Shivam Bhagat is the ninth-generation entrepreneur at the helm of Bhagat Halwai, a revered legacy food brand of Agra with a 200-year history. An alumnus of St Andrews School in Agra and St John’s College, Mr Bhagat began his professional journey in his family business at the tender age of 16 and has been scaling it up for the past 16 years.

The young entrepreneur has been continuously upholding Bhagat Halwai’s legacy of taste, quality and tradition. He has seamlessly fused traditional values with a modern outlook, positioning the brand vibrantly in the contemporary market.

Under his dynamic leadership, Bhagat Halwai has reached new heights. With over 150 sweets and savouries, the company has been ensuring that there is something for every palate. His mission is clear: To offer a delectable experience to epicures, blending tradition and innovation to forge lasting memories and enrich the centuries-old legacy of Bhagat Halwai.

Beyond the bustling business world, Mr Bhagat finds solace in unwinding through travel, reading and writing about the culinary delights that form the heart of Bhagat Halwai, writes Sharmila Chand after an enchanting conversation with the young entrepreneur.

Your five management mantras

·       Embrace tradition, innovate continuously: Respect the legacy, but never stop evolving. Innovation is the bridge between our rich heritage and the future.

·       Customer-centric approach: Every customer is a part of our legacy. Their experience is our priority.

·       Sustainable growth through quality: Quality is the heart of our brand. Sustainable growth comes from unwavering commitment to excellence.

·       Foster a culture of learning and adaptability: In a world of constant change, learning and adaptability are our strongest allies.

·       Authentic leadership: Lead with authenticity and integrity. Our actions reflect our values and shape our legacy.

A game that helps your career

I don’t play any specific game, but I enjoy spending quality time with my family and playing with my kids. This helps me refresh my mood and reduces work stress, allowing me to focus better on my tasks. Spending time with my family teaches me important life lessons about balance, prioritising relationships and finding joy in simple moments. It reminds me that work is essential, as is nurturing personal connections and taking breaks to recharge.

Turning point in your career life

The turning point in my career came during COVID-19 pandemic, a time that taught me invaluable lessons about business and life. The challenges and uncertainties pushed me to adapt quickly, innovate and rethink my approach to work. I gained a deeper understanding of resilience, flexibility and the importance of staying connected with both my team and customers. This period of intense learning and growth profoundly shaped my professional outlook and strategies.

Secret of your success

My success lies in believing in myself and continually evolving and learning as time progresses. By trusting in my abilities and remaining open to acquiring new knowledge and skills, I can navigate challenges and seize opportunities. This combination of self-confidence and adaptability fuels my growth and enables me to achieve my goals.

Your philosophy of work

My philosophy of work centres on the belief that there are no shortcuts to long-term success. Before undertaking any task, I prioritise having a clear vision and purpose, ensuring that every effort aligns with broader goals and aspirations. By focusing on the bigger picture and taking deliberate steps towards it, I strive for sustainable growth and meaningful outcomes in my work endeavours.

A person you admire

Two individuals who deeply inspire me are my father and my wife. From my father, I have learnt the invaluable lesson of perseverance and resilience. His unwavering determination and refusal to give up, even in the face of adversity, have instilled in me the belief that perseverance can overcome challenges. Similarly, my wife’s disciplined approach to life has taught me the importance of setting clear goals and adhering to a structured path. Her commitment to discipline has shown me that consistency and determination are essential for achieving predetermined goals in life.

Best advice you got

The best advice I received is to always do whatever makes me proud and happy. This simple yet profound guidance helps me stay true to myself and find joy in my pursuits.

Your favourite books

Two of my favourite books are Believe In Yourself by Joseph Murphy and You Are Born To Blossom by A P J Abdul Kalam. These books inspire me with their powerful messages of self-belief and personal growth, encouraging me to strive for excellence and unlock my full potential.

Your fitness regime

I maintain my fitness by finding balance between gym workouts and Yoga sessions, ensuring that I approach both activities in moderation.

A message on management and business operations to youngsters

To the youngsters aspiring in management and business operations, I would emphasise the importance of learning continuously, embracing innovation and cultivating resilience. Remain open to new ideas, stay adaptable to change, and never underestimate the power of networking and building solid relationships. Remember, success often comes from hard work, perseverance and a willingness to learn from the situations and consequences.

Your five business mantras for success

·       As the owner of Bhagat Halwai, I believe in five essential mantras for success in business, which are as follows:

·       Transparency with consumers: Building trust with our customers is paramount. By being transparent about our products, processes and pricing, we establish credibility and foster long-term relationships. This transparency also allows us to address proactively any concerns or issues and maintain customers’ satisfaction.

·       Analysing the manufacturing process and quality check: Constantly assessing our manufacturing processes ensures efficiency and consistency in our products. Quality checks at every stage guarantee that only the finest ingredients are used, resulting in high-quality products that meet or exceed customers’ expectations.

·       Welcoming customers’ feedback: We value the opinions of our customers as they are the backbone of our business. By actively seeking and listening to their feedback, we gain insights into their preferences, enabling us to tailor our products and services to better meet their needs. This continuous improvement loop not only strengthens customers’ loyalty but also makes our customers feel valued and integral to our success.

·       Open communication within the team: Effective communication among team members fosters collaboration, innovation and a shared sense of responsibility. Encouraging an environment where ideas are freely exchanged and feedback is constructively given and received empowers our team to work cohesively towards common goals.

·       Adaptable to changes in the market landscape: The business landscape constantly evolves, and staying agile and adaptable is essential. We can anticipate changes and pivot our strategies by monitoring market trends and consumers’ behaviour. Embracing innovation and being willing to harness positive changes ensure that our business remains relevant and competitive in dynamic market conditions.