#masterstories

Webisode 4 of Season 1

Webisode 3 of Season 1

Masterpreneur India: Ravi Kiran of Friends of Ambition has joined us! Let the #twinterview begin! One choice an entrepreneur makes which is the most difficult?

Ravi Kiran: Many Indian entrepreneurs want to diversify too soon. Doing one thing [i.e. focus] versus doing many [i.e. risk reduction]. Losing focus in order to reduce risk is the riskiest thing to do. Another big issue: who do you hire as partner or co-founder? Friend or competent professional? Pragmatism. Idealism. It's not an OR debate. Try AND. Passion in entrepreneurship is overrated. It is important, but not enough.

MI: #Entrepreneurs, take note from a #Master himself! Now coming to the show, Ravi, how was your experience on it? #MasterStories

RK: Impressed by the confidence, focus and energy of the contestants. Was pleased with a nice representation of women entrepreneurs and many from #MiddleIndia. One surprise though: they were competing for a title, but very friendly with each other. At least three amongst the 14 semi-finalists had already raised venture funding. Like someone said going by the quality of the contestants, #India is in safe hands. All semi-finalists had a #BusinessWithPurpose. #MasterStories

MI: As the show progresses on CNBC Awaaz, hope to view the camaraderie, Ravi.

RK: Many contestants said they loved the experience as much as the possibility of winning the title.

MI: Certainly! Sometimes the journey is better than the destination. #MasterStories

RK: Agree 100%. Frankly, I feel I ended up learning as much as any of the contestants, if not more. Loved the fact that entrepreneurs didn’t look down upon social impact and mentoring.

MI: One major strength you think all entrepreneurs possess? #MasterStories

RK: Three: Being positive, optimistic, and energetic. That's why it was tough for jury to make a choice, both in semis and in the finals. Also all supremely confident #MasterStories

MI: Ravi, we’re sure viewers can't wait to watch this on the show as it unfolds. #MasterStories

RK: Hope so. So much to enjoy and learn #MasterStories

MI: Ravi, your best memory from the filming of the show? #MasterStories

RK: We, i.e. Friends of Ambition, ran a Growth Workshop during the Semi Finals. The interaction was electrifying. During the Growth Workshop, Friends of Ambition decoded #GrowthEngine as #BiasforGrowth and #EngineofExecution.

Petit contestant Neha Juneja of Greenway Grameen Infra was facing five tough judges during Semis. Someone removed the lectern and she stood without any support. A judge said 'give her a stool', but she said 'am fine'. My heart sank. Turned out Neha Juneja of Greenway Grameen Infra did very well, super confident. Another was when Kripal Singh of Roger Motors got emotional and touched Mr. Surinder Kapur's feet.

MI: Amazing #MasterStories, Ravi! Last question of the day for you. Your favorite contestant on the show?