Entrepreneurship is often romanticized as a relentless pursuit of success, where founders are expected to work tirelessly, sacrificing personal well-being in the name of ambition. This “hustle culture” has become a badge of honor in the startup world, with long hours and burnout seen as necessary evils on the path to greatness. However, at the same, it is not possible to create an ‘Infosys’ or a ‘Reliance’ without pushing yourself to the limit and beyond! Let’s decode as Pavitra Pradip Walvekar, director of Kudos Finance and Investments puts forth his views.
Entrepreneurship is a delicate balance of hustle and strategy. It’s true that building a successful company or startup often requires a relentless work ethic and a willingness to push boundaries. However, the most effective entrepreneurs know when to shift gears and adapt their approach. Sometimes it’s necessary to sprint, putting in long hours and making bold moves to gain momentum. But at other times, slowing down and taking a more measured pace is the wisest path forward. And there are moments when it’s prudent to pause completely, to reassess and recalibrate before moving ahead.
Pavitra Pradip Walvekar breaks down the stages of a business where one requires different levels of energy, momentum, and hustle. “An entrepreneur who knows how to pivot according to the stage of their company can win. The ability to read the situation and respond accordingly is what separates the most successful entrepreneurs from the rest. It’s not always about running at full speed – sometimes walking, or even standing still, is the smartest move to make. True entrepreneurial mastery lies in having the wisdom to know the difference.” He adds
The Necessity of Hustle in the Early Stages
When an entrepreneur is just starting their journey, hustle is not only necessary but essential. During this initial phase, the focus must be on bringing an idea to life, validating the market, and laying the foundation for a sustainable business. This often requires long hours, sleepless nights, and a relentless work ethic.
“In the early stages of a startup, hustle is the name of the game,” explains Pavitra Pradip Walvekar. “Founders need to be willing to put in the hard work, make sacrifices, and push themselves to the limit in order to get their business off the ground.”
This period of intense hustle is crucial for building momentum, securing funding, and attracting the right talent. It’s a time of high risk and high reward, where the founder’s ability to outwork the competition can make all the difference.
Transitioning to Sustainable Growth
As the business starts to gain traction and the initial idea proves successful, the nature of the entrepreneurial journey begins to shift. The focus must now turn to scaling the operation, building a strong team, and creating a sustainable work culture.
“At this stage, the entrepreneur needs to shift from being the sole driver of the business to becoming a leader who can inspire and empower their team,” says Walvekar. “It’s no longer about individual hustle, but about cultivating a shared vision and creating an environment where everyone can thrive.”
This transition requires a delicate balance – the founder must maintain the drive and determination that fueled the early success, while also prioritizing the well-being and long-term growth of the organization.
Achieving Balance in the Mature Stage
As the business matures and becomes more established, the need for relentless hustle diminishes. The focus should now be on maintaining steady, sustainable growth while ensuring a healthy work-life balance for the founder and their team.
“In the mature stage of a business, the entrepreneur needs to shift their mindset from ‘hustle’ to ‘harmony,'” Walvekar explains. “It’s about creating a work culture that fosters resilience, work-life balance, and a sense of purpose – without compromising the drive and ambition that got the business to this point. There are companies whose constant need to hustle and grow exponentially has led to their demise. Knowing when to hold pace is the key!”
This might involve implementing policies encouraging work-life balance, such as flexible schedules, remote work options, and mandatory time off. Startups should also invest in mental health resources, team-building activities, and professional development opportunities to help their employees thrive.
Entrepreneurship is a dynamic journey, and the need for hustle ebbs and flows as the business progresses. By recognizing and adapting to the changing requirements at each stage, founders can create a sustainable, successful enterprise that balances ambition with well-being.
“Hustle is not something to be glorified or demonized,” Walvekar concludes. “It’s a necessary tool that must be wielded with wisdom and care, ensuring that the founder’s passion and drive are channeled in a way that benefits both the business and the people who make it possible.”
