TheCconnects: Prahalad, it’s a pleasure to sit down with you today. Your journey in sales, marketing, and now leading ProWaVe Consultants is inspiring. Could you walk us through how you carved out this remarkable path to becoming a CEO in the real estate and financial advisory space?
PrahaladSingh Patel: Thank you for having me! My journey began in a small town in Madhya Pradesh, where ambition and grit were my early teachers. After earning my MBA and DBA with dual specializations in Finance and Marketing from the National Institute of Business Management, I dove into the insurance and banking sectors. I spent 13 years with industry giants like Max Life, Reliance, Edelweiss Tokio, and Bajaj Allianz, honing my skills in sales, client relations, and strategic growth. Those years taught me the art of understanding client needs and delivering measurable results.
The transition to real estate came naturally in 2016 when I saw an opportunity to blend my financial expertise with the tangible, emotional world of property ownership. Founding ProWaVe Consultants in 2020 was the culmination of those experiences, a vision to create a consultancy that doesn’t just sell properties or financial products but builds trust and secures futures. Each of my 19 promotions over 22 years reflects a commitment to learning, adapting, and leading with purpose.
TheCconnects: That’s a fascinating trajectory. Who would you say has been the most influential figure in shaping your approach to leadership and business?
PrahaladSingh Patel: My father was a Loyal and Truth Lover Police Inspector in MP police and had retirement in 2007 as DySP, he is my greatest influence. He instilled in me the value of integrity and the power of perseverance. He’d often say, “Success isn’t about how much you earn but how much trust you build.” That philosophy drives me to prioritize client satisfaction over short-term gains. Professionally, I’ve also drawn inspiration from leaders like Ratan Tata, whose ability to balance innovation with empathy has always resonated with me. His approach to creating value for both businesses and communities mirrors what we aim for at ProWaVe.
TheCconnects: Speaking of challenges, every leader faces them. What have been some of the toughest hurdles in your career, and how did you navigate them?
PrahaladSingh Patel: One of the biggest challenges came early in my career during the 2008 financial crisis. I was in insurance, and the market was in turmoil, clients were skeptical, and sales were tough. I leaned on data-driven strategies, doubling down on client education to rebuild trust. We organized workshops to demystify insurance products, which not only retained clients but also boosted referrals.
Another hurdle was entering the real estate sector in 2016, a highly fragmented and competitive space. Many clients were wary of transparency issues. To overcome this, I focused on building a robust legal and compliance framework at ProWaVe, partnering with top-tier legal consultants across India to ensure airtight documentation. This approach turned skeptics into loyal clients, and our reputation for integrity became a cornerstone of our brand.
TheCconnects: Those are powerful examples of resilience. What key lessons have you taken away from these experiences?
PrahaladSingh Patel: First, always put the client at the center. Whether it’s insurance or real estate, understanding their aspirations and fears is critical. Second, adaptability is non-negotiable. Markets evolve, and so must your strategies, whether it’s embracing fintech or navigating regulatory changes like RERA. Finally, leadership is about empowerment. My 19 promotions didn’t come from individual wins but from building teams that share a vision and execute with precision. At ProWaVe, we foster a culture where every team member feels invested in our mission to “Build to Perfection.”
TheCconnects: Let’s talk about the digital landscape. What do you see as the biggest challenge for brands in real estate and financial services today?
PrahaladSingh Patel: The digital space is both an opportunity and a minefield. The biggest challenge is trust deficit. With 87% fintech adoption in India, clients are bombarded with information, but much of it is noise, misleading ads, unverified platforms, or complex jargon. Brands must cut through this by offering transparency and personalized engagement. At ProWaVe, we use CRM automation and data analytics to deliver tailored solutions, but we never lose the human touch. Clients want to feel heard, not just marketed to.
Another challenge is keeping pace with technology without alienating traditional clients. For instance, while younger buyers embrace virtual property tours, older clients prefer in-person interactions. Balancing these needs requires a hybrid approach, which we’ve mastered through our one-roof model, combining digital tools with personalized advisory.
TheCconnects: That’s insightful. How does ProWaVe address the specific pain points of your clients, whether they’re looking for a dream home or financial security?
PrahaladSingh Patel: Our clients often face two major pain points: complexity and uncertainty. Buying a home or planning financial security involves navigating legal, financial, and emotional layers. At ProWaVe, we simplify this through our holistic service portfolio. For real estate, we conduct thorough need analyses to match clients with properties, be it residential plots or ready-to-move apartments, that align with their goals. Our pan-India legal network ensures every title search and agreement is watertight, reducing risks.
On the financial side, our NISM- and IRDA-certified advisors design bespoke insurance and mutual fund portfolios. We don’t just sell products; we align them with clients’ risk profiles and long-term objectives, like securing their family’s future. Our fintech division enhances this with transparent transaction portals, giving clients real-time visibility. In 2024, when residential sales in India’s top cities hit 72,930 units, our streamlined processes helped busy executives and entrepreneurs close deals efficiently, saving them time and maximizing ROI.
TheCconnects: That’s a comprehensive approach. You’ve achieved so much professionally, but what do you do to unwind or find balance outside of work?
PrahaladSingh Patel: I’m a firm believer in recharging to stay sharp. I enjoy trekking in the Sahyadri ranges near Pune, it’s grounding to disconnect and be in nature. I also spend time mentoring young professionals, which is as rewarding for me as it is for them. On weekends, you’ll often find me with my family, playing board games or catching up on classic Bollywood films. These moments keep me rooted and remind me why I do what I do, building futures for families, including my own.
TheCconnects: That’s a great balance. Looking ahead, where do you see ProWaVe in the next five years, and how are you preparing for that vision?
PrahaladSingh Patel: In five years, I envision ProWaVe as a national leader in integrated real estate and financial advisory, with a stronger foothold in Tier-II cities where urban growth is accelerating. India’s real estate market is projected to grow at a 30% CAGR, and we’re gearing up by expanding our channel partner network, currently over 2,500 strong, and investing in AI-driven analytics to predict market trends. We’re also exploring sustainable real estate solutions, like eco-friendly developments, to align with global trends. Our focus will remain on trust, innovation, and delivering measurable value.
TheCconnects: That’s an ambitious yet grounded vision. For aspiring entrepreneurs in real estate or financial services, what advice would you offer to help them succeed?
PrahaladSingh Patel: Start with clarity of purpose, know why you’re in the game. This industry isn’t just about transactions; it’s about transforming lives. Build a strong foundation of knowledge; my MBA and DBA gave me an edge, but continuous learning is key. Surround yourself with a team that shares your values, and invest in technology to stay competitive. Above all, prioritize trust, clients will forgive mistakes, but they won’t forgive broken promises. Finally, don’t fear failure. Each setback is a lesson that sharpens your edge.
TheCconnects: One last question: What’s the one thing you wish more people understood about the real estate and financial advisory industry?
PrahaladSingh Patel: That it’s not just about assets or investments, it’s about people’s dreams and security. Every property we help a client acquire or every financial plan we design is a step toward their peace of mind. At ProWaVe, we see ourselves as partners in their journey, not just service providers. If more people understood this emotional core, the industry would be less transactional and more transformative.
TheCconnects: Prahalad, your passion for creating value is truly inspiring. Thank you for sharing your insights with our readers.
PrahaladSingh Patel: The pleasure’s mine. It’s been great reflecting on this journey and sharing our vision at ProWaVe. Let’s keep the conversation going!
