Anupam Mittal is a name that resonates in the world of entrepreneurship, particularly in India’s digital landscape. As the Founder and CEO of People Group, Anupam Mittal has made significant contributions to various industries through his ventures, including Shaadi.com, makaan.com, and Mauj Mobile. However, Anupam Mittal’s journey toward success is not just about his accomplishments; it is also about the transformative experiences that shaped his perspective and approach to life. One such experience occurred during his time at Boston College, where a simple phrase changed the course of his life: “Susan, I think you are wrong.”
Anupam Mittal recounts how he began his academic journey at Boston College feeling low on self-confidence. Having already faced failures in two business ventures during his teenage years and navigating various personal challenges, Anupam Mittal was struggling to find his footing. The pressure to succeed weighed heavily on him as he entered his first class—a lecture on Strategy led by Professor Susan. The atmosphere was charged with the usual academic respect and deference that Anupam Mittal had grown accustomed to in India.
When a classmate, Matthew O’Connor, boldly interrupted Professor Susan with the words, “Susan, I think you are wrong,” Anupam Mittal’s initial reaction was one of shock. In the cultural context he was familiar with, questioning authority, especially in an academic setting, was often frowned upon. Anupam Mittal thought to himself how a student could challenge a professor so openly without facing repercussions. However, what unfolded in the classroom that day was nothing short of a revelation.
Rather than reacting with anger or dismissal, Professor Susan welcomed the challenge, transforming it into an engaging classroom debate. Anupam Mittal observed how this moment not only encouraged open discussion but also highlighted that truth is not a single, unchanging entity; instead, it is shaped by diverse perspectives. This experience profoundly impacted Anupam Mittal, prompting him to reassess his views on authority, questioning, and self-expression.
From that day forward, Anupam Mittal began to understand the importance of voicing his opinions and embracing curiosity. The realization that his perspective mattered ignited a newfound confidence within him. This confidence would become a cornerstone of Anupam Mittal’s entrepreneurial journey, as he ventured into the world of business at a time when the internet was still emerging in India.
Anupam Mittal’s experiences in that classroom exemplify a crucial lesson that transcends academic settings. Whether as a student questioning a professor or as a professional challenging the status quo, the ability to express one’s opinions and pursue curiosity is essential for driving change and achieving success. Anupam Mittal’s journey serves as a reminder that curiosity can lead to innovation and progress.
The takeaway from Anupam Mittal’s experience is clear: embracing candor and dissent fosters an environment where ideas can flourish. It encourages individuals to be skeptics yet optimistic, promoting a culture where questioning the norm is not only accepted but encouraged. Anupam Mittal emphasizes that it is vital to focus on surfacing the right ideas rather than merely trying to be right.
As Anupam Mittal reflects on his journey from a shy student to a confident entrepreneur, he acknowledges that this mindset shift played a pivotal role in his success. By challenging conventional wisdom and exploring new ideas, Anupam Mittal was able to build Shaadi.com, makaan.com, and Mauj Mobile—ventures that have had a lasting impact on the digital landscape in India. Each of these platforms was born out of a desire to innovate and improve the way people connect, communicate, and conduct business.
Anupam Mittal’s story highlights the importance of nurturing a questioning mindset in both personal and professional realms. In a world that often prioritizes conformity, Anupam Mittal encourages individuals to embrace their unique perspectives and pursue their curiosity fearlessly. This approach not only leads to personal growth but also fosters an environment where innovation can thrive.
Anupam Mittal’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of questioning and curiosity. His experience at Boston College served as a catalyst for change, shaping his approach to business and life. By challenging the status quo and valuing diverse perspectives, Anupam Mittal has not only achieved remarkable success but has also inspired countless others to do the same. As we navigate our own journeys, let us take a page from Anupam Mittal’s playbook and embrace the power of curiosity, knowing that it can lead us to extraordinary heights.
