On June 20, 2024, Xcelerate 2024 in Chennai featured an inspiring keynote address by C.K Kumaravel, Co-founder and CMD of Naturals Salon & Spa. Kumaravel, known for his transformative approach to business and leadership, captivated the audience with his insights on accelerating growth and leveraging digital technology. Here are some key takeaways from his thought-provoking speech.
Dream Big, Believe in Yourself
Kumaravel began his address by emphasizing the power of dreaming big. Drawing inspiration from the book The Secret, he highlighted the core principles of “dream, believe, achieve.” “Big dreams are for big people,” Kumaravel asserted, urging the audience to envision expansive goals. He quoted Dr. Abdul Kalam, stating, “A real dream is one which does not allow you to sleep.” For Kumaravel, the foundation of success lies in nurturing grand aspirations.
Reflecting on his own journey, Kumaravel shared a pivotal lesson from his brother: “If you want to be successful in business and life, be unreasonable.” He explained that progress often stems from those who defy conventional limits, advocating for bold ambitions. “The size of your dream determines the size of your achievements,” he said. This philosophy is not just about aiming high but about embracing an expansive vision for the future.
Believe in Yourself: The Key to Success
Kumaravel’s second major point was the importance of self-belief. He recounted a personal revelation, saying, “You are responsible for your own life and your own success.” This realization marked a turning point in his career. He encouraged attendees to take ownership of their destinies and to reject external excuses for failure.
Drawing a parallel to Michelangelo’s creation of the statue of David, Kumaravel illustrated the concept of self-belief: “Within each one of you, there is an angel. Your life journey is to reveal that angel to this world.” He emphasized that believing in oneself is crucial, stating, “Even if the whole world doesn’t believe in you, if you start believing in yourself, nobody can stop you.” This self-confidence is a catalyst for achieving greatness and overcoming obstacles.
Embrace Digital Innovation and Adaptability
In the final segment of his speech, Kumaravel explored the role of digital technology in business growth. He pointed out that the 21st century, particularly for India, is characterized by rapid technological advancements and a youthful, aspirational population. “The digital revolution in India, from Aadhaar to UPI, has set benchmarks for the world,” he noted, highlighting the country’s leading position in digital innovation.
Kumaravel also discussed the importance of adaptability in the face of technological change. “AI will not take away jobs; humans who know AI will take jobs from those who don’t,” he asserted. He advised professionals to continuously learn and adapt, echoing Charles Darwin’s principle that “It is not the strongest or the most intelligent species that survive, but the one most adaptable to change.” In a world where technological disruption is constant, adaptability and ongoing learning are essential for sustaining success.
The Five D’s of Scaling Your Business
To conclude his address, Kumaravel shared a framework for scaling businesses, encapsulated in the “Five D’s”:
- Doing: Avoid being overly busy without purpose. “It is not important to be busy; it’s important to be busy about the right things,” he advised.
- Deciding: Focus on future-oriented decisions rather than dwelling on the past. “Do not use your intelligence to dissect the past; use it to construct the future,” Kumaravel said.
- Delegating: Effective delegation is crucial for growth. “Identify the right person for the job and then let them do it,” he recommended.
- Dropping: Make tough decisions about removing unproductive elements from your organization. “If someone is not contributing positively, have the courage to let them go,” he urged.
- Designing: Continuously design and redesign your strategies and goals. “Design your life and business with intention, and regularly review and adjust your plans,” he concluded.
Kumaravel’s keynote address at Xcelerate 2024 was a compelling blend of motivational insights and practical advice. His emphasis on dreaming big, believing in oneself, and adapting to technological changes provides a valuable blueprint for entrepreneurs and business leaders aiming to achieve accelerated growth in today’s dynamic environment.
Watch the full session here: https://youtu.be/EUnT3XSRxC8
