Gaurav Mavi, the dynamic co-founder of the BOP Group, has been the driving force behind his real estate venture’s remarkable growth. An MBA in finance and marketing from the Indian Institute of Planning & Management (IIPM), Mr Mavi has now spent over 15 years in the real estate sector, seeing its ups and downs with equanimity.

From pioneering new financing options in 2007, Mr Mavi helped turn BOP into one of India’s leading real estate companies in 2014. Under his guidance, BOP introduced groundbreaking payment structures for affordable housing in 2018, expanding homeownership accessibility. The company serves esteemed clients like the Gaurs Group, Migsun, Bhutani Infra, Jaypee and many others. Leading a team of more than 500 professionals, Mr Mavi has consistently expanded BOP’s horizons over the years.

BOP’s inception filled a void in the country’s real estate consultancy. Recognising the lack of professionalism in the field, Mr Mavi and his team established BOP not just as a consultancy but as an entity that elevates industry standards through education.

Beyond working hours, Mr Mavi’s passions extend to DJing and biographical books like the Wings of Fire by A P J Abdul Kalam. These interests infuse his leadership style with creativity, rhythm and a love for learning. He values work-life balance, blending dedication with a rich personal life.

Mr Mavi’s leadership is rooted in integrity, client-centricity, adaptability and innovation. These principles define BOP’s ethos. He draws inspiration from real estate and business visionaries, pushing boundaries and redefining the consultancy sector.

Mr Mavi advises aspiring real estate professionals to embrace hard work for financial rewards and leverage technology for success in this dynamic sector. In an informal conversation with Sharmila Chand, Mr Mavi talks about his work philosophy, management and much more.

What are your five management mantras?

·       People are different, not difficult. You have to treat different people differently.

·       There is nothing impossible in this world. What we can think, we can achieve.

·       Do not discuss problems, discuss solutions.

·       Welcome a change as an opportunity for growth. Adaptability is the key to resilience.

·       Lead by example, inspire with actions, and empower others to shine.

Do you play any game which helps you in your work?

While traditional games are not part of my routine due to time constraints, I find solace and inspiration in DJing. The rhythms of house and techno music serve as my comfort zone, offering a much-needed escape from the pressures of work and fuelling my creativity.

Would you share with us the turning point in your career?

The COVID-19 pandemic was a pivotal moment in my career. Faced with unprecedented challenges, we began on a journey of reinvention, rebuilding our team and strategies from the ground up. From 500 employees, we almost reached a point where we had less than 50 team members left with us. Despite the adversity, it was a period of profound growth and resilience, as we rebuilt BOP and laid the foundation for a brighter future.

What is the secret of your success?

My success is rooted in a mindset of perpetual growth and humility. I never rest on my laurels, always striving to learn, evolve and improve. It is this insatiable hunger for excellence that propels me forward on the path to success. I have time and again reiterated that you can only be successful when you think you are not. To rest or to take things for granted is not the trait of a winner and should not be inculcated.

What is your philosophy of work?

At the core of my work philosophy is a belief in the power of karma and the importance of focusing on the journey, not just the destination. By approaching each task with integrity, passion and an emphasis upon excellence, I trust that success will naturally follow.

Is there any particular person you admire who has inspired you?

I am a big admirer of Elon Musk. His journey with SpaceX serves as a source of inspiration for me. Despite facing numerous setbacks and challenges, his self-belief and resilience propelled him to success. After a couple of failures with falcon launches initially, he had put in all his money on the third launch, and if that would have failed, SpaceX and Mr Musk would have gone bankrupt. Finally, it turned into a success, as the rocket landed perfectly. It is an ode to the power of perseverance and the importance of never giving up on your dreams.

What is the best advice you got?

The best advice I received was that life is as simple as we make it. Our outlook and actions shape our reality, so make sure you think right.

Who is your sounding board?

My brother, Amit Mavi, plays a crucial role as my sounding board, offering invaluable support, guidance and perspective. His belief in me fuels my confidence and inspires me to push beyond my limits.

What are your favourite books and why?

I am drawn to books like The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People (Stephen Covey) and Winning (Jack Welch & Suzy Welch) for their profound insights into personal development and leadership. These books offer practical strategies and inspiring stories that resonate deeply and guide me on my journey of growth and success.

What is your fitness regime?

Fitness is a non-negotiable aspect of my life, and I prioritise it by hitting the gym at least five days a week. Beyond physical health, exercise boosts my mental clarity and resilience, ensuring that I am always at my best, both personally and professionally.

What are your five business mantras for success?

·       Strive for innovation and adaptability. Change is the fuel for growth.

·       Build trust through integrity and transparency. Remember, strong relationships are the cornerstone of success.*View failure as a stepping stone to success. Every setback is an opportunity to learn and grow.

·       Nurture a culture of excellence, and never settle for mediocrity.

·       Lead with empathy, inspire with actions, and empower others to reach their full potential.

What message on management would you like to give to youngsters?

To the young leaders of tomorrow, remember that success is not measured by speed but by the impact and value you create. Focus on quality over quantity, and let your passion and dedication shine through in everything you do. Moreover, work is only done when it is done. So, focus upon the finishing line, no matter what.