‘Networking is key’

Meet Sahib Puniani, a seasoned professional with an insatiable appetite for entrepreneurship and the business side of corporations. With a keen eye for new trends in the market, Sahib’s dynamic and youthful energy propels him to be at the forefront of industry developments. Drawing from his wealth of experience, he offers invaluable life lessons and learnings to those embarking on their entrepreneurial journey. Read on edited excerpts from the interview:

Please walk us through your educational background.

I studied at Apeejay School, Saket in Delhi. After which I joined a course in entrepreneurial studies at College of Vocational Studies, University of Delhi for. Post its completion, I pursued a Masters of Business Administration specialising in Marketing at Christ University Bangalore.

What does your professional journey look like? Does it include launching start-ups?

I started my career in 2010 with Info Edge (India) Limited as a Sales Executive. Then I moved to American Express. A year later, I joined Christ University, Bangalore for my degree. I was fortunate to have an opportunity at Zomato soon after. So I joined the company as a Manager in 2014.

Besides, I have been quite keen on understanding how the food industry works. So, after meeting with a lot of restaurateurs during my 1.5 years at the company, I realised that there isn’t a single specialty wood fired delivery-only gourmet pizza place in the market. That’s how I came up with my venture, Baking Bad in 2015. The Delhi market took the brand well. Later in 2016, I started a gourmet burger delivery-only brand called Bun Intended as well.

Tell us more about your current role and field of work. 

I sold my brands in 2018-2019 and joined Zomato again as an Area Sales Manager in 2018. At present, I head the National Key Accounts Team for the dining side of the business.

Were you always inclined towards entrepreneurship? Is it something that interests you till date?

Yes. I have had my stints in the food industry. Going forward, I would love to explore something new.

For those hoping to attain a Management degree and understand business better, your tips? 

Networking is key; the more you talk to people, the more you know things. That’s how one becomes better. My suggestion to others is to work hard on getting your degree but work harder on conversations. The former would help in understanding concepts of Management and the latter will get you to apply those concepts real-time.

Please share some learnings from your career.

As humans, we are always surrounded by ideas. But the thing that matters is: Are we listening? So, starting a business is similar to this. It is easy to think of a venture but starting something in itself is difficult. Therefore, my biggest learning has been to be patient and not run behind ideas.

Also, I try to constantly work towards what I want, not what others want from me. It’s always better to be at peace with yourself and at war with the world than the other way around. So, I encourage all to follow this thought. It has worked for me. Once you are real and not afraid to accept your reality, the best choices are made. Just remember, the most interesting plants grow in the shade.

How were years at Apeejay?

I am who I am today, because of the time I spent in school. I will be eternally grateful for everything the institution has taught me. Till date, I cherish it all.