Kochi: Speaking at the Inspiring Entrepreneurs: The Big Kerala Stories session held as part of the Summit of Future, hosted by Jain University, Kochi, Mithun Chittilappilly, Managing Director of V-Guard Industries, reflected on the challenges of taking charge of a family business with a long-standing legacy. He said that competing with larger companies was initially daunting and that adapting to an organization with deep-rooted traditions posed its own set of challenges. However, he emphasized that cultural transformation was essential in today’s rapidly evolving, technology-driven business environment. Chittilappilly noted that driving change became significantly easier due to the open-minded and progressive team he worked with, enabling the company to modernize while preserving its core values.
Suchitra Menon, Director and CEO of WFB Baird & Company India Pvt. Limited, encouraged aspiring women entrepreneurs not to limit themselves, stating that women are equally capable of balancing professional careers and family life. She emphasized the importance of seizing opportunities when they arise, noting that she pursued every opportunity that came her way with determination and confidence.
Echoing similar sentiments, Mithun Chittilappilly spoke about the evolving mindset of today’s generation, highlighting that failure is now more widely accepted as part of the entrepreneurial journey. He observed that in earlier generations, failure was often viewed negatively, whereas today it is seen as a learning experience. Addressing the audience, he encouraged young entrepreneurs not to hesitate when opportunities to start a business present themselves, stressing the need for courage and self-belief.
Supporting this view, Suchitra Menon added that Kerala provides a conducive environment for entrepreneurship, citing the strong sense of community and collaborative work culture across the state. The session was moderated by Prof. Dr. K. Sreekumar.
For More Details 7034044141
