1. Tell us about your journey For years now, I’ve had the privilege of working closely with entrepreneurs and business owners, fostering a rich and deep understanding of various business operations. My mission has always been clear: to empower these hard-working individuals by providing them with the tools they need to solve their business challenges and unlock their business and personal growth. I am from New Delhi. I completed my MBA at IIM Indore. I worked with a few large organisations, including Aon Hewitt and Reliance Group, before getting involved in tech startups. 2. What are the key ingredients to achieve success?
    1. Crystal clear objectives: The first step to success is to have an unambiguous vision of your goal.
    2. Conscious awareness: A thorough understanding of oneself, the business landscape, industry trends, and competitors is crucial. This demands a high level of alertness and attentiveness.
    3. Self-belief: Have the confidence that you can navigate through challenges and find the best solutions to any problem that arises.
    4. Organization skills: To achieve grand ambitions and expedite growth, it’s imperative to have exceptional organization skills – for yourself, your resources, and your business.
    5. Momentum: Maintaining and directing momentum is a critical aspect of success. You need to amplify momentum in the right direction, overcome any obstacles, and establish the right pace to ensure successful outcomes.
    3. How do you handle failures? In the face of setbacks, I maintain the perspective that there are no absolute or  personal failures. One should always be looking to learn and optimize, ensuring that mistakes aren’t repeated again and again. You always have work to do. And when one is focused on the work, there is not much time left to be affected by the notion of failure or success. Done – now, move on to next. 4. What’s the one word or phrase that defines your identity? Truth seeker. You know, every scenario, whether it’s a particular industry or a specific business issue, has its own set of fundamental truths. I truly believe in the power of first principles thinking – stripping down a problem to its bare essentials. It’s like peeling an onion, layer by layer, until you reach the core. And by rigorously applying these first principles, we can uncover and truly comprehend these underlying truths. It’s a bit like being a detective in the business world – and I like to be that detective.  5. Is the search for excellence utopian or is it for real? Search is absolutely real. There is no joy in mediocrity. But this search for excellence is a process, and you enjoy this process or journey. Think about it like this – as customers, don’t we all want to purchase top-notch products or services? The same goes for us in our professional roles. We’re always aiming to craft outstanding products or services that can truly make a difference. So, the secret ingredient? It’s the unyielding chase for excellence.  6. How would you mentor / advise people struggling in their lives? Just remember this: never throw in the towel. Persistence is key. If you hold on, even the toughest struggles will mold you into a stronger person. You see, life is not always a bed of roses; it’s bound to throw some curveballs your way. These challenging situations, they’re a part of the journey, and they have a lot to teach us. But the secret sauce? Keep showing up, keep fighting. Don’t give up, no matter what. It’s kind of like being a boxer – even if you’re knocked down, you get back up and keep swinging. 7. What’s the one quote that defines your approach to life? Believe in yourself and all that you are. Know that there is something inside you that is greater than any obstacle.

    Amol Namjoshi

    (Founder, Endeavour School of Entrepreneurship)

    Tell us about your journey and how it has moulded you as a person?

    I come from Kolhapur, a tier-3 city in Maharashtra, where my father worked in a post office, and my mother was a homemaker. I studied in a Marathi medium school in Kupwad, Sangli district, and later completed my B.Sc. in Botany and M.Sc. in Environmental Science from Shivaji University, Kolhapur. During university, my friends and I often discussed environmental issues, realizing their deep social roots. This realization inspired us to move to Mumbai with the dream of becoming IAS officers, believing we could create change from within the system.

    I prepared for the UPSC exam at the State Institute of Administrative Careers (SIAC) in Mumbai, clearing prelims and passing mains twice, but I couldn’t clear the final interview stage. Although I didn’t achieve my dream of becoming an IAS officer, the preparation broadened my perspective on global and national issues, proving invaluable in my later career.

    After my IAS attempts, I entered the social development sector, working with Vidhayak Sansad on tribal development, and later joined grant-making organizations like Sir Ratan Tata Trust. As a Mission Manager at the Maharashtra State Rural Livelihood Mission, I worked within the Rural Development Department, building a vast network of 50,000 Self Help Groups (SHGs) of women and facilitating Rs. 500 Cr in credit linkages.

    I then launched Endeavour School of Entrepreneurship to transfer my knowledge and skills to the younger generation, helping them start their own ventures through structured digital programs and mentoring.

    What are the key ingredients to achieve success?

    1. Resilience & Perseverance: Bounce back from setbacks with a “never-say-die” attitude.
    2. Adaptability: Embrace change and seize opportunities.
    3. Lifelong Learning: Continuously seek knowledge and growth.
    4. Networking: Build strong relationships for support and opportunities.
    5. Purpose-Driven Work: Align your career with a larger mission.
    6. Leadership & Team Building: Essential for achieving goals and making an impact.
    7. Innovation & Vision: Stay ahead with creative thinking.
    8. Commitment to Giving Back: Enrich your life and others’ by contributing.
    9. Strategic Thinking: Set clear goals and navigate challenges.
    10. Embracing Failure: View failures as learning opportunities and stepping stones.

    How do you handle failures and setbacks?

    Failures have shaped me, teaching resilience and perseverance. Whether in my IAS or CDS attempts, I viewed setbacks as learning experiences. My shift from public service to social development allowed me to channel my efforts into impactful work. Adapting to new paths aligned with my purpose, I founded the Endeavour School of Entrepreneurship to mentor the next generation in navigating challenges with resilience.

    What’s the one word or phrase that defines you?

    “Relentless Resilience” defines me. Facing setbacks in my IAS and CDS attempts, I embraced challenges with determination, turning failures into stepping stones. This relentless drive led to the creation of Endeavour School of Entrepreneurship.

    Is the search for excellence utopian or for real?

    The search for excellence is real, grounded in high ideals and practical perseverance. Lofty goals drive innovation, requiring adaptation and problem-solving. The pursuit of excellence blends idealism with reality, making it both real and powerful.

    How would you mentor/advise people who are struggling in their lives?

    Life’s struggles are opportunities for growth. When facing challenges, focus on solutions and seek guidance from mentors. Struggles forge resilience and strength—stay adaptable and seek support to turn obstacles into stepping stones toward success.

    What’s the one quote that defines your approach to life?

    “Purpose fuels persistence”. This means that when your actions are guided by a clear and meaningful purpose, it gives you the strength and determination to push through obstacles. This purpose becomes your driving force, helping you stay focused and committed, even when the journey gets tough. With a strong sense of purpose, every challenge becomes an opportunity to grow and move closer to your goals.

    You are on a mission to empower entrepreneurs. Please tell us about your pursuits to achieve excellence in this space.

    My pursuit of excellence in the entrepreneurial space is centered around creating a comprehensive and dynamic learning environment for aspiring entrepreneurs. At Endeavour School of Entrepreneurship, my journey begins with the Entrepreneurial Mastery Bootcamp, a foundational course designed to instill a success-driven mindset through 20 essential steps. This is just the beginning, as I’ve structured a progressive learning path that includes specialized courses on Digital Entrepreneurship and Social Entrepreneurship.

    What sets Endeavour apart is the holistic ecosystem we are building—a virtual startup hub that serves as a community and network for emerging entrepreneurs. Here, students are not just passive learners; they are active participants in a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem. We bring together mentors, industry experts, and investors, providing our students with invaluable insights, guidance, and opportunities to refine and scale their ideas.

    My goal is to foster an environment where innovation and collaboration thrive. By offering access to this virtual startup ecosystem, I aim to bridge the gap between learning and real-world application, ensuring that our students are well-equipped to navigate the complexities of launching and growing a successful venture. Excellence, in this context, means creating a supportive space where aspiring entrepreneurs can transform their dreams into sustainable, impactful businesses.

    For more details, readers can visit our website www.endeavouredu.in, and our YouTube channel – www.youtube.com/@Endeavour-A.