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Hello to all you Leaders In Strategy! I’m Mike Harris and welcome back to the latest episode of my blog. Stepping outside your comfort zone can be daunting, but for Jeevan Punj, founder of Elite Hampers, it led to incredible success. This inspiring story, shared on a recent Leaders In Strategy Podcast, reveals the journey from a career in optometry to building a thriving business centred around thoughtful corporate gifting.
Jeevan is a winner of Theo Paphitis' Small Business Sunday award and a Woman Who Achieves award.
Join me as I provide highlights from my conversation with this remarkable business woman.
The Power of Personal Values
The podcast began with a powerful question: What mantra guides your life? Jeevan's response, "Comparison is the thief of joy," set the tone for a conversation about focusing on personal achievement rather than measuring success against others. This philosophy, ironically juxtaposed with the competitive nature of business, highlights Jeevan's belief in collaboration over competition.
I shared their own mantra: succeeding despite problems, not failing because of them – a sentiment Jeevan wholeheartedly agreed with, emphasizing the inevitability of challenges in the entrepreneurial world.
The Genesis of Elite Hampers: A Gift of Appreciation
Founded in 2021, Elite Hampers isn't just about gifting; it's about creating positive feelings and fostering genuine appreciation.
Jeevan's background as an optician, where she found immense satisfaction in helping people, played a crucial role in shaping her business. The pandemic, however, brought unexpected challenges, prompting her to explore new avenues and ultimately leading to the creation of Elite Hampers. This wasn't a simple transition; it was a leap of faith fuelled by a desire to create something meaningful and are cognition of her own untapped potential.
It's about creating positive feelings and genuine appreciation through thoughtfully curated hampers.
Transferable Skills and the Importance of Human Connection.
While Jeevan's technical skills from her optometry background weren't directly transferable, her exceptional interpersonal skills – honed through years of patient interaction – proved invaluable. The podcast highlighted how her ability to connect with people, deliver difficult news with empathy, and build rapport are crucial assets in her current business. This resonated with me & I shared my own positive experiences with Elite Hampers and the impact their gifts had on clients.
The conversation emphasized the critical importance of acknowledging people – both employees and clients – and avoiding a purely transactional approach to business. Jeevan's commitment to leaving a positive impression, focusing on how people *feel*, not just the products themselves, is a core tenet of Elite Hampers' philosophy. This was further illustrated by the anecdote of a healthcare system's impersonal approach, highlighting the vital role of kindness and human connection in any business.
Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Growth
Jeevan's journey wasn't without its hurdles. She openly discussed initial struggles with social media and the importance of acknowledging past achievements. The podcast showcased her effective LinkedIn presence and the powerful storytelling on the Elite Hampers website (elitehampers.co.uk), which humanizes the brand and shares Jeevan's personal motivation. This authenticity shines through, revealing her passion for creating positive work environments and her commitment to recognizing employees, as evidenced by the innovative birthday diary service she developed for businesses.
The conversation also touched upon the importance of stepping outside one's comfort zone. Jeevan shared her experiences with networking, self-promotion, and even a recent visit to the House of Lords – all activities that pushed her beyond her comfort zone but ultimately contributed to her growth. The podcast emphasized the power of breaking down large tasks into smaller, manageable steps, a strategy both Jeevan and I found effective.
The podcast concluded with valuable advice for aspiring and existing entrepreneurs:
1. Utilize local council resources: Check your local council website for business support and grants.
2. Harness the power of social media: Social media is a crucial tool for marketing and connecting with potential clients.
3. Remember your achievements: Regularly reflect on your progress and celebrate your successes.
4. Prioritize human connection: Focus on building relationships and leaving a positive impression on everyone you interact with.
Jeevan Punj's story is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and a willingness to embrace challenges. Her journey with Elite Hampers is an inspiring example of how a commitment to human connection and thoughtful business practices can lead to remarkable success.
Follow up:
Please let me know your thoughts on this blog. Have you been inspired by Jeevan’s story?
Where to find Jeevan & Elite Hampers:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeevanpunj
Website: https://elitehampers.co.uk/
Please let me know your thoughts on this blog. Have you been inspired by Jeevan’s story?
I’m really interested to hear what you have to say. You can message me directly on LinkedIn, which I love receiving your comments there and having great dialogue with you guys. Or you can email me directly on the company email address.
Mike Harris is an experienced business leader and founder & lead consultant at Strategus Consulting. With 40 years of experience, Mike offers a unique opportunity for readers to learn and grow as strategic leaders. He is also the host of the Leaders In Strategy Podcast, which can be found on Podbean, Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Podcast and YouTube.
The Leaders in strategy blog is brought to you by Strategus Consulting, a management consultancy that works with organisations and individuals to achieve their ambitions by focusing on their strategic plans and providing leadership, guidance & support.
