At BrilliantRead Media, it is our constant endeavour to bring meaningful and powerful stories from India and around the world to empower and motivate our growing community. As part of this, we invited Akshay Khobragade for an exclusive interview with us. He is a Social Entrepreneur, TEDx Speaker and COO of Salam Kisan. Akshay’s journey stands as an inspiring narrative of challenges, excitement, and a deep commitment to transformative change. From consultant to COO, his story underscores the power of resilience, vision alignment, and an enduring commitment to creating a positive impact. Let’s learn more about his incredible journey, background, and advice for our growing community!
Excerpts from our exclusive interview with Akshay;
Please talk us through your background and your journey from a consultant to a COO of Salam Kisan?
I am a TEDx speaker, Social Entrepreneur, and Agribusiness Consultant, who embarked on a journey driven by an unwavering commitment to giving back to the tribal region of Maharashtra where I belonged. Born and raised in a Naxalite-prone area, I did my education in roofless classrooms without teachers laid the foundation for a profound connection to the challenges faced by underprivileged communities.
My professional trajectory, marked by my hard work and dedication, it took me from the turbulent backdrop of Naxalite influence to the forefront of socio-economic development. Currently, I’m serving as the Chief Operating Officer of Salam Kisan, an Agritech startup, my journey is a compelling narrative of resilience and visionary leadership.
From a six-figure consultant in a Big 4 firm to the COO of Salam Kisan, has been a roller coaster. Despite a lucrative career in Delhi, the entrepreneurial itch led me to a startup. I have joined Salam Kisan as a business analyst and then navigated through various roles, building from scratch and delivering impactful results. The rise to COO was marked by dedication, perseverance, and the transformation of imaginative ideas into reality.
Please share with us about your recognitions and awards?
My commitment towards socio-economic development earned accolades, including being recognized as the TEDx speaker, a younger research scholar by the Ministry of MSME, a guest speaker at All India Radio, a Pillar of the Iron Awardee, a Distinguished Alumni, and a panelist at various prestigious institutions.
What are some of the strategies for your personal growth?
Continuous Learning: Commit to ongoing education and skill development.
Goal Setting: Set SMART goals to stay focused and motivated.
Feedback Seeking: Seek feedback from mentors and peers to identify areas for improvement.
Networking: Build relationships for mentorship and knowledge-sharing.
Stretching Comfort Zones: Take on new challenges to foster growth and resilience.
Self-Reflection: Regularly evaluate progress and celebrate achievements.
Time Management: Prioritize tasks and minimize distractions for productivity.
Embracing Failure: Learn from setbacks to innovate and improve.
Mindfulness: Cultivate positivity and gratitude for overall well-being.
Inspiration: Draw motivation from influential figures and personal experiences. By implementing these strategies, I continuously strive for personal growth and development.
How do you manage to keep going despite the challenges? What drives you?
Serving as the COO of Salam Kisan aligns with the vision of rural resilience and transcending agriculture.
My commitment to integrating the entire agricultural value chain and fostering inclusive community building serves as a driving force. I’m passionate about innovation and technology, celebrates impactful results and maintains a positive team culture.
Who do you believe has been the biggest source of motivation in your daily life?
The primary source of motivation in my life is my mother, Karuna Belekar, and my elder brother, Swapnil Khobragade. My mothers unwavering dedication as an educator in the tribal community, along with her sacrifices for underprivileged children, serve as a beacon of strength for me.
Additionally, Swapnil’s guidance and encouragement, acting as a paternal figure, have significantly influenced my journey towards becoming a better individual.
In your opinion, what are the keys to success?
My success is attributed to my passion for social impact, versatility, innovation, continuous learning, strategic planning, and effective networking. My ability to engage with diverse entities, core research background, and appreciation for sacrifice and family values collectively drive my impactful journey.
How have you made impactful decisions that have brought positivity into your life?
Making the decision to step out of my comfort zone and transition from a settled career path to joining a startup led by a 19-year-old girl was one of the most impactful choices I’ve made. Despite the uncertainty and challenges associated with such a move, I recognized the potential for growth and innovation in the startup environment.
Embracing this opportunity allowed me to break free from the confines of routine and embrace a dynamic and fast-paced work culture. It reignited my passion for creativity and entrepreneurship, fostering a sense of excitement and fulfillment in my professional journey.
This decision not only opened doors to new experiences and opportunities but also taught me invaluable lessons in adaptability, resilience, and the limitless potential of unconventional paths. Overall, it has brought immense positivity into my life, propelling me towards personal and professional growth in ways I never imagined possible.
Last but not least, what about your journey makes it satisfying/exciting?
My journey to COO is marked by challenges, excitement, and the satisfaction of impactful results. Transitioning from a Big 4 firm to Salam Kisan finds pride in building a community of over 58,000 farmers, 300+ dealers, and a team of 120 professionals across 21 districts of Maharashtra. My ultimate goal of making millions smile fuels my dedication towards the agricultural sector.
BrilliantRead is committed to bringing stories from the startup ecosystem, stories that reshape our perspective, add value to our community and be a constant source of motivation not just for our community but also for the whole ecosystem of entrepreneurs and aspiring individuals.
Note: If you have a similar story to share with our audience and would like to be featured on our online magazine, then please write to us at [email protected], we will review your story and extend an invitation to feature if it is worth publishing.
