The Birth of Aakritices: My Journey as a Young Entrepreneur and Artist

In 2013, driven by a passion for creativity and a desire to share my art with the world, I founded Aakritices. At just 18 years old, I embarked on this venture with the dream of turning my artistic passion into a business. Little did I know, this small-scale business would lay the foundation for my entrepreneurial journey and shape me into the person I am today.

The Genesis of Aakritices

Art has always been a significant part of my life. From a young age, I found joy in painting, drawing, and crafting. As a college student, I decided to take a leap of faith and transform my hobby into a business. The name "Aakritices" came from two words: "Aakriti," meaning shape or form in Hindi, and "interstices," which refers to intervening spaces. While it might sound a bit whimsical now, back then it perfectly encapsulated what the business meant to me. Aakritices was my way of filling the empty spaces in my day with something fulfilling and meaningful.

Juggling Studies and Business

Balancing Aakritices with my Chartered Accountancy (CA) studies and articleship was no small feat. The rigorous demands of my academic pursuits often left me with little time and energy to focus on growing my business. However, the drive to succeed and the joy I derived from creating art kept me going. Each painting, greeting card, scrapbook, and piece of paper craft was a labor of love, reflecting my dedication and passion.

Exhibitions and Workshops: Spreading Joy Through Art

One of the most fulfilling aspects of running Aakritices was the opportunity to connect with people through my art. I participated in various exhibitions, showcasing my paintings and handcrafted items. These events not only provided a platform to sell my creations but also allowed me to engage with art enthusiasts and receive valuable feedback.

In addition to exhibitions, I conducted art workshops for children. Teaching young minds and inspiring them to explore their creativity was an incredibly rewarding experience. Through these workshops, I realized the power of art to bring joy and foster connections among people. This realization motivated me to create unique, personalized gifts that made people feel special. Whether it was a handcrafted greeting card or a custom scrapbook, each creation was designed with love and thoughtfulness.

Lessons Learned and Seeds of Entrepreneurship

Running Aakritices was more than just a business endeavor; it was a profound learning experience. It taught me the importance of perseverance, creativity, and time management. Despite the challenges of managing my studies and business simultaneously, I gained invaluable skills that have been instrumental in my personal and professional growth.

Aakritices was the seed of my entrepreneurial journey. It ignited a passion for creating and innovating that continues to drive me today. Through this venture, I discovered my capabilities and learned to navigate the complexities of running a business. The experiences and lessons from Aakritices have been the cornerstone of my development as an entrepreneur.

Reflecting on the Journey

Looking back, I am grateful for the journey that Aakritices has taken me on. It was a time of exploration, creativity, and growth. The challenges I faced and the achievements I celebrated have all contributed to shaping the person I am today. While I had to pause my business to focus on my CA studies, the spirit of Aakritices lives on in my heart.

Today, as I continue to pursue my professional goals, I carry with me the passion and entrepreneurial spirit that Aakritices instilled in me. The journey of Aakritices is a testament to the power of following one's passion and the incredible growth that comes from embracing challenges and opportunities.

In conclusion, Aakritices was not just a business; it was a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. It allowed me to explore my creative potential, connect with people, and lay the foundation for my future endeavors. I am proud of what I achieved with Aakritices and excited for the future, knowing that the lessons and experiences from this venture will continue to guide and inspire me.

How to Successfully Manage a Project: A Guide to Effective Multitasking

 One of the most common questions I've encountered in interviews is, "How do you manage your day-to-day tasks?" or "How do you handle multiple tasks/multitasking?" As we advance in our careers, we increasingly take on managerial responsibilities in addition to our execution tasks. This shift can be daunting, but with the right strategies, it becomes manageable and even rewarding.

In my current role, my responsibilities include daily audit tasks, leading standups, coordinating with team members, managing the USI team (Deloitte's support team in India), client communication, coaching juniors, and addressing their queries. Managing all of this might sound overwhelming, but with a structured approach, it’s entirely feasible.

Here’s how I manage my projects successfully:

1. Observe and Learn from Seniors

To develop effective management skills, I began by observing how my seniors and managers handled their tasks. By noting their strategies and approaches, I started incorporating these practices into my daily routine. This gradual application of learned skills made the transition smoother and more natural.

2. Utilize a Tracker

The backbone of my project management approach is the use of a tracker. This is something we all prepare, but updating it daily and using it effectively is key. A tracker helps in keeping an eye on all tasks, deadlines, and progress, ensuring nothing falls through the cracks. It's a simple yet powerful tool to maintain organization and accountability.

3. Daily Standups and Regular Updates

Conducting daily standups and providing regular updates are crucial. These meetings help in aligning the team, discussing progress, and identifying any blockers early on. This practice ensures that everyone is on the same page and working towards common goals.

4. Prioritize Calls Over Emails/Chats for Important Discussions

When it comes to discussing critical matters, I prefer calls over emails or chats. Direct communication helps in quickly resolving issues, clarifying doubts, and making decisions more efficiently. It reduces the back-and-forth that often occurs with written communication.

5. Identify and Resolve Blockers

Proactively identifying potential blockers and taking the initiative to resolve them is essential. By addressing issues before they escalate, you can maintain project momentum and avoid delays.

6. Anticipate Team Needs

Thinking ahead about what your team might need assistance with is a proactive approach that pays off. By anticipating challenges and providing the necessary support or resources in advance, you can ensure smoother project execution.

7. Provide Proper Guidance

Offering clear and consistent guidance throughout the project is vital. This not only helps in achieving deadlines but also empowers your team members to perform their best. Coaching juniors and addressing their queries promptly fosters a collaborative and productive work environment.

8. Continuous Improvement

Constantly seek feedback and reflect on your management practices. What worked well? What could be improved? Learning and adapting are continuous processes that help you become a more effective project manager.

Conclusion:

Managing multiple tasks and projects successfully is a skill that can be developed with observation, structured planning, and proactive communication. By utilizing tools like trackers, conducting regular standups, prioritizing direct communication, and providing proper guidance, you can handle complex projects with confidence. Remember, the key to effective multitasking and project management lies in continuous learning and adaptation.

Key Takeaways:

- Observe and learn from experienced colleagues.

- Utilize and update a tracker daily.

- Conduct regular standups and provide updates.

- Prioritize calls for important discussions.

- Identify and resolve blockers proactively.

- Anticipate and address team needs.

- Provide clear and consistent guidance.

- Embrace continuous improvement.

By following these strategies, you can navigate the complexities of project management and achieve your goals efficiently.

Seizing Opportunities: My Journey with Deloitte’s Centre of Excellence

Last year, I embarked on an exciting journey by joining Deloitte, and it’s been a period of tremendous growth and learning for me. One experience, in particular, stands out as a testament to the importance of taking chances and believing in oneself.

Unaware of the exact procedures, I applied for a secondment through an internal departmental exchange email I received. This was for a position in the Centre of Excellence, focused on auditing share-based payments and EPS for audit clients. Initially, I applied on a whim without fully considering the steps involved. To my surprise, I received an interview call shortly after. This moment of realization hit me: whenever I approach interviews without the pressure of expectation, I tend to perform my best.

During the interview, the senior manager mentioned that my chances were slim due to my short tenure at Deloitte. Despite this, I approached the interview with full confidence. Internally, I was uncertain if this was the right opportunity for me. Seeking advice from my PEL, I was encouraged to pursue it if selected, albeit with the understanding that the departmental approval process would be rigorous.

The approval journey was indeed challenging. It involved discussions with various managers on the jobs I was allocated to and coordinating with allocation managers. I often wondered how I would manage responsibilities to both my current department and the new one. I addressed these concerns politely with the managers and left the outcome to time and luck.

A few days later, I received an email confirming my selection. This news brought a mix of happiness and confusion due to the complex approval process ahead. Nonetheless, I embraced the challenge and worked with two clients in this new department for several months. The learning curve was steep, but managing work as an expert, engaging with clients, valuation specialists, and team members, and meeting deadlines was incredibly fulfilling. The positive feedback I received underscored my achievements.

Reflecting on this experience, I’ve distilled several key lessons:

1. Take chances: Paths will create themselves.

2. Trust yourself: Believe in your abilities.

3. Keep learning: Continuous improvement is essential.

4. Communication is key: Effective communication is vital in the corporate world.

5. Ask questions early: Avoid repeated queries by understanding thoroughly initially.

6. Seize opportunities: Grab them as they come.

7. Embrace confusion: Sometimes, it can be a blessing in disguise.

8. Value feedback: It can work wonders, especially with supportive seniors.

This journey taught me the importance of stepping out of my comfort zone and embracing new opportunities. It reaffirmed that with confidence, clear communication, and continuous learning, one can navigate through complexities and achieve remarkable outcomes.