Convocation Address of Padmashree Lila Poonawalla; Chief Guest for the 8^th Convocation of EDI's Post Graduate Programmes held on 29^th September 2006.

I believe that for young people it is the ‘psychic income’ that matters much more. Your incentives are not just financial. The fun of creation, admiration received from your peers, the excitement and glory of taking part in the process of creation of something new and exciting, and especially one which can make a big difference to the nation, matters to you much more. And this is why you are motivated to become an entrepreneur.

Entrepreneur! Who is an entrepreneur? There is always a question. Is he/she born as an entrepreneur or can be trained to become one. My personal view is – it is a little of both. He/she comes up with new ideas, develops creative response, takes full advantage of opportunities and is always pushing for change. You can recognize an entrepreneur when you meet one. He/she is focused on self development, demonstrates high level of energy and ingenuity and is an expert in engaging hearts of all who come in contact with him/her to rally around his innovative ideas. He/she is a visionary with many strategies in his pocket and an extrovert with 360-degree approach. Always a cheerleader cheering the team to succeed.

Entrepreneurs who sustain their momentum know the road to success is always under construction. Their hallmark is never ending desire to improve, along with an abiding interest in learning all they can. They are in a constant state of transition in which the journey itself is the goal. They thrive on challenges during periods of uncertainty. Theirs is a journey of discovery, the focus of which is to alter the perceptions and the view of what is already known. Their happiness comes from treading on unknown paths. They want freedom. Freedom is the lifeblood of entrepreneurs. Freedom to them means increased options of walking on new and challenging paths.

If you look at the footprints of a successful entrepreneur, you will find that successful people have steady footprints. Their footprints are consistent and rarely vary in space. Their footprints clearly indicate that they are precise and punctual; they set goals and are fearless. While the foot prints of unsuccessful or let me say less successful people are never steady. They go zig zag, start, stop, turn about, go in circles, even make 180 degree turnaround. Such individuals are never sure of what they want to do and vile away their life undecided and confused.

An entrepreneur should always play to win. When you play to win, you stretch yourself to your maximum and use all your potential. It also helps you to concentrate your energy on what you can influence instead of getting bogged down with the worry of what you cannot change. You have to walk that extra mile, if not for yourself, for those who are dependent on you. There is little choice.

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