Inherited Antibodies of Indian Entrepreneurs
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60% of B2C Indian start-ups are facing closure as per Nasscom survey
Reading such news in the papers is disheartening for people who birthed ‘jugaad’ and embody the essential spirit of entrepreneurship, that of overcoming and circumventing all systemic and social discouragement.
The Indian Entrepreneurship Dream may seem sick but it has everyone rooting for its recovery. This time, not from cheap substitutes, but a mass disseminated virus from the across the same border.
In this piece we will explore how Indians subconsciously draw on their 'cultural inheritance' as they intuitively fight for their businesses.
However, before we start our journey let us not underplay the importance of cash in keeping a business running (about 40% start-ups are considering shutting down) but instead, look at mental fortitude and strength that keep an entrepreneur going.
These times remind me of another existential crisis that possibly left the Indic psyche with strong antibodies that last generations.
Last big existential crisis
Yes, I am referring to the conversation between Arjun and Krishna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. The finest warrior of his time lowered his bow refusing to fight the most important battle of his life, overwhelmed with existential angst. His charioteer and guide Krishna persuaded him otherwise. The rest is of course history or mythology.
Inherent immunity and Indian entrepreneurs
So, let us look at some existential questions Indian businessmen are possibly dealing with in these times. What follows is a combination of secondary research and conversations with businessmen and start-up entrepreneurs across a variety of sectors.
Paralysis in crisis - just as Arjun was paralysed with immense fear that made his bow fall from his hands, Indian businessmen were caught by surprise with the virus and its consequent lock-down.
Inherent immunity – instead of panicking, most entrepreneurs used the pause to look at the larger picture. Used to systemic setbacks, these unfazed warriors took some time out from constant fire-fighting, reflected, and drew up contingency plans. While social media congratulated them on their Master Chef potential, they were calmly planning their post-lock-down moves.
Compassion and karma – Arjun was overcome with compassion for his relatives and teachers who he would have to fight and possibly kill. Similarly, most businesses have avoided lay-offs as much as possible.
Inherent immunity - instead they deferred or cut salaries reserving the biggest reductions for themselves. They unconsciously followed the ‘businessman dharma’ by protecting their employees the best they could, even at personal cost.
Lay-off carnage – Arjun questioned any joy arising from the hollow victory after killing his own kin, subsequent loss of cultural heritage and not having anyone left to celebrate with. Similarly, business people and HR professionals have expressed deep anguish at layoffs.
Inherent immunity – businesses fired employees sparingly as possible. People have tried to hold on to senior, or founding employees to preserve the organisational culture and ethos expecting to rebuild new teams with the same values.
Krishna’s persuasion
Krishna proceeded to give Arjun an extensive discourse on existential philosophy to persuade him. Below, are some take-outs that I felt could be helpful for businessmen –
- Don’t be afraid or act from a place of fear – Krishna tells Arjun to proceed fearlessly for he has nothing to worry about.
Similarly, this is a time for bold decisions that businesses may have been avoiding. This re-boot has given people opportunity to take those chances.
By example, Cult Fit started online exercise and yoga classes when physical gyms were locked down. While the loss of revenue is real, they have embraced technology and the possibility of reaching people and places remotely even after things open up.
- Perceived identity and realities keep changing – Krishna told Arjun those he considered his friends today could well be his enemies tomorrow. There are no fixed realities and identities. Only our mind that puts them in certain contexts.
Similarly, businesses should not be afraid to re-think their core business, business models, or delivery models. An idea can live in different forms much like a soul changes the physical body.
By example, Zomato has already applied for alcohol delivery licenses across states. Retailers have embraced video calls for a virtual retail experience and mobile payments.
- It is better die gloriously in war than run away like a coward - Krishna reminded Arjun that his duty as a warrior (Kshatriya Dharm) was to fight, not run away.
Similarly, the undying spirit of entrepreneurship calls for not surrendering to systems and circumstances.
Shutting businesses is always painful; like killing a dream, or a child and losing a part of oneself in the process. A closure shouldn’t be in surrender but a glorious fight with no regrets. Possibly even a strategic retreat so entrepreneurs may live to fight another day, maybe in another form.
To conclude – businessmen and professional existentialism are no strangers. An entrepreneur perseveres and overcomes self-doubt, naysayers, red-tape and other set-backs regularly. However, very few get a moment to wonder about the inexhaustible spring of cultural inheritance that’s guides them subconsciously.
Krishna-Arjun existential discourse is possibly one of the many sources of wisdom we draw upon in crisis. For now, let us remember to act fearlessly, do the right thing, and have the discrimination to choose what to preserve and what to let go, as we re-think, reinvent, and re-emerge from these times. The meek may inherit the earth, but they never rule it.
