Exploring the Balance Between Heritage and Modernity!
The journey of countless miles begins in the most unusual ways when aim replaces duties and prospects combine with a higher calling. In a place where the old and new clash, there is one amongst them boldly creating his lineage into his enterprise. Abhishek has not only transformed his family business into a legacy of excellence and community service but also raised the bar within the jewelry sector.
Underpinning his progress as a leader is an expansive view of what he believes the future holds. He envisions a picture that is full of ambition and compellingly optimistic, promising to elevate a storied brand into global prominence.
Abhishek Gilara is the Managing Director of Rambhajo’s, an over-century-old legendary name in the jewelry industry. His dream for 2024 is even bigger: to make Rambhajo’s the world’s #1 wholesale jewelry brand. The way Abhishek leads his company is a blend of ancient craftsmanship with modern ideologies, walking the line between respecting tradition and advancing into the future.
Beyond running a business, he is passionately dedicated to charity by funding orphaned children and teaching people from underprivileged backgrounds how to make jewelry. Through a multifaceted approach, he not only builds his business but also improves the overall community, making him a person of relevance in both spaces.
His journey is a tale of personal growth and strength against the historical lineage in which his family legacy has grown up in the jewelry industry.
Rising to prominence as the Managing Director of Rambhajo’s, he has not only embraced his role but has also redefined it, steering the company towards becoming a global leader in innovation and quality.
His story is marked by a profound commitment to social responsibility, where he combines business success with community empowerment. Through his leadership, he aims to uplift those around him, ensuring that the impact of his work resonates far beyond mere profits.
Let’s know more about his journey:
Visionary for Rambhajo’s in 2024
Abhishek Gilara, the Managing Director of Rambhajo’s, reflects on his unexpected journey to leadership within the family business. Initially pursuing various aspirations, he found himself dedicated to his father’s company, ultimately earning the role of Director due to his contributions and success.
Looking ahead to 2024, he envisions a robust and dynamic team to elevate Rambhajo’s to the status of the world’s premier wholesaler in the jewelry industry. At the same time, the company is already recognized as one of the largest players, his goal is to establish a benchmark in quality and innovation, positioning Rambhajo’s as a global leader. His ambition aligns with the company’s legacy of craftsmanship and commitment to preserving traditional jewelry-making techniques while embracing contemporary trends.
A Transformative Journey Through Adversity
For Abhishek, the year 2020 marked a pivotal moment in his career, profoundly influencing his personal growth and leadership style. As the COVID-19 pandemic brought the world to a standstill, he found himself confined at home, facing an abrupt halt to his meticulously planned routine. Rather than succumbing to the challenges, he harnessed his inner drive to turn this period into an opportunity for self-improvement.
Determined to make the most of his time, he crafted a list of achievable goals, focusing on two key areas: fitness and education. With guidance from his fitness mentor, he adhered to a rigorous exercise regimen through WhatsApp and live Zoom sessions. Simultaneously, he embraced the surge in digital education by enrolling in numerous online courses.
This commitment to personal development during a time of uncertainty not only strengthened him physically and mentally but also instilled a newfound confidence. The experience became a defining moment for him, shaping his leadership style into one characterized by bold decision-making and a commitment to continuous growth.
Balancing Tradition and Innovation
At Rambhajo’s, the core philosophy revolves around honoring tradition while embracing innovation. The company prides itself on its artisans, many of whom come from families that have contributed to its legacy for generations. To remain relevant in today’s dynamic market, Rambhajo’s continually analyzes trends within the jewelry industry and beyond, integrating these insights with their traditional styles.
This thoughtful fusion results in products that are not only innovative but also deeply rooted in heritage. The new designs reflect a commitment to modernity while preserving the essential elements of traditional craftsmanship that define the brand. This strategic balance enables Rambhajo’s to maintain a competitive edge while safeguarding the authenticity that distinguishes it in the marketplace. By merging time-honored techniques with contemporary trends, Rambhajo’s successfully navigates the complexities of modern business without compromising its rich legacy.
Supporting Orphaned Children and Social Responsibility
Abhishek’s passion for supporting orphaned children is deeply rooted in the values instilled in him from a young age. Guided by the teachings of spiritual gurus and the principles emphasized by his parents, he draws inspiration from his great-grandfather, a renowned philanthropist who selflessly donated 70% of his income to charitable causes despite not being wealthy. Revered as a god-like figure within the family, his legacy ignited Abhishek’s desire to give back to society, prompting him to take responsibility for 30 orphaned children and support them until they can become self-sufficient.
In addition to his personal commitment, he has integrated social responsibility into Rambhajo’s business model. He actively mentors and trains individuals from lower-income backgrounds in various jewelry-making skills, including the children of gatekeepers, drivers, and washermen. To date, over 400 individuals have benefited from this initiative, with many securing employment either within Rambhajo’s or at other organizations. Through these efforts, he not only honors his family’s philanthropic legacy but also fosters empowerment and opportunity within the community.
The Impact of Continuous Learning on Leadership
Continuous learning has profoundly influenced Abhishek’s approach to leadership and decision-making. Recently, he attended a two-day session with renowned coach Dr. Marshall Goldsmith, who imparted a simple yet powerful lesson: “Think simply.” A memorable incident occurred during a challenging technical issue at the factory, where experts struggled to find a solution. Leading the meeting, he recalled Dr. Goldsmith’s advice, encouraging the team to simplify the problem. Remarkably, within minutes, a team member discovered the solution, demonstrating the effectiveness of a simplified approach.
This experience exemplifies how his commitment to continuous learning has enhanced his ability to think productively and tackle challenges from fresh perspectives. The insights gained from various courses have not only enriched his professional capabilities but also contributed to his personal growth, making him a more effective leader and a happier individual overall.
Engaging with the Community Beyond Business
Abhishek actively engages with various communities outside of his business, including
- family and relatives
- the families of his employees
- trade organizations
- spiritual groups
- fitness communities
- educational networks from his courses
This engagement is vital to him as it fosters a connection to the broader human experience beyond the daily operations of his business.
After long work hours, it can be easy to feel mechanized; however, interacting with these diverse groups brings him joy and enriches his life. These connections allow him to smile, laugh, and learn from real-life experiences. Furthermore, these interactions help him remain grounded and provide valuable insights into his strengths and weaknesses. This understanding not only contributes to his personal growth but also enhances his professional development.
Role of Writing in Leadership and Personal Development
For Abhishek, writing has emerged as an unexpected yet powerful tool for understanding leadership and personal development. Although he never pursued writing intentionally, his experiences have shaped his perspective. Growing up with a mother who is a writer, albeit unpublished, instilled in him a deep appreciation for the written word.
Throughout his life, he has faced numerous challenges, rejections, setbacks, and hardships, but he has remained committed to addressing his weaknesses. He has consistently invested in his personal growth, initially through small purchases of books and courses and later through significant investments in self-development.
Writing has become his medium for sharing these valuable experiences and lessons. Through his books, he documents solutions to the challenges he has encountered, believing that these stories can inspire and assist others in achieving success across various aspects of life, just as they have empowered him.
Overcoming Leadership Challenges Through Continuous Improvement
Abhishek embodies a relentless pursuit of self-improvement, believing that each day presents an opportunity to become a better version of oneself. For him, the word “impossible” holds no weight, as his deep spirituality and faith in God reinforce his conviction that anything can be achieved.
One of the most significant challenges he has faced as a leader is fostering a culture of continuous improvement within his team. Instilling this mindset in others has proven to be a formidable task, particularly when the business is already thriving. However, after 25 years of dedicated effort, he has successfully cultivated a team that embraces this ethos.
Convincing individuals to adapt their ways was not easy, but today he takes pride in leading a world-class management team alongside skilled artisans who share his vision of creating innovative, first-of-their-kind products.
Vision for Rambhajo’s Over the Next Five Years
Rambhajo’s has proudly served over 850,000 clients across five continents for 103 years. While the company has numerous short-term goals, its ultimate vision extends beyond five years, aiming for lasting excellence in the industry. Abhishek emphasizes the importance of staying attuned to market changes, building a world-class team, and developing strategies that enhance client trust. He asserts that reputation is paramount, and he is dedicated to ensuring Rambhajo’s legacy continues to grow positively, solidifying its position as the best and largest in the field for generations to come.
Harmonizing Professional Commitments and Personal Life
Abhishek believes that work and personal life are inherently intertwined. He views his staff not merely as employees but as family, which enables him to blend his professional and personal responsibilities seamlessly. This familial perspective fosters a supportive environment, whether at home or in the office.
He maintains an extremely disciplined lifestyle, meticulously planning his day down to the second. Rising at 2:30 AM and retiring by 8:30 PM, he adheres strictly to the diet and guidance provided by his mentors. He is also mindful of the content he consumes what he listens to, watches, and speaks about. This level of discipline empowers him to manage all facets of his life without compromise. For him, following a strict schedule is essential for fulfilling his responsibilities effectively, ensuring that both his personal aspirations and professional commitments are met harmoniously.
The Influence of Indian Culture on Leadership
Indian culture significantly shapes Abhishek’s leadership style at Rambhajo’s. Influenced by various religions, he regularly visits temples, mosques, and churches, embracing their universal message of being a good human being. As a Hindu, he follows the teachings of his spiritual guru, which guide his actions in both personal and professional realms.
In the workplace, he instills these values in his team, believing that a guided and focused mind leads to productivity. This philosophy fosters an environment where team members are encouraged to align with their goals while maintaining a strong ethical foundation. By integrating cultural principles into his leadership approach, he not only enhances team cohesion but also reinforces the importance of integrity and compassion in business practices at Rambhajo’s.
Advice for Aspiring Leaders
Abhishek advises aspiring leaders to shift their focus from proving themselves to empowering others. By fostering leadership in those around them, they contribute to a more peaceful and fulfilling world. This mindset not only enhances individual growth but also strengthens the entire community within their industries.