One trait that I take great pride in is my focus and determination. Once I set my eyes on a goal, I do not rest until I achieve it. Even when there are setbacks or losses, I draw on my inner strength to continue. My passion and conviction give me the courage to focus, re-strategise, and keep going.

Was I born this way? Not at all.

According to my mother, as a child, I was a rebel without a cause. I had tremendous energy but much of it was spent questioning the system and going against the norm (for no good reason, I admit now).

The change in my focus — the ability to channel my nervous energy into meaningful action — I owe entirely to my father. He began early, when I was five or six years old. In simple terms (often using diagrams or mind maps), he taught me how to:

• Set goals
• Break them into smaller actions
• Assign timelines
• Track progress
• Update and refine the plan

He taught me a simple mantra to keep the mind steady and forward-looking, rather than dwelling on the past: “Jab Jago Tab Savera.” Or whenever you wake up, that is the morning. A fresh start begins the moment you choose it. There is no “too late,” only “begin now.”

The secret sauce was learning to think clearly, analyse, and re-strategise when things didn’t go as planned. Papa taught me something greater than achievement — he taught me how to begin again.

I have followed this all my life. As an entrepreneur, it proved invaluable. The ability to lead a team with positivity in the face of crisis ensured that our second attempt was always stronger, smarter, and often more successful.