Inspired By: Miki Agrawal
“Eliminate all negative relationships in your life. Deplete=Delete.”
As a serial social entrepreneur, Miki Agrawal is the founder of the acclaimed farm-to-table, alternative pizza concept called WILD in NYC. Her next undertaking is THINX, and she is also a partner in Super Sprowtz, a children’s media company to get kids to eat more vegetables. Most recently, Harper Collins is publishing her book entitled “DO COOL SH*T” on entrepreneurship and lifestyle design. Read on to here her take on life and career.
Q: How did your professional journey begin and what would you say was your defining professional moment?
A: For my first business, it was my constantly upset stomach that sparked my first business idea. I saw an unmet need in the food space, especially in the pizza sector, a $32 billion industry that offered no healthy alternative at the time.
Q: What are the characteristics that you believe defines a great company?
A: A GREAT TEAM. Never compromise on the team and only work with people smarter than you or better than you in areas that you are weak in.
Q: What are your top three tips for a woman who is ready to make their next career move?
A: Is there a real need for your product in the market? Did you survey at least 100 people and get their honest opinion? Can you be passionate about this idea for 10 years? That’s sometimes how long it can take, so think long and hard about this. If your answers are positive, GO FOR IT and don’t let anyone convince you otherwise! Also very important: eliminate all negative relationships in your life. This will leave so much room for positive influences. Deplete = Delete.
Q: What is the top piece of professional advice that you’ve received from a mentor and why do you think that advice still applies to today’s business environment?
A: Focus on what you want most, not what you want right now. It’s easy to “cheat” and say, “hey, I am craving ice cream right now” but if your ultimate goal is to lose weight, that’s what you need to focus on. Same thing goes for business – sometimes you want to take the easy road “right now,” but if you want to build something sustainable and lasting, it is going to take thoughtful effort and doing things right the first time. I learned this the hard way!
Q: What is the one thing you make time for in your daily life that helps keeps you refreshed and positive?
A: I work out! I stretch and breathe deeply throughout the day. I also make sure to spend QUALITY time with my friends and loved ones!
Q: Who is a leader that you have great respect for and why?
A: Ray Kurzweil — he deeply believes in the products that he invents and stops at nothing and for no one to make them happen.