RocketCEO #3 - CS Amruta Bhagwat
Practicing Company Secretary, Expert in FEMA, IPR & Labour Laws
RocketCEO is an interesting collection of startup stories, where we interview inspiring CEOs and Founders who have taken a leap from Zero to One and tell their stories to the entire world.
Recently we got an opportunity to interview CS Amruta Bhagwat - Practicing Company Secretary, Expert in FEMA, IPR & Labour Laws and below is the essence of the same, an incredible journey towards success.
Amit Unboxed: What service(s) or product(s) does your business offer/manufacture?
I am a founder and partner of a firm named AARK & Associates Company Secretaries LLP. We are a professionally managed firm of Practicing Company Secretaries providing corporate legal & secretarial consultancy and compliance services under various laws such as the Companies Act, Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), Intellectual Property laws, Labour laws, etc. We also serve many clients on an annual retainer basis wherein we provide end-to-end compliance services along with consultancy wherever required.
Our frequently needed services are; Company / LLP formation, Annual Compliance of Pvt Ltd / Public Ltd companies, Trademark & copyright registration, Drafting of agreements / legal documents, RBI compliances under FEMA, Setting up of business outside India and formation of a subsidiary company/branch office outside India or vice versa, Mergers, amalgamation, takeovers, winding up of company all other compliances specified under companies act.
Amit Unboxed: In which cities/countries you are providing services or operating your business?
Currently, we have a client base in Maharashtra majority are from Pune.
Amit Unboxed: What is your background? What you were doing before you got into the entrepreneurship?
I am a commerce graduate from BMCC, Pune. Until my graduation, frankly speaking, I didn’t have an idea that I’ll do a professional course like CS and clear it in one go but yes, fortunately, I did that. Till my last year of college, I was actively involved in theater and also learning Kathak, a classical dance form. So, the shift from a creative field to a professional world was a big step for me. Before starting my own practice of CS I had completed my articleship in KANJ & Associates, a PCS firm based in Pune.
Amit Unboxed: How did you get your idea or concept for the business? What made you work on that idea or concept?
Being a creative person I never liked the idea of a 9–6 job. So very initially I had decided in my mind that in whatever field I might jump into, I’ll start something on my own for sure. Hence there was no dilemma after completing my articleship. I immediately started my own practice.
The liberty and flexibility of managing my professional career along with acting and dance kept me motivated to do my own practice of CS instead of a job.
Amit Unboxed: What is the unique selling/buying point about your business? How do you manage to deal with your competitors?
Our USP is, at our firm we always identify the need of our clients or the problem area and try to provide a solution with effective implementation of the same. I believe in quality and not in quantity. Hence in our firm, we focus on building long-lasting business relationships.
I strongly believe in collaboration so never thought of anyone as my competition.
Amit Unboxed: How do you advertise your business?
Being a professional we are bound by a Code of Conduct issued by our Institute which doesn’t allow us to advertise or market ourselves. Hence a reaction or recommendation from a satisfied client of ours is the best advertisement for us.
Amit Unboxed: What do you look for in an employee?
Interpretation skills and willingness to learn to keep updated with amendments.
Amit Unboxed: Have you ever turned down a client? Why?
Yes. I can not figure out a particular incidence but in our field, we need to face many changes introduced by Government, I mean to say changes in policies and procedures, etc. So according to these modifications or amendments, we really have to do the hard work to explain and convince a client regarding the same. Sometimes, this becomes a very tricky and exhausting situation to deal with.
Amit Unboxed: Who is your inspiration idol in life? Why?
Undoubtedly my father. But I really can not explain in mere words to answer “Why he is my inspiration?”.
Amit Unboxed: How do you maintain balance with your family and business? Do you think if you were not in business, you would have been able to give more time to your family?
I am fortunate enough that I have a wonderful family. My parents supported me in every possible way and made sure that I will become independent in every aspect. I am also blessed with understanding and loving in-laws who appreciate my every success. On top of it when you get a husband who always keeps you motivated and stands beside you in every situation then you can easily maintain a work-life balance.
For a second question, I feel contrary. If I were NOT in business then I think I would not have been able to dedicate time to my family. Being into a business I decide my priorities as per my need and spend quality time with my family also on weekdays.
Amit Unboxed: What do you call “Success”? What are those things which you think made you successful today?
Success is a very wider term that changes as per the perspective of every person. In my view, success in achieving peace of mind through your work. When some assignment though a small one, gives me a moment of pride and peace, I feel successful. I personally use this term for short-term goals.
Amit Unboxed: If you had one piece of advice or an important lesson to someone just starting out, what would it be?
Don’t compromise with your passion. Trust yourself and proceed carefully. Most importantly be confident!
Amit Unboxed: Anything else you would like to convey us about yourself or your business?
Everything happens for a reason and that reason is always good!
Stay blessed and spread happiness.
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That’s it for today :-)
Hope each of you has a great start to your day. I’ll talk to everyone tomorrow.
— Amit
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