From the corridors of the corporate setting to the CEO of Future in Hands, Mr. Vivekananda Sinha’s journey exemplifies a transformational odyssey. He serves as a guiding light for those aspiring to forge a successful career in IT. Specializing in aiding individuals without an IT background, he unravels exciting opportunities for growth and advancement. Renowned for his excellence as an Excel trainer and mentor, he has received awards and recognition for his practical and in-depth teaching style. Mr. Sinha is known for his calm, composed, and result-oriented approach. Recognized as one of the Top 20 Entrepreneurs in India and the author of “You Can Excel,” he is also honoured with the Guru Award for Best Trainer. Offering his services in career development coaching, public speaking, corporate teaching, and business analytics, Mr. Sinha stands as a multifaceted leader in the Industry.
Business Review Live had the opportunity to engage in a conversation with Mr. Sinha for this exclusive interview, where we aimed to reveal the strategies behind his mentorship, ensuring his students not only excel in their careers but also transform into visionary leaders. As the company’s founder, Mr. Sinha’s story serves as a path for those who want to excel in the dynamic landscapes of IT and business. Let’s embark on a journey together through his insights, experiences, and the fundamental principles that can shape the careers of aspiring people.
As someone who has spent most of their career working as a Data Analyst in a corporate setting, what was the turning point that led you to pursue a new path as a mentor and entrepreneur?
From the very beginning, I’ve worked with top companies for over a decade. While working, I spent my weekends primarily creating awesome data analytics dashboards and tools using Microsoft Excel. My colleagues and management at the office loved these tools, and I received the best appraisals multiple times.
My wife suggested many times that I should start my private coaching. It would help us earn extra income, but I kept ignoring her.
One day, I got an opportunity to train Data Analysis to senior employees at my company. Although nervous, I finally decided to give it my best. The training went so well that I received the Guru award for the best trainer of the month. The journey of receiving the Guru award continues. This boosted my confidence and illuminated my career path. Life became exciting again, and dreams started reappearing.
The training manager approached me, saying his friend wanted training from me. After meeting him, I invited him to begin coaching at my house. Excitedly, I shared this with my wife, who had been suggesting this for a long time. She encouraged me to tell my friends and colleagues, and soon, I had my first batch of four students. The program went so well that I received multiple references, and soon, all my batches were full. Everyone was growing in their careers under my mentorship.
This became the turning point of my life. I finally resigned from my corporate job and, together with my wife, started our coaching and mentoring company, Future in Hands.
Of course, you possess the necessary expertise to excel in the IT industry, but what led you to believe that anyone, regardless of their background, can succeed in the field of IT? How do you assist professionals without an IT background in overcoming challenges during their career transition?
In the ever-changing world of IT, I am sure that success isn’t just for people with a typical IT background. IT is diverse, constantly changing, and welcomes contributions from various professionals. People without a traditional IT background can do extraordinary things in this field.
Firstly, IT is all about solving problems and bringing innovative ideas. People from different backgrounds bring unique perspectives and skills, which can lead to creative and unconventional solutions. This diversity is valuable when facing challenging problems and developing new ideas.
Secondly, because technology is constantly advancing, there’s a need for various skills, not just the usual IT ones. Skills like project management, communication, leadership, and analysis are now just as important. People from non-IT backgrounds often have these skills, making them ready for the diverse demands of the IT industry.
To help professionals switch to IT, I focus on a personalized approach. I figure out their skills, find skills that can transfer to IT, and provide targeted training and mentorship. Closing the knowledge gap is crucial, and I guide them on relevant certifications, courses, live projects and hands-on experiences that match their goals.
Connecting them with my experienced students who have successfully transitioned helps them understand the Industry better, gain insights, and build a support network for long-term success.
In short, I believe success in IT is for everyone because of the various skills that contribute to the field’s energy. By offering personalized guidance, resources, and mentorship, I aim to empower professionals from different backgrounds to tackle challenges and make a real impact in the exciting world of information technology.
Your expertise in Excel and data analysis is widely acknowledged. How do you make learning these skills practical and in-depth for your students, and what motivated you to become a leading figure in this field?
Creating a practical and in-depth learning experience for my students in Microsoft Excel and Data Analysis involves a combination of structured lessons, hands-on exercises, and real-world applications. And the most important Why Excel?
Here are some key points that helped my students get in-depth knowledge:
Structured Curriculum: Microsoft Excel is vast and can’t be learned in just one generic course. It has wide capabilities such as MIS & Reporting, Data Analysis, Decision Making, Automation, etc. All these are broad areas with thousands of use cases in the Industry. Keeping this in mind, I have created multiple courses, rather than various levels of my Excel Learning such as Microsoft Excel Masterclass, Advanced Dashboard Development in Excel, Brainstorming Microsoft Excel, Excel VBA Programming, etc. There is a proper roadmap that I will guide before starting this course. The same structure applies to my other courses as well.
Real-world Applications: I use many real-world examples and case studies in my courses. It helps them to implement their conceptual skills into practical exercises. It also helps them to understand the type of work being done across different industries.
Developing Live Projects: We regularly receive small and big projects from my clients. I used to get it done from my students. Assigning projects helps students tackle real-world problems and apply their knowledge to solve specific problems. This involves analyzing a dataset, creating dashboards, or automating particular processes.
Make them Updated: I Keep my students updated with the latest features, not only with Excel but also with other tools used in the Industry. It ensures my students are learning relevant skills and staying updated constantly.
I customize my teaching methods based on my students’ learning styles and preferences. Creating a dynamic and interactive learning environment contributes to a more practical and in-depth understanding of Microsoft Excel and Data Analysis.
Hundreds of thousands of my student’s successes became an inspiration for me. They are the company’s top performers, receiving multiple awards for their work. They become successful in their career and live the life of their dreams.
It’s intriguing to see your role as a coach and mentor to help individuals excel in their careers and evolve professionally. Could you please share some insights in this regard?
Certainly! Coaching and mentoring are valuable aspects of professional development aimed at helping individuals reach their full potential. Here are some insights into how I help my mentees excel in their careers and evolve professionally:
Goal Setting: I help them define their short-term and long-term career goals. A clear vision of where they want to go helps them make informed decisions and focus on their objectives.
Continuous Learning: I help them develop a mindset of constant learning by staying updated on industry trends, acquiring new skills, learning new tools and pursuing relevant certifications. This enhances their knowledge, makes them more valuable to employers, and helps them stay ahead in their careers.
Adaptability: We all know that the Industry keeps changing occasionally. Being adaptable and resilient in the face of challenges is vital. I help them accept change, learn from setbacks, and how to use them as opportunities for growth.
Time Management: We all have 24 hours, and managing the time is crucial. I help them prioritize their tasks, set realistic deadlines, and avoid procrastination. Efficient time management is crucial, allowing them to achieve more and reduce stress.
Work-Life Balance: I consciously maintain a healthy work-life balance. I want my mentees to keep the same. I understand that burnout can hamper their professional growth, so I teach them to take care of their physical and mental well-being to ensure sustained success in their career.
Personal Branding: I actively encourage my mentees to define and build their brand. It helps them showcase their strengths, values, and expertise. A solid personal brand can set them apart in a competitive job market. It also helps them transform their passion and skills into multiple income streams.
Remember, professional evolution is a continuous process. By staying proactive, adaptable, and committed to growth, You can excel in your career and achieve long-term success.
Having received the Guru Award for Best Trainer, how do you ensure that your training methods stand out and contribute to the growth of individuals and organizations?
I am deeply honoured to have received the Guru Award for Best Trainer, which underscores my commitment to excellence in training.
My approach to training is distinguished by a set of principles that I believe contribute significantly to the growth of individuals and organizations.
First and foremost, my training methods are founded on a thorough understanding of individuals’ and organizations’ specific needs, challenges and objectives. I conduct detailed needs assessments to identify areas of improvement and tailor my training programs accordingly. This ensures that the training is not a generic solution but a precisely targeted intervention designed to deliver tangible results. This is also impactful in driving organizational growth.
I do Experimential Learning. It involves hands-on, practical experiences that enable participants to learn by doing. This includes case studies, live data and real-world projects. It helps them gain valuable skills directly applicable to their roles, leading to increased competence and confidence. Organizations benefit from employees who can apply their learning to drive innovation and problem-solving. For my courses and mentorship programs.
I use Blended Learning Models. It combines classroom instruction with online learning, incorporating a variety of multimedia, self-paced modules, and interactive elements. It provides flexibility, allowing participants to learn at their own pace while still benefiting from face-to-face interactions in live workshops and Q&A sessions. Individuals can access training materials anytime, anywhere, enabling a continuous learning culture. Organizations benefit from cost-effective and scalable training solutions, ensuring employees stay updated on skills and knowledge relevant to their roles.
Furthermore, I place a strong emphasis on measurable outcomes. A key aspect of my training philosophy is the establishment of clear, quantifiable objectives. This allows for systematically evaluating the training’s impact on individual performance and overall organizational growth.
Lastly, my commitment extends beyond the training room. I provide ongoing support and resources to participants, encouraging a culture of continuous learning. This post-training engagement ensures that the knowledge and skills acquired are reinforced and applied over the long term, contributing to sustained individual and organizational development.
You’ve been recognized as one of the Top 20 Entrepreneurs in India. What do you believe sets Future in Hands apart, and how do you envision contributing to the future of IT?
I am honoured to be recognized as one of the Top 20 Entrepreneurs in India. At Future in Hands, we stand out because we’re committed to coming up with new ideas, thinking ahead, and always aspiring to do our best. Our company is based on the idea that the future of technology isn’t just a fixed destination – it’s constantly changing, and we need to keep up with it.
What makes us different is the way we approach solving problems with technology. We don’t just see it as a separate thing. Instead, we think about how it fits into the bigger picture of businesses. We use the latest technologies like artificial intelligence, robotics and data analytics to give our clients complete and forward-thinking solutions.
Looking forward, we want to be a big part of the changes happening in technology. We believe in creating a culture where our team constantly learns and adapts quickly. This helps us understand where technology is going, see new opportunities, provide solutions that work now, and prepare for what’s coming in the future.
Our vision for the future isn’t just about making our business successful. We also want to help the country grow by getting involved in projects that promote digital learning, skill-building, and using technology for positive changes. We want to be a force for good, using our position in the Industry to bring advancements that benefit everyone in society.
To sum it up, Future in Hands is different because we take a broad approach to technology, we’re really into coming up with new ideas, and we’re actively involved in making sure technology benefits everyone in the future. We’re ready to significantly impact business and shape a tech-savvy and prosperous future for India.
What inspired you to author “You Can Excel”, and what key messages do you hope readers take away from it, especially those aspiring to excel in the IT industry?
You Can Excel contains magic tricks in Excel that only the top 2% of Excel experts use. I have put my 17 years of effort into bringing this book from small to significant challenges and obstacles to Excel users. It covers everything which a user might tackle in life.
Ninety-five percent of companies use Excel for their work. As a result, anyone from executives to decision-makers can refer to this fantastic masterpiece. This practical book covers all sorts of tips and tricks that make your work amazingly easy.
This book is my first book to make Excel a relief in everyone’s mind, and it can be handy with any problems they face. Excel with ease is my motive, as data carries so much weightage for any company, business, and individual to support their growth. People struggle day and night to finish their work and may also feel low because they do not know the tricks the way they should. What I faced during my professional career I do not want anyone to tackle the same, so I tried hard to put all my efforts into creating a simple Excel magical handbook. I assure you that this book will never demotivate you and will always be a lifesaver in your Excel work.
I know it is very tough to manage all records systematically and be presentable, but do not worry; trust these methods. On the contrary, I hope my small trial will enlighten you and build more confidence in your work.
This book took months of sleepless nights, utmost effort and corrections, collaborations with people, experiences, struggles, emotions, dedication, dreams to achieve bigger things, and many aspects that hindered me from using this platform.
My mission is to serve millions of individuals in their success and journey in life.
It took 17 years to learn through hit-and-trial methods. I took an exceptionally long journey to understand mistakes and later produce results. We are hesitant to answer if unsure about the solution, which tackled me in my career. I got rejected in my first Excel interview. This incident clinched me high, and I have set the bar to learn it with complete dedication and commitment. Although circumstances have changed, and now there are many learning options, I do not want you to stay behind. I referred to my processes, concepts, mistakes, and experiences to design this book. Most People lack innovative work, and here I brought a backup for all with magical tricks. My mistakes were part of my life, but you can adapt my learnings and see magic in your career.
These tricks are not just a collection but a solution to so many pain areas of Excel.
After learning the concepts, I can assure you that your productivity will increase by 200%, and you will start working smart instead of hard. This book also builds your confidence in problem-solving, logic-building, and decision-making in Excel. Innovative work is my aim; I need everyone to teach this in their journey and reach their higher goals positively.
Lastly, what advice do you have for aspiring individuals navigating careers in IT and business, based on your journey and expertise?
Navigating a career in IT involves keeping some essential things in mind for success. Here’s some straightforward advice based on my experience:
Continuous Learning: The IT landscape is dynamic and ever-evolving. Stay up-to-date on the latest tools and technologies. Dedicate time for continuous learning through online courses, certifications, and staying engaged with industry publications. Adopt a mindset of lifelong learning to remain competitive and relevant in the fast-paced IT industry.
Specialization and Depth: While having a broad understanding of various IT domains is valuable, consider specializing in a particular area of interest. Developing deep expertise in a specific technology or domain can set you apart in a crowded job market and open up opportunities for advanced roles.
Hands-on Experience: Theory is essential, but practical experience is invaluable. Seek out opportunities for freelancing or personal projects to apply your knowledge in real-world scenarios. Practical experience enhances your skills and demonstrates your abilities to potential employers.
Networking: Establishing a solid professional network is crucial in IT. Attend industry events, join online forums, and participate in networking groups. Building connections with professionals in your field can provide insights and mentorship and open doors to new opportunities.
Soft Skills: Besides technical skills, cultivate soft skills such as communication and problem-solving. The ability to convey complex technical concepts clearly and understandably is highly valued in IT environments.
Build a Strong LinkedIn Presence: Create and maintain a professional presence on LinkedIn. Showcase your skills, projects, and contributions to the IT community. A robust online presence can attract potential employers and collaborators.
Mentorship: Seek out mentors who have successfully navigated the IT industry. Learning from the experiences of seasoned professionals can provide valuable insights and guidance and accelerate your career growth.
Combine Passion with IT: If you love something, find a way to use your IT skills with it. Whether music, art, or sports, technology can help you turn your passion into a job.
In summary, a successful career in IT requires a combination of continuous learning, practical experience, networking, adaptability, and the development of both technical and soft skills. By adopting these principles, you can position yourself for long-term success in the dynamic field of Information Technology.
All the best!
