An inspiring interview with a larger than life personality Mr Dinesh Chandwani

1. Tell me more about yourself? What kind of person are you?

I am still in the virtue of figuring that out, to be true. It puts me in a dilemma when I am asked what kind of a person I am. I have my beliefs on how a thing/procedure should be carried out in a certain field. I like to sit under a starry night and rethink what I am up to with a Chivas and my beliefs; I believe rethinking always needs some external mind-boggling changes in the body.

My thoughts are liberal; they are always open to a sensible change. I like to keep things very simple around me. I fancy failures; I say it everywhere, they are the best people to work with. I have always wanted my life to be like a European teen, life free and earn while you travel.

2. Give me one word that describes you the best.

Pragmatic, I guess.

3. What is your background? Education, Work Experience?

I completed my B.E in Computer Science from Raisoni Nagpur, after that I took a little work experience in that field but that didn’t work out well for me, so I went to Australia for my Masters. I finished my Masters in International Business in 2014 from Queensland University of Tech. Later I started working for Nandos Australia. I was with them for almost two years. I also went to Extreme sports during my time in Australia, I learned Skydiving and Surfing.

In 2016, my cousin Nikhil and I planned an offbeat training and rescue center in India; it started off in Nagpur, now we have branches in Vijayawada and Hyderabad. I am also involved in planning a co-working space and a restaurant in Delhi. It will take some time though.

In the meantime, my focus is on getting my second book published, my first EMEG was an Adventure fiction; its genre won a world record in India.

4. Can you provide me with a description of your business?

My Business, the company is called “The Walnut School of ideas” It basically deals in offbeat carriers, especially for Indian teenagers who lack professional guidance and confidence. We offer a variety of Courses, but writing has been a priority among all. Photography,  filmmaking, Scriptwriting &cinematography. Offbeat careers have always been considered as just a passion in Indian mentality our main aim is to change that perception, we want to tell the world that you can earn while you pursue your passion its just a matter of finding a right mentor and your life can be on a track which you can define yourself, rather than your parents.

5. As an entrepreneur, what are your top three priorities?

As an entrepreneur, I have four-

1) Time.

2) Travel.

3) Money.

4) Experience.

6. What business-related book has inspired you the most?

“Things fall apart” by Chinua Achebe & “A Hologram for the King” by Dave Eggers.

7. What are some of the character traits common among successful entrepreneurs?

Well, it’s very difficult to analyze what is common among successful entrepreneurs because everyone has grown in a different environment and varied reforms, but the most common which I can think of is how they manage the people who work for them, you need to be a good leader, you need to lead by example. There is no excuse for that. If you can’t lead by example, your business will fail.

The other common thing I can point out is recognizing the market before a change is about to come and overcome the challenges beforehand, I believe that is the key to sustain in the 2020’s market.

8. What is your most significant career accomplishment?

I received an award recently from Padmashri Manoj Tiwari as “Genius Indian of the Year” in the creative category. I believe for now that is my significant accomplishment. I also have a skydiving license that is one more accomplishment in the kitty, I believe.

9. Do you plan to compete in the global marketplace?

Yes, I do. I have something planned for Melbourne as well. I will immigrate my company in the years to come.

10. Where do you see yourself and your business in 10 years?

I actually don’t think that far beyond, for now. I want to live in the moment. I want to enjoy what I am doing. I am not going to pressurize myself to think what will be a stable future for my company and me. I just want to sail the boat in the ocean and I hope it turns out to be a titanic, which breaks the ice instead.