outline your typical day?
A clear vision, backed by definite plans, gives me a tremendous feeling of confidence and personal power. Hence usually my day starts at 04:45 and by 5 AM I’m on a scheduled plan. My focus is trying to do things that make me happy & also impact people in a positive manner and whatever happens beyond that is a bonus to me.
I focus on a method known as ALPEN which taught me to focus on the process and not to be attached to preconceived ideas of what I thought the outcome should be. There is a huge need and a huge opportunity to showcase various facets of our individual stories to everyone in the world, to give your thoughts a voice and to help transform society for the future. In order to do so I end up putting approximately 12 to 14 hours working, the only difference is I love what I do, so technically I’m not working.
The Mantra is: Keep it simple. Wake up early, eat only to fill your stomach up to 70% & remember that Karmic balances matter so ensure that your Karmic P&L is properly adjusted.
7. What advice would you give to someone starting out as an aspiring entrepreneur?
I have 5 tips which will help budding entrepreneurs-
- Challenge yourself & take Risks
- Have a vision & believe in yourself
- Know your goals to plan for raising capital
- Build a great team
- Deliver more than expected
Follow Dr. Sheetal Nair At:
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/sheetal.nair.5203
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-sheetal-nair-influencer
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/drsheetalnair