Having completed his higher studies in the US and travelled around the world, experiencing the finest coffee, Rahul Aggarwal decided to launch Coffeeza in 2018. Coffeeza was set up to overcome limitations in convenient options in India to enjoy premium Barista-style coffee (like Espresso, Cappuccino, Latte), despite its growing demand.

Mr Aggarwal is on a mission to make break-time special for coffee lovers by offering premium and great-tasting coffee products that promise to deliver the most indulging cup every time. He aspires to leave a mark in the gourmet F&B space both in India and globally.

The Coffeeza chief earned his MBA from Babson College (globally ranked #1 for entrepreneurship), BSc from  Purdue University and has a rich cross-functional experience at his family business, spanning  multiple continents. His strengths are in the areas of entrepreneurship, strategy, team-building and marketing.

Mr Aggarwal resides in Goa with his wife and two daughters. He enjoys playing the guitar, loves working out and likes trying out different gourmet foods. Sharmila Chand meets up with the Coffeeza founder to get better understanding of how he runs his business.

What are your five management mantras?

·       Prioritise by focusing on important tasks.

·       Have an intelligent, capable team.

·       Learn to delegate.

·       Share your vision clearly with the team.

·       Keep costs under control.

Do you play any game which helps you in your work?
I do weight training, which helps me push my limits both physically and mentally. It has taught me the importance of patience, as results take time and consistent effort. It also reinforces the idea that you have to endure some discomfort or pain to achieve meaningful outcomes.

Would you share with us the turning point in your career life?
Leaving my family business and starting Coffeeza was a bold move, driven by my passion for coffee. It marked the beginning of an exciting journey as an entrepreneur.

What is your philosophy of work?
Work should bring satisfaction. Since work takes up a significant part of our lives, it is essential to find fulfilment in it. When work is satisfying, it not only makes your time and effort worthwhile but also enhances your overall well-being. Make sure that you find that sense of satisfaction in your work.

Is there any particular person that you admire?
I admire Bhavish Aggarwal, the co-founder of Ola, for his visionary approach. His determination to think big and execute on a grand scale is admirable. 

What is the best advice that you got?
Avoid diluting equity too early in business. It has helped me maintain control and ensured that my vision and efforts are preserved as the company grows.

How has your journey been so far? Are there any lessons learnt on the way?
It has been quite a challenging journey. One major lesson that I have learned is that entrepreneurship is not for everyone despite how easy and fashionable it may appear on TV shows. It is a tough and often lonely path that requires immense patience. There are many lows before you reach the highs, and you need courage and resilience to navigate through them. It often means sacrificing some of your mental peace. Generally, the odds are not in favour of start-ups. So, it is definitely not for the faint-hearted.

What are your favourite books, and why?
Who Moved My Cheese? helped me learn how to handle change and stay positive when things do not go as planned. It taught me how to adapt and succeed in new situations.

The Chimp Paradox explained how our emotions can affect our decisions. It gave me advice on managing emotions (the “chimp” part of my brain) to make better, more rational choices.

Both the books have greatly influenced how I handle challenges and work on self-improvement.

What is your fitness regime?
I work out about four times a week, doing weight training three days and cardio once. I also pay attention to what I eat by cutting down on sugar and increasing my protein intake. Meeting protein needs can be challenging in a vegetarian household, but I make it a priority.

How do you maintain calm and peace in stressful situations?
I like writing down my thoughts, it helps me clear my mind and manage stress. Otherwise, I talk it out with my wife or with the team to gain perspective.

What are your five business mantras for success?

·       Build a good team: Surround yourself with skilled, motivated people who share your goals. A strong team helps you achieve more and makes work enjoyable.

·       Have differentiated products: Offer products that are unique or better than what is already out there. This makes your brand stand out and build a loyal customer base.

·       Focus on markets that will bring scale: Choose markets with lots of potential for growth. Targeting these areas helps your business grow faster and reach more people.

·       Build good supplier relationships: Maintain strong connections with your suppliers. Reliable suppliers provide better quality, prices and timely deliveries, keeping your business running smoothly.

·       Invest in brand-building: Create a strong, recognisable brand. Good branding helps customers remember and trust you, leading to more business and loyalty.

What message on management would you like to give to youngsters?
Do not waste your time. It is easy to think that you have plenty of time to achieve your goals and that your time now is not worth anything. But time can pass by quickly. Rather than spending hours watching TV or scrolling through social media, focus on activities that contribute to your personal and professional growth. Use your free time to learn new skills (sports, instruments, etc) or on projects. You will set yourself up for success and avoid the regret of missed opportunities later in life.