Known for her unique networking skills and being a dynamic member of several business forums across the country, JeyalakshmiVenkatanarayanan, FounderCEO of Universe Power Systems, Bangalore, speaks about her path to being a successful entrepreneur and her experiences as a business woman for the past 19 years. Amidst the male-dominated power solution business, this powerful lady is unique in all aspects- be it crackingdeals, actively contributing to professional networks or helping the deprived artists. Subiksha Ramakrishnan meets her for a coffee. Here are the edited excerpts from their conversation.
Q: Briefly tell us about your journey into this business?
A: My educational background is in Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering. In 1997, I started my career as a business partner for TATA Liebert Limited, which later becameEmerson Network Power. With no prior customer contacts, we started providing services to various segments like IT, education, government and healthcare. We have now expanded our services to include “total power solutions” across the spectrum like solar inverters, green data centers etc.
Q: From dance how did you enter into the field of business?
A: Inspired by the famous Ratan Tata, I have always wanted to excel, be a leader and start my own company. My first venture as an entrepreneur was a dance school that I started in 1984. During this time when I was a dance teacher, I came across an opportunity to be a business partner for TATA Liebert. Having completed my graduation in Electronics and telecommunication engineering, I was passionate about the power industry and wanted to take up this opportunity and start my own business.My passion and drive towards power solutions, along with the support from my family paved the way for me to start this business.
Q: How could you accomplish such growth in your business?
A: I started my journey with providing UPS solutions for customers from various sectors like IT, banking, hospitals and educational institutions. Later, aligning with need for total power solutions, webroadened our services and started offering solar inverters, green power, precision cooling systems and data centers.
This required a lot of hard work and determination. The key to expanding the customer database is by providing quality service, networking and interacting with people, and most importantly being ethical and punctual. I learnt the qualities of punctuality and discipline from my father, Late KarukurichiVenkatanarayanan, a well-renowned Bharatnatyam dancer, choreographer, Carnatic music singer and composer.
Q: What fuels your success?
A: Business ethics and discipline along with my passion to work in this field has helped me become a successful entrepreneur.
Q: Please share with us various business practices you have adopted?
A:
- Any product dealt by us will be of the best quality that customers can trust and buy.
- We provide 24/7/365 service to our customers.
- Safety and reliability are our primary concerns.
- Upgrading the products and services time to time.
- I believe in a transparent process both with my employees and customers.
- Retaining our employees by motivating them to grow.
Q: As a woman entrepreneur what are the challenges you face?
A: The biggest challenges, I feel, are reaching to the market, availability of working capital and funds.
Q: How do you balance your work and family?
A: I manage my time effectively and prioritize my duties well. I believe in spending enough time with my family even during busy periods as this provides a better balance between work and home.
Q: What are your suggestions to the young generation?
A: My primary advice to young and budding entrepreneurs would be to consider any opportunity seriously, be passionate about what you’re doing and work hard towards your dream. Developing qualities like punctuality, sincerity and commitment towards work will also supplement your success. Maintaina balanced office-home atmosphere. At the end, your attitude towards work and people makes you successful in whatever field you choose.
Q: What are your future plans?
A: Expand the geographical reach of my business, collaborate to introduce new and affordable products into the market, work on clean power technologies. I would also like to motivate women entrepreneurs to excel and reach their potential.
