The Man Who Refuses to Give Up!

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Kapil Tandon, sitting in his balcony garden. 2020.

Professor, Consultant and Mentor – Kapil Tandon talks about his life experiences, and what keeps him going strong at 72 years…

The following interview was conducted by Rohan Vachani who was a student of Kapil Sir for 8 consecutive semesters during his undergraduate and postgraduate programs in media studies and business management.

Currently, Rohan works as a Freelance Event Curator & Manager. He is also associated with his family confectionery business in Dehradun (his hometown) and collaborates with his father in the family business “Chocolate Corner” as Manager – Brand Building & Communications.

Rohan Vachani

Speaking of him, Kapil Sir fondly remembers, “Rohan, because of his eclectic interests, was always one of my favourite students. I used to keep him in mind while formulating my teaching and mentoring strategies.”

Give us a brief overview of your life! What made you who you are today? What has kept you going?

I was brought up in a joint family involved in the business. My thinking was certainly influenced by my father and other three uncles who could think and talk of nothing else but business. Consequently, I developed a liking for business. Business jargons like planning business, projects, growth, profitability, and development sounded familiar and natural to me.

I always loved being with people, talking to them, understanding them, and appreciating their capabilities and skills. Managing or running an institution or an enterprise always fascinated me. All this drove me to pursue further achievements and provided me with much-needed inspiration. Studying engineering and management followed by many years of working with the corporate world developed an intense desire to begin my venture. I started my own FMCG company as the main promoter and enjoyed my entrepreneurial journey for over 14 years. Later, I decided to exit for family reasons, dominantly because both my sons were not interested in business and wanted to settle abroad.

Do you think studying business can make you a better entrepreneur?

We often talk that an entrepreneur needs an MBA or a base skill in finance or marketing. But it is not so. These are all the skills which can be bought in the market and the successful entrepreneur builds these resources into his/her team. So, my answer to your question is, no, I don’t think it is crucial to have a degree to be successful in the business world!

So, what sets a businessperson apart is their mindset! Think about it, typically, the main functions that an entrepreneur must perform are— to organize, to be able to take risks and to innovate! Those who work with a positive attitude and mindset can overcome many doubts, fears, and apprehensions.

A passionate entrepreneur embraces every challenge and accepts change and can adapt as and when it is required.

Should business and family mix? What role did your family play in your success?

Family support is essential to every successful entrepreneur, or at least it makes the journey easier. Starting a new business with an established family business by your side is certainly a great advantage! It acts as effective insurance or fallback option (or call back in case of any problem).

However, parents, siblings, spouses — all of them have something to say when we start a venture. Sometimes they can be supportive, and sometimes they may be restrictive and too careful against risks.

In my case, I was quite lucky as my family was generally supportive of my going for the entrepreneurial venture of my own. The proposal was for starting a venture in Lucknow – my home place in Uttar Pradesh (U.P.) with the support of my joint family. However, my wife was not in favour of moving to Lucknow from Mumbai. According to her, this move was likely to pose cultural adjustment problems, like adjusting to the culture of U.P. and even adjusting within a joint family. Both these apprehensions eventually came true and affected our life in several ways.

Do you regret anything, or do you feel if you missed out on something?

With my venture, I had undertaken the blending, packaging, marketing, and distribution (through market intermediaries) of packed tea. We had created our brands of tea and were managing the entire value chain right from sourcing the tea to its packaging, then the marketing and sales (including debtor-management, collections of receivables etc.).

In my instance, I think that it would have been a better idea to start as a producer supplier or purely as a marketing outfit (without any manufacturing) rather than undertaking the management of the entire value chain. That would have given more and quicker success!

What do you want to tell the coming generations?

I would strongly recommend entrepreneurship to all young persons. Now more than ever, the world needs entrepreneurs of all kinds who think and act entrepreneurially, who can transform opportunity into reality, and create social and economic value for themselves and others.

Aren’t entrepreneurs the true creators, innovators, and the leaders of the world? They can give back to society as directors and trustees. They are the people who are prepared to take risks to create high value and jobs which support the economy! Anyone can become an entrepreneur but not everyone survives the journey. A small percentage of students choose to become entrepreneurs, while the rest take the safer path of becoming employees for someone else’s business organization. Of course, there is nothing right or wrong about that decision, but isn’t it thrilling to make a mark of your own? I urge the youth to give themselves and their business ideas a real shot! If it works, it will transform your life exponentially!

Any dreams yet to be pursued?

For over last 10 years, I have been doing what I love– teaching, mentoring, guiding, and motivating young students! This is precisely what resonates with me, and creates positive vibrations for me… I am also guiding young and grown-up students to design and implement their success blueprints for whatever they want to do in life – including starting their entrepreneurial ventures.

I strongly feel that all smart young men and women should come forward and invest their efforts, resources, and time to start their venture. This will give them a happy, fulfilling, and prosperous life plus a great feeling knowing that they have contributed to the nation’s GDP.

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119 thoughts on “The Man Who Refuses to Give Up!”

    2. Kaustubh Mokadam

      What a great journey sir. We always feel so blessed that we got a mentor like you.
      All this generation needs is a strong support and some few suggestions and hearing from you about your 3rd innings would definitely make us more comfortable in asking about the How to of a business.
      Thankyou so much Sir for inspiring us and for constant support that you have and will be providing in our coming journey.

      Reply
      1. Kapil Tandon

        Our journey as a teacher becomes more interesting, rewarding and successful because of honest, committed and sincere students like you. I remember very well about my interactions with you both inside and outside the class. You were always hungry for knowing and learning more. All the best to you….you can reach me for any help or support as and when you require..

        Reply
  3. Ravi Gupta

    Entrepreneurs create wealth and jobs in a society. May their tribe grow as they and not the politicians or bureaucrats enrichen the lives of the citizens through their innovation, designs, services, products.

    Reply
  5. Tanya Goyal

    Hello sir!!
    Your blog is super overwhelming, this was such a surprise!! Absolutely loved the idea and initiative behind it, this is probably the best way to impart all the knowledge and great amount of experience you have with the world! Looking forward to all your write ups on the blog??

    Reply
  6. Milind Dedhia

    Truly inspiring for people like us too. Great thoughts from a very kind hearted person. Truly blessed for having you besides us.

    Reply
  7. manvi96

    What an enthralling pleasure it is to read your experiences Sir! Your enthusiasm and optimism is such a great motivation for all of us! Looking forward for your upcoming blogs!

    Reply
    1. Kapil Tandon

      Manvi…you always have been a wonderful person and a committed student. It was indeed a great pleasure associating with you as your mentor and guiding you through your SIP journey….Keep working smart and you are sure to realise your true
      potential….

      Reply
  9. Sayli Bhagwat

    This is so lovely! I’ve experienced your presence and it’s nothing but lively. I can vouch for the enthusiasm and love you have for teaching and your students. It was such an amazing journey with you sir. And these blogs are a transcript of what you exactly are! Looking forward to read more.

    Reply
    1. Kapil Tandon

      Sayli – you were an ideal student and always my favourite…I am sure that you are doing great at your job also. Never hesitate to call me for any help or advice as and when you require. I am only a phone call away….live long, be happy, and successful.

      Reply
  10. viraj mehrotra mehrotra

    This is an awesome inspirational post! I always wanted to read your books someday and this is very motivational blog loved it! All the best wishes for this best innings, keep going!!

    Reply
    1. Kapil Tandon

      Thank you, Viraj, for your lovely feedback. I remember you used to talk about my reading
      my books some day. Let me tell you that my first book is almost complete and may go for publishing in about 45 days from now….

      Reply
    1. Kapil Tandon

      Your comment is lovely and has a motivational tinge in it. It is an honour to get this kind of an appreciation from a dynamic and young person like you….Keep reading and sharing your views…

      Reply
  13. Prerna Yadav

    This is such a lovely and motivational post. What a pleasure to read this Sir. You have always been an inspiration to me and all your students. Looking forward to more motivation and inspiration in your upcoming blogs!

    Reply
  18. suranjikamohapatra

    I was and always be a humble student of yours learning new skills and mindset for the Entrepreneurship journey….very nicely framed each and every phase of an entrepreneur life and I look forward to more such insights from you Sir. Thanks for being a motivator always. Great going….. waiting eagerly for the next such exciting blogs.

    Reply
    1. Kapil Tandon

      Suranjika, I always knew that you admired me as a teacher….this blog essentially is the corporate version of what I used to cover during my classroom sessions. I am glad that you love reading this. It is a very good sign for your future.

      Reply
  19. Shivani Pandey

    Always inspiring. 1 thing which I have learn from you sir is smiling always ? although the situation is tough.
    Keep motivating Sir?

    Reply
    1. Kapil Tandon

      Shivami….you are such a wonderful person that I can not express here in words….you are good and you have a habit of finding good in others..KEEP SMILING ALWAYS….SEND ME A SMILING PIC OF YOURS AND I EILL UPLOAD IN THE PHOTO GRID…BEST…

      Reply
  20. Siddhant upadhye

    The only thing I can relate for sure is that, I have to carry a positive mindset when it comes to handling a business, since uncertainty has its own destiny.
    Thank you sir, I still remember all the small talks I had after class or in canteen.

    Reply
  21. Siddhant upadhye

    The only thing I can relate for sure is that, I have to carry a positive mindset when it comes to handling a business, since uncertainty has its own destiny.
    Thank you sir, I still remember all the small talks I had after class or in canteen.

    Reply
  22. Neha Unjiya

    There was a day when I had attended your class secretly though you weren’t my faculty. From that day onwards when I sit and have any talk with you , you always guide me for different ideas for building up my fashion label. Thank you so much sir for always being my inspiration. I remember the Journey from attending that class to Mr. and Ms Inbox hahahhh!

    Reply
    1. Kapil Tandon

      Dear Neha…What a candid and truthful confession….Such courage is rare and I value that. …. please continue reading my blog….and tell me if you need assistance or support in developing your success blue print….

      Reply
  23. Ajay Kacker

    God created universe with infinite height of sky and deep sea (ups and down) in life. Kapil ji proved that God help those who help themselves. Great message to all. Passion of teaching and learning by sharing and imparting knowledge is wonderful. Our best wishes to you.

    Reply
          1. Shweta Shukla

            You’re such an inspiration Sir. The kind of hardwork and dedication that you put in everything, be it teaching, vlog or anything is truly amazing and worth appreciating. This vlog is really motivating and full of life just like you. I am surely going to apply these when I enter in corporate world. I am really grateful for having a teacher like you.
            Thankyou.?

          4. Shruti Joshi

            “A master can tell you what he expects of you. A teacher, though, awakens your own expectations”. I think this quote says it all. Your wisdom writings have always motivated me, and specially this blog has added so much value to my life.
            You remind me of my great grandfather, who used to be as cheerful and like a friend to me as you are and I wish you all the best for more and more such blogs and keep us inspiring. Really grateful for having you as my teacher. Thank you!

          5. Kapil Tandon

            Wonderfully expressed your love, respect, and feelings in this well articulated comment. I really admired going through comment – especially thinking of me alongside your great grandfather…God bless you..

  25. RACHIT MEHROTRA

    Really inspiring. Motivational Thoughts and practical knowledge inspires alot to young entrepreneurs. Hats off!!!

    Reply
  30. Twinkle Sanghvi

    First of all, I must say your thirst for knowledge is one that seems not to get quenched and has driven you quite well towards a change. Not only have you changed your life, but you’ve managed to change a lot of things around you effortlessly. Your brilliance is thought-provoking and the style of your writing is mastery. It’s a privilege to read your article and in my eyes you are a living legend. Keep up with the absolutely invincible work!

    Much love,
    Your student
    Twinkle Sanghvi

    Reply
    1. Kapil Tandon

      Thank you very much for taking out time to write such a detailed and thoughtful comment. You are a good student and have a lot of potential to learn and grow. I am sure you will realise your dreams one day. Keep learning, keep growing..Best.

      Reply
  35. Sonakshi Srivastava

    Such an insightful interview, Sir! Constantly learning from you. Thank you for sharing your experiences with the world, they’re really inspirational!

    Reply
  36. Sayali Thool

    What a great read! I feel grateful to be one of your students sir!
    Wisdom and Knowledge comes only with sheer determination and great experience. Failures are just a part of this journey. You are a perfect example of such! More power to you!

    Reply
  37. Zarna Patil

    It’s a privilege to read your article Sir!
    Thank you for sharing your experiences, they’re really inspirational…

    Reply
  39. Kuldeep Mathur

    Dear Kapil, congrats for your exploration of your rich experience. Please continue with your further sharing of knowledge

    Reply
  40. Shobha Mathur

    Your article is superb! It depicts all the phases of life. Best wishes for the 3rd inning which is the most important for all of us. It is full of inspiration and shows your efforts towards becoming a great entrepreneur.

    Reply
    1. Kapil Tandon

      Eventually you could do it on your own. It is such a well articulated comment. Please read my posts regularly and post your comments. That will motivate me and raise my performance bar
      Thank you Bhabhi…Kind regards…

      Reply
  41. Smriti Sharma

    Loved these lines of yours “One needs to have the passion to challenge the status quo.” It’s so true. One needs to have real courage, ability and experience to change the way things are done.

    Your long career in diverse roles and years of experience has aptly equipped you as an educator, mentor and above all, a good human being. You have a unique way to present things while keeping everyone at ease.

    The way you engage people with your story telling, life lessons and teaching, irrespective of their age group, makes all feel special, loved and connected.

    Wishing you all the success in your new venture. May you achieve all that you wish and deserve!!

    Reply
    1. Kapil Tandon

      Long awaited….but finally received your response…. Cannot express as to how happy I am feeling to go through your comments….
      very well articulated and conveying your emotions very well….thank you very much….

      Reply
  42. Dr. Ranjeev Manrao

    13-1-21

    Greeting & Best Wishes Kapil Ji for your Wonderful Initiatives …………

    It has been an Amazing Experience to be Connected to a Thorough Professional & A Noble Soul Like You for such a Long Time …………

    Warm Regards

    Dr. Ranjeev Manrao
    RM 123 India Trainers & Consultants
    Manrao Charitable Trust

    Reply
  43. Joyee Mukherjee

    So nice to read from you about your experiences! So much to take back. Keep sharing your experiences like this.

    Reply
  44. Sudarshan Srinivasan

    Such a fantastic journey beautifully captured. This was an insightful and interesting read and there are many takeouts for the readers. Good to see you on a blogging platform and here’s wishing that you share your EMS of Wisdom for everyone to benefit from them!

    Reply
  45. Gaurav Pandey

    Beautiful capture sir, There are many things that i can learn and apply in my career. Keep sharing your experiences sir.

    Reply
  46. Ninad Sakhare

    I have seldom had the opportunity to have such an incredible role model as you in my life. You have reliably been my source of knowledge, inspiration and stability. I cannot thank you enough for all the magnificent things you have taught me! You have been such a gift in my life.

    Reply
    1. Kapil Tandon

      Ninad….I have been equally lucky in having you as my close friend and associate for over last 2 years. We both must have benefitted from each other’s company….I am sure…

      Reply
  47. Mridula Nair

    Beautiful capture sir, There are many things that i can learn and apply in my career. Keep sharing your experiences sir.
    The opportunity to have such an incredible role model as you in my life. You have reliably been my source of knowledge, inspiration and stability. I cannot thank you enough for all the magnificent things you have taught me! You have been such a gift in my life.
    Thank you sir for supporting & guiding me

    Reply
    1. Kapil Tandon

      Thank you for your kind words, Mridula! I am determined to write about my life experiences and share it all with young readers like you! Follow my blog and keep supporting me with your comments. 🙂

      Reply
  48. Damini Pande

    Thank You Sir. You truly say that management is from the basics.After I read your blog I now understood it very well and practically that yes management fundamentals are very basic and entrepreneurship starts from very small things.Thank You so much Sir for your guidance and teaching and also through these blogs and Sir keep it up to write the kind of blogs and motivate the young aspirants through these blogs.

    Reply
  49. Rishil Trivedi

    It is a very insightful blog, there are many things to learn for young readers for us about entrepreneurship and management. We often learn about it in studies but we rarely get to experience it first hand through someone, after reading it I felt I really gained some real life knowledge and experience. I am grateful to have someone like you guiding us through our early years of our careers, keep going sir!

    Reply
  50. Rishil Trivedi

    It is a very insightful blog, there are many things to learn for young readers for us about entrepreneurship and management. We often learn about it in studies but we rarely get to experience it first hand through someone, after reading it I felt I really gained some real life knowledge and experience. I am grateful to have someone like you guiding us through our early years of our careers, keep going sir!

    Reply
  51. Abhiyog

    Phenomenal journey of yours. So insightful and interesting read it is and there are numerous learnings for the readers.Keep sharing your experiences similarly.

    Reply
  52. Saptarshi Nag

    Amazing blog post sir and yes I totally agree with the fact that if an entrepreneurial venture works then it can certainly lead to an exponential growth of one’s career.

    Reply
  53. Khushi Kapoor

    Hello nana! I just loved your blog and suggest everyone to invest their time in it. Its worth reading. Your efforts for us are really commendable. Thankyou

    Reply

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