Entrepreneurship As A State Of Mind | Mr. Ankur Warikoo | TEDxSBSC

Summary

The speaker shares a personal journey from following a rigid life plan to embracing a life without a predetermined path. Initially aiming for a PhD, NASA job, and Mars colonization, he realized his true happiness lay elsewhere. He dropped out of his PhD, returned to India, and through a series of unexpected opportunities, including co-founding a successful car classifieds website and leading Groupon's India operations, he learned the value of flexibility, surrounding oneself with diverse perspectives, and not becoming complacent. He concludes by encouraging the audience to live without a strict plan, to be open to life's surprises, and to actively seek discomfort to grow.

Takeaways

• 🚀 The speaker initially had a clear three-step plan for life: to get a PhD in the U.S., join NASA, and become the first man on Mars.
• 🔄 Despite being successful in his plan, the speaker realized that being good at something doesn't necessarily equate to happiness.
• 💭 He made a bold decision to drop out of his PhD program and return to India, leaving behind a structured plan for an uncertain future.
• 🎓 After returning to India, the speaker pursued an MBA and entered the business world, eventually co-founding a successful company.
• 💡 The speaker emphasizes the importance of surrounding oneself with people who think differently to foster new perspectives and learning.
• 🙅‍♂️ He challenges the notion of entitlement, arguing that success is largely due to luck and opportunities provided by one's upbringing.
• 🛌 The speaker advises against seeking comfort and convenience, suggesting that choosing the path of maximum resistance can lead to significant growth.
• 🤝 He shares his experience of being part of a startup and the importance of adapting to new roles and overcoming personal limitations.
• 🌟 Success, according to the speaker, is not about achieving specific goals but about committing to a way of living that embraces uncertainty and learning.
• 🧭 The speaker concludes by encouraging the audience to live without a rigid plan, to be open to life's opportunities, and to find happiness in the journey rather than in predefined destinations.

Q & A

What was the speaker's initial three-step plan in life?

The speaker's initial plan was to go to the U.S. for a PhD, join NASA as a space scientist, and become the first man on Mars.

Why did the speaker decide to drop out of his PhD program?

The speaker realized that while he was good at physics, it wasn't making him happy, leading to the decision to drop out and pursue happiness.

What was the speaker's experience after returning to India and dropping out of his PhD?

The speaker faced a period of confusion and lack of support from his parents, as he had no clear plan and was starting from scratch at the age of 25.

How did the speaker end up in the business world after leaving academia?

The speaker applied to business school, got into ISB, and after completing his MBA, he started working in consulting which led him to various entrepreneurial opportunities.

What was the name of the company the speaker co-founded after his MBA?

The speaker co-founded a company called 'Second Shaadi.com', which later evolved into Gaadi.com, India's number one car classifieds website.

Why did the speaker decide to join Second Shaadi.com full-time?

The speaker decided to join full-time because the business had reached a meaningful scale that warranted his full-time commitment.

What was the outcome of the speaker's involvement with Groupon in India?

The speaker bought the Groupon India business, rebranded it as Nearbuy, and later sold it to Paytm after raising investment.

What are the three key ways of living life that the speaker suggests?

The speaker suggests living life without a plan by: 1) Actively seeking out people who are different from oneself, 2) Not feeling entitled and recognizing one's luck and privilege, and 3) Choosing the path of maximum resistance and discomfort.

Why does the speaker emphasize the importance of surrounding oneself with people who are different?

The speaker believes that being around people who are different can teach and show you new things about the world, which is essential for personal growth and learning.

What does the speaker mean by 'choosing the path of maximum resistance'?

The speaker means that instead of seeking comfort and ease, one should actively choose challenges and discomforts to push oneself and achieve more significant accomplishments.