Failure Taught Me More Than Success Ever Could: Entrepreneurial Lessons from Mr. Pankaj Motwani at IBCS, SOA University
Mr. Pankaj Motwani, Managing Director of Motwani Constructions, was cordially invited as the esteemed guest speaker at SCALERZ, the annual business school event hosted by the Institute of Business and Computer Studies (IBCS), Siksha ’O’ Anusandhan (SOA) University in Bhubaneswar. The event brought students together for a day of learning, collaboration, and inspiration. To inspire young minds and future entrepreneurs, Mr. Motwani graced the occasion and shared valuable insights on entrepreneurship and real-world business perspectives.
An Entrepreneurial Journey Built on Experience -
Drawing from over fifteen years of experience in real estate and hospitality, Mr. Motwani spoke about his entrepreneurial journey. He shared stories of his achievements as well as the lessons learned from challenging moments. This helped students gain a realistic understanding of what it takes to build a business with patience, resilience, and clarity.
His session was a thoughtful blend of personal anecdotes, practical guidance, and interactive discussions, designed to leave a lasting impact on aspiring entrepreneurs. He emphasised that entrepreneurship is more than just closing deals—it is about learning from experiences, handling setbacks, and creating systems that stand the test of time.
Lessons on Resilience and Learning from Failures: The Foundation of Entrepreneurship
Mr. Pankaj Motwani began his talk with an engaging discussion on failure. He immediately involved the students by asking them to share their experiences with unsuccessful projects or ventures. He highlighted that failure is not an exception but a fundamental part of every entrepreneurial journey. Each failure, he explained, brings valuable lessons, experience, and resilience. He encouraged students to view setbacks as opportunities to grow, analyse outcomes, and experiment with new approaches.
Following this, he then shared insights from his podcast conversations, emphasising the importance of learning from real stories and lived experiences. Students were encouraged to extract practical lessons from others’ journeys and apply them to their own entrepreneurial pursuits. This approach, he explained, helps build both perspective and confidence, especially for those at the beginning of their careers.
Six Guiding Principles for Entrepreneurial Success -
The core of his speech focused on offering a practical roadmap for aspiring entrepreneurs. He outlined six guiding principles that have shaped his own entrepreneurial success.
1) Decide Who You Serve — Obsess Over Them -
First, he stressed the importance of clearly understanding one’s audience. Knowing exactly whom you serve brings clarity to every business decision, from product design to pricing. For Motwani Constructions, this philosophy translated into building affordable, spacious homes rooted in trust.
2) Cashflow Is the Lifeblood of Any Venture -
Second, he highlighted the critical role of cash flow in sustaining a business. Regularly tracking revenue, margins, and short-term runway helps ensure long-term stability.Â
3) Hire for Learning, Not Titles -
Third, he advised hiring individuals who are eager to learn rather than just focusing solely on titles or qualifications. While skills can be developed, adaptability and a willingness to evolve are rare traits that fuel sustainable growth.
4) Systems Beat Charisma -
The fourth principle focused on building strong systems instead of relying on individual charisma. A great idea or pitch, he noted, cannot replace structured processes that ensure consistency and customer satisfaction.
5) Design for Trust -
Fifth, he spoke about the importance of designing businesses around trust. In real estate, transparency and visible quality checks play a vital role in building long-term customer relationships.
6) Be Comfortable with 1% Improvements -
Finally, he encouraged focusing on small, consistent improvements. Even a one-percent improvement each week compounds over time, leading to meaningful progress across teams and projects.
A Session Rooted in Action, Reflection, and Motivation -
Mr. Pankaj Motwani concluded the session by urging students to take immediate action.
He asked them to identify one failure from the past year, analyse it honestly, share it with someone they trust, and test a small improvement within the next 72 hours. He emphasised that real success is built through consistent effort and reflection, not through planning alone.
Mr. Motwani’s session stood out as a masterclass in experience-driven learning, practical wisdom, and motivation. Students walked away with renewed purpose, inspired to embrace failures, learn from every experience, and take their first confident steps toward meaningful entrepreneurship.
The event once again highlighted the commitment of IBCS, SOA University, to nurturing future leaders. By inviting industry experts like Mr. Pankaj Motwani, the institute continues to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world business challenges, empowering students to pursue their ambitions with confidence.
