"Do what you love and that will motivate you for decades to come": Nykaa CEO Falguni Nayar’s Advice To Early Career Professionals

Speaking at the annual convocation of IIM Ahmedabad, Nykaa CEO and self-made billionaire Falguni Nayar urged graduating students to take more risks early in their careers.

An alumnus of IIM Ahmedabad, Nayar started Nykaa at 50 and became a new entrant in the Hurun Global Rich List this year after her beauty e-commerce startup went public.   

Falguni Nayar speaking at 57th IIMA convocation - Image Credits: Swati P Mishra on Twitter

Along with taking risks, she advised young professionals to focus more on learning continuously instead of just chasing rewards.   

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"You are blessed to be entering a world which is now increasingly risk friendly. Spend the early years of your career taking the right risks and making some bold bets on yourself," Falguni Nayar said.   

Reflecting on her own life and the fact that she had decided to start Nykaa.com at the age of 50, Falguni Nayar said, "And remember, no matter what anyone says, it's never too late to start all over again".  

The convocation at IIM Ahmedabad was held on-campus after two years and the Institute was all decked up to bid adieu to the 584 students graduating this year.   

Watch the full video of the 57th Convocation of IIM Ahmedabad on YouTube

As they step out into their respective careers, Nayar reminded them of the importance of trusting their guts.   

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"Decision-making will not always be easy, and often there will be no straightforward answer," she said. "So, trust your guts to an extent, it will guide you well."  

Among the other luminaries present at the convocation was Kumar Mangalam Birla, the chairperson of the IIMA board of governors and the Aditya Birla Group.   

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