At BrilliantRead Media, we always strive to bring meaningful and powerful stories from India and around the world to empower and motivate our growing community. As part of this endeavour, we invited Murugesh Kumar S.K for an exclusive interview with us. He is an Entrepreneur, Leader and Founder and CEO of ATIUM Sports. Let’s learn more about his incredible journey, his background, and his advice for our growing community!
Excerpts from our exclusive interview with Murugesh:
Could you please talk us through your background and your journey?
My current entrepreneurial journey began in 2018 after exiting my first startup. Fitness has always been a passion of mine, and I saw a tremendous opportunity to leverage technology to address inefficiencies in the Indian Sports and Fitness industry.
Through research, I discovered a significant gap, the near absence of process and adoption of sports science in India. This lack of focus on scientific principles hinders athletic development and overall fitness goals. It became clear that tackling this issue could be a game-changer for aspiring athletes and the fitness landscape as a whole.
That is when the idea for ATIUM was born. With a shared vision and a combined 13 years of experience, Neelkanth, a long-time friend, and I joined forces to build a solution. ATIUM’s mission is to empower India by revolutionising sports science practices through technology and paving the way for a healthier, more athletic nation.
‘ATIUM Sports’ 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?
Neelkanth, my co-founder, came up with the name ATIUM. It is inspired by a legendary metal said to grant foresight. We found this analogy powerful because ATIUM, our company, empowers users with similar foresight in their fitness and health journeys.
The Indian sports industry lacks a strong foundation in sports science. This means people often train blindly, without data-driven insights to optimise their workouts and achieve their goals efficiently. ATIUM bridges this gap by providing technological solutions that leverage sports science principles.
By using ATIUM, users gain valuable insights into their fitness levels and can tailor their training plans for better results. This “foresight” into their fitness potential aligns perfectly with the legendary power of ATIUM, the metal.
Despite the challenges, what keeps you going when things get tough?
The challenges we face are significant, but they only fuel our determination. We have heard scepticism about the Indian sports industry, with comments like “sports are only for the privileged” or “India can never be a sporting nation.”
However, we at ATIUM have unwavering faith in our vision. We see the immense potential for sports in India, and the positive impact technology can have. The growing focus on sports development validates our initial belief, and it motivates us even more.
Building a tech startup in the sports sector presents unique hurdles. Convincing investors that technology is crucial for sports growth requires a long-term vision. Unlike other industries, profitability in sports tech may take time, as building a sustainable ecosystem is paramount. Change doesn’t happen overnight, but we’re prepared for the fight, and we’re making significant strides.
What are the three most important lessons you have learned in your life?
While facing the world on your own is important, surrounding yourself with supportive and complementary people can make a huge difference. Building a strong team is crucial for any entrepreneur.
The world is constantly changing, and so should your approach. Being flexible and open to learning new things is essential for success, especially in the tech startup world.
Facing challenges and setbacks is inevitable. Having a deep passion for your mission or goal will fuel your determination and keep you going during tough times.
In your opinion what are the keys to success?
In my experience, there are three fundamental pillars for success:
> Resilience and Growth Mindset: Learning from failures and setbacks is crucial. Every misstep offers valuable lessons. The key is to embrace a growth mindset, where challenges are seen as opportunities to learn, adapt, and improve. Don’t be afraid to get up after a loss, dust yourself off, and fight even harder.
> Discipline and Focused Execution: Having a clear vision and goals is important, but it’s your discipline and focused execution that turns dreams into reality. Consistency and a step-by-step approach are essential for achieving long-term success.
> Embrace the Hustle and External Pressure: Comfort breeds stagnation. While self-care is important, a healthy dose of external pressure can be a powerful motivator. Do not shy away from challenges; view them as nudges that propel you forward and help you reach your full potential.
Additionally, I believe a sprinkle of passion is essential. When you’re deeply passionate about your goals, you’re more likely to persevere through difficulties and find renewed energy during challenging times.
What is your advice to the students and youngsters to become successful?
Embrace the Challenge: The world might seem more comfortable now, but challenges are inevitable. Don’t shy away from them; see them as opportunities to grow stronger and develop resilience. Hard work is essential, but it should be directed towards a purpose that benefits not just yourself but also those around you. Strive to leave the world a better place than you found it.
Invest in Yourself: Your health and fitness are your greatest assets. Taking care of yourself physically and mentally will allow you to tackle challenges with more energy and focus. Remember, success is a marathon, not a sprint. Prioritize healthy habits that will fuel your long-term journey.
Find Joy in the Process: The path to success is rarely linear. There will be setbacks and detours. Learn from the philosophy of Stoicism – find satisfaction in the journey itself, not just the destination. Enjoy the process of learning, growing, and overcoming obstacles.
Build Your Support System: Family and loved ones are your anchor. They provide encouragement, celebrate your victories, and offer a shoulder to lean on during tough times. Surround yourself with positive and supportive people who believe in you.
Focus on Progress, not Perfection: As mentioned, success is about constant improvement. Don’t get discouraged by setbacks. Celebrate your progress, no matter how small, and use it as motivation to keep moving forward.
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.
