Greed: A Misunderstood Motivator in the Startup Ecosystem

Anupam Mittal, the Founder & CEO of People Group, ignited a wave of reflection throughout India’s startup ecosystem with a thought-provoking post on LinkedIn. He redefined greed—not as a negative trait but as a misunderstood motivator that requires timely expression.

Quoting the famous phrase from the film Wall Street, “Greed is good,” Mittal considered how this belief shaped a generation of venture capitalists, founders, and fund managers, ultimately leading to some of the most infamous corporate failures—Enron, Satyam, Theranos, and WeWork. He also mentioned closer examples such as Byju’s, GoMechanic, and BharatPe, where, as he stated, “ambition outpaced ethics.”

However, Mittal’s insight did not end there. He remarked, “Greed IS good. But not the impatient kind,” referencing Charlie Munger’s observation that “incentives run the world.” He proposed that when greed is interpreted as self-interest, it has propelled human advancement—from railroads and rockets to platforms like Shaadi.com. The core issue, he explained, lies not in greed itself, but in short-term greed.

“Be long-term greedy,” Mittal advised. “The kind that stretches self-interest across decades, compelling choices that accumulate—forego the shortcuts, attend the mundane meeting, decline shiny distractions, create when there’s no applause, and be present every single day.”

He highlighted renowned figures like Warren Buffett, Ratan Tata, Jeff Bezos, and Mukesh Ambani as leaders who embraced the long-term vision to generate “disproportionate value not just for themselves, but for employees, investors, and society.”

This post struck a chord with many, leading to a flood of responses from professionals.

“True success requires patience and integrity,” one individual commented. “A long-term vision, paired with ethical ambition, will undoubtedly foster innovation and meaningful change.”

Another user remarked, “It’s not greed that dismantles systems—it’s impatience. Loved the framing: ‘Keep the greed, just set the clock to decades.’ That’s the mentality we need more of.”

Goa’s Changing Tourism Landscape: Insights by Aman Gupta

Aman Gupta, the co-founder of boAt and a judge on Shark Tank India, highlights the transformation of Goa’s hospitality scene. He recalls a time in the early 2000s when the warm welcomes and accommodations that Goa is known for were primarily reserved for Israeli visitors.

Reflections on Goa’s Tourism Past

On The Prakhar Gupta Xperience podcast, Gupta reflected on his early experiences in Goa, illustrating how Indian tourists were often overlooked in favour of foreign backpackers, especially from Israel.

“Visiting Anjuna Beach back then was quite different as only Israelis seemed to secure accommodations,” Gupta mentioned. “Even the local Goans showed little respect for Indian tourists.”

Experiences Before Bollywood’s Influence

Now aged 43, Gupta pointed out that his memories of Goa predate the iconic Bollywood movie Dil Chahta Hai, which played a pivotal role in making the coastal state a popular destination for millennials. He reminisced about attending elusive “forest parties,” predominantly accessed through foreign affiliates.

“In those days, Bamboo Forest gatherings and spots like Hilltop were in vogue, but Indian tourists were a rare sight there,” he added.

Shifts in Tourism Dynamics

Despite the past exclusivity, Gupta acknowledged a significant shift over time. “The situation has evolved considerably. Nowadays, Indians contribute the most financially to the economy there, and tourism has expanded significantly,” he commented, noting the increasing presence of domestic travellers in Goa.

Challenges Facing Goa’s Tourism Today

However, all is not well in the current landscape of Goa’s tourism sector. Recent reports highlight a concerning decline in tourist numbers. Cruz Cardozo from the Shack Owners Welfare Society shared with News18 that after March, domestic tourist arrivals fell by approximately 60%, and international visitors decreased by 40%. This decline led to nearly 10% of beach shacks closing shop before the usual end of the season in May.

Famous beaches such as Colva, Calangute, and Cavelossim have experienced closures, with the reduction of British travellers and a drop in Russian tourist arrivals exacerbating the downturn.

Anupam Mittal Challenges Conventional Success in Entrepreneurship

Shark Tank India judge and entrepreneur Anupam Mittal is scrutinising traditional ideas about success and highlighting the disconnect between ambition and action.

Most individuals desire 100x returns yet often operate by 1x rules, Mittal noted in a recent LinkedIn post that struck a chord within India’s startup and creator communities.

Mittal’s Early Journey Post Dot-Com Bust

Reflecting on his early experiences after the dot-com collapse, Mittal shared his return to India with a lack of resources. He described having “no money, no plan, no safety net.” The advice he received was predictable: get a job, rebuild slowly, and play it safe.

Rather than follow this conventional path, he embarked on launching an internet company in a nation where “there was no internet.” His enterprise, People Group, would later establish platforms like Shaadi.com—long before the concepts of D2C, dating apps, or e-commerce gained traction in India.

The Importance of Breaking Rules

Mittal highlighted, “The biggest wins usually come from breaking the rules.” He clarified that this does not imply illegal actions but rather an unapologetic approach to innovation.

His insights extended beyond his own experience, noting a wider trend of creators who began their ventures before content became fashionable, founders who took the plunge despite market scepticism, and brands that embraced instinct over regulatory frameworks.

While he recognised the role that rules can play—particularly in the early stages—his central thesis remains clear: history tends to reward those who dare to carve their own paths.

Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

“Playing it safe rarely makes history,” he concluded, delivering a compelling message at a moment when Indian entrepreneurship is at a pivotal point—filled with talent but often hampered by fear, bureaucracy, or the urge to conform. Mittal advocates understanding the game before deciding when to bend the rules.

The CFA Charter: Is It Still Relevant in Today’s Job Market?

The CFA charter, once a gateway to elite finance positions, is now facing scrutiny. Tech entrepreneur Kunal Bahl has sparked a significant discussion by questioning whether this prestigious credential still carries weight in a saturated job market.

Kunal Bahl’s Provocative Statement

On social media platform X, the Snapdeal co-founder posed the question, “Is anyone bothering about giving CFA exams anymore? Doesn’t seem like it’s going to be a particularly useful degree as a resume differentiator.” This remark prompted quick responses from both supporters and critics of the CFA program.

Reactions from the Community

One user voiced a differing opinion, arguing that “Taking the CFA as an exam just to add it to your resume is the wrong approach.” They elaborated that the CFA is not merely an ornament for a resume; it fundamentally enhances one’s understanding of finance and ethics.

Others pointed out that the perceived value of the CFA charter can vary based on location. A commenter mentioned, “In cities like Mumbai, Bangalore, and Gurgaon, there’s a strong demand for CFA holders. However, in places like Agra, Kanpur, or Vijayawada, its usefulness may diminish.”

CFA Program Popularity in India

Despite the debates surrounding its relevance, the CFA program continues to attract significant interest in India. By 2022, the country surpassed the U.S. in new CFA enrollments, establishing itself as one of the largest markets for the CFA Institute worldwide. As of 2023, there were over 3,500 charterholders in India, with many more actively pursuing the designation.

Demand for CFA Charterholders

Those possessing the CFA charter are sought after in various sectors, including investment banking, asset management, and corporate finance. It serves as an efficient, cost-effective alternative to an MBA, making it particularly appealing in India’s fast-growing and competitive finance landscape.

A Larger Trend in the Job Market

Bahl’s comment reflects a broader trend: in the rapidly evolving job market, having knowledge alone might not be sufficient to set candidates apart.

Failure as a Key to Success: Insights from Aman Gupta

Failure plays a crucial role in success stories, yet it often remains overshadowed by triumphs. For Aman Gupta, co-founder and CMO of boAt, the journey through failure is one that deserves attention and recognition. In his insightful post, Gupta discusses how his early setbacks have fostered the resilience that drives his success, encouraging others to embrace their missteps.

The Fear of Failure

Aman Gupta points out that the fear surrounding failure has become more debilitating than failure itself. He states, “We’ve become so obsessed with success that our ego for failure has grown even bigger,” in a highly discussed LinkedIn post.

The Social Media Highlight Reel

He notes that the constant display of success on social media inhibits open discussions about failures. The boAt co-founder remarked, “Success stories are trending so hard on social media that nobody’s got the guts to talk about failure anymore,” while listing common inner struggles that many face: “What if I can’t do it like this? What if they do better than me? Will I be mocked if I try and fail?”

Aman Gupta’s Personal Journey

Gupta shared his own experiences, describing how he dedicated 17 hours daily to preparing for the CA exam, only to discover it was not his ideal path. He reflected, “Every time I tried building something of my own, I failed. But with each failure, my resolve to try again became stronger.” He began to shift his focus from worrying about others’ opinions to questioning his own efforts: “Am I trying enough?”

Encouraging Others to Embrace Failure

Gupta encouraged others to confront their fear of being judged for failures, suggesting, “Fail once and see. Perhaps fail a subject, a course, or anything. The ego surrounding failure will diminish.” He remarked on how those who once doubted him now claim, “We know this person!”

The Clarity of Failure

According to Gupta, while success fosters confidence, failures provide clarity. He left his audience with an empowering message, stating, “You’re down but not out, my friend.” He emphasized embracing the journey with hashtags like #IDK #IDC #IDGAF.

Community Response

His candid remarks resonated with many. One user expressed, “This hit deep… ‘Fail once and see’ — that line will stay with me.” Another commented, “In a world that hides failure behind filters, your honesty is rare and refreshing. Your journey reminds us that it’s okay to not have it all figured out.”

Workplace Culture Essentials with Anupam Mittal

Workplace culture is more than just inspiring posters and lofty mission statements; it is an existence shaped by individuals and systems. This is the key message expressed by Anupam Mittal, the founder of People Group and Shaadi.com, in a recent post on LinkedIn that generated significant discussion across the platform.

Mittal stated, “Everyone claims that culture is everything.” Prospective employees often mention, “I am in search of the right culture,” while founders proclaim, “We are creating a robust culture.” However, when asked to define culture precisely, responses tend to go silent.

Drawing from his extensive experience, Mittal proposed a compelling equation: Culture = Operating Model × People Strategy. This formula underscores the idea that both structural elements and talent are vital. He explained, “If either element is absent, one has… essentially, zero culture.”

He continued to explain, “Exceptional individuals paired with ineffective systems result in chaos. Effective systems combined with unsuitable individuals lead to gridlock. True magic occurs only when both components align perfectly.”

Key Practices for Startups from Anupam Mittal

In particular, for startups, Mittal emphasised several strategies that proved effective for him:

• Regular cross-functional weekly meetings
• Transparent real-time business metrics shared across teams
• Emphasis on clarity rather than control, moving away from traditional reporting methods
• Implementation of Directly Responsible Individuals (DRIs) to prevent the dilution of accountability

While Mittal committed to addressing People Strategy in a subsequent post, this initial insight was sufficient to prompt reactions from various professionals who connected with his points.

Reactions to Mittal’s Insights

One user reflected on the differences in culture globally and how they relate to leadership styles, highlighting, “Most employees leave not due to salary but because of a toxic culture… Organizational culture is also location-specific.”

Another praised the clarity brought forth by Mittal, stating, “Culture is not just about posters — it involves lived actions and daily decisions. This insight cuts through the noise.”

A third individual contributed their own equation for a thriving culture, emphasising transparency, empathy, and balance: “Fast-paced and energetic but never stressful or toxic.”

Mittal’s straightforward perspective resonates deeply; in a corporate environment filled with ambiguous jargon, it is insights like these that remind organisations of the fundamental elements necessary for a thriving workplace culture.

Reimagining Traditions: A Modern Naming Approach

In many Indian households, the process of naming a child, particularly a daughter, often adheres to an unspoken guideline. Commonly, the father’s first name serves as the middle name, which may later change to reflect the husband’s name. This deeply rooted custom is rarely challenged. However, Anupam Mittal, the founder of People Group and Shaadi.com, took a bold step to alter this narrative for his daughter.

Mittal shared his insights on LinkedIn regarding the choice to name his daughter. He pointed out, “In a world where women are still introduced as someone’s daughter, someone’s wife, someone’s mother…we just wanted her to start as herself.”

When his daughter, Alyssa, was born, Mittal expressed a desire to select her middle name. “Traditionally in most parts of India, that’s not how it’s done. The father’s first name automatically gets passed down. And in case it’s a girl, it later gets replaced by her husband’s name. It’s a quiet tradition. So quiet, in fact, that most don’t question it. But we did,” he elaborated.

Alyssa Anantara: A Name with Meaning

Instead of adhering to convention, the couple decided on the name Alyssa Anantara. “’Anantara’ – which signifies limitless, is rooted in Ananta, another name for Saraswati, the goddess of wisdom,” he explained.

A Strong Message Through Naming

Mittal emphasised the significance of this decision, stating, “It’s a small thing. A name. But also…not so small. For us, it was a way of saying:

• You don’t have to carry forward anyone’s legacy.
• You are not defined by the men in your life.
• You are free to write your own story.

He pointed out that this choice wasn’t meant to be a grand declaration, but rather felt like an appropriate start. “A quiet way to say – We believe in equality. In her, In her choices, In her future! And that felt enough.”

Mittal’s post received widespread acclaim from many social media users.

One user remarked, “Parents like you set the gold standard for nurturing daughters—not by imposing societal expectations, but by empowering them to forge their own paths. It’s truly inspiring to see a father who encourages his child to grow authentically, embracing her unique journey rather than conforming to external pressures. Your approach exemplifies the perfect blend of professionalism and heartfelt parenting. Thank you for sharing this beautiful perspective.”

Another user shared, “That’s a great perspective Anupam Mittal. In India, we still write middle names everywhere, starting with schooling. Then the legacy continues indefinitely, and all identities are connected to these initials. The Indian constitution doesn’t mandate that only the father’s name be added. It’s an age-old system that needs change and will take generations. But a commendable start by you. Love this feat of yours.”

A third commentator added, “What a heartfelt and meaningful choice. It’s inspiring to see traditions being redefined with such intentionality and purpose.”

Changing Traditions: Anupam Mittal’s Empowering Choice in Naming His Daughter

In numerous Indian homes, the approach to naming a child, particularly a daughter, adheres to an unspoken rule. The father’s first name is typically assigned as the middle name, which might later switch to the husband’s name. This deeply ingrained custom is so prevalent that few individuals take a moment to challenge it. However, Anupam Mittal, the creator of People Group and Shaadi.com, chose to rethink this convention and altered the narrative for his daughter.

Mittal brought attention to this tradition through a heartfelt post on LinkedIn regarding his daughter’s name. He expressed that, “In a world where women are still introduced as someone’s daughter, someone’s wife, someone’s mother…we just wanted her to start as herself.”

“When Alyssa, my daughter, entered the world, we were eager to select her middle name. In most sectors of India, this is not the customary approach. The father’s first name is usually just inherited. If it’s a girl, that name eventually transitions to her husband’s. It is a subdued practice, so much so that the majority do not question it. But we made that choice,” Mittal articulated.

Refusing to adhere to tradition, they opted to name her Alyssa Anantara. “‘Anantara’ signifies limitless. It is grounded in Ananta, another title for Saraswati, the goddess of wisdom,” he noted.

“It may seem minor. A name. However, it is also… not so minor. For us, it served as a statement that:

– You are not required to inherit anyone’s legacy.
– You are not defined by the men in your life.
– You possess the freedom to create your own narrative.”

Stressing that this was not intended to be a bold declaration, Mittal stated, “But for us, it marked the right starting point. A subtle declaration – We advocate for equality. In her, in her decisions, in her future! And that felt sufficient.”

Many netizens praised Mittal’s post.

“Parents like you establish the ideal standard for raising daughters—not by enforcing societal norms but by empowering them to carve their own paths. It is genuinely uplifting to witness a father who supports his child in growing authentically, embracing her individual journey instead of succumbing to external pressures. Your method showcases an exceptional combination of professionalism and heartfelt parenting. Thank you for sharing this beautiful viewpoint,” wrote one user.

Another added, “That’s a remarkable perspective, Anupam Mittal. In India, we still inscribe middle names everywhere, starting from education. Then the legacy continues indefinitely, and all identities are tied to these initials. The Indian constitution does not mandate adding the father’s name exclusively. It’s a traditional system that necessitates change, which will require generations. You’ve made a commendable start. I admire this achievement of yours.”

“A choice that is both heartfelt and significant. It’s encouraging to witness traditions being reshaped with such intent and purpose,” remarked a third.