Mrs. Cavita Mehra | Mindskillz
“We – Empower, Elevate, Innovate, Foster, Partner”
India and globally, the corporate learning and organizational development and training markets thrive amidst fierce competition, offering tailored programs and workshops. The primary objective is to identify apt talent, nurture budding leaders, and optimize resource utilization to the fullest extent.
Many companies offer such development workshops for their clients, and we are pleased to have with us the dynamic Mrs. Cavita Mehra, who is the Managing Director, CEO, and key founder of Mindskillz, with more than 45+ years of expertise in the L&D arena.
We are honored to present Mrs. Cavita Mehra under the edition of “The Most Impactful Entrepreneur of The Year 2024.”
Prime insights: Could you provide an overview of Mindskillz and introduce your team?
We are India’s leading results-oriented company in training, learning, and organizational development. We institutionalize to create learning journeys and transform the lives of individuals, with a “mission to educate for the present, train for the future, and develop to lead.”
Prime insights: How did Mindskillz go from just an idea to a full-blown reality?
Mindskillz was founded by me (Cavita Mehra) in 2008. It is known to stand out due to its innovative ‘onion peel approach’, which integrates mystery audits, on-the-job training, and post-training analysis. Our learning methodology is interactive and experiential, incorporating elements such as theater, gamification, music, painting, and experiential case studies to cater to diverse learning styles. Moreover, our adaptability to evolving circumstances and proactive problem-solving approach set us apart. We prioritize solutions over dwelling on challenges and are quick to address the dynamic demands of the business landscape.
The pursuit of knowledge fuels the boundless creativity of an inquisitive mind, propelling it into the limitless expanse of wisdom.
Driven by a customer-centric ethos, Mindskillz endeavors to cultivate a nurturing learning environment. By crafting and deploying bespoke learning interventions geared towards self-improvement, the company offers a spectrum of training services spanning formal and informal methodologies.
Grounded in exhaustive training needs assessments, we proffer recommendations to bridge gaps in constructivism, cognition, and behavior.
With a steadfast commitment to fostering diversity and inclusivity, the company spearheads initiatives like POSH, aimed at fostering awareness about workplace sexual harassment among women. “Our aim is to nurture ‘Human Capital’ as the foremost asset for organizations by empowering individuals to harness their innate potential.”
Prime insights: Could you briefly outline how you’ve managed to strike a balance between your personal and professional lives?
Balancing personal and professional commitments is paramount to me. I achieve this by practicing effective time management, setting clear boundaries, and prioritizing self-care and quality time with family and loved ones. Furthermore, I ensure to regularly assess and adjust my priorities to maintain harmony between my personal and professional spheres. Additionally, I strive to delegate tasks when it is possible to lessen, overwhelm, and maintain a healthy equilibrium in both aspects of my life.
Prime insights: As a leader, what sets your journey apart from others in your field in terms of challenges and successes?
As a leader navigating through the challenges of entrepreneurship, particularly during the tumultuous periods of COVID-19 and its aftermath, my story of struggle shares common threads with many others. The uncertainties brought by the pandemic disrupted the landscape of learning and development (L&D), forcing a rapid shift to hybrid models and remote work. Adapting to these changes demanded resilience, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to the well-being of both employees and clients.
Embracing technological advancements and automation is imperative for Mindskillz’s sustained success. We maintain agility and adaptability, harnessing nascent technologies to enrich our training solutions and address shifting client demands. With businesses placing greater emphasis on skills such as critical thinking, creativity, emotional intelligence, and agility, we are dedicated to integrating these elements into our offerings.
Prime insights: What strategies do you employ to stay abreast of evolving market trends?
To stay abreast of evolving market trends, Mindskillz employs a proactive approach that hinges on continuous adaptation and innovation. We prioritize staying attuned to industry shifts through regular market research, trend analysis, and engagement with industry thought leaders.
By fostering a culture of agility and flexibility within our organization, we swiftly respond to emerging trends by refining our offerings, updating our methodologies, and introducing new training modules, both in virtual and classroom settings. Additionally, we emphasize ongoing professional development for our team members to ensure they possess the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate evolving market landscapes effectively.
Prime insights: Do you believe R&D is pivotal for the company’s growth?
Investing in R&D is crucial for company growth as it fuels innovation, enhances product and service offerings, and ensures relevance in a rapidly changing business landscape.
Prime insights: How crucial is employee satisfaction, and how do you ensure it?
Maintaining employee satisfaction is crucial for organizational harmony and productivity. We prioritize regular feedback, professional development opportunities, and a positive workplace culture to ensure employee satisfaction and retention.
Prime insights: Could you please elaborate on the demographics and notable affiliations of the clientele your company serves?
Our clientele comprises a broad spectrum of industries, including retail, healthcare, IT, banking & financial, manufacturing, real estate & infrastructure, telecom, hospitality, education, and logistics. To name a few: Wells Fargo, Accenture, Deloitte, Bosch, Shriram Farm Solutions, Fenesta, Engineers India Limited, Eurofins Assurance, Tata Play, FABindia, Vijayalakshmi Silks, Gati All Cargo, Novo Nordisk, Timken India Limited, Vedanta Limited, Sandvik, TietoEVRY, Titan Industries, Apollo Health & Lifestyle Ltd, Carl Zeiss, R.V College of Engineering, KPIT Technologies, Birla Soft, Enercon Energy, Ensono, RVU India, etc.
Prime insights: What strategic initiatives and forward-looking plans does the company have in store for its future growth and development?
As part of its strategic vision for the future, the company is poised to undertake several transformative initiatives. These encompass establishing strategic alliances with prestigious educational institutions worldwide, enhancing both its reach and credibility on a global scale. Furthermore, it is committed to advancing research and development efforts, with a focus on pioneering technologies that will reshape the landscape of e-learning. Furthermore, the organization seeks to customize its products to meet the needs of various populations, guaranteeing accessibility and inclusivity in learning. Finally, it aims to develop a vibrant online community platform that promotes cooperation and support among students worldwide.
Prime insights: Who are your role models, and how do you inspire others?
Saint Mother Teresa has been my role model since childhood, leaving an indelible mark with her profound compassion and unwavering dedication to serving the marginalized. My role model, Saint Mother Teresa, epitomizes the essence of compassion and service, igniting a flame of empathy that guides my actions daily. Her unwavering commitment to alleviating suffering serves as a beacon of hope, reminding us all of the transformative power of kindness and selflessness.
Prime insights: What CSR initiatives does your company undertake?
My dedication to corporate social responsibility is evident through my involvement with non-profit organizations like ArtMantram Trust and WOW—Women Orbiting Women Kitty. Furthermore, serving as a Civil Defense Warden underscores my commitment to community well-being and safety, aligning with our ethos of giving back to society.
Prime insights: What notable milestones, achievements, and causes have you attained?
I am honored to be the recipient of the Karnataka Innovation Leadership Awards 2022 because I have exceeded expectations and served as an inspiration to many by demonstrating exemplary leadership. In 2013, IWLF sponsored the International Leadership Forum, where I received “The Entrepreneur Leadership Award”
Since Silicon India listed my institute as one of the 10 most promising for personality development and covered me as one of the fastest-growing CEOs in 2018 and Business Sight Media Magazine 2020, I have been a speaker and panelist at numerous leadership forums, including Dun & Bradstreet, ISBR for Discussion on Entrepreneurship, and many more.
My favorite charity causes are WOW (Women Orbiting Women), which is another initiative to empower women, and The Art Mantram Foundation, an NGO that supports the “Girl Child Project.” I have also worked as a Divisional Warden for the Civil Defense Citizen’s Army.
Prime Insights: Finally, do you have a message you’d like to convey to Prime Insights readers?
To Prime Insights readers, I encourage you to foster a mindset of continuous learning and exploration. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, and cultivate a spirit of collaboration and innovation. Together, let’s embark on a journey of discovery, empowerment, and positive impact.
As said by A.P.J. Abdul Kalam,
If you fail, never give up, because F.A.I.L. means “first attempt in n learning.” End is not the end; in fact, E.N.D. means “Effort Never Dies.”.