Raaja is the Chairman and Managing Director, Apollo International Limited, a part of the Apollo Group and a rapidly growing company in itself. He chose to carve a path following his passion for start-ups using disruptive technology. As a passionate investor, Raaja takes a keen interest in entrepreneurial visions that hold a promise to make the world a better place for the next generations.

Under his tutelage, using smart technology, innovative practices executed by best-in-class talent in the country, ALS has been pioneering the transformation of the logistics business into a fully integrated supply chain company providing high quality bespoke solutions to over 200 businesses across the world.He has been instrumental in evolving the business of digital cinema in India that gained acknowledgement from then Hon`ble Prime Minister of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh. He was selected amongst World’s Greatest Leaders 2017-18 and 2018-19, Asia & GCC by URS Media & AsiaOne Magazine.He holds a Management degree from Drexel University, USA.

Recently, Raaja was kind enough to take some time out of his busy schedule to answer some questions, so we can have insight into his life as an entrepreneur.

1. How did you become an entrepreneur? Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

I am a fifteen two year old on a mission to reach my highest potential in the shortest amount of time possible. There is something about this thing called potential that I am completely obsessed with. Quite frankly too many people do not maximize their time, energy, talents, and resources and as a result, they live miserable lives. Having realized this I’ve therefore dedicated my life to inspiring others to make the most out of their life.

As far as I can remember I always wanted to be an entrepreneur. I love helping people and that’s what entrepreneurs do. They provide a product/service to help solve a consumer’s problem. I don’t believe anyone is born an entrepreneur, however, I believe that the type of environment I grew up in allowed me to develop and nurture my passion for business.

2. What has motivated you so far?

One thing that kept me going was my focus in life. I held firmly this mental picture of creating a legacy that succeeds my physical existence.

3. What were the main challenges you faced at the early stages of your business? And do you still encounter them to this day?

The main challenge I faced and I think a lot of entrepreneurs face when they first start out is not being taken seriously.

The biggest challenge I face now is obscurity. Remember I am on a mission to inspire others to reach their true potential. If no one knows me I can’t fulfill that mission.

4.So was getting involved with logistics a natural step for you with your background in tyres ?

Yes absolutely. The lesson I’ve always learnt – an old lesson – is to stick to what you know. As I already knew the market I could hit the ground running. Many entrepreneurs fail and it’s not because they don’t have a good idea or their product isn’t good but because it always seems to cost twice as much and take twice as long than you hope. So, if you have that knowledge and contacts in place before you launch it just makes it quicker. Speed to market is even more critical these days as product life cycles become shorter and shorter.

5. As an entrepreneur, what is it that motivates and drives you?

I think a lot of entrepreneurs will say the same. It is not about the money. I don’t know if it’s a lack of confidence or a surfeit of confidence but you always want to prove yourself, you’re never quite satisfied – and that might express itself in being very competitive. You just want to do your own thing and are prepared to take huge risks to do it.

6. In one word, describe your life as an entrepreneur.

Struggle – it feels like a constant struggle. You are never quite satisfied, always trying to push the boundaries, and then moving onto the next thing – which inevitably takes you back to starting over again.

7. How do you generate new ideas?

I don’t think you generate them in a Eureka moment, it is more about being open to ideas and acting upon them. The world is full of ideas – everyone has got an idea at some time – but not everyone knows how to act upon them.

8. How has it been coping with work and your family?

Okay, this is it; my work does not affect my family. I am a father, and I believe my wife can say I am a good husband if you have the time to speak with her.

For the family I give the responsibility to my wife; so she owns the home, while I am away. She controls the kids and everything the family needs, while I focus on the business.

9. How do you define success; do you believe you are a success?

For me, success is being able to have freedom as a result of maximizing your potential. The truth is I’m not chasing wealth or fame, I am chasing freedom. Freedom to go where I want, when I want, help as much as I can without restriction, provide for my loved ones without restriction and even be able to not depend on one customer.

Despite whatever I’ve achieved I don’t think I have achieved large amounts of success because I don’t have that freedom. Success is about what I’m going to do next and not what I did yesterday. What I achieved last week and last year is not a success anymore. It’s history.

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