Gautam Chopra, an alumnus of Apeejay School, Panchsheel Park, carries forward a family legacy with nearly five decades in the cotton yarn business. Sharing his entrepreneurial journey, Gautam discusses the importance of hands-on learning, resilience through rejection, and the lessons in humility and adaptability that shaped his path from school to success. Read on:
Your family business in cotton yarn has been running for nearly 50 years—a remarkable legacy. What advice would you give to students learning about entrepreneurship in school?
First, understand that classroom knowledge is just a stepping stone. Real insights come from rolling up your sleeves and learning on the job. While theories are helpful, business reality often requires quick thinking and adaptability. In my own experience, I’ve seen that what works in theory might need significant tweaks when applied practically.
What do you consider to be the foundational elements of a successful business venture?
Innovation is critical. The market moves fast, and if you don’t constantly evolve your product, you’ll get left behind. For example, in our yarn business, we regularly adapt our products to match emerging market demands. And if you’re offering a service, customer feedback should be your compass. Listening to customers has guided some of our best decisions.
Many students dream of starting their ventures. What hurdles should they expect, and how can they overcome them?
Rejection is unavoidable—be it from investors, customers, or even friends and family. I’ve pitched ideas only to have people focus on potential downsides rather than the benefits. It’s a tough pill to swallow, but each rejection makes you better prepared. Accepting failure as a learning step is crucial; it’s like adding essential seasoning to your journey.
How has your schooling contributed to the person you are today in business?
My school taught me humility and grounded me. We learned alongside students from all walks of life without any sense of hierarchy. This experience taught me to respect everyone equally, a mindset that has benefited me greatly in business. Being humble allows me to approach challenges with an open mind, continuously learning from those around me.