“The major challenge of any 2nd generation entrepreneur is to overcome the fear psychosis of the 1st generation”

We always think that it is a cake walk for Entrepreneur 2.0 or the second generation businessman to succeed a pivotal position. But this is also true that in the modern day business it is imperative to stay relevant and competitive.For this Entrepreneur 2.0needs to add value in the organization. On this backdrop, in a chat with VARINDIA, KapalPansari, Director, RP tech India who have succeeded his father Suresh Pansari shares his journey.  

 
How have been your journey in the organization?

Like any aspiring entrepreneur, my entrepreneurial journey started at the bottom of the organization’s pyramid in 2004. I started working at RP tech India while I was pursuing my graduation from NarseeMonjee Institute of Management Studies. Initially, I worked in the Accounts & Finance department to learn the basics of finance management. Later in 2003-04, I was assigned a bigger role in Sales & Marketing. I was thoroughly groomed under seasoned professionals. Under their training, I understood fundamentals of business operations. After completing my Post-Graduation in Entrepreneurship from SP Jain Institute of Management & Research in 2006, I began career as Product Manager. After successfully handling multiple brands for a year and gaining the knowledge of all the aspects of the business, I officially assumed the role of Director of RP tech India in 2007. My evaluation was not exactly like any other employee but equally critic based, where I was extensively trained for the leadership role in the company.

What are the changes you have brought in the organization? 

I always believe in innovation for greater efficiency and result. I introduced various technology driven processes to bring transparency in operations, increase productivity of the team and facilitate sound inter-team coordination. For instance, we moved from manual register shipment based costing calculation to system based individual product costing for better pricing and cost allocation. I also played an instrumental role in implementing SAP in RP tech India in the year 2006. I headed the project of customer database organization for improved CRM and Customer retention programs. I also streamlined the sales and marketing teams by dividing them into core groups of Component, Peripherals, PCD and Networking and defined hierarchy, roles & responsibilities within each core groups for higher productivity.

What are the major challenges you have faced? 

The major challenge of any second generation entrepreneur is to first overcome the fear psychosis of the first generation and delegate more assumed confidential data to take decisions faster. Doing this without hampering our margins, maintaining business risk, core cultural values, operating styles, customer engagements, employee expectations etc. was the most challenging aspect of my role during initial days. These challenges are ongoing and will continue to evolve to find many debatable solutions. But I am fortunate that I have been given a platform to express my opinions both by First Generation and Core Leadership teams at work.