Entrepreneurship Success Guide

In 1959, seven women in Mumbai came together with just ₹80 and an idea. The idea was too simple for any investor to chase: to make papads. No business degrees. No social media. There was just purpose, trust, and a belief in dignity through work. They built Lijjat Papad, brick by brick, while managing homes, families, and expectations. There was no CEO. No org chart. Every woman was an owner. Every hand that rolled a papad helped shape the business. Today, that ₹80 has grown into a ₹1,600+ crore cooperative. Their model is taught in MBA classes. There is neither a valuation hype nor a billion dollar tag. Just real impact shared by thousands of women across India. Lijjat was a revolution indeed.

Is this a turning point in insurance innovation? This is what popped into my mind when I came across that chart from CBInsights (all links are available in the comments below). It shows the Silicon Valley is hot again in terms of startups revamping the insurance industry. As it is among hottest places Worldwide in terms of startup creation, I'm wondering what such a trend might say about the next wave of insurance innovation. Are we ahead of a new wave of insurance innovation? I tend to think so and connect the dots with several trends at work across Europe too. First and foremost, artificial intelligence. This is for sure the hottest tech trend across industries. And it's hot in insurance too. As you can find out in our latest monthly report, AI-first startups account for almost half of every deals announced in Europe since the beginning of the year. There are two clear categories of startups there: those addressing a specific use-case (clear positioning alongside the value chain or across business line) and those embracing a broader approche of "AI in insurance", working with incumbents to spot pain points and leverage AI to build use-cases accordingly. The second trend is a clear shift in terms of investments towards B2B models. Such players account for over half of all deals announced this year (as you can see on our live KPI tracking). And this is to be compared to 2/3 of money fueling either direct distribution of full-stack players, during the peak period of InsurTech 1.0. To me, this makes a lot of sense as there is a clear need around technology as incumbents struggle to attract and keep tech talents and to build innovation internally (due do the innovator's dilemma). Last but not least, insurers are facing growing challenges with several risks growinh. From climate to cyber, digital assets, health wellbeing or financial scams for instance, they require to spot and access new data sets, get sense of them thanks to algorithms and ultimately unlock insurance capacity. This "protection gap" - as highlighted in this Bain&Company report - is an opportunity for tech startup to tackle specific risks with technology and data. And we see more of these tech-enabled MGA or tech providers (offering technology to incumbents) tackling such challenges to build resilience. #insurance #insurtech #venturecapital

I closed 5x my last salary in the last 8 months. If I had to start again... here's how I'd do it 👇 I would start with an ambitious but achievable goal. Let's say: $10K / month in under 90 days. Then I'd follow this blueprint step by step: 1. Create a plan Most people get stuck in planning. But as a planner, I'd feel lost without one. So I would spend 48 hours to: A) Think long-term Here I'd use Debbie Millman's Remarkable Life. 1. Close my eyes and imagine a day in 10 years 2. Let go of any fears and doubts 3. Write about the day in detail 4. Write until I can't possibly write any more B) Think short-term Here, I'd get more tactical. 1. Imagine the next 3 months 2. Map out major goals 3. Map out my daily routine Great, now I have a destination. And a direction - time to pick a skill. 2. Pick a skill I'd assess my skillset for value: - Ask my friends what I'm good at - Think about what businesses need - Think about type of work I love It could be: - Coding - Writing - Designing - Advertising - Automation - Lead generation For me, it's design. And every biz needs design. 3. Create a biz Most people overcomplicate this. I'd time box launch to 2 days. In the next 48 hours I would: 1) Pick a name (not than my personal name) 2) Make a site (keep it simple, one-pager for now) 3) Get generic emails (hello@ / support@) These are low ROI at the start - so I'd move fast here. Getting started is what matters. 4. Start telling people Most people crumble under peer pressure. I'd use it to my advantage. I'd tell everyone I'm starting an agency. Now I have people asking about it. I better do something about it. 5. Find my first 5 clients Here's where it gets real. Volume and persistence matter. I would: - Message my friends and family for referrals - Offer a reduced risk trial with a 'discounted' fee - Attend networking events with my target audience If I put myself out there everyday - I can't lose. 6. Nail the first call Now I'm not a salesperson. But what do I know? I know my craft. In the call, I would: - Be personable - Speak confidently - Show them my expertise - Ask questions (very important!) Also, I'd be prepared for 85% of calls to not be a good fit. It’s all part of the game. 7. Leverage results Now I have my first client. Time to overdeliver. I would: - Be easy to work with - Respond in under a day - Execute to a high standard Then ask for a testimonial and: - Add testimonials to my website - Add the work to portfolio link - Add the case study And then? 8. Rinse and repeat 💪 In summary: 0. Set a goal 1. Create a plan 2. Pick a skill 3. Create a biz 4. Start telling people 5. Find first 5 clients 6. Nail the first call 7. Leverage results 8. Rinse and repeat -- Hi! I'm Joumana - I built a $75K / month design agency for startups in 1 year. My goal is to help people where I can ✨

Despite scoring well enough during two rigorous years of pilot training to grab one of only THREE traning slots to fly the F-16, my self-doubt was relentless. And it only got worse during my first deployment. As one of the only females in my squadron, I constantly questioned if I deserved to be there. But here's the surprising truth I discovered: 💡 Self-doubt can be a powerful tool when you learn to work with it, not against it. It pushed me to prepare more thoroughly, double-check my work, and strive for excellence in every task. My "weakness" became my strength, driving me to outperform even my own expectations. I didn't eliminate self-doubt. I harnessed it. It became my internal motivator, challenging me to grow, learn, and push beyond my comfort zone. This shift in perspective was a game-changer in my career. Don't try to silence your self-doubt. It can be the very thing that propels you forward, keeping you sharp and committed to growth. Have you ever used self-doubt to fuel your success? Let me know in the comments! ------------------------ Hi, I'm Michelle. I'm a former fighter pilot turned speaker, author, and coach. If you found this helpful, consider reposting ♻️ and follow me for more content like this.

When I started Bleqk Media, I had two things. Big dreams.  Tiny budget. If you’re on the same path, here’s some hard-won advice that might save you a few stumbles. ✅ Don’t just market, educate. It’s tempting to post about your services, but people engage more when you share insights they can apply. Teach potential clients something they can take away today, even if they don’t sign up. ✅ Show your process, not just results. The journey to those impressive metrics is often what connects people. Share your behind-the-scenes. Brainstorming, roadblocks, strategy tweaks. Clients appreciate the transparency and will trust you more for it. ✅ Use data, but don’t ignore stories. Data is great for credibility, but stories build connections. Pair your metrics with real-life examples of how your work made an impact. People want to know why your agency matters, not just what it achieved. ✅ Invest in your personal brand. People buy into people as much as they buy into businesses. Share what you stand for, what you believe, and the unique approach that defines your business. Your personal brand can become one of your business's biggest assets. ✅ Consistency over perfection. Perfect marketing is rare, consistent ones get results. The more people see you, the more they remember you. You don’t have to outspend the competition to succeed.  You just need to outsmart them.  ;) #marketing

Dear Girls, “I’ve been thinking about starting something on my own… I’m so fed up with my current role… but I don’t have any ideas. Can you give me advice on how to think through this uncertain stage?” This is a question I get asked often. It’s a tough place to be in. For many women (and yes, men too, though they rarely ask me for advice. Because of course, they already know everything 🙃), this is a deeply claustrophobic phase. On one side, the current job no longer excites or challenges. On the other, there’s no grand idea or blazing passion waiting magically on the horizon. You’re too scared to jump off the cliff. And too comfortable in the bed you’ve made over the years. Here’s what I usually say: 1. 𝗗𝗼𝗻’𝘁 𝘄𝗮𝗶𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮 𝗺𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗮. 𝗚𝗼 𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗶𝘁. It’s rare that a beautiful purpose or pressing customer need will show up uninvited. So use this phase to explore. Meet as many people as you can, the more diverse, the better. Reconnect with old acquaintances. Talk. Listen. You never know what will trigger that Eureka moment. Aazol happened because we happened to meet a group of SHG women who had outstanding products… but no market access. 2. 𝗣𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝘄𝗼𝗻’𝘁 𝗯𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗮 𝗯𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀. Yes, it matters. But so does demand. Is there a large enough market for your product or service? It may not be a current felt need, no one predicted we’d all be ordering groceries in under 10 minutes; but with some market sense, research, and a good dose of intuition (not the same as passion!), you’ll find your answer. Also, be honest with yourself: are you good at what you want to do? 3. 𝗥𝗲𝗶𝗻𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗯𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗵𝗶𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗸. Most people start thinking of reinvention when they’re already past the top of the mountain, looking down. But that’s when it’s hardest. I often go back to something Charles Handy said in The Second Curve: “The nasty and often fatal snag is that the Second Curve has to start before the first curve peaks.” Such a powerful reminder — reinvention needs to begin while you’re still on the rise, not after the decline has set in. Hope this helps. Apurva

I recently stumbled across this case study we produced along with Meta about Pabiben Rabari, an inspiring woman from Kutch, Gujarat a few years ago. Pabiben invented Hari Jari, a new embroidery technique, revolutionising traditional crafts. This innovation was more than a creative breakthrough; it laid the foundation for a women's collective, transforming a local art form into a global brand. Today, Pabiben's products are stocked at multiple stores in Sweden and even in the museum shops in countries like the US. She currently employs 300 women, providing them with not just income but independence. Her story goes beyond preserving cultural heritage; it's about inspiring women in her community to dream big and start their own businesses. Who are some of the women you know who are moving forward and moving communities forward together? Tag them in the comments. PS : Pabiben's story was also captured as a feature film - Sui Dhaaga by Yash Raj Films.

Here’s how over 450 rural Ladakhi women are building a farm-to-fashion collective by bringing pashmina to the world- In my 15 years as an entrepreneur, I've learned that passion and purpose can transform lives. Today, I want to share an incredible story that embodies this spirit - the journey of Looms of Ladakh. Many times, while living in Delhi, I have witnessed many people bargaining with Kashmiri pashmina sellers, and it made me wonder - what if these artisans could form a cooperative and showcase their skills to the world? Fast forward to 2015, here’s what I came to know - a group of enterprising women from Chumur village in Ladakh are doing the same. Despite initial challenges, 150 women came together to form the Looms of Ladakh cooperative in 2017. With no external funding for the first 4 years, these incredible women rallied together, sourcing raw materials and selling their products to local tourists. Their resilience and unity were truly inspiring. As the cooperative grew, so did their skills. From knitting to weaving and tailoring, these women diversified their abilities. In 2022, their hard work paid off when NABARD sanctioned Rs 1 crore to build a solar-heated studio in Chushul. Today, Looms of Ladakh operates on a hub-and-spoke model, empowering over 450 women from 16 villages. Their products are available at select Taj Hotels and even at the World Trade Centre in New York! But beyond the accolades, it's the stories of transformation that truly move me. Women like Shakila Bano and Sonam, who found confidence, independence, and respect through their work with Looms of Ladakh. As an entrepreneur and a woman, I am in awe of their journey. It reminds me that when passion meets purpose, there's no limit to what we can achieve. So here's to the incredible women of Looms of Ladakh, and to all those who dare to dream big and empower others along the way! 🚀 Have you come across any inspiring stories of women-led initiatives? Share them in the comments below! 👇

You're a successful senior woman leader working long hours to meet demanding KPIs while trying to manage your life and family. You'd love to quit your job to work for yourself, but money is a problem. This is the challenge I spoke about to these ladies from PHOENIXUS. Like many of the clients I meet in the course of my work, some of these ladies want to exit their corporate jobs to start their own thing, but feel tied down by financials. The solution? Start it as a side hustle. Build your practice until it is able to sustain your lifestyle before quitting your day job. To do that, you'll need a few things. This is what I shared in my talk: 1. Know your end game What are you going to do? Will you be a coach, a consultant, or a public speaker? Is this your second career or a retirement job? (Yes, it matters) What you want to achieve will be a big determining factor in deciding how to achieve it. 2. Identify your unfair advantage Why would anyone want to engage you? What do you have that no one else does? Knowing your own strengths and overcoming your own limiting beliefs will be instrumental in your success. 3. Build your brand In an extremely crowded market, how do you stand out? If you're holding a full time job, you don't have the time to be chasing down clients every day so you need clients to come to you. What kind of brand are you building to ensure that happens? 4. Create a system for yourself You're a senior leader. It goes without saying that you're busy. You need a system to keep your side hustle running even when you're busy. Delegate or automate as much as you can so that you're only doing the most high value activities in the building of your practice. I love speaking to the ladies, and received many positive feedback that this is something they're looking for. If, like these ladies, you're looking for support to come out on your own from corporate, PM me. #womenleaders #entrepreneurship #sidehustle #careertransition #secondcareer

𝐒𝐞𝐥𝐟-𝐃𝐨𝐮𝐛𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐍𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐥—𝐈𝐭’𝐬 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐇𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐥𝐞 𝐈𝐭 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐬. Scaling a business is exciting, but let’s be real—it often comes with a dose of self-doubt. The truth is, doubt can actually be a powerful tool if we learn to manage it effectively. As a leadership coach, I’ve seen that it’s not about eliminating doubt entirely, but rather harnessing it to drive growth and improvement. Here are a few strategies I find useful: 1. Clarify Your Doubts: Instead of letting self-doubt spiral, identify exactly what you’re concerned about. Break down your worries and look for evidence. Are they rooted in real challenges, or are they just assumptions? This exercise brings objectivity and perspective, making it easier to address or dismiss concerns. 2. Set Small, Measurable Goals: Scaling can feel overwhelming, so focus on achievable, short-term milestones that allow you to track progress. Each win, however small, builds confidence and momentum, keeping you motivated to move forward. 3. Seek Out Mentors and Peers: Surrounding yourself with mentors and fellow entrepreneurs who have walked this path can be invaluable. They’ve faced similar challenges and can provide guidance, reassurance, and a fresh perspective on navigating self-doubt. 4. Stay Connected With Your Team: Share your goals and progress openly with your team. When everyone is aligned and involved, it reinforces your vision and creates a support network, helping you stay grounded and focused. 5. Remember Self-Care: Doubt can become overwhelming when we’re exhausted. Prioritizing self-care—whether it’s exercise, downtime, or regular breaks—helps keep our energy up and our minds sharp, so we’re better equipped to tackle challenges. Scaling is a journey with highs and lows. Embrace self-doubt as part of the process, but don’t let it hold you back. Use it to refine your approach, deepen your resilience, and strengthen your commitment to growth. #leadership #entrepreneurship #mindset #growth #coaching #success