This is the Leadership Journey series on the Choosing Leadership Podcast.
I believe we all have a lot to learn from each other’s stories – of where we started, where we are now, and our successes and struggles on the way. With this series of interviews, my attempt is to give leaders an opportunity to share their stories and for all of us to learn from their generous sharing. If you know a leader whom you would like to see celebrated on the show, please send me a message on LinkedIn with their name.
Embark on an insightful journey with Himanshu Arya, a dynamic entrepreneur, as he shares his remarkable story from founding Grapes Digital in 2009 to venturing into the world of pre-owned luxury cars with Luxury Ride.
In this engaging interview, Himanshu delves into the challenges of transitioning leadership styles within Grapes Digital, offering valuable insights for those grappling with building sustainable and independent teams.
As he candidly discusses the shift from digital marketing to the unorganized luxury car industry, Himanshu reflects on the unique challenges of finding trainable talent in family-run businesses.
Join us for an uplifting conversation that explores the delicate balance between personal and professional life, and gain actionable advice on leadership, entrepreneurship, and navigating uncharted business territories.
You can find Himanshu Arya at the below links
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/itshimanshuarya/
- himanshu.arya@luxuryride.in
In the interview, Himanshu shares
- “In 2009, as a 24-year-old boy, I started Grapes Digital with zero liabilities, realizing that delaying my entrepreneurial journey would only increase the responsibility on my shoulders.”
- “The seed for entrepreneurship was planted in a small town called Karnal, leading me from hotel management to wealth management, ultimately realizing that business was the path to financial success.”
- “Transitioning from the founder and CEO of Grapes Digital to the world of luxury cars, my focus shifted to the unorganized and nascent pre-owned luxury car industry, opening doors to new challenges.”
- “In 2015, a conscious decision to transform Grapes Digital’s leadership model led to departmentalization, creating space for diverse leadership styles, and paving the way for the company’s autopilot mode by 2021.”
- “Starting Luxury Ride, I faced the unique challenge of a talent deficit in the pre-owned luxury car segment, where family-run businesses dominate, making finding trainable individuals a significant hurdle.”
- “Observing successful businesses, I’ve learned to stay open to new insights and perspectives, understanding that not everything requires my personal expertise, and seeking advice from experts can lead to innovative solutions.”
- “Conservative in my personal life but aggressively pursuing professional growth, my journey is defined by the joy I find in moving forward and driving the next level of success.”
- “From founding Grapes Digital in 2009 to acquiring a majority stake in Luxury Ride, my entrepreneurial journey reflects a constant drive to explore and conquer diverse business landscapes.”
- “Balancing 90% of my attention on Luxury, 10% on family, and the roots of my journey in a small town, I’ve embraced the ethos that entrepreneurship is the way forward for those seeking substantial success.”
- “As a first-generation entrepreneur, transitioning from a government job background, I faced skepticism, but the decision to pursue business in 2009 remains a testament to the belief that real success lies in the entrepreneurial path.”