Aditii Handa
Chairman and Managing Director at The Forttuna Group | Forttuna Global Excellence Awards | The FFTB Show | ConvaLexa | Jiiber Jaber Entertainment | Mother | Socialite | Philanthropist
My journey from employee to entrepreneur has been an incredible and transformative experience. Starting in the corporate world, I worked various jobs, including multiple stints in sales roles, where I honed valuable business development skills. Despite these diverse roles, I always harboured a dream of something greater – a desire to create, lead, and make a significant impact beyond the confines of a traditional 9-to-5 job.
Taking the leap into entrepreneurship was a pivotal moment in my career. It wasn’t an easy transition, but it proved to be immensely rewarding. I started small but dreamed big, learning from every experience – both successes and setbacks. The path was often challenging, but I persevered, constantly pushing forward even when faced with obstacles.
The real game-changer in my journey was The Forttuna Group. This opportunity opened new doors and allowed me to build a thriving business, help others achieve their dreams, create a positive impact in people’s lives, and grow both personally and professionally. Looking back, I’m grateful for every step of this journey, as each job, challenge, and success has played a crucial role in shaping me into the entrepreneur I am today.
To those dreaming of starting their own business, I offer this advice: believe in yourself, don’t be afraid to start small, learn from every experience, keep pushing even when it’s tough, and embrace opportunities when they come. Remember, every significant success story begins with a single brave step. The entrepreneurial path may be challenging, but it’s also incredibly rewarding.
Aditii Handa
Chairman and Managing Director at The Forttuna Group | Forttuna Global Excellence Awards | The FFTB Show | ConvaLexa | Jiiber Jaber Entertainment Mother | Socialite | Philanthropist
My journey from employee to entrepreneur has been an incredible and transformative experience. Starting in the corporate world, I worked various jobs, including multiple stints in sales roles, where I honed valuable business development skills. Despite these diverse roles, I always harboured a dream of something greater – a desire to create, lead, and make a significant impact beyond the confines of a traditional 9-to-5 job.
Leaping into entrepreneurship was a pivotal moment in my career. It wasn’t an easy transition, but it proved to be immensely rewarding. I started small but dreamed big, learning from every experience – both successes and setbacks. The path was often challenging, but I persevered, constantly pushing forward even when faced with obstacles.
The real game-changer in my journey was The Forttuna Group. This opportunity opened new doors and allowed me to build a thriving business, help others achieve their dreams, create a positive impact in people’s lives, and grow both personally and professionally. Looking back, I’m grateful for every step of this journey, as each job, challenge, and success has played a crucial role in shaping me into the entrepreneur I am today.
To those dreaming of starting their own business, I offer this advice: believe in yourself, don’t be afraid to start small, learn from every experience, keep pushing even when it’s tough, and embrace opportunities when they come. Remember, every significant success story begins with a single brave step. The entrepreneurial path may be challenging, but it’s also incredibly rewarding.
If you had to start over would you choose a corporate career or being an entrepreneur and why?
If I had to start over, I’d definitely choose the entrepreneurial path. There are so many compelling reasons for this choice. First, the freedom to innovate is unparalleled – there’s no red tape holding back new ideas, I’d have a direct impact on decision-making, and the ability to pivot quickly when needed.
Personal growth is another huge factor. As an entrepreneur, I’d be wearing multiple hats, which would help me build diverse skills. The constant learning keeps things exciting, and pushing my comfort zone would lead to real self-discovery.
The potential for greater rewards is also very appealing. While there’s financial risk, the upside if the business succeeds could be significant. Beyond that, there’s a deep sense of accomplishment and pride in building something from scratch. Work-life integration is another big draw – I’d have a flexible schedule to match my natural rhythm, align my passion with my profession, and create a culture that reflects my personal values.
Lastly, I’m really drawn to the idea of legacy building. As an entrepreneur, I’d have the chance to make a lasting impact on an industry, solve real-world problems that matter, and potentially inspire others to follow their dreams. I recognize that corporate careers have their perks too, like stability, predictable income, structured learning opportunities, and established networks and resources. But for me, the thrill of building something from the ground up far outweighs the comfort of a steady pay check.
I’m under no illusions – I know the entrepreneurial journey isn’t easy. It’s a combination of highs and lows, with plenty of uncertainty, long hours, and challenges along the way. But is it worth it? In my opinion, absolutely. The personal growth, potential rewards, and chance to make a real difference are unmatched. While it’s not for everyone, I’m willing to adapt to the unknown and put in the hard work. I believe the journey can be incredibly fulfilling, and that’s why I’d choose the entrepreneurial adventure over corporate stability.
What is the hardest challenge you faced in your career and how did you turn it into an opportunity?
My career took an unexpected turn when I became Executive Assistant to the Managing Director of a major Indian financial institution. Despite my inexperience, I saw this as a golden opportunity for growth. The role was demanding, with 20-hour workdays and responsibilities ranging from managing the MD’s family office to overseeing company operations. My boss’s perfectionist expectations pushed me to continuously improve.
This position became a crucible for developing crucial skills: multitasking, time management, organizational abilities, and hands-on experience in marketing, finance, and HR. The resilience and adaptability I gained have been invaluable throughout my career.
Today, as Chairman and Managing Director of Forttuna Group, I draw upon these experiences daily. They’ve shaped my leadership style and problem- solving approach. Under my guidance, the Forttuna Group has evolved into a dynamic conglomerate in the fashion, entertainment, and events industries.
Our flagship The Forttuna Global Excellence Awards has become a prestigious event recognizing outstanding achievements across various sectors. The Forttuna Global Excellence Awards is a prestigious ceremony that has become a benchmark for excellence across various sectors. This star-studded event brings together over 2,200 participants from 49+ countries, featuring 12+ speakers, 25+ partners, and 10+ sponsors. With 30+ winners across 50+ award categories, the ceremony celebrates outstanding achievements and promotes global connections. Our extensive network includes 160+ media partners, ensuring widespread recognition for our honourees.
We’ve expanded into media with The FFTB Show, a podcast exploring trends and providing industry insights. Our event planning service creates unforgettable experiences for clients, complementing our core fashion division.
Our clothing brand, Convalexa, offers high-quality garments for all demographics, blending timeless elegance with contemporary flair. We take pride in our exceptional craftsmanship and use of premium materials. Our commitment to sustainability is reflected in our eco-friendly lines and responsible production practices.
At Forttuna Group, we’re not just about products – we’re creating a lifestyle. Our brand embodies sophistication, quality, and innovation across all endeavors. We’re constantly expanding our portfolio, always striving to exceed expectations and set new industry standards.
This journey has taught me that every challenge is an opportunity for growth. By adapting and pushing beyond our limits, we unlock our true potential. This philosophy has shaped my career and drives the Forttuna Group’s continuous innovation and success, delivering excellence in everything from our award ceremonies to our fashion lines.
Tell us about the uniqueness of your work style / brand /startup
At our business, we’ve adopted a unique approach that sets us apart in the business world: People Over Profit. This philosophy is the cornerstone of our operations and has been instrumental in our success. We prioritize speed and agility, allowing us to adapt quickly to changes and make smart, efficient decisions. Our most valuable asset is our employees, and we invest heavily in nurturing and training our team. We believe that well-supported employees are the key to driving business growth, and we’re building our empire by empowering our workforce.
Innovation is at the core of our business, and we’re constantly exploring new opportunities. Our business mantra, “Explore, Adapt, Empower, Grow,” encapsulates our approach. We’ve found that happy employees lead to satisfied customers, and invested team members are willing to go the extra mile. Our focus on continuous learning keeps us ahead of the curve and helps build a strong, loyal workforce.
This people-first approach has yielded impressive results, including rapid business growth, high employee satisfaction and retention rates, increased innovation and creativity, and stronger customer relationships. However, we’ve also faced challenges, such as balancing speed with quality, managing costs while investing in our people, and maintaining our unique culture during periods of rapid growth.
Looking ahead, we’re excited to see how our people-centric approach will continue to shape our success. By putting our team at the heart of everything we do, we’re not just building a business – we’re creating a movement. We encourage other companies to consider how they prioritize their people and the impact it has on their business. Remember, your team is your greatest asset, and investing in them will ultimately lead to your success.
What is your business success mantra that you have embraced as you sought to establish your success story?
My business success mantra is simple yet powerful: “Innovate, Adapt, Persevere.” This guides me daily in my entrepreneurial journey. Let me break down how I apply it:
For innovation, I’m constantly on the lookout for new ideas and better ways to serve my customers. I’ve learned that staying ahead means never getting comfortable with the status quo. It’s about always pushing boundaries and thinking creatively.
Adaptation is crucial in today’s business world. I make it a point to remain flexible and ready to pivot when needed. I’ve found that learning from failures is just as important as celebrating wins. This mindset helps me stay agile and responsive to change.
Perseverance is what keeps me going when things get tough. Success rarely comes overnight, so I stay committed to my vision, pushing through challenges with determination and grit. It’s about keeping moving forward, no matter what obstacles I face.
This mantra reminds me to think creatively, embrace change, and keep pushing forward, even when it’s difficult. I won’t lie – it’s not always easy to stick to these principles, but I’ve found it’s always worth it. When times get tough, I return to these core ideas. They’ve helped me overcome obstacles and achieve things I never thought possible.
One thing I’ve learned on this journey is that success looks different for everyone. My advice would be to find what drives you and let it be your guiding light. This mantra works for me, but you might find a different set of principles that resonate more with your goals and values.
One special Quote/message for all communities/brands.
Thanks for asking about my message to communities and brands. I’ve been thinking deeply about this, and I’ve distilled it down to a simple but powerful motto: “Be Different, Come Together, Make a Difference.”
To communities, I want to say: You’re the heartbeat of our world! Your unique stories, traditions, and experiences are incredibly valuable. When you unite and speak up, you have the power to create real, positive change. Don’t be afraid to reach out and connect with others who might seem different. Some of the most amazing things happen when diverse groups find common ground. Embrace your uniqueness, but also be open to new connections.
For brands, my message is this: You have a powerful platform – use it responsibly! You’re not just selling products; you’re influencing thoughts and behaviours. I challenge you to prioritize meaning over just profits. Take a stand for something authentic and meaningful. Be transparent about your values and beliefs. People can easily spot insincerity, so genuine commitment to your principles is crucial. Consider how you can contribute to making the world a little better. When you do good, it benefits everyone.
To both communities and brands, I say: Together, you’re an unstoppable force for positive change! Collaborate and see what incredible things you can achieve. Remember, true success isn’t just about numbers or profits – it’s about the lives you touch and the positive impact you make. Always strive to leave things better than you found them.
I believe we should celebrate our differences – they’re the source of our best ideas and innovations. At the same time, let’s focus on what unites us. When you look closely, we all share similar basic desires and needs in life.
Lastly, never underestimate the power of small actions. A kind word, a helping hand – these things matter more than we often realize. They add up to create significant change.
So, I encourage everyone: Be proud of yourself! Build new connections, and let’s work together to build a world where everyone has a fair chance to thrive. Your unique story and contribution matter – make them count!
Any other Happy moments /achievements you would like to share with the world.
My entrepreneurial journey has been a remarkable transformation, evolving from an employee with big dreams to an impact-driven entrepreneur. Initially, I was like many others – filled with aspirations but also plagued by doubts and fears about starting my own business. The prospect of potential failure was daunting, but I knew I had to overcome these fears to pursue my vision.
Taking that leap into entrepreneurship was a pivotal moment in my life. I dedicated myself fully to my work, investing countless hours and pushing beyond my perceived limits. However, I soon realized that hard work alone wasn’t sufficient. The importance of networking and seizing the right opportunities became apparent as I progressed on this path.
The turning point came when we launched our first business. To my surprise and delight, it grew rapidly, and as we expanded, I discovered that we were doing more than just generating profits – we were making a tangible impact on people’s lives. This realization ignited an even greater passion within me.
Today, I’m proud to have built multiple successful businesses, each focused on creating positive change in the world. My perspective on success has shifted from purely financial metrics to the broader impact we can have on society. The journey from employee to serial entrepreneur has taught me invaluable lessons about overcoming fear, the power of networking, and the importance of timing.
Looking ahead, my goal remains clear: to continue building businesses that make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. While it’s not always an easy path, the rewards are immeasurable. To those harbouring dreams of entrepreneurship, I encourage you to take that first step. You never know where it might lead you and the impact you could create might be beyond your wildest dreams.
Brand /professional services.
The Forttuna Group stands as a dynamic force in the fashion, entertainment and events industries offering a diverse portfolio of services and products that embody sophistication, quality and innovation.
At the heart of our offerings is The Forttuna Global Excellence Awards, a prestigious ceremony that has become a benchmark for excellence across various sectors. This star-studded event brings together over 2,200 participants from 49+ countries, featuring 12+ speakers, 25+ partners, and 10+ sponsors. With 30+ winners across 50+ award categories, the ceremony celebrates outstanding achievements and fosters global connections. Our extensive network includes 160+ media partners, ensuring widespread recognition for our honourees.
Complementing our awards, The FFTB Show, our trendsetting podcast, explores the latest in style and culture. We feature interviews with industry leaders and provide insider insights, keeping our audience at the forefront of global trends.
Our innovative event planning and management service specializes in creating unforgettable experiences for both corporate and private clients. From intimate gatherings to large-scale productions, we bring visions to life with meticulous attention to detail.
Convalexa, the cornerstone of our fashion division, showcases our commitment to exceptional quality and style. Our collections span casual wear to high-end fashion, catering to men, women, and children. Each garment is crafted with precision using the finest materials, blending timeless elegance with contemporary flair. Whether for office attire, weekend wear, or statement pieces for special events, Convalexa has something for every occasion.
Our dedication to innovation extends beyond fashion. We’re constantly expanding our portfolio, with a strong focus on sustainability. This commitment is reflected in our eco-friendly clothing lines and responsible production practices, ensuring we meet the evolving needs of our conscientious customers.
At Forttuna Group, we’re not just about products – we’re about creating a lifestyle. Our brand embodies excellence across all our endeavors, from our award shows to our fashion lines. We strive to exceed expectations and set new industry standards, always with an eye toward the future and a commitment to our customers’ satisfaction.