Maharjan, now in his early 40s, lives in Nevada. He has produced and hosted over 20 entrepreneur television series. He has even met former US President Bill Clinton and was invited by President Obama to the White House to be on the Jobs Council Roundtable. [break]
He is currently a regional champion for Startup America Partnership, the White House-launched, private sector-led initiative, to foster entrepreneurship. Recently, he published a book titled “Winning Lessons for Entrepreneurs in the Conceptual Economy” that has received good reviews in America.
BIJAY GAJMER
The Week’s Cilla Khatry met up with Maharjan to talk about his journey and his writing venture.
Excerpts from the interview:
Tell us about yourself and your journey.
I did my schooling at St Xavier’s in Kathmandu before leaving for the United States for my further studies. I studied engineering because back then it was almost a “norm” for Nepalis to take up medicine or engineering. I was fortunate enough to get good job offers after college because of my internship at Chrysler, the American automobile giant. After 2009, President Obama launched Startup America to foster entrepreneurship in every corner of America, and I’ve been actively involved in fueling entrepreneurship in Nevada.
I want to do something in Nepal, too, which is why I’m looking for ideas to invest in. I was also one of the producers of the movie “Highway.”
How difficult has your journey been?
During my internship at Chrysler, the company was going through a difficult time. They were in the process of a massive recall because of a faulty door part. The company was planning to replace the whole door which would have cost them a fortune. I came up with a solution through which we could replace only the faulty part – and it worked. This became a turning point for me. I got a lot of media attention and was offered a top position. In 2001, a company I had formed was selected as the startup company that was ahead of its time.
I’m a go-getter. I like doing what people tell me I can’t do, so I take everything as a challenge. That not only makes life interesting but makes everything seems less difficult than it actually is.
You have recently come out with a book. How was the experience of writing it?
I’ve been a reader much of my life, and I always wanted to write. In fact, I love to write. But for one reason or the other, I kept putting it off. You could say that work commitments got in the way. But then, I had so much I wanted to share that I thought I should write a book, and write it now. So I took a year off from work and focused solely on writing. But to be honest, when I started writing, I had no clue why I was writing it and how it would turn out. But I’ve come to realize that writing isn’t difficult if you truly want to tell your story.
Do you plan to continue writing? Do you have another book planned?
I have always been writing. Earlier, it was for a blog for entrepreneurs. I also had my own magazine. Now I’ve come out with a book. That’s the only difference.
“Winning Lessons for Entrepreneurs in the Conceptual Economy” is a simple and concise read. I had to shift through so much information in my head in order to stick to a particular issue and complete the book. There’s so much more that I still want to tell people and so many experiences that I have yet to share. So yes, I plan to continue writing and maybe I’ll work on another book too.
What are some of the attributes of a good entrepreneur and what is your mantra for success?
A good entrepreneur first needs to understand the market and the customers’ needs. You need to look at the problems and find innovative solutions. The sustainability of any company is related to the needs it caters to. Find a niche where you can add value and follow it with passion. I didn’t do anything for money but it followed as I pursued my passion. Having said that, I also believe an entrepreneur needs to keep the economic incentive in mind. There’s nothing wrong in making money, but you need to add value to the field you’re in along the way.
Do you see a scope of entrepreneurship in Nepal?
People here in Nepal have so many ideas. I’m always inspired when I meet young people here. I’ve always said that people in Nepal are as bright, if not brighter, as people in America. The reason they are still lagging behind is because they lack the platform and the motivation to bring their ideas to life. In the US, there’s an incubator system where people with ideas get to meet their mentors and financiers. Nepal too needs to have this system. Startup Weekend, a three-day event where people come in with ideas and can potentially walk away with companies, has been organized all over the world for quite a while now, and it has recently started in Nepal too. So that’s a hopeful beginning.
About Maharajan’s book
“Winning Lessons for Entrepreneurs in the Conceptual Economy” is a book aimed at entrepreneurs. The book, divided into 19 short chapters, mostly revolves around Maharjan’s corporate experiences. Presented along with case studies, personal anecdotes and Maharjan’s own experiences in the field, the book provides an insight to the challenges and opportunities that entrepreneurs will face in the new economy.
In the past few decades, the economy has undergone massive changes, and Maharjan had the chance to assess the changes under Peter Drucker, the legendary management guru’s mentorship. In the book, he presents his discoveries.
On Maharjan’s bookshelf
ee Iacocca, An Autobiography
Lee Iacocca is an American businessman who saved Chrysler in the 1980s. Iacocca’s life story is truly inspirational and there’s so much one can learn from his experiences. In the book, he talks about creating Mustang and the resurrection of Chrysler from near bankruptcy, among many of his other feats. I read the book when I was 10 years old – way before I moved to the United States – and it changed my thinking.
Audacity of Hope by Barack Obama
In the 2004 Democratic Convention, Obama gave a keynote speech entitled ‘The Audacity of Hope’ and the same went on to be the title of his second book. A political biography that focuses on his core values, the book encompasses many subjects that became a part of his 2008 campaign for presidency. He is a prolific writer, and this book that he wrote before his presidency is testimony to his exemplary drive.
Hang Tough by Grant Sawyer
Grant Sawyer was an American politician and former Governor of Nevada. He served two turbulent terms as Nevada’s governor and was an advocate of progressive change. A headstrong individual who showed the tendency to never back down of anything he believed in, Sawyer in his book gives a history of Nevada as seen through his eyes. The book will appeal to all those who have an interest in the history of a particular place.
Nonzero by Robert Wright
The title of this book, Nonzero, refers to the concept of the ‘non-zero-sum,’ which comes from game theory. Looking at human history through game theory can change your view of life. That’s the context of the book. The book is intelligent, engaging, erudite, not the least bit pretentious, and exceedingly well-written. There have been mixed reviews regarding this book but I believe it can change the way you view history and life.
The Pelican Brief by John Grisham
I read books by John Grisham whenever I want a thrilling read. I like courtroom dramas and I think Grisham is immensely good at recreating the same intrigue and anticipation that actually goes on inside one. Grisham practiced law for nine years, and you can see aspects of that training impressed in his writing. The Pelican Brief is the author’s third legal suspense thriller. It was also made into a movie starring Julia Roberts.
Follow Maharjan on twitter
@4entrepreneurs
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