YLDP Students Learn about Entrepreneurship from Successful Local Business Executives
By Reena Jasani
HOUSTON: On Saturday, March 30, 2013, YLDP (Youth Leadership Development Program) students had the pleasure of hearing from two distinguished company presidents at the Unique Industries Warehouse. Both Pankaj Malani, president of Elite Components, and Bikram Singh, president of NewAge Casting, graduated from the University of Texas and have been through many obstacles before achieving their esteemed positions. Through bumps on the way to success they learned many skills that they were able to implement into their business careers.
Pankaj Malani had a very different career before he became a businessman, a career that he credits as “the best training for [his current] job”—teaching. His years as a teacher taught him the importance of “planning ahead” and “gave [him] patience.” As president of a company, Malani engages in a lot of communication with other companies and clients, always trying to stick to his ethics in order to preserve a good reputation for his company.
Bikram Singh has concluded over his years as a businessman that “you don’t know what you’re going to get any day” so “you [have to] learn how to get through [unexpected struggles]” and “be able to look on the brighter side” of things. To Singh, in order to be a successful businessman it is important to never be complacent, to always put in your best work, and to communicate effectively with others.
Through the tour of the Unique Industries Warehouse and the two active interactions with Pankaj Malani and Bikram Singh, the YLDP students were able to see the inner workings of successful business corporations and discover the essential attributes of a prosperous businessman.
While arriving with just curiosity, the students left with increased knowledge and guidance to help them pave their futures and reach their goals.
Contributors: Ruchika Bengani, Rohan Kondetimmanahalli, Anoosha Moturu, and Sanchi Palicha.