As part of our quest to identify and share some of the meaningful stories from India and around the world, this week we invited passionate and seasoned entrepreneur Dr Murugan Subbaian for an interview with us. He is the Managing Director at SKM Groups. Let’s learn more about his interesting journey as an entrepreneur, way forward and his advice for our community of aspiring individuals.
Excerpts from our exclusive interview with Dr Murugan:
Tell us a bit about yourself, your background and your journey as an entrepreneur, please;
So an engineer turned businessman who always dreamt of being the first generation entrepreneur. I am driven by mere guts and confidence, I went on with my start-up venture ‘SKM Groups’ in the year 2010 and never looked back since then. It primarily focuses on 3 popular verticals – ‘Infrastructure, AVIATION, & IT-ES.
After 9 years of hard work, came the fruit of recognition as ‘Honorary Doctorate’ from UPMEV.
Mom and dad were my pillars of strength, supporting me throughout from success to failure, being there whenever I sought their guidance, advice and support. Behind every successful man is a woman, was proved right when my woman made it to my life.
Why did you choose entrepreneurship over a job?
I have always been very passionate in my life. My perspective is always that of a leader, not a follower.
Driven by passion and the desire to achieve more was the principal factor, which was also not a bed of roses. From figuring out planning to executing, the task was all mine.
Practical over bookish knowledge was also a major factor to quit the rat race. The chieftain in me always kept burning till I made a mark in the industry, and yes there’s a way to go.
What gets you out of your bed every morning?
The desire to achieve more. What gets me up in the morning is the notion that every day is a brand new day to grow.
I’m one who loves to beat my own personal records. Especially with health and wellness. Being able to wake up, challenge myself and see the rewards of succeeding is extremely gratifying.
More so than any monetary exchange. And without a doubt to provide my family with the best life possible.
What challenges/obstacles did you face in your journey so far?
Fear comes first in the list. Overcoming fear to take a step in the initial risk-taking direction tops the list. Then came the profession related issues like funding, setting up a work location, finding the right staff and partners, understanding the field, marketing, risk management, uncertainty and resource management. I think I did well this far and still have much more to achieve.
What comes first. Money or emotions?
Emotions of course. fear, the very first emotion, is what drove me till here. Yes, I do understand that fear is different altogether, but the motivation I received followed by the satisfaction of work and finally the gratitude for the happiness received for recognition, all belonging to the ‘’emotions’’ family. Hence I would place emotions first.
How do you handle pressure and manage stress?
The first step after overcoming fear is having a positive attitude. And only when you have a positive attitude can you overcome fear.
And the four A’s:
1) Avoiding negative people and situations.
2) Adapting to the business-oriented environment and keeping up with it accordingly.
3) Altering my actions and reactions to the corresponding scenarios.
4) Accepting the fact that some things aren’t in my control
In your opinion what are the keys to success?
Constantly striving to be the best. Accepting failures and the consequences of the mistakes made. The positive mindset and the risk-taking attitude. Overcoming fear and adaptability to the surrounding. Avoiding anything negative and altering the scenario to my favour. In short a gist of what all, I had mentioned above.
What advice would you give to someone starting out?
My advice would be to take the first step, the most challenging one.
Leave the fear behind, take a stand.
Be ready to face whatever comes your way.
And never give up on your self-confidence.
Do some good research on what you’re starting off. P
Prepare your funds.
Have a backup plan.
Take risks but do not risk it all.
Know your file, the probable issues, the solutions to it, the mistakes to be avoided and the list goes on. But most importantly, go take that plunge.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow as a person?
Consistency. Being consistent regardless of the situations, the problems, the loss, the failures, the demotivation, the cries, the struggles, the obstacles and the mistakes.
Follow Dr Murugan At:
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-murugan-subbaian-b956468a/
Visit SKM Groups At:
Website – https://skmgroups.co.in