Exclusive Trusted Magazine Q&A with Pahal Nopani
How could you describe your career path in a few words?
I would describe my career path as diverse, heartfelt, and passionate. Diverse because I have had experiences ranging from working in a creative agency to leading trips across Europe as a full-time job to owning a startup, working at one of the biggest FMCG giants to working in the automotive industry. I heartfelt because no matter what I did, I never did it for money- money was a secondary factor for me. I always followed my heart and did whatever I did with a lot of heart and soul in it and with a zeal to learn and grow along with my role. Passionate because my irrespective of what work I do, it means a lot to me- I associate and undertake a lot of responsibility upon myself when I do something and I like doing everything I do with the best possible outcome in mind and I feel very passionately towards it.
What was your most challenging experience and it has changed your mindset?
Being the founder of a startup, I feel, has been one of the most challenging and eye-opening experience for me, probably the most satisfying too! I was pretty naive when I started and all I had was a passion to do something and a lot of motivation to do it. Turns out- I needed something more than that to sustain it. I learned a lot in the process- juggled between different tasks and assumed multiple roles. It probably was one of the most eye-opening and humbling experiences I have had in my work life which made me realize running a business is not easy. It requires a lot more than just passion. It’s a culmination of good planning, good teamwork, good product/services, good execution, good timing, good branding, and good customer service. It changed my mind in the sense it made me more humble, made me focus more on myself to gain the right experience, to realize my mistakes, and think about starting again with a better approach.
What’s the key success factor for a female entrepreneur in a cross-cultural context based on your experience?
I feel being unafraid to speak your mind, believing in yourself, and in your power to understand, adapt and overcome any situation coupled with the right communication with the right people really helps in the road to success. Also having good problem-solving skills, people skills and a positive outlook towards life and a kind heart can really take one far.
Based on your experience, what’s the key success factor for a female leader/manager?
Being unafraid to speak your mind, using correct information and logic as your power tools, being aware, knowing when to say no and where to seek help, good communication and people skills, great networking, and power of compassion.
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