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 Madhuri Akella for an exclusive interview with us. She is an Entrepreneur and Founder of Second Innings House Pvt. Ltd. Let’s learn more about her incredible journey, background, and advice for our growing community!
Excerpts from our exclusive interview with Madhuri;
We are aware of your contribution to the ecosystem, talk us through your background and your journey as a women entrepreneur, please;
Life has provided me with numerous possibilities to work in a variety of industries, including teaching, market research, banking, insurance, education, and lastly healthcare. I am grateful for the education and credentials I have obtained from all of the top colleges, universities, and schools. Managing my studies and family life at the same time and graduating after becoming a mother has been an exciting and challenging experience.
When I opened my first preschool in Hyderabad in 2006, that’s when my entrepreneurial experience began. Up till 2019, that one center expanded to over 350 centers. Due to unforeseen circumstances, we were forced to sell the brand in 2019. Fortunately, this was a godsend for us because it would have been extremely difficult for us to support the franchisees during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is truly said that God’s design differs from ours.
The idea for Second Innings House Pvt Ltd was born out of a personal experience with my own family. Witnessing the challenges faced by elderly relatives made me realize the pressing need for better care and support systems for senior citizens in our society.
I was deeply moved by the idea of creating a safe, comfortable, and enriching environment where seniors could thrive and enjoy their golden years with dignity and respect.
What attracts you towards entrepreneurship instead of a corporate career?
As an entrepreneur, I am attracted to the freedom and autonomy that come with building my own venture. The ability to shape the direction of the business according to my vision and values is incredibly empowering. Entrepreneurship also offers a platform for creativity and innovation, allowing me to develop new solutions to real-world problems.
Additionally, the opportunity it creates to provide employment for many individuals is rewarding. Being able to give job opportunities to others and contribute to the growth of the economy is fulfilling.
Moreover, the flexibility and potential for a better work-life balance are appealing aspects that enable me to prioritize my personal and professional commitments according to my own preferences.
Ultimately, the sense of purpose and fulfillment derived from creating something meaningful and impactful outweighs the appeal of a traditional corporate career.
‘Second Innings House Pvt. Ltd’ is such a unique name; talk us through more about it, please. Our audience would also love to know what kind of problem you are solving?
Second Innings House Pvt. Ltd. is a senior citizen daycare and assisted living center located in Hyderabad, India. The facility provides a safe and comfortable environment for seniors who require assistance with daily living activities, medical care, and companionship. The center is designed to promote independence, dignity, and a sense of community among the elderly.
To each one of us, our Parents continue to be a pillar of strength and support. The sacrifices made by them over the years to ensure a better life for us can never be compensated for. However we can always ensure that they lead a very peaceful, healthy and active lifestyle.
Give them an opportunity to be with people of their age, make new friends, learn new skills, and engage in group activities and more with ‘Second Innings House’, a Senior Citizen Day Care and Assisted Living Center. At Second Innings House we ensure that your parents get the same warmth and comfort that you enjoyed in your childhood. They deserve the same love, care and compassion now. Give them a life of fun and comfort with ‘Second Innings House’
At ‘Second Innings House’ we understand your stress and fear about your parents. We provide support and cater to the physical and emotional needs of the elderly, so you can be at ease. We create an integrated and assisted living for them with wellness, preventive health care, medical assistance & monitoring, diet management and a cheerful environment to enhance their lifestyle.
The center offers a range of services to meet the needs of seniors, including daily living assistance, medical care, nutritional support, social activities, and transportation services. The trained and compassionate staff members are available 24/7 to assist with personal care, medication management, and other healthcare needs. The center provides on-call doctors and nurses to ensure that residents receive immediate medical attention whenever needed.
In addition to healthcare services, Second Innings House offers a range of recreational and social activities to keep residents engaged and active. These include arts and crafts classes, games and puzzles, music and dance programs, and group outings. The center also has a library, TV room, and a recreation room for activities like yoga, physical exercise and other events.
The center has well-furnished, air-conditioned rooms with attached bathrooms, and the entire facility is wheelchair accessible. The dining hall serves nutritious meals that are tailored to the individual dietary needs and preferences of residents. The center also offers laundry and housekeeping services to ensure that the residents’ living spaces are clean and comfortable.
Overall, Second Innings House Pvt. Ltd. provides a comprehensive and compassionate assisted living experience for seniors in Hyderabad. It is an excellent choice for seniors who need assistance with daily living activities but want to maintain their independence and quality of life. Second Innings House, cherish your happy moments!
How do you manage to keep going despite the challenges? What drives you?
What keeps me going despite the inevitable challenges of entrepreneurship is my unwavering sense of purpose and passion for the mission of Second Innings House. Our commitment to providing compassionate care and support for senior citizens drives me every day.
Knowing that we are making a tangible difference in the lives of our residents, offering them a safe and nurturing environment where they can thrive, fuels my determination to overcome any obstacles we may encounter. Additionally, I draw strength from the dedication of our team members and the positive impact we collectively strive to achieve.
Every challenge we face is an opportunity for us to innovate and improve, furthering our mission and solidifying our commitment to enhancing the quality of life for seniors. Ultimately, it is the belief in our vision and the profound impact we have on our residents’ lives that propels me forward, even in the face of adversity.
Who do you believe has been the biggest source of motivation in your daily life?
In my daily life, the biggest source of motivation has been the senior citizens we serve at Second Innings House. Their resilience, wisdom, and unwavering spirit inspire me every day.
Seeing the positive impact that our services have on their lives, and witnessing the joy and fulfillment they experience in our community, reminds me of the importance of our mission and drives me to work tirelessly to continue improving and expanding our offerings.
Additionally, my husband, my kids, friends and family are the major source of motivation and support. Together, we are united in our dedication to enhancing the quality of life for seniors, and their wellbeing remains at the forefront of everything we do.
What are some of the strategies that you believe has helped you grow as a person?
Continuous learning, self-reflection, goal-setting, embracing failure, seeking feedback, practicing gratitude, balancing work and life, and surrounding myself with supportive people have been essential strategies for my personal growth.
These approaches help me stay adaptable, focused, and resilient in both my entrepreneurial endeavors and daily life.
In your opinion what are the keys to success?
Clear Vision and Goals: Establishing a clear vision and setting specific, achievable goals provide direction and purpose.
Hard Work and Persistence: Dedication and perseverance are essential for overcoming obstacles and achieving long-term success.
Continuous Learning and Adaptability: Embracing a mindset of ongoing learning and adaptability allows for growth and innovation.
Effective Planning and Execution: Developing well-thought-out plans and executing them efficiently are crucial for turning vision into reality.
Resilience and Emotional Intelligence: Building resilience and possessing emotional intelligence help to navigate challenges and maintain relationships effectively.
Networking and Collaboration: Building strong networks and collaborating with others provide support, resources, and opportunities for growth.
Integrity and Ethics: Acting with integrity and adhering to ethical standards builds trust and credibility in the long run.
Adaptability and Innovation: Being adaptable to change and willing to innovate keeps individuals ahead of the curve in dynamic environments.
Self-Reflection and Personal Development: Regular self-reflection and investing in personal development aid in continuous improvement and growth.
Focus and Discipline: Maintaining focus on priorities and exercising discipline in managing time and resources ensures progress towards goals.
What advice would you give students and young professionals who want to have a successful career?
For students and young professionals aiming for a successful career, my advice is to begin by setting clear goals. Define your aspirations and establish achievable objectives to work towards. Continuously invest in education and skill development to remain competitive in your field.
Seek mentorship and guidance from experienced professionals who can offer valuable insights. Embrace learning opportunities and be open to new experiences that can aid in your professional growth.
Build strong networks with peers and industry professionals to expand your opportunities and support system. Take initiative in your career by seeking out new projects and demonstrating your value to employers.
Develop effective communication skills, both verbal and written, as they are crucial for success in any field. Stay resilient in the face of setbacks and persevere through challenges with a positive attitude. Embrace feedback and learn from mistakes, using them as opportunities for growth. Lastly, prioritize your well-being and maintain a healthy work-life balance to sustain long-term success and fulfillment in your career journey.
Last but not least, what are the three most important lessons you have learned in your life?
1. Mistakes happen – Do not worry, learn from your mistakes and keep going. Embrace the challenges and strive to overcome them.
2. Never stop learning – Knowledge is enormous, keep educating yourself. Seek opportunities for growth and self-improvement.
3. The Power of Relationships and Connection – I’ve come to understand the immense value of nurturing meaningful relationships and fostering connections with others. Whether it’s with family, friends, mentors, or colleagues, these relationships provide support, guidance, and enriching experiences that enhance both personal and professional growth.
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.
