At BrilliantRead Media, it is our constant endeavour to bring meaningful and powerful stories from India and around the world to empower and motivate our growing community. As part of this, we invited Tejaswini Rai for an exclusive interview with us. She is an Entrepreneur, Leader and Founder at House of Tej. Let’s learn more about her incredible journey, background and her advice for our growing community!
Excerpts from our exclusive interview with Tejaswini:
Could you please talk us through your background and your journey?
My professional journey, rich with diverse experiences and achievements, began in the bustling streets of Delhi where my foundational education took root. This early phase of learning set the stage for my further academic pursuits in Bombay, where I distinguished myself as a university medalist. Following this, I pursued an MBA from SP Jain, earning a place in the Dean’s Top 5, a testament to my academic dedication and prowess.
Embarking on my professional career, I joined Hill & Associates straight out of college. My journey there was marked by rapid growth, as I assumed the leadership of a team of over 25 at the young age of 23. This early leadership experience was pivotal in shaping my approach to team management and business development.
In 2008, I took a significant turn in my career by joining IMA. There, I played a crucial role in developing the CEO Forum, marking the beginning of an enriching 15-year tenure. My journey at IMA was marked by continuous growth and responsibility, as I not only spearheaded various initiatives but also launched functional forums specially tailored for CHROs and CMOs.
I adeptly managed key CEO and CFO annual offsites and other CXO meetings, contributing significantly to the strategic direction and success of these events, and eventually became a key member of the Executive Committee. In this role, I led the Bombay operations, managed national conferences, and spear-headed our digital initiatives, contributing significantly to the organization’s growth and success.
This rich tapestry of experiences and roles culminated in the inception of my entrepreneurial venture, House of Tej, where I now channel my energy, knowledge, and aspirations. House Of Tej.
How did you discover your passion?
My passion for leadership and innovation unfolded gradually, a journey of enlightenment shaped by diverse roles and numerous challenges. Each position I held was a crucial piece of the puzzle, gradually revealing my intrinsic drive to enact change and nurturing growth.
There often comes a pivotal moment in life when professional paths and personal purposes intersect. My extensive tenure at IMA was immensely fulfilling, yet a deeper calling beckoned. House of Tej is the manifestation of this alignment – a fusion of my lifelong passion for creating transformative spaces with my core personal values.
It stands as a platform where my rich experiences converge to foster leadership and innovation. Embarking on this venture has been incredibly gratifying, as I take the helm to build something profoundly meaningful from the ground up.
How do you manage to keep going despite the challenges? What drives you?
Challenges are an inevitable part of trailblazing new territories, particularly in entrepreneurship. Throughout my career, I have faced various hurdles, each serving as a catalyst for growth, learning, and transformative action. This relentless pursuit of turning challenges into opportunities is a core aspect of my drive, especially with House of Tej.
Building something from the ground up, driven by passion and purpose, is undoubtedly challenging, but it becomes an exhilarating adventure when approached collectively with a dedicated team. The vision of House of Tej sparking positive change is what continually fuels my motivation.
Each challenge faced is an opportunity to innovate and grow, and the support from clients, partners, and well-wishers plays a pivotal role in this journey. Their encouragement and faith in my vision not only energize me but also reaffirm my conviction to persevere and thrive daily. This collective effort and shared belief make the hurdles surmountable and the journey of building the House of Tej both rewarding and exhilarating.
Who do you believe has been the biggest source of motivation in your daily life?
My fundamental motivation lies in the relentless pursuit of self-improvement and the desire to make a tangible difference. The drive to surpass my previous achievements and to constantly evolve both personally and professionally has always been my guiding force. This motivation has been particularly influential in my transition from a corporate leader to an entrepreneur, fueling the creation and growth of House of Tej.
Seeing a project come to life, witnessing the growth of my team members, and observing the positive impact on our clients at House of Tej – these are the elements that truly invigorate me.
It’s the satisfaction of breaking new ground, achieving new heights, and knowing that our work is making a meaningful difference that keeps me moving forward with passion and determination. Each success at House of Tej, no matter how big or small, is a reminder of why I embarked on this journey and what keeps me motivated every day.
What are some of the strategies that you believe have helped you grow as a person?
My growth strategy, anchored in the principles of continuous learning and embracing change, is further enriched by my belief that true success lies in aligning one’s values with their work. This approach, combining resilience, adaptability, and a relentless pursuit of excellence with integrity, has been my guiding philosophy throughout my career.
From my early days at Hill & Associates to my strategic roles at IMA, and now at the helm of House of Tej, this belief in aligning values with work has been pivotal. The willingness to step outside my comfort zone, coupled with an innate curiosity and a commitment to evolve, has enabled me to navigate diverse roles and challenges successfully.
Innovative thinking, strategic collaborations, and adaptability aren’t just skills; they are reflections of my core values in action. These principles don’t just drive growth; they ensure that the growth is meaningful and aligned with my ideals.
At House of Tej, we embody this philosophy in every endeavor, creating transformative experiences that reflect these values. It is this blend of value-driven leadership, curiosity, adaptability, and strategic thinking that propels us forward and enables us to make a significant impact in the realm of corporate leadership and innovation.
In your opinion what are the keys to success?
The cornerstone of my success lies in the harmonious alignment of my values with my professional endeavors, underpinned by resilience, adaptability, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. This alignment isn’t just a strategy, but a guiding principle that has illuminated my path at every stage of my career, and now more so at House of Tej.
Success, for me, has always been about more than achieving goals; it’s about how these goals are achieved. Embracing change, eagerly seizing opportunities for learning, and steadfastly adhering to my core values have been instrumental in my journey. These elements are not just practices but reflections of a mindset geared towards lifelong learning and growth.
At House of Tej, these principles are the bedrock upon which we build. We strive to create a platform that not only resonates with these ideals but also embodies them in every aspect. This approach has been pivotal in the evolution of the House of Tej.
It ensures that our growth and achievements are not only sustained but also deeply rooted in the values that define us. It is this blend of value-driven leadership, adaptability, and a commitment to excellence that propels us forward, enabling us to make a lasting impact in the realm of corporate leadership and innovation.
What advice would you give to our readers?
To all the readers, particularly young professionals, my advice is to recognize that careers are life-long and dynamic, not merely linear paths. Embrace the journey of learning and growth, and remember to follow your genuine passions – it’s in this pursuit that true purpose will emerge.
Challenges and setbacks are not barriers but redirected paths leading to new opportunities and learnings. Always be open to learning, and don’t hesitate to step out of your comfort zone, as this is where significant growth and discovery happen.
It is crucial to build a network of mentors who can expand your vision and provide guidance on your journey. Remember that success is transient and can vary in form, while integrity and core values endure through time. Success is not just about achieving goals but how these goals are achieved, with compassion and mindfulness as your steadfast anchors.
Lastly, never underestimate the power of daring greatly. Let your journey be continuously guided by a quest for learning, an eagerness to embrace challenges, and a commitment to personal and professional growth. This approach not only leads to success but ensures that the success is meaningful and enriching on a deeper level.
Last but not least, what about your journey makes it satisfying/exciting?
The journey with House of Tej has just begun, and it’s a path I embark upon with immense gratitude for the encouragement and support I have received from former colleagues and clients. Building this venture from the ground up has been an exhilarating and profoundly satisfying experience.
There is an unparalleled joy in creating something driven by passion, where the primary focus is on generating value and making a meaningful impact, rather than merely accumulating wealth.
This clarity of purpose has sharpened my decision-making and reinforced my commitment to this endeavor. My aspiration is that the House of Tej will not only be a platform for innovation and collaboration but will also spark positive change in the realm of corporate leadership. The process of bringing this vision to life, with its larger purpose of influencing and inspiring leaders and organizations, has been incredibly fulfilling.
As I look forward to the unfolding chapters of this journey, I am filled with a sense of excitement and anticipation. Each day at House of Tej brings new opportunities to make a difference, to challenge the status quo, and to contribute to a transformative experience for our clients.
The path ahead promises continuous growth, learning, and the joy of turning visionary ideas into reality. I am deeply grateful for this opportunity to lead such a purpose-driven venture and am eager to see the positive transformations it will bring.
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.
