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Ronnie Screwvala on Perseverance, Success, and Building a Sustainable Future

Ronnie Screwvala

Founder, UpGrad

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Key Takeaways:
“For me, one of my key learnings is you have got to stick it out. Your approach and mentality to everything is you don’t have a choice. If you don’t have a choice, you will persevere and go forward on that.”

In the world of business, gaining insights from successful entrepreneurs can be invaluable. Today, we’re exploring the experiences and key learnings of Ronnie, a seasoned entrepreneur who has embarked on a remarkable second innings. Ronnie’s journey has been marked by perseverance, unwavering commitment, and an unyielding belief in his vision. His invaluable insights on scalability, sustainability, workforce development, and organizational culture provide a wealth of wisdom for budding entrepreneurs and established business leaders alike. Let’s dive into Ronnie’s journey and discover the principles that have guided his path to success.

Perseverance and Sticking it Out:
Ronnie firmly believes that perseverance is the key to achieving success. He emphasizes the importance of sticking it out, even in the face of setbacks and challenges. As Ronnie puts it, “Anything for scale or even to get success means you need to stick it out. The difference between a failure and a possible success is, did you stick it out?” His unwavering determination to push through difficult times has been instrumental in his entrepreneurial journey.

No Choice Mentality:
According to Ronnie, having a ‘no choice’ mentality is critical for overcoming obstacles and achieving long-term success. He encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to adopt an approach without room for retreat or fallback plans. Ronnie shares, “In your biggest decisions, plan B doesn’t count because you normally veer towards that, and you never focus on plan A. Sticking it out is something that has held me in good stead against the multiple failures that one has had.” This mindset forces individuals to give their best and focus on their primary goals.

Sustainability over Capital:
While capital is often seen as a vital aspect of business growth, Ronnie challenges this notion. He believes that sustainability should take precedence over capital. Ronnie asserts, “Your perseverance is key. If you are clear about what you want to do and don’t have a choice, you’ll go for it. You will not have ‘capital’ as the lack of it.” Instead of fixating on the lack of financial resources, Ronnie encourages entrepreneurs to leverage their determination and resourcefulness to build a strong foundation for their ventures.

Developing Soft Skills:
Ronnie emphasizes the importance of soft skills in today’s business landscape. He highlights the significance of consistent growth, adaptability, and effective communication. Ronnie states, “Today, corporations are looking for consistency. Soft skills, or what I call ‘super skills,’ play a crucial role in standing apart in organizations. It’s about reinventing yourself, learning, and showing consistency.” Building a diverse skill set and continuously refining one’s abilities is essential for professional growth and success.

Creating a Culture of Ownership:
As a successful entrepreneur, Ronnie understands the importance of a strong, unified workforce. He believes that organizations should foster a culture of ownership and accountability. Ronnie explains, “Culture in an organization should focus on bringing more owners—a 360-degree approach to accountability. Self-ownership and a higher sense of ownership in our jobs are crucial for success.” Organizations can nurture a motivated and dedicated workforce by empowering employees to take ownership of their work and fostering a collaborative environment.

Conclusion:
Ronnie’s journey as an accomplished entrepreneur offers invaluable insights for those aspiring to build successful ventures. His emphasis on perseverance, embracing a “no choice” mentality, prioritizing sustainability over capital, developing soft skills, and fostering a culture of ownership provides a roadmap for entrepreneurs and business leaders seeking scalability, sustainability, and long-term success. Ronnie’s wisdom is a guiding light, inspiring individuals to overcome challenges and chart their path toward achievement.

Author | Prakhya Nair

Content Manager, 

WebEngage

Prakhya Nair is a Content Manager with 6+ years of experience across all things content. An avid reader, dancer, writer and linguist that is constantly on the lookout for new things to explore, she aims to add a dash (or a pailful) of creativity to everything she writes.

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