You are a genius. You have talent. You have an innovative and disruptive idea. What is more, you established a startup that you have turned into a business. However, you also have this constant thing at the back of your mind nagging you: Why is your business not successful? Why you are not a successful entrepreneur or a business leader?
Or you are a professional and you find yourself wondering, “Am I on the right track? Am I living up to my fullest potential? Can I become the next best inspiring professional leader?” You know you can, but you don’t know ‘How’.
All you need to know now is Saurabh Agrawal, one of the most admirable mentors of the current era.
A Visionary Thought Leader
Saurabh is a distinguished leader in the IT industry, currently overseeing strategic growth initiatives for TCS’s government clients. With extensive global experience across various business sectors, he has consistently demonstrated an ability to inspire teams and drive exceptional performance. Saurabh is known for his dynamic leadership, blending deep industry knowledge with a relentless drive for excellence. His exceptional interpersonal skills make him a trusted and respected figure among clients, peers, and team members alike. Regularly invited to speak at national and international forums, Saurabh shares his insights on current industry trends, the future of business strategy, and other critical topics shaping the global business landscape.
It is no wonder then with a track record of delivering innovative solutions that consistently exceed client expectations and achieve cost savings, Saurabh is an ‘Award-Winning Certified Mentor’. His expertise spans Business Strategy, Large Program Management, and Operational Excellence, making him a sought-after mentor in the industry.
As a LinkedIn Top Community Voice across six key communities, including Strategy, Leadership and Mentoring, Saurabh’s influence extends far beyond his immediate professional circle. “This recognition fuels my passion,” he says. This Invitation-only recognition is reserved for a select few LinkedIn members and for Saurabh, it adds a layer of credibility to his mentoring efforts. “Being acknowledged as a LinkedIn Top Voice in Mentoring and Coaching allows me to share my expertise more widely and connect with like-minded professionals,” he adds. Through this platform, Saurabh has the opportunity to engage with individuals from diverse professional backgrounds, providing guidance and support across the ecosystem. “People approach me from various professional strata,” he notes, underscoring the broad impact of his mentorship.
The Genesis of a Mentor
As fascinating as Saurabh’s credentials are, the making of this mighty mentor is also an enchanting tale. It began nearly two decades ago, when he first took on the responsibility of guiding his team in their professional development. “At that time, I was relatively young myself, but I was committed to helping each individual grow by leveraging their strengths and identifying areas for improvement,” he recalls.
Through a series of one-on-one sessions – both formal and informal – he began to see tangible improvements in his team’s performance and outlook. The most rewarding aspect was their recognition of the benefits they were gaining from this guidance. What started as informal advice for a small group gradually evolved into a structured and mission-driven mentoring process. “Over time, our sessions became more formalized, and we started tracking progress with greater rigor,” Saurabh reflects.
Insights from Experience
A keen observer of the changing tides, Saurabh has witnessed the significant evolution of mentoring, shaped by factors such as the mentees’ backgrounds, age, profession, and gender. “In the past decade and a half, the way we connect socially and respond to various situations – be they financial, social, personal, or professional – has changed dramatically, largely due to the influx of information from social media,” he observes. Today’s mentees often come armed with pre-researched information and clearer expectations. Saurabh believes that a mentor’s role now includes managing and channeling this information effectively. Additionally, mentoring has expanded beyond the traditional one-on-one model to include group sessions, provided that the groups share similar goals and backgrounds.
Mentoring Start-Ups: A different Ball Game
The startup ecosystem has evolved significantly over the years. Recalling his early days working with startups, Saurabh says, “When I began mentoring startups around eight years ago, many entrepreneurs had brilliant ideas but lacked the essential knowledge to grow and manage a business.”
At the time, many startup founders were unfamiliar with fundamental concepts like finance, product positioning, demand creation, and marketing. “For many, marketing was synonymous with Instagram promotions and influencer collaborations—that was it,” he shares.
Saurabh worked closely with founders to identify critical pain points and develop targeted solutions. “I leveraged my professional and social networks to assist these startups,” he notes. While today’s founders are better informed, Saurabh believes they still often lack practical exposure, underscoring the continued importance of mentorship.
Mentoring Vs Coaching: A Nuanced Approach
Saurabh’s approach to mentoring is both compassionate and flexible, tailored to the unique needs of each individual. He notes that while mentoring and coaching are sometimes used interchangeably in the corporate world, they differ in their approach, process, duration, and frequency. “Coaching is typically shorter duration with more frequent sessions, while mentoring is longer-term with more flexible,” he explains. Saurabh emphasizes that both disciplines rely on trust, confidentiality, respect, and effective communication to foster motivation, confidence, and performance. “My focus is on outcomes, rather than strictly adhering to a template. Purists may not agree, but I tailor my sessions to the participants’ needs,” he asserts. For Saurabh, mentoring is pure passion driven by a deep commitment to seeing individuals succeed.
The Crucial Aspect
Saurabh also highlights the importance of employer support for mentors, particularly those who are full-time employees. “My organization, for example, provides a robust platform for mentoring and coaching, including access to internationally recognized certification programs. Our online portal is a crucial conduit between the mentees and the mentors tracking progress in real-time, and enhancing overall outcomes,” he says. This supportive ecosystem is instrumental in amplifying the impact of mentoring efforts.
The Secret to Success
Apart from his mentoring, coaching, and everything in between, Saurabh also volunteers for several professional and social organizations. The secret sauce of success, according to Saurabh, is effective time management and his motivation for these affiliations. “I am actively involved with several professional and social organizations, which contribute to my growth and provide opportunities to give back,” he says.
As an elected member of the National Council of the All India Management Association (AIMA), Saurabh serves on the expert mentor panel, which includes several industry leaders. Through this platform, he mentors young professionals and entrepreneurs from around the world under the aegis of the Young Leaders Council (YLC). As a patron of the Computer Society of India (CSI), he engages with IT professionals, academicians, and students nationwide. Saurabh also sits on the advisory boards of several colleges and universities. “It’s incredibly fulfilling to work with these institutions and make a meaningful impact,” he says. His work with NGOs supporting underprivileged children brings him immense personal satisfaction, a passion that he attributes to his parents, who were dedicated social workers.
The Message
Finally, his message to aspiring mentors is simple yet profound: “Be empathetic and listen.” These qualities, he believes, are not only essential for effective mentoring but also for becoming a better human being. He also emphasizes the importance of continuous learning. “Mentoring is a two-way street where both the mentor and mentee grow through the process. Embrace the diverse perspectives your mentees bring and use these experiences to expand your understanding and approach. Effective mentoring requires adaptability and a commitment to ongoing improvement,” he says. Saurabh concludes with a reminder of the significant impact that mentoring can have: “The guidance and support you provide can profoundly shape someone’s career and life, creating a ripple effect that extends far beyond the immediate mentoring relationship.”
