How SOIL transformed my journey from engineer to entrepreneur

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How SOIL empowered me to transition from engineering to entrepreneurship!

27 Dec 2024
- admin
- Student Journey
SOIL’s most illustrious alumnus, a trailblazer with a reputation for impactful grassroots work, Saurabh Dayal, has demonstrated unparalleled versatility by leading teams of all shapes and sizes across India. Currently serving as Vice President at Paytm Payment Services, he plays a pivotal role in empowering startups and small merchants, driving growth, and shaping the future of digital payments.

Before his tenure at Paytm, he co-founded ClearDekho, a groundbreaking venture now valued at $12 million USD.

With an impeccable entrepreneurial track record, he combines hands-on experience with strategic vision. Alongside his entrepreneurial success, his career journey includes working with industry giants like Wipro and HCL, giving him a deep understanding of how businesses operate and scale.

A dynamic leader and visionary, he seamlessly blends entrepreneurial spirit with corporate expertise, making him a thought leader in business innovation and transformation.

Why did I choose SOIL for my MBA journey?

After completing my engineering, I spent nearly three years working at Vio Technologies in Bangalore. Despite my technical background, I realized early on that I wasn’t the “typical tech guy.” It was then that I decided to pursue an MBA. Looking back, this decision marked one of the most pivotal moments in my career.

In 2010, I joined SOIL for a one-year MBA program in marketing. That experience transformed my perspective and became the foundation for the journey I’m on today. For those of you just beginning your MBA journey, congratulations! The next two years will shape your career and personal growth in ways you cannot imagine.

How did my MBA from SOIL shape my career path?

SOIL gave me the opportunity to learn, grow, and explore the business world beyond textbooks. After graduating, I was campus-placed at HCL Infosystems, where I spent a couple of years handling both marketing and sales. Following this, I worked briefly with a startup called Prognosis, managing their India business. This role exposed me to leadership responsibilities early in my career.

Through these roles, I interacted with senior management across industries, inspiring me to think beyond conventional career paths. The exposure I gained at SOIL was instrumental in building the confidence I needed to navigate these opportunities.

What inspired me to take the leap into entrepreneurship?

While at Prognosis, I began meeting inspiring founders and senior leaders who fueled my entrepreneurial aspirations. This inspiration grew during my stint at Paytm from 2014 to 2016, where I interacted with numerous young and driven entrepreneurs.

I eventually co-founded ClearDekho, a company focused on standardizing the unorganized eyewear sector. India, often referred to as the “blind capital of the world,” presented a clear opportunity. With millions of people lacking access to quality eye care, especially in tier 2 and tier 3 cities, the potential to create impact was immense.

How did we start ClearDekho with limited resources?

We started small. Initially, we operated out of a modest first-floor office with just five people, including myself and my co-founder. By chance, the ground floor housed an optical store facing operational losses. Recognizing an opportunity, we proposed taking over the store’s operations under the ClearDekho brand.

I became the store manager, distributed pamphlets, and worked tirelessly to attract foot traffic. By the third month, we achieved profitability. This success encouraged us to open additional stores using a franchise model. Over six years, ClearDekho scaled to over 100 outlets across 40 cities and 20 states, without significant upfront investment.

Why did I return to Paytm after ClearDekho?

After six and a half years of building ClearDekho, I decided to step away. While the entrepreneurial journey was life-changing, I was ready for a new challenge. Paytm offered me an incredible opportunity to manage a vertical focused on startups and small merchants.

The scale of operations at Paytm is enormous—handling a business 500 times larger than what I managed at ClearDekho. Recently promoted to Vice President, I’m now focused on driving innovation and growth in the payments industry.

What lessons from entrepreneurship do I share with aspiring business leaders?
Entrepreneurship is a transformative journey, regardless of the outcome. Even if a startup doesn’t succeed, the experience equips you with unparalleled skills and insights. Working in a corporate environment is valuable, but building something from the ground up accelerates your growth exponentially.

If you’re considering entrepreneurship, here’s my advice:
- Start small and test your idea: Build a proof of concept with your own resources before seeking external funding.
- Focus on solving real problems: Ensure your business addresses a significant and scalable need.
- Be patient: Success in entrepreneurship often follows a “hockey stick” curve—slow growth followed by rapid acceleration.
How do I see the future of fintech evolving?

The fintech space is evolving rapidly. Over the years, I’ve witnessed a shift from wallet-based payments to widespread adoption of UPI, which has now expanded to include credit instruments. India is transitioning from a cash-based to a largely cashless economy, which has reduced inefficiencies and improved financial transparency.

As we look ahead, I believe fintech will continue to revolutionize how we transact, bringing greater convenience and inclusivity. The next big trends will likely involve deeper integration of AI, real-time analytics, and innovative credit solutions.

Why is marketing still a powerful career choice?

Marketing is one of the most creative and impactful functions in any organization. It not only drives revenue but also builds brand identity and customer loyalty. In today’s competitive environment, marketing professionals who can innovate and understand customer psychology are indispensable.

From my experience at ClearDekho and Paytm, I’ve realized that marketing isn’t just about campaigns; it’s about creating meaningful customer experiences. For those considering marketing, remember: sales and marketing are interconnected, and understanding both will make you a well-rounded professional.

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Parting thoughts for MBA students at SOIL

To those just starting your MBA journey at SOIL, embrace the experience with an open mind. Focus on learning, build strong industry connections, and don’t worry about competing with your peers—everyone’s journey is unique.

For those heading into placements, remember: your output will always reflect your input. Stay true to your values, be ethical, and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Whether in a corporate role or an entrepreneurial venture, success will follow if you are passionate, persistent, and purpose-driven.

Here’s wishing you all the very best for your journey ahead!

Take insights from Saurabh Dayal’s entrepreneurial journey and the vision that led to the creation of Clear Dekho.