At BrilliantRead Media, we always strive to bring some of the meaningful and powerful stories from around the world to empower and motivate our growing community. This week, we invited yet another passionate entrepreneur Oshikka Lumb to know more about her interesting entrepreneurial journey and the way forward. Oshikka is an Author, Mentor, Award Winning Entrepreneur, Brand Strategist, Business Consultant and an active Advisory board member at the United Nations. She is the Co-Founder & Director of Cotech Management and Solutions and also the Co-Founder of FindMyCoWork. Let’s learn more about her inspiring entrepreneurial journey, way forward and her advice for our growing community!
Excerpts from our exclusive interview with her;
Talk us through your background and your journey as an entrepreneur, please;
I am a graduate of JMC, post-graduate from the prestigious LSR, Delhi University with a big and bold vision and holding experience in building businesses from scratch.
From running successful businesses at the young age of 22 like Marketers, Events Mosaic and Vizz Plus to authoring two books (“And she decided not to give up” and “USA Hegemony in the world system”), I have been a strong believer of Karma, and follow my gut more than anything else.”
Additionally, I also specialize in building unique products that are targeted at solving pressing problems with a long-standing expert in product validation. My core expertise and interest lie in raising funds and creating a smooth funnel for successful revenue in businesses of multiple sectors.
Currently, I am the Co-Founder at Cotech Management solution – India’s leading real estate advisory firm which recently created a real tech product – India’s largest search engine for flexible workspaces : FindMyCowork
Why did you choose entrepreneurship over a job?
I have always been deeply influenced by entrepreneurs like Steve Jobs, Ratan Tata, etc who were able to accomplish things from scratch.
I have always been a problem-solving person and hence always want to create impactful businesses that can generate employment.”
Recently I was offered an Executive and Director level opportunity from Sequoia capital (One of the largest VC firms in the world, however, money hasn’t been the only factor to determine success for me rather I strongly believe in the power of creating and impacting that’s what I love to do. Hence entrepreneurship is not only my career but my love.
Identifying problems, building teams, bringing in solutions, the risks, the failure, the freedom to create and build something bring energy in me, call it to work or passion.
Thankfully I have been able to achieve all the above in my entrepreneurial journey.
How do you find the industry/niche that you’re in?
I have ventured into various sectors, currently being into Real Estate has been quite interesting as the industry is always quite welcoming when it comes to new innovative ideas. Mostly it is the second-largest employment generating sector.
What gets you out of bed in the morning i.e. what’s your source of motivation?
While to be very honest, I plan my list of work and targets at night for better planning and implementation of work.
I think, what motivates is the fact that time is limited, and within this time you have created, impact and leave an impact in the world.”
I have been lucky enough to identify my purpose early in life and once you are in love with your work, you don’t need much motivation.
What challenges/obstacles did you face in your journey so far?
Honestly, challenges are a part of any journey but how much you let it distract you, depends on yourself.
I started quite early at the age of 22, so being a girl you are discriminated at the same time being young you are taken less seriously. However, I always believed if you know your work well, alongside right execution processes created, one can sail through any obstacle and challenge and run business successfully .
My self authored book says a lot about me – “And she decided not to give up”
What comes first for you – money or emotions?
I am an emotional person and business does need emotions (of course not personal) big business ones like a road map, quality deliverable, customer satisfaction etc.
With emotional connect of course team becomes a family and makes the journey much more beautiful . Money is obviously the priority but I believe if your value creation process is right for others, the money will be a definite outcome to it.
How do you handle the pressure and manage stress?
Generally, over the time I learned something from my mentor, laugh out when you are in pressure, not only will you feel better, you will notice problems and pressure finding solutions. I always believe there is no problem that does not have a solution.
What is one strategy that you believe has helped you grow as a person?
Whatever be the case, never panic and have control over our emotions. And largely the right mentor contributes to your growth.
In your opinion what are the keys to success?
There is nothing bigger than Karma in your life, believing in destiny will waste time and be self-sufficient in accomplishing your goals. You are yourself responsible for your success and failure.
What advice would you give to someone starting out as an aspiring women entrepreneur?
1 – Focus on mental peace alongside creating your business empire.
2 – Never run after money and investment, focus on creating a business, never be happy on funding but celebrate exit.
3 – Focus on building a company and diluting stakes at right time and building a profitable venture .
4 – Most of all don’t waste time on glorifying ideas,focus on execution!! Most of the companies fail not because of the paucity of funds but because of a lack of direction in execution and implementation.
5 – You are not born for mediocrity.
Lastly to all woman entrepreneur:
1 – Never give up.
2 – Make use of every opportunity.
3 – Learn to stand for yourself only then the world will stand with you .
BrilliantRead is committed to bringing stories from the startup ecosystem, stories that reshape our perspective, add value to our community and be a constant source of motivation not just for our community but also for the whole ecosystem of entrepreneurs and aspiring individuals.
Note: If you have a similar story to share with our audience and would like to be featured on our online magazine, then please write to us at [email protected], we will review your story and extend an invitation to feature if it is worth publishing.
