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Uncertainty is a constant challenge when it comes to starting a business, something Gush Mundae, founder and CEO of London-based branding and creative agency Bulletproof, knows firsthand.
Drawing on his experience as an immigrant, he navigates the business environment with resilience and creativity, and in this interview, Entrepreneur UK explores how Munday stays focused amid inevitable market fluctuations.
Finding focus amidst chaos
Munday’s journey began when he moved from Delhi to London at the age of five, a change that gave him an outsider’s perspective.
“I always felt a bit like an outsider when I moved to a new country,” he recalls, “but now, in times of turmoil, I’m relying on my immigrant mindset.”
It’s a reminder to entrepreneurs that hard work is crucial and that success can occur even in difficult circumstances. Gash founded Bulletproof in 1998 with £2,000. It’s now valued at more than £55 million and counts the likes of Coca-Cola and Mondelez among its clients.
“Starting from scratch means there’s no Plan B,” he emphasizes. This reality helps him focus on his priorities and he often turns to writing to clarify his thoughts.
Nature plays an important role in his creative work: connecting with nature not only calms him but also inspires him in difficult times.
“I solve my problems in nature,” Munday explains. “Walking helps me clear my mind and refocus on the task at hand.”
Turning chaos into opportunity
One notable example of Mundee’s ability to turn disruption into opportunity came during a high-risk global pitch from five companies for a groundbreaking project in the Middle East. The process was indecisive and rapid growth was compounding the issues.
“I had to find a way out of this mess,” he says.
Recognizing the need for clarity, Munday took it upon himself to meet with the project’s founder in person. “I was honest with him that the whole process was flawed. He needed a true partner,” he recalls. This candid approach led to a two-day brand architecture workshop that ultimately secured Bulletproof the project. “At the end of the two days, we either shook hands or parted ways,” Munday recalls. “We got the business.”
Related: 4 Entrepreneurial Lessons I Learned While Bootstrapping My Startup
Essential skills for surviving in uncertain situations
Navigating the unpredictability of starting a business requires certain mental and emotional skills.
Munday emphasizes the importance of compartmentalization: “I’m a visual person, so I draw diagrams to help me understand the challenges,” he says. Separating what he can tackle alone from what requires the support of his team helps him stay focused and clear.
Additionally, Munday emphasizes the need to separate emotion from decision-making. “Business is personal, so it’s hard to remove emotion,” he acknowledges, but it’s a necessary strategy to avoid letting it cloud your judgment. When faced with multiple challenges, Munday recommends taking a step back.
“Rapper Q-Tip said it best: ‘Take a breath and stop,'” he jokes.
This ability to pause is crucial to assess risk without rushing to decisions. By taking a top-down perspective, he maps out challenges and works with his core team to explore every scenario.
Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs
Munday’s journey offers valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs.
“Understand that uncertainty and change are part of running a business,” he advises. Embracing these factors with a positive mindset is key. He practices “chardi kala,” a principle based on his Sikh faith that encourages optimism in the face of adversity.
Munday also encourages entrepreneurs to view failure as an opportunity to grow. “All great entrepreneurs have experienced setbacks,” Munday argues. “Without failure, there can be no growth.”
Finally, he emphasizes the importance of a long-term vision: “Plan for future growth, not short-term success. This perspective allows you to treat unpredictable situations as temporary, without changing your destination.”
Gash Mundeh’s journey is a testament to the strength of resilience and adaptability: by leveraging his unique background, prioritizing clarity, and turning challenges into opportunities, he has not only thrived in the unpredictable entrepreneurial world, but also inspires others to do the same.
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