New Delhi: In 2015, when the story was written, Gaurav Munjal, the co-founder and the CEO of Unacademy, was just starting with his start-up. He was attempting to create a meaningful thing in the realm of online learning. He was then interested in meeting Deepinder Goyal, the founder of Zomato to seek his advice. However, when he made the call Goyal responded immediately and in a way that surprised him,
“Kyon milna hai yaar? Dhandha banao, Which means Why meet? Go build your business.”
The message was harsh, but Gaurav did not receive it in a negative manner. Rather, he chose to continue trying. He would write an email or a message to Deepinder every week hoping to have a few minutes of his time. He could not have a long meeting, but at last he managed to get a short one. However, at that, things did not go as intended, Goyal happened to be in a foul mood that day and the meeting took place in a matter of ten minutes.
In that fast discussion Deepinder said one thing, which Gaurav has never forgotten. He replied, Grow a per cent a day. All other things are minor compared to this. That few lines, though only a few, made a profound impression upon Gaurav. It showed him that success would not always be the result of big steps or big plans, but small ones made on a day to day basis.
This philosophy was later incorporated in the growth journey of Unacademy as disclosed by Gaurav. He and his team began to work on the incremental level, rather than take everything in an action at the same time. The concept of 1 percent growth rate daily gradually assisted Unacademy to become one of the largest education platforms in India. What appeared to be a simple suggestion, happened to be a lesson of a lifetime.
With time Gaurav and Deepinder came into contact with each other on various other occasions and they became even more attached to each other. Deepinder, who had earlier told Gaurav that he did not want to meet in the first place, turned into one of his greatest mentors. Gaurav even said that he has known a million things about leadership, discipline and patience as taught by Deepinder. He adds that with each talk with him, he would learn something new regarding the creation of a long-term company.
People applauded both of them, Gaurav when he shared this story online because of his persistence and Deepinder because of his wisdom. Their story inspired many young entrepreneurs, who understood that honesty and not comfort is the key to finding a real mentor. The most appropriate advice is sometimes un-sweeted and direct and to the point.
Another book mentioned by Gautama was called Unseen, where Deepinder Goyal and the path of Zomato were told. He claimed that when he listened to Deepinder, he was able to hear what would benefit him in his life, and it could benefit others as well in this book.
