Gaurav Sethi, the driving force behind Siolim Specialty Coffee Roasters, hails from Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, where his childhood was marked by a wide array of interests and pursuits. Whether it was excelling in track and field events, performing in political dramas or immersing himself in the intense world of hard rock music, Mr Sethi displayed a relentless energy and passion for everything he took on.

His journey into the professional world began with a strong foundation in hospitality management, which he pursued at IHM Goa. Eager to expand his knowledge and skill set, he pursued an MBA in HR management from NMIMS, which gave him deep insights into brand building and team management. His thirst for knowledge and specialisation in the coffee industry led him to earn the prestigious Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) certification in Bengaluru under the expert guidance of Sherri Johns. These diverse educational experiences laid the foundation for his unique approach to business – blending hospitality, management and coffee expertise seamlessly.

Early in his career, Mr Sethi took on roles that tested his mettle in the demanding hospitality industry. His time at JW Marriott taught him the importance of physical and mental endurance, as well as the art of balancing customer service with operational efficiency. Later, his role at Burger King, a high-pressure quick-service restaurant, sharpened his skills in managing operations and finances, while ensuring excellence under tight constraints. These experiences, though challenging, built in Gaurav a resilience that would later prove invaluable in the fast-paced coffee industry.

However, it was his first job with Coffee Day Global that truly cemented Mr Sethi’s deep connection with coffee. His work took him to coffee farms, where he had the unique opportunity to engage with farmers and understand coffee from its roots. This hands-on experience, learning directly from the people who grow the beans, gave him a newfound appreciation for the art of coffee cultivation and inspired him to take his passion to the next level.

Gaurav’s journey at Siolim Specialty Coffee Roasters has been nothing short of transformative. Starting out as a coffee enthusiast, he quickly rose through the ranks to become the CEO. His time at Siolim has allowed him to channel all his skills and knowledge into building a brand that champions transparency, sustainability and exceptional quality. Under his leadership, Siolim has grown into a respected name in the specialty coffee industry, with a mission to bring Indian coffee to the global stage.

At the heart of Siolim’s operations is Mr Sethi’s commitment to sustainability and ethical sourcing. He ensures that the brand works directly with farmers who practise environment-friendly and fair-trade methods.

In an engaging conversation with Sharmila Chand,
Mr Sethi spells out his management principles and practices that have helped drive his personal and professional lives to higher planes.

Your five management mantras

•          Clarity in vision: It is important to have a clear goal for yourself and your team to ensure that everyone is aligned and motivated.
•          Adaptability: The ability to adjust to changing circumstances keeps you prepared for any challenge.
•          Trust your team: Delegating tasks and empowering your team fosters collaboration and growth.
•          Make decisions based on data: Use facts and insights to guide your decisions, but stay open to instinct when necessary.
•          Never stop learning: Keep growing and evolving by learning from others and your experiences.

A game that helps you in your work

Yes, I enjoy playing chess. It is a game that requires strategy, planning and patience – all of which are essential skills in business. It also teaches you how to think ahead and manage risks effectively.

Turning point in your career
The turning point for me was stepping into a leadership role. It taught me to look beyond individual tasks and focus on building a strong, motivated team, while driving the larger vision of the organisation.

The secret of your success
Consistency and adaptability have been my biggest strengths. I focus on creating value, maintaining empathy in my approach and always staying open to new ideas.

Your philosophy of work
I believe that doing things with dedication and purpose leads to meaningful results. It is not about just completing tasks – it is about doing them with excellence.

A personality who has inspired you
I admire Ratan Tata for his ability to balance business success with social responsibility. His humility and forward-thinking approach are qualities I deeply respect.

Best advice received
“True success is about creating something meaningful and lasting.” This advice helps me focus on the bigger picture.

Your journey so far |
It has been a fulfilling journey filled with challenges and achievements. Every challenge has taught me resilience, and every milestone has reinforced the value of hard work and perseverance.

Your biggest takeaway

Stay patient, and keep learning.

Favourite books

•          The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho: A beautiful reminder to follow your dreams.
•          Good To Great by Jim Collins: It offers practical insights on building successful businesses.
•          Atomic Habits by James Clear: A simple and effective guide to creating lasting habits.

Your fitness regime
I try to stay active with a mix of Yoga and light workouts. Staying fit helps me maintain focus and energy throughout the day.

How do you maintain calm in stressful situations?
I practise mindfulness and take a moment to pause and breathe. Breaking problems into smaller steps also makes them easier to tackle.

Your five business mantras

•          Focus on customers: Understand their needs, and deliver value consistently.
•          Stay innovative: Keep improving and evolving with changing times.
•          Build a strong team: Success is a team effort; invest in your people.
•          Be financially wise: Manage resources carefully to ensure long-term success.
•          Stick to your values: Integrity and trust are the foundation of any lasting business.

Your message on management for youngsters 
Management is about leading with empathy and purpose. Stay curious, be open to learning, and always put people first.