The whole idea of holding a 12 week Bootcamp was to inspire and nurture aspiring entrepreneurs and their projects. Now among all the experienced entrepreneurs with their minimum value products already rolled out, there was one participant, a student, who only had an idea and a lot zeal to make it happen. Meet Wasif Chowdhury, a student, an aspiring entrepreneur and one of our Bootcamp participants.
1. What ignited the spark in you to start your own business? How did the idea for your business come about?
Ever since I started studying – doing a double major and studying for other professional degrees – all of that led me to the idea of starting a consultancy company like Accenture, Mckenzie etc. The plan was to have a consultancy firm sometime in the future.
2. Describe/outline your typical day.
Well, if I have classes, I go to classes, if I don’t, I usually go to my dad’s office to see how the business plays out and learn more about how it all works.
3. What advice would you give to young people who want to become entrepreneurs?
I’d advise them to start working on it. You don’t have to take large steps right away but at least have something in the works. Because once you’re done with your studies and you’re planning to take your steps then, you basically lose your time.
4. What would you say are the top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur?
You need to be confident and you need to believe in what you’re doing. You also need concrete facts to back up your idea, because if you don’t it’ll be ten times harder.
5. What have been some of your failures, and what have you learned from them?
Well I’ve had failures just like everyone else. They all may not be from a business standpoint but I think the crucial lesson to take away from it is not to repeat the mistake.
6. How do you define success?
Achieving what you want to achieve. Having reached that final goal, whatever that maybe. Whether it’s to be successful at business, being a more social or philanthropic person, as long as you set a target and achieve that, it’s success.
7. Do you believe there is a formula to becoming a successful entrepreneur?
I don’t think so, it varies from people to people. A politician can be successful for all the wrong reasons and a philanthropic person can be successful right for all the right reasons.
8. What book has inspired you the most?
Not really but I read the Forbes magazine a lot and that’s been pretty influential for me.
9. What is your favorite aspect of being an entrepreneur?
You get to be your own boss.
10. What sacrifices have you had to make to be an entrepreneur?
Since I’m a student, I haven’t had to make a lot of substantial sacrifices. However, I know that given a choice between an employee with a payment of $10,000 dollar and owner of a company with less pay but more freedom, I’d always choose the latter.
11. How are your views different now, after you’ve participated in the SD Asia 12 Week Entrepreneur Bootcamp? What changes are you going to implement after having participated in the Bootcamp?
I think things more practically now. Sort of like a reality check. All of this time I had this illusion that things will work off and I’ll be successful but now I realize things can get quite complicated and Bootcamp has helped get that real time feedback.
12. From the Bootcamp speakers who inspired you the most?
I was really inspired by Zarif Munir from Boston Consulting Group and his insights. Rafi Mustafa was also really great with his energy filling up the room. Kalsoom Lakhani was great, she talked a lot about values, which was really important.
13. How has the Bootcamp helped you?
I hope they do this on a regular basis. I couldn’t attend a lot of sessions due to my university classes colliding but the sessions I managed to attend really hit home and changed my perspective. I’m definitely coming for a full experience next time SD Asia rolls out another Bootcamp.