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Sudarshan Narayan

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Sudarshan Narayan

Managing Director

New Ground Ventures

Influenced by

Steve Jobs

Qualities needed to become a successful leader

Vision, Communication, EQ, humility, perceptiveness, resourcefulness, a wild desire to succeed, ability to accept and learn from mistakes.

My family background

My family has several leaders - in science & medicine, industry, mathematics, arts & culture, films, music - both in India and abroad. We lay great emphasis on progressive thinking, freedom of thought+speech+choice for both genders, non-textbook learning and tolerance.

Couple of years from now

As a thought leader in future technologies and an investor in a couple of blockbuster startups in future/distruptive technology.

Initiative to develop a country

Inculcate a sense of meritocracy, transparency, accountability, gender equality and an create aversion for corrupt practices in the next generation. Lead by example.

Brief description about me

Entrepreneurship fanatic. Start-up specialist. Angel. Hustler. Rainmaker.

17 years work/business experience.
Specialties: Strategy, Marketing & Business Development, New Market Penetration, B2B sales, Marketing Communications & Branding, Networking, Negotiations.

My role model

NR Narayanamurthy

My achievements

As a start-up in the highly competitive leadership recruitment space, grabbed and successfully fulfilled heavyweight CEO positions across Asia and Middle East.

I am proud of my relationship building skills and the brand equity I have created for myself / my company among leaders across many geographies.

Important decision

a. study engineering.

b. start my career in communications and marketing against everyone's advice

c. starting my own venture

d. pivoting it within a few years

e. going global very early on

f. shutting down certain service lines

g. become an angel - thereby getting to continuously learn about many industries

Thoughts on Education system of our country

Archaic, theoretical, sometimes absurd, too rigid, no connection to reality, non inclusive and restrictive, terrible pass/fail system.

Make it more open, flexible, contemporary, connect early on to reality/industry, practical courses, more inclusive, more mobile - as in anyone can jump to any class / level based on their growth, everyone wins culture.

Important lesson learned

Never stop dreaming. Nothing is impossible. One life so live it up. Family & friends are the most important thing in your life. Brand equity goes farther than financial prowess/position.

My strongest skill

I'm always hustling, dreaming and selling.

Ensuring success

Advice startups. Attend events and conferences across industry. Read at least 20 newspapers/blogs a day.