Dr. Gauravv Mittal: Redefining Leadership

Dr. Gauravv Mittal: Redefining Leadership

Gauravv Mittal

Dr. Gauravv Mittal | ITCONS e-Solutions Ltd.

Dr. Gauravv Mittal is a unique example of a visionary leader, successful entrepreneur, hands-on IT professional, die-hard philanthropist, world-known cult science expert, a sought-after astrologer, a financial wizard, a stock market bull, and above all, a down-to-earth family man. While it sounds like a larger-than-life image of a multifaceted person, but Dr. Gauravv humbly states that his inspiration is Sir Ratan Tata.
Dr. Gauravv is often heard saying, ‘‘When going gets tough, the tough get going’. A healthy body, healthy mind, and spiritual strength are three boosters that help one steer through the storms of business life. In his words, it is very easy to get carried away from the righteous and compliant path of good business practices, nurturing the philosophy of employee and partner first until and unless one is morally and spiritually strong.

Dr. Gauravv Mittal has successfully run ITCONS e-Solutions Ltd. for the past 18 years, giving innovative end-to-end HR and staffing to industries across various verticals and geographies. The industry is known to be a cutthroat competitive marketplace with close to 1000+ players, most of whom are known to make compliance compromises to make profits. Surviving and growing in such a market without tarnishing one’s image is certainly a creditable feat.
In this edition of “The Most Impactful Entrepreneur of the Year 2024,” we are honored to feature Dr. Gauravv Mittal, the visionary founder of ITCONS e-Solutions Ltd. Dr. Mittal’s insights into entrepreneurship, leadership, and industry trends gives invaluable lessons for aspiring business leaders. In our exclusive interview, you’ll learn lessons about their strategies, challenges, and plans.

Background

Dr. Mittal’s journey from an IT professional to a successful entrepreneur is filled with an entrepreneurial spirit, strategic thinking, and an unshakeable focus on giving value to their clients. His leadership has contributed to ITCONS’s growth and success in staffing and recruitment solutions.
ITCONS provides a comprehensive range of staffing and recruitment services for its clients. Their services include contract staffing to provide temporary staff to meet short-term or project-based requirements, permanent placements to assist clients in finding suitable candidates for long-term positions, IT staffing to recruit expert IT professionals for technology-driven roles, managed IT services to provide complete IT solutions and support, and payroll management to manage payroll processes and ensure compliance.

Prime Insights: Tell us about the origin story of ITCONS.

ITCONS began its journey in 2007 to become the top provider of human capital management solutions in India. We started as a small company for IT staffing, which needs technical expertise. Over the years, we’ve grown steadily, expanding our services to include permanent placements, contract staffing, payroll services, and managed IT services.
A key milestone for us was achieving listed status on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) in March 2023. This achievement shows our commitment to financial stability and growth. We are proud to maintain a 100% client satisfaction record and credit our success to our client-centric approach, team of experts, optimized processes, and updated technology.

Prime Insights: How have you maintained a balance between your personal and professional lives?

I believe in quality over quantity. Spending quality time with my parents and family is my top priority, and I derive my motivation and strength primarily from them. My staff are also like my extended family, and I see it as my responsibility to spend time with them, understand their challenges, and meet their expectations.
I prioritize inner peace because it gives me the clarity and energy needed to manage my responsibilities effectively. I stay connected to my spiritual practices through meditation, astrology, and ancient sciences like Vaastu and Ayurveda, which help me face challenges with a calm mind.
I believe in time management and setting clear priorities. This allows me to devote time to both personal development and professional growth. I focus on innovation and strategic decision-making while also maintaining my well-being by empowering my teams and delegating tasks effectively. For me, balance isn’t just about managing time—it’s about creating harmony between personal growth and professional ambition.

Prime Insights: As an entrepreneur, do you feel your journey of overcoming obstacles stands apart from others? If so, how?

As an entrepreneur, my journey of overcoming obstacles has been unique due to my blend of technical expertise, entrepreneurial spirit, and philanthropic pursuits. I’ve always been moved by the blending of technology and business, allowing me to find a gap in the market and create innovative solutions. Despite facing financial challenges and industry fluctuations, my ability to adapt and seize opportunities has driven ITCONS’s growth. My commitment to making a positive impact led me to establish the DiViNiTi School & Daycare. My leadership style, with innovation and perseverance, has created a niche for itself in the staffing and recruitment industry.

Prime Insights: Who are the key clients you serve, and are there any noteworthy partnerships or collaborations you’d like to highlight?

We cater to a wide range of clients across various sectors. Here’s a glimpse:

Education: We’ve partnered with institutions like DiViNiTi Schools, Amity University, and AKASH Institute.
Retail: Leading names like TATA Trent, Aditya Birla Retail, and Mark & Spencer trust us with their staffing needs.
FinTech: We’re proud to support innovative companies like Paytm and PhonePe.
IT: Our clients include major IT players like Wipro, HCL Tech, TVS, LTI, Mindtree, and Agile.
Logistics & E-commerce: We play a role in the success of companies like Ecom Express, Swiggy, and Zypp.
Other sectors: We serve clients in Defence/Police, NBFC, Engineering & Construction, Healthcare, Telecom, Government, F&B/QSR, Hospitality, and even public organizations like CWC and Amravati Municipality.

Looking at partnerships, some noteworthy mentions include:

2017: We partnered with L&T Infotech and Ricoh as recruitment clients.
2018: We collaborated with Dimension Data (NTT) for staffing solutions.

These are just a few examples, and we’re constantly building strong relationships with clients across industries. Our focus is on building long-term partnerships based on a win-win approach and exceptional customer service.

Prime Insights: In such a dynamic marketplace, how do you stay ahead of the curve and adapt to evolving trends?

As an entrepreneur, staying ahead in today’s dynamic market requires a relentless focus on innovation, customer needs, and talent development. We invest in research and development to explore new technologies and adapt our strategies accordingly.
Our customer-centric approach ensures we understand their evolving needs and provide tailored solutions. Collaboration with strategic partners expands our reach and enhances our offerings. By investing in employee development, we ensure our team is equipped with the skills needed to excel in a rapidly changing market.

Prime Insights: How critical do you believe R&D is for a company’s long-term success and innovation?

As an entrepreneur, I believe innovation is paramount for long-term success. In our industry, it’s essential for creating smart solutions, streamlining processes, and leveraging technology effectively. This aligns perfectly with Dr. Gauravv Mittal’s emphasis on continuous innovation. R&D fuels our ability to identify emerging trends, develop innovative solutions, and enhance existing offerings, ultimately driving our growth and ensuring our competitive edge.

Prime Insights: How important is employee satisfaction for a company’s growth, and what are your strategies to ensure it?

Employees are the nucleus of the company; they reflect the companies’ culture and vision. Employee satisfaction is crucial for a company’s growth, and I believe in treating employees like family, much like the philosophy of Mr. Ratan Tata, who deeply inspires me. A motivated and happy workforce directly impacts productivity and innovation. I prioritize open communication, continuous learning, and empowerment within the team, ensuring that everyone feels valued.
Additionally, creating a positive work environment where employees can grow personally and professionally is key. By focusing on their well-being and professional development, I believe we can collectively drive the company toward greater success.

Prime Insights: Who inspires you, and what message do you aim to pass on to those who look up to you?

Mr. Ratan Tata has been an immense inspiration to me. His commitment to humanity, coupled with his unwavering ethical principles, has greatly influenced my approach to business. I’ve always admired his ability to turn challenges into opportunities through innovative thinking. While I may not share the same iconic stature, I strive to embody a similar spirit in my work. I believe that by fostering a collaborative environment and focusing on innovative solutions, we can overcome any obstacle and make a positive impact on the world.

Prime Insights: What are your thoughts on today’s entrepreneurs, and how do you view their role in shaping the future of business?

Today’s entrepreneurs are a remarkable breed. They are dynamic, innovative, and fearless in their pursuit of new opportunities. Their role in shaping the future of business is paramount. They are the catalysts for change, disrupting industries, and introducing ground-breaking ideas.
I believe that entrepreneurs are the backbone of economic growth. Their willingness to take risks and embrace uncertainty fuels innovation and creates jobs. They have the power to address global challenges and create a better future for all.
As a fellow entrepreneur, I’m inspired by the creativity and resilience of today’s generation. They are not afraid to challenge the status quo and think outside the box. I’m confident that their entrepreneurial spirit will continue to drive progress and shape the business landscape for years to come.

Prime Insights: What would you say to aspiring entrepreneurs who struggle with societal stereotypes and are tempted to give up on their dreams?

To aspiring entrepreneurs facing societal stereotypes, I would say: never give up on your dreams. Success doesn’t come easily, and obstacles are part of the journey. I’ve always believed in “thinking big, thinking fast, and thinking ahead.”
Confidence and conviction accelerate your actions, even in the face of challenges. Society may try to limit you, but perseverance, innovation, and belief in your vision will help you rise above. Keep learning, stay agile, and adapt to changes. It’s essential to remain focused on your goals, even when it feels like the world is against you.

Prime Insights: Looking forward, what exciting plans or goals does your company have for the future?

As the founder of ITCONS e-Solutions Ltd., I’m excited about our plans. We’re focusing on expanding into new sectors like Green Energy, increasing our geographic reach, and acquiring complementary companies. Our goal is to become a leading player in these areas while maintaining our commitment to innovation and delivering exceptional value to our clients.

Prime Insights: What milestones or achievements is your company most proud of so far?

Our ability to deliver exceptional returns to our investors is one of our proudest achievements. The surge in our share price from INR 51 to 52 week-high of INR 767 in just 18 months, reflecting a staggering 1400% return, is a testament to our company’s growth and performance. This achievement has not only generated significant value for our investors but has also solidified ITCONS’s position as a leading force to reckon with in the industry.

Prime Insights: The market often behaves irrationally, with phrases like ‘market sentiment is down’ frequently heard. We see IPOs oversubscribing multiple times, while simultaneously, there’s a selling spree in the secondary market. In your opinion, what’s the logical approach to investing for wealth creation and building a sustainable secondary income in the market?

Yes, you’re right; investors can sometimes be emotional rather than logical. In my humble opinion, those who make money in the stock market are the ones with long-term investment horizons who avoid following the herd mentality. As we have seen over time, fundamentally strong companies always deliver sustainable returns, often higher than returns from bank FDs or bond investments. People with short-term, myopic views tend to exit their investments at the first sign of disruption or a market downturn. As a result, smart, seasoned investors capitalize on these price drops by making large investments, ultimately profiting over time. Money invested in shares doesn’t need to be monitored daily. Instead, one should periodically analyze market trends and the growth strategies and visions of the companies they’ve invested in, as reflected in regular updates provided by the company to the relevant exchanges.

Prime Insights: How are you giving back to society (CSR)?

At ITCONS, we believe in giving back to the community through various initiatives. One of our most significant contributions is the establishment of the Mahakal Maharaj Bikaner Sewa Mandir Trust, which operates DiViNiTi School & Daycare for young children. This trust aims to provide quality education and support to underprivileged children in the community.
Additionally, we actively participate in various social and educational causes. Our team members regularly contribute their time and resources to charitable organizations and community development projects. We also support initiatives that promote environmental sustainability and social welfare.
Through these efforts, we strive to make a positive impact on society and create a better future for all.

Prime Insights: Lastly, what message would you like to leave with the readers of Prime Insights?

I believe that ‘success is not final, and failure is not fatal’; one must have the conviction and courage to continue with a positive mindset, as hard work eventually pays off. My message to the readers of Prime Insights is that conviction, courage, commitment, communication, and continuous innovation are the recipe for success. Grow your network to gain more knowledge, generate new ideas, and communicate effectively with partners and customers to add value and receive feedback. This will surely put you ahead of others. In my opinion, working towards building value for all stakeholders means viewing money as a reward, not the primary objective, while also focusing on giving back to society.