TheCconnects: Can you tell our readers a little about your professional journey and how you came to your current role/position
Debodyuti Das Mandal: My journey has been a testament to perseverance, determination, and the courage to take bold risks. After completing my degree in English Honours, I pursued an MBA to enhance my skill set. However, life had other plans for me.
During my MBA final semester, I was faced with a dilemma: prioritize my MBA or prepare for a government job exam under family pressure. Despite my passion for entrepreneurship, I chose to focus on the government job. I successfully cleared the exam on my first attempt, which filled me with pride and confidence.
I started working in the Education Department of the government sector, gaining invaluable experience and insights. Yet, deep down, I realized my true calling lay in entrepreneurship. Defying familial opposition, I made the bold decision to leave behind the security of a government job and chase my entrepreneurial dreams. My husband’s unwavering support encouraged me to move forward with conviction.
Today, I’m proud to call myself an award-winning serial entrepreneur, having founded Captain X, Draupadi’s, and an upcoming venture in the fields of e-sports, food & beverage (F&B), and e-commerce exports. All three businesses are currently bootstrapped.
Of these, Draupadi’s holds a special place in my heart. In just 1.5 years, I’ve turned it profitable without external funding. It’s a testament to my team’s dedication and entrepreneurial drive. Looking back, I see that every struggle was worth it – they taught me resilience, hard work, and the value of taking the road less traveled. I firmly believe the best is yet to come.
TheCconnects: Who has influenced you the most in life and why?
Debodyuti Das Mandal: Lord Krishna has been a profound source of inspiration for me. His wisdom, courage, and compassion guide me in becoming a better leader and human being. I strongly believe in the philosophy of performing my Karma (duty) with sincerity, focusing on the process rather than the outcome.
As a businesswoman, I set goals and have expectations, but I remind myself to trust in hard work and remain mindful of my actions. This approach not only brings clarity but also keeps me grounded during challenging times.
TheCconnects: What are the biggest challenges you have faced in your life, and how did you overcome them?
Debodyuti Das Mandal: My entrepreneurial journey has been nothing short of a battlefield filled with challenges. The decision to leave my secure government job sparked intense opposition from my family, who viewed it as reckless. Starting multiple businesses from scratch with limited resources was a daunting task.
I faced financial constraints, emotional struggles, and periods of isolation that made me question whether it was all worth it. However, through it all, my husband’s steadfast support was my anchor. Fueled by a determination to prove my doubters wrong, I persevered. Every setback became a stepping stone, and every obstacle, a lesson.
Today, I stand tall, proud of the path I’ve carved out for myself. I’ve broken free from societal expectations to build a life that’s both meaningful and authentic.
TheCconnects: What lessons have you learned from your professional career?
Debodyuti Das Mandal:
- Fearlessness in the face of change: I’ve learned to adapt quickly and pivot when needed, always staying ahead of the curve.
- Authenticity matters: Confidence and self-assurance are contagious and build trust.
- Failure is a teacher: I treat setbacks as opportunities to learn and grow rather than as roadblocks.
- Self-awareness is vital: It helps me make informed decisions and stay aligned with my goals.
- Resilience is key: When life throws curveballs, I face them head-on with resourcefulness and determination.
TheCconnects: What do you see as the biggest challenge for brands in the digital space?
Debodyuti Das Mandal: Balancing authenticity with scalability is one of the biggest challenges for brands in the digital landscape. As brands grow online, maintaining their unique voice and values while adapting to shifting consumer behaviors and technological advancements becomes increasingly complex.
To overcome this, brands need to prioritize transparency, consistency, and community engagement. By building trust and fostering loyalty, they can achieve sustainable growth in this ever-evolving digital world.
TheCconnects: How does your product/solution address your customers’ pain points?
Debodyuti Das Mandal: As an entrepreneur with three diverse businesses, I’ve been able to address unique customer pain points across different industries:
- Captain X: Provides a reliable, user-friendly platform for fantasy sports enthusiasts.
- Draupadi’s: Offers authentic, homely Indian food to migrants, ensuring affordability, hygiene, and a nostalgic culinary experience.
- E-commerce export business: Bridges the gap between global consumers and India’s rich heritage, promoting traditional sarees and apparel while supporting local artisans.
By identifying and addressing these specific needs, my ventures create value and foster strong customer relationships.
TheCconnects: What do you do in your free time?
Debodyuti Das Mandal: I’m a trained singer and passionate cook who loves to unwind by watching crime thrillers. The suspense and twists in these shows keep me engaged, helping me relax after a hectic day.
TheCconnects: Do you have any advice for those who want to be entrepreneurs or C-suite executives?
Debodyuti Das Mandal:
- Understand that the path to success is rarely linear. Embrace the twists, turns, and challenges along the way.
- Growth often happens in moments of uncertainty, so build resilience and learn from failures.
- The journey itself is rewarding – it forges relationships, ignites passion, and shapes leaders. Stay committed to your vision and enjoy every step of the process.
You can connect with Debodyuti Das Mandal on linkedin here