Abhijit Saha: Proving the Critics Wrong with Consistency and Courage

“They said I couldn’t. So, I did.” For many, criticism can be discouraging. But for Abhijit Saha, it became fuel for his fire, a challenge he took personally and transformed into purpose.

Hailing from Hooghly, West Bengal, Abhijit’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. With a degree in Mechanical Engineering, specialized in Manufacturing Science, and an MBA in Marketing, he didn’t stop there. His hunger to grow led him to complete a Senior Leadership Program at the prestigious IIM Ahmedabad, becoming a proud alumnus of one of India’s finest institutions.

But education was only the beginning. On April 14, 2024, Abhijit was awarded an Honorary Doctorate by The Thames University, France, in the field of Leadership and Innovation, a moment that not only marked a personal milestone but also silenced every critic who ever doubted him.

Throughout his journey, Abhijit has held onto one unwavering belief: that consistency and focus are the real game-changers. His motivation doesn’t come from applause but from those who said he wouldn’t make it. He turned every “you can’t” into “watch me,” and used every setback as a stepping stone.

Abhijit’s story is a reminder that greatness doesn’t always start with applause. Sometimes, it begins with doubt, and a burning desire to rise above it.

Rising Above Adversity

Abhijit’s vision for SAHA Enterprises reflects the remarkable strength and determination that has shaped its foundation. Despite the challenges life has thrown his way, he has embraced the entrepreneurial path with unwavering belief in his abilities and an unrelenting desire to succeed. SAHA Enterprises, though in its infancy, stands as a testament to his resilience and drive to carve out a meaningful space in the business world.

The creation of SAHA Enterprises is more than just a professional milestone; it is a bold step forward against adversity. Abhijit’s journey exemplifies the courage required to face challenges head-on and transform obstacles into opportunities. His faith in his capabilities has been the cornerstone of this venture, inspiring others to pursue their aspirations regardless of the hurdles they encounter.

Cultivating Creativity Through Design Thinking

Abhijit reiterates that the key to innovation and creativity in an organization is adopting design thinking. He feels that organizations need to develop a culture where employees are free to contribute ideas and concepts that disrupt the traditional norms. Nurturing new views and innovative ways of working is a great catalyst for creativity and driving innovations.

Additionally, Abhijit highlights the importance of research and development as a vital tool for organizations to nurture innovative thinking. By investing in exploration and experimentation, companies can unlock new possibilities and pave the way for transformative advancements.

Leadership That Inspires Growth

Abhijit stresses that any organization’s leadership should fit harmoniously with its values and objectives. He opines that it is better for actions to do the talking than words, emphasizing the need to develop the skill of listening sincerely. Building deep one-to-one relationships is key, as it creates trust and respect.

Additionally, creating an environment of psychological safety allows individuals to thrive without fear of judgment or failure. Abhijit advises leaders to acknowledge their authentic selves rather than attempting to mimic extroverted traits, underscoring the power of individuality in driving meaningful connections and impactful leadership.

Breaking Comfort Zones to Build Dreams

Abhijit faced one of the most challenging decisions of his life when he chose to venture into entrepreneurship. For many middle-class families in India, starting a business is often perceived as a risky endeavor, surrounded by skepticism and uncertainty. Convincing his family to support this bold move proved to be an uphill battle, testing his resolve and determination.

He understood that stepping into the world of enterprise meant confronting the harsh reality that many business plans are likely to fail initially. This realization, coupled with the difficulty of changing others’ perspectives, made the journey even more daunting. Yet, Abhijit recognized a powerful truth: staying within the comfort zone often stifles dreams and limits potential.

Cornerstones of Success

Abhijit points out that credibility and trust are founded upon the pillars of good product management, brand strength, transparency of finances, retaining customers, company governance, and effective corporate social responsibility. They all cumulatively guide an organization’s reputation, such that it expands as well as sustain itself within the competitive world.

Redefining Self-Worth

Abhijit reflects on how emotional intelligence has reshaped his perspective, leading him to unlearn certain habits that once held him back. He shares how he had ignored his own boundaries in an attempt to please others, tied his self-worth to productivity, and refrained from celebrating his achievements simply because others seemed to have accomplished more.

He also speaks of moving away from seeking external validation as a source of fulfillment and of moments when he silenced his own voice to avoid conflict. Through this introspective journey, Abhijit highlights the importance of prioritizing one’s inner values and embracing personal growth.

Promoting Harmony Through Thoughtful Leadership

Abhijit emphasizes the importance of addressing conflicts between team members and executives with a thoughtful approach. He highlights that recognizing individual contributions based on performance plays a pivotal role in fostering mutual respect and understanding within the team.

Creating an environment where open dialogue thrives allows team members and executives to share their perspectives freely, promoting collaboration and trust. Additionally, robust crisis management strategies are essential to support the emotional well-being of employees, ensuring that challenges are handled with sensitivity and care.