How did you come to be an entrepreneur?
I’m Gayatri Thakur and My entrepreneurial journey began at the young age of 24 years when I was appointed as the Company Director at the esteemed National School of Media in Chandigarh. While commencing this role, I have gained invaluable experience in various aspects like strategic thinking, decision-making, financial performance and team management activities. It was all fueled with loads of determination and passion when I ventured into the entrepreneurial role at the age of 28 with Ceyone Consultants LLP. After that, Ceyone emerged to be a crucial partner in consulting and technology. It has a huge clientele, and handling these clients through these years has been a remarkable journey full of trials and triumphs.
How is it different from other companies?
Ceyone Consultants LLP was started with a realization that most organisations rely entirely on intuition and instincts to make important decisions in life. Our core mission was always to emphasize the significance of data-driven research that helped achieve sustainable success. Another important aspect that makes us special is the daring and unconventional approach. It has been our ideology to take a trial with the status quo, perform in-depth research and formulate different types of insightful strategies which can minimize the risks and surge the revenue levels for our clients. We are committed to delivering tangible results inspired by expertise and innovation, along with a unique understanding of the client’s needs.
Throw some light on your business and its offerings.
Ceyone’s foundation rests on two fundamental verticals: data-driven consulting and technology intervention. We excel in various domains, including market research, marketing, sales, customer service consulting, public relations consulting, political consulting, corporate social responsibility consulting, nano-chemical technology consulting, and impact assessment. Our commitment goes beyond offering advice; we actively assist our clients throughout the entire implementation process, ensuring that our strategies yield measurable outcomes and drive tangible results.
How challenging is it for a woman to start/ or associate with any company? Have you faced any unusual situations doing business in India as a female entrepreneur?
As a woman starts her career journey, it is evident that many family members show concern about her progress in the male-dominated industry. I believe that the biggest challenge is to convince your family and yourself about the ability to achieve goals in life successfully. This has always helped me develop mental resilience around distraction and doubts. Besides, I strongly believe that women always seek validation from their family members and loved ones. Despite attaining success, one’s accomplishments may not receive the same level of recognition and admiration as those of their male counterparts.
How do you achieve work-life balance?
Attaining a harmonious work-life balance necessitates careful planning, effective prioritization, and the art of delegation. As a woman, I also find myself fortunate enough to have a supportive family that helps divide household management responsibilities. I also believe in having competent employees whom I can trust to maintain smooth business operations. They also help me get better flexibility to pay attention to other things in life. All of this garners my ability to stay focused on my work and also participate during unexpected emergencies and family occasions.
Did you have a mentor to guide you through your professional journey?
I am very blessed to have several mentors in life who have played a crucial role in defining my professional journey. An important name here is my husband, Rahul Thakur, who’s been a constant source of inspiration and support for me. He has always helped me with his invaluable advice and powered me by evaluating my strengths to cope with the challenges I have experienced. I also experience gratitude for the unwavering support of my godfather, Dr Sahib Singh Advani, who has extended both personal and professional support to me and my enterprise. They have always been a guiding force to help me head towards the road to success in life.
How are entrepreneurship and working women important for India?
Women’s entrepreneurship adds a compassionate touch to the business functionality and creates a positive work culture that facilitates reduced employee turnover and amplified organizational outcomes. As a female entrepreneur, I have always deeply valued the personal lives of all my team members and empathized with their requirements. This inclusive approach has helped me feel supported and avoided exhaustion, as well as foster overall well-being. I have always prioritized aspects such as loyalty, welfare, productivity and even a sense of fulfilment within my team members.
Define a perfect business leader. What are the qualities you think a great leader possesses?
I believe that a good leader always establishes a safe and supportive environment for its employees and fosters a better partnership-like relationship to guarantee long-term commitment. They always prioritize employee happiness, which results in higher performance that empowers individuals to optimize their complete potential with skill enhancement and on-the-job learning culture.
What is the road map of your organization?
Being a consulting and technology company, we mainly focus on measuring success with the efficacy of strategies and implementing cutting-edge technologies. We believe in relentlessly analysing our work and its effect on clients. With data-driven insights, we leverage data and form strategies to target the highest conversion rates, eventually increasing our clients’ outcomes. We offer comprehensive end-to-end implementation supports that help our clients capitalize on their expertise and integrate solutions into their operations. We aim to be their trusted partner in the journey and guarantee sustainable success and transformative growth. With consistent innovation and the growth of new technologies, we equip our clients with important tools required for the future.
A brief description of the major awards won by your company.
- The year 2021: ‘Women Entrepreneur of the Year’ award given by the Ministry of Medium and Small-Scale Enterprise, along with the Chandigarh Administration.
- Accomplishments featured in ‘Top Women in Market Research’, a reputed women entrepreneur magazine.
What advice would you give to other businesswomen who want to thrive in a male-dominated industry?
Women need to break the stereotype that men gain higher payments owing to their financial responsibilities is a prominent barrier faced by women in various fields. The wage gap is a big issue, but women can overcome it by providing high-quality work and challenging the existing chain. This type of dedication and resilience can break these barriers and create equal opportunities based on merit alone.
Are you a decision-maker & risk-taker?
As the sole manager of my company, I am responsible for making my business decision. I am less of a risk-taker as I make analysed choices and informed decisions. I am confident in everything I do and prioritize thoughtful deliberation to take decisions that lay a path to success for my company with strategic foresight.
Describe the most memorable incident of your professional life.
There are several incidents that left a mark on my journey, and one among them has a special place in my heart. At just 24, we achieved recognition from top print publications and television channels to empower slum children in Chandigarh via filmmaking education. These kids created an impactful documentary, ‘I also Live in Chandigarh,’ that opened doors of scholarships and placement for them.
One word that describes you the best.
Empathetic
If you had one piece of advice for rising entrepreneurs just starting out, what would it be?
Aspiring women entrepreneurs must create value-based businesses for their clients and deliver great outcomes to build trust and create long-lasting relationships. A few key aspects to consider are financial management, cost-saving measures and restricted expenses resulting in sustainable growth. Data-driven decision-making and handling prudent finances can result in long-lasting success.
How would you like people to remember you and your company?
A cost-effective consulting and technology firm with a proven track record of success.
What is your favourite metaphor for describing entrepreneurship?
Raising a Child
