"Don't do anything mediocre." This advice, imparted by his own mentor, has been a guiding principle for Sunny Dasgupta throughout his remarkable career.
A scientist and international business consultant with experience across the US, Dubai, Canada, and India, Dasgupta has spent decades helping leaders in Tech, Finance, and Healthcare bring groundbreaking innovations to the market. This journey forged a philosophy within him, one he eloquently captures as, "Rivers of Life: How I came to flow with life, not against it." This belief in adapting to change and navigating complexity guided by intuition is central to his work as a mentor with the Centre for Entrepreneurship’s (CfE) Venture Mentoring Service (VMS), where he inspires aspiring entrepreneurs to forge their own paths with a clear sense of purpose.
Mentorship, in Dasgupta's eyes, transcends mere advice-giving. It's about cultivating a bond, a "sacred relationship" rooted in trust and empathy. A mentee's success becomes a mentor's own reward. "Selflessness and unwavering dedication – these are the hallmarks of a true mentor," he emphasizes.
Having launched his own venture in 2015, Dasgupta brings invaluable experience to his mentorship role. “I am able to put myself in their shoes,” he says, understanding the unique pressures his mentees face.
He champions a path of excellence and innovation, urging mentees to break free from default conventional thinking. He believes true innovation stems from trusting one's intuition and resisting the urge to conform. This, he asserts, is key to unlocking groundbreaking innovation and developing an entrepreneurial mindset. He encourages his mentees to cultivate self-awareness, risk-taking, and laser-focused thinking – qualities crucial for navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship.
One of the most valuable lessons he imparts? "Find a great mentor, and once you have found one, listen to them." He emphasizes the importance of active listening and open dialogue to truly benefit from the relationship.
"The VMS program's emphasis on building strong mentor-mentee relationships resonated with me," he explains. "I was drawn to the opportunity to make a meaningful impact by supporting entrepreneurship."
His dedication to mentorship has not only impacted his mentees but also inspired his own growth. "I've come to richly appreciate the value of humility," he reflects, inspired by a mentee's continuous pursuit of growth despite their already impressive achievements.
Dasgupta views programs like VMS as vital to the future of entrepreneurship. By connecting aspiring innovators with experienced guides, VMS cultivates a dynamic environment where individuals can transform their visions into tangible realities. This, he believes, not only drives innovation today but also empowers future generations to navigate the evolving landscape of entrepreneurship.
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Feeling inspired? Learn more about the Venture Mentoring Service. Recruitment of mentors and mentees for the next cycle of the program will begin in Spring 2025 – stay tuned for more details!