When you talk about Neel Grover, there is no limit to what this guy has achieved over the years. He started his career as an associate with jones Day and has moved up the ladder over the years working as a board member across several organisations. He has an expertise in e-commerce, startups, and strategic partnerships. He completed his BA in economics from UC Irvine and then went on to complete Doctor of law from the University of San Diego.
His latest venture called Indi.com, is a social video platform. It aims to democratise talent discovery and boost social media engagement for brands. It is accessed by people from over 200 countries. The platform works as an extensive resource for brands to drive more meaningful and deep-rooted social media engagement.
Please provide a brief overview of your product/ service.
I am the Founder and Global CEO of Indi.com, a global video content platform which allows brands of all types to engage their customers, fans and followers to create user generated content while integrating deeply into social networks.
What inspired you to build the above product/ service?
Indi.com started as a talent and content discovery and enablement platform for artists and content creators allowing them to audition for opportunities through video submissions thereby completely bypassing the wastage of time and resources in the travel. Indi helps democratize talent discovery without letting factors like education pedigree or socio-economic dynamics get in the way as audience voting and engagement is considered.
While this is the origin of Indi.com, today it is poised to be a global leader in the social video sharing segment, empowering brands and influencers to better engage with their fans and customers.
What is your life mantra?
My life’s mantra is to work hard, be humble, stay mindful and passionate.
What was the most challenging part of your journey till now?
Every new step is a new challenge in my journey. So far the most challenging and rewarding has been turning Buy.com from losing US$100Million a year loss to 13 consecutive profitable quarters.
How did you overcome those challenges?
Along with a great team (which is the fabric to any great Company), we revised every aspect of the business and changed the model, creating a marketplace to compete with Amazon, eBay, Walmart and others.
Share some details about the investments that you have been able to fetch for the business till now.
We have been very selective of who we have partnered with to be investors to date. I spent a lot of time with Anil having both of us be very comfortable with going down this path together. We will continue to carefully select the best strategic financial partners to partner with as we grow the business.
How do you protect yourself from the problem of Brain Drain?
We have selectively chosen the best people to be a part of our organization. All of our team members are owners in the business and are very passionate about our mission, knowing we are providing a needed solution for brands and individuals around the world.
According to you, what are the three qualities an individual must have to achieve success?
I believe three fundamental qualities paramount for achieving success are: perseverance, openness to learning and creativity. While perseverance comes to your aid when the going gets really tough, being open to the idea of changing, learning new skills, offers the kind of flexibility and the right attitude required for success. More often than not, talented people fail because of their inability to take criticism in the right spirit and hone their skills with the changing times. Lastly, creativity adds the much-required flavor to life and makes the entire journey worthwhile. With creativity, I’m not particularly referring to an artistic skill such as drawing or painting, but I’m referring to more of an artistic bend of mind; being resourceful and in the moment, having the ability to recognize the right resources available at any given time and being able to skillfully deploy the same in an artistic way that would produce the desired results, all while making the entire process filled with enjoyment and significant learning.
Which online tools/ services/ apps do you use the most and would like to recommend as well?
I make it a point to follow the current happenings on LinkedIn the most, other than Indi. Of course, as the creator, I am attached to Indi and do continuously check the latest activity, challenges and developments happening on the platform via the app and site.
Share any one habit which you think makes you more productive.
My interest in sports! I am passionate about tennis and find time in my schedule to hit the court and practice. Along with being good for my health, the tennis sessions gives me a much-required break, helps me shift my focus from the work, unwind and relax.
Share any one habit which you wish to change in yourself.
I sometimes am too obsessive compulsive in keeping a tab on my emails. Even when I am with friends or family, I would keep checking my inbox, especially if there is a critical launch happening.
Answer in less than 50 words
natural talent would go to waste if you don’t work hard towards achieving your dreams. Success would invariably be yours if you are fully committed and focused on achieving the same.
- One mistake you believe every individual must avoid
Repeating the mistakes that they have already make. While it is impossible to avoid making mistakes, one should be prudent enough to learn and not repeat the same mistakes.
- One most important lesson that you have learnt till now
Instead of following someone else’s journey, discover your own true passions and pursue the same. It is easy to envy someone else’s success, but in order to truly succeed, one should simply get in touch with their innermost passions and hone the same.
What are your plans for next 3 years?
We have just initiated the Indian operations of Indi.com and I would like to see it become the platform of choice for every individual, brand, and influence in India and beyond.
If you get a chance to start your career again what would you do differently this time?
I have enjoyed and am still utilizing every aspect of my career to date. I feel that every step I have taken has helped prepare me for my next endeavor and challenge.
What are your top three getaway destinations?
Well, to begin with, India. I am Indian so its good to come back to India. I also enjoy Dubai and New York.
Share a quote that inspires you the most.
There is a little quote by Budha, “the trouble is, you think you have time!” This little quote helps me focus in the now and concluding the engagements at the earliest, without getting distracted.