Nikhil Goyal, a serial entrepreneur, conservationist, investor and speaker, is versatile with diverse interests and accomplishments. Mr Goyal, the founder and CEO of Beyond Imagination Technologies, strives to tap into the boundless possibilities of blockchain and make a meaningful impact for clients, colleagues, partners, government bodies and communities. His Delhi-based blockchain-powered enterprise empowers businesses across various sectors to address real-world issues and remain relevant in the future by offering exciting and creative solutions.

With a wealth of entrepreneurial experience and a strong affinity for technology, Mr Goyal is dedicated to delivering innovative concepts and narratives through technological advancements and sustainability. His sharp business acumen has led to successful implementation of several notable projects, including manufacturing ventures in Bhutan and development of tech-enabled water solutions through E-Jal.

Mr Goyal holds a master’s degree in corporate communication from St Xavier’s College. Before embarking on his current venture, he spent years exploring various corporate roles and independent business ventures, including projects focused on water conservation.

In this new world of blockchain technology, Mr Goyal believes in creating impactful, realistic, viable and profitable change. One of the flagship products of Beyond Imagination is the BIT Web3 Application, an exceptional suite for record management that represents a significant leap in digital transformation of businesses.

Aside from his entrepreneurial endeavors, he is committed to giving back to the community. He has demonstrated this through his previous venture, E-Jal and continues to do so with the Web3 Club initiative. Through this initiative, he helps schools and colleges establish Web3 Clubs run by students. Leveraging the resources of BIT, these clubs offer opportunities for learning, professional growth, internships, employment, grants for promising ideas, hackathons, interactive sessions and more.

Mr Goyal’s contributions extend beyond his ventures as he also serves as an investor and mentor for numerous startups. Additionally, he has been invited to speak at national and international summits, sharing his insights and experiences.

When he is not working, Mr Goyal enjoys spending quality time with his family and friends. He is also an avid golfer, and his fondness for hilly retreats stems from his upbringing in the picturesque surroundings of Darjeeling.

Sharmila Chand meets up with Mr Goyal to understand his management principles and practices that have helped him build many successful ventures and inspire startups.

Your five management mantras

·       Clear communication: Effective communication is the bedrock of any thriving organisation. Transparency, active listening and clarity are paramount for building robust relationships and preventing misunderstandings.

·       Collaborative culture: Collaboration among team members leads to synergy and increased productivity. Encouraging cooperation, teamwork and knowledge sharing is crucial.

·       Well-being of the team: It is very important to value contributions of team members for development of an organisation.

·       Saying ‘no’: A leader has to learn to say ‘no’ when necessary, and this helps in maintaining focus and efficiency of an organisation.

·       Thinking big: The key to success is to think big and break down ambitious goals into smaller, manageable milestones.

A game that helps your career

During my leisure time, I enjoy playing golf, which has imparted several valuable lessons applicable to my role as a CEO in the blockchain industry. Golf has honed my strategic thinking, emphasising the importance of considering various factors before making a decision. It has also taught me risk management, helping me evaluate and navigate potential risks in my industry. Time management on the golf course has translated into effective time management in my work life, aiding in task prioritisation and organisation.

Turning point in your career

The turning point in my career arrived when I embraced collaboration and mentorship. Shifting from a focus on individual success to building a strong team and seeking guidance from experienced mentors propelled my career forward and led to the establishment of a successful company. This transition underlined the significance of collective wisdom and a supportive network in achieving greatness.

Secret of your success

The secret to our success lies in an unwavering commitment to innovation, prioritising customers’ satisfaction and maintaining an exceptional team. We foster a culture of creativity and continuous improvement, meeting evolving market demands while exceeding clients’ needs. Our dedicated, passionate and highly-skilled workforce drives our growth, adapting to the ever-changing business landscape.

Your philosophy of work

My work philosophy revolves around having the right team, the right partners, transparent communication and an unwavering commitment to never compromise on quality.

A person you admire

I draw inspiration from the calm and composed nature of my father, who, despite humble beginnings, continues to smile at the age of 70, believing in doing his part and letting the world work its magic.

Best advice you got

The best advice I have received is: Never compromise on quality, and learn to say no.

Your sounding board

My sounding board is my employees who help me navigate the complexities of being a CEO and make well-informed decisions for the company.

Your favourite books

One of my favourite books is Ikigai (by Hector Garcia and Francesc Miralles) as it delves into life, health and companionship, emphasising the importance of every aspect of life.

Your fitness regime

To stay fit, I engage in activities like swimming and walking with a preference for early-morning routines that also contribute to my mental well-being.

Your message on management to youngsters

Don’t stop thinking; think beyond imagination! Convert your passion into work.

How would you define yourself in one sentence?

I am a person who is a firm believer in energy, emphasising the importance of collaboration, quality and innovation in business, with a passion for continuous improvement.