A Self-believer Thriving With Experiences
ANSHU UPMANU
MD & CEO
Willstrong
In the bustling streets of Delhi, where dreams often collide with reality, Anshu Upmanu, MD & CEO at Willstrong, dared to ask a simple question: “How do I start a company?” That question marked the humble beginning of Willstrong, now a powerhouse in the ELV space and Industry 4.0 technologies. But this isn’t just a story of technology and innovation at Willstrong—it’s a story of grit, adaptability, and leadership Anshu took to redefine how businesses approach safety and efficiency. Today, Willstrong leads the charge, driven by Anshu’s foresight and ability to stay ahead of industry trends. His continuous focus on innovation and a people-first approach has shaped his company and impacted Power, Steel, and Manufacturing, particularly highstakes industries like Oil & Gas and Petrochemicals. Now recognised as Entrepreneur of the Year 2024, Anshu Upmanu is proof that obstacles can become stepping stones with the right mindset. In an exclusive interview with TradeFlock, he shares the critical moments, strategies, and lessons that shaped his extraordinary journey
“From humble beginnings in East Delhi, where he managed everything from sales to customer service on a shoestring budget, Anshu learned that the road to success is often paved with struggle. But rather than shy away from challenges, he leaned into them, using each challenge as a learning curve.”
What initial challenges did you face when starting Willstrong, and how did you overcome them?
When I started Willstrong, the challenges were real. As a first-time entrepreneur with no business background and a clear roadmap, securing capital and attracting talent felt almost impossible. In those early days, I did everything—setting up our East Delhi office, handling clients, and managing cash flow with just 4-5 lakh rupees from just one job I ever had. One wrong move could have ended it all. Those tough times taught me resilience and discipline, laying the foundation for Willstrong’s success today.
How do you develop strategies that adapt to the evolving needs of industries like Power & steel and high-stakes sectors like Oil and gas?
In high-stakes industries like Oil & Gas and Petrochemicals, strategy isn’t just about reacting to changes—it’s about staying ahead of them. We immerse ourselves in the market’s pulse, closely examining evolving regulations, technological breakthroughs, and customer expectations. The biggest secret in our approach is collaboration. By working closely with our clients, we shape flexible, scalable strategies that adapt to their needs. Innovation drives us, and strategic partnerships help us anticipate what’s next, allowing us to deliver solutions that don’t just meet industry standards—they push them forward.
How do you manage burnout and create a thriving, engaged environment in your organisation?
Leadership can feel isolating, but managing burnout and building a strong team begin with fostering genuine connections. Open communication is essential—I encourage my team to share their thoughts and challenges freely. We set clear goals and ensure everyone knows how their work contributes to the bigger vision. I empower my team with autonomy, trusting them to take ownership of their work. Recognition, growth opportunities, and encouragement fuel their motivation. Above all, I lead with empathy— understanding and supporting my team builds trust and loyalty, driving real success. Together, we grow and thrive.
What are your long-term goals for your business, and what steps are you taking to achieve them?
My long-term vision for Willstrong is
built on the belief that–
“Success is not a solitary endeavour —it’s the cumulative result of a team's effort, innovation, and purpose-driven growth.”
This philosophy guides every decision we make as we move towards a more connected, innovative, and responsible future. In the next decade, we’re setting the stage to become a global leader, aligning with Industry 4.0 standards. Emerging technologies such as AI, IoT, and cybersecurity are at the core of this transformation, enabling us to stay ahead of industry changes while crafting smart, adaptive solutions that meet evolving consumer behaviours. In fact, AI is already revolutionising how we safeguard our systems and predict future needs, making us more agile and resilient in the face of uncertainty. But we’re not just aiming for technological innovation—we want to expand globally, particularly in new markets where the demand for advanced, data-driven solutions is growing. As we enhance our product lines, we are keen on maintaining a customer-first approach, ensuring that every service and product is tuned to the real-time needs of our customers. Moreover, growth isn’t just about numbers for us—it’s about impact. With every step we take towards expansion, we are equally dedicated to sustainable business practices. From reducing our environmental footprint to giving back to the communities where we operate, we see it as our responsibility to build a future that benefits everyone.
What are your most significant achievements, and how have they impacted the industry?
One of my proudest achievements is building an exceptional team at Willstrong. We’ve created a culture so strong that our attrition rate is almost zero—everyone is driven by a shared vision. It’s not just about leadership; it’s about a team fully invested in the mission. On the business side, our success has come from staying ahead of the curve. We jumped on Industry 4.0 early, focusing on cybersecurity, IoT, and automation, positioning us as a leader in the space. By always putting our customers first, we’ve been able to innovate and stay competitive. To drive this forward, we focused heavily on process and strategy. Using SAP for seamless operations and making R&D a priority helped us stay ahead. Our Voice of Customer sessions also played a big role, ensuring we develop products that meet market needs. These moves didn’t just propel our growth—they’ve helped raise the bar for the entire industry.
Who has been a significant mentor in your entrepreneurial journey, and what valuable lesson did you learn from them?
It’s hard to name just one mentor because I’ve been fortunate to learn from many remarkable individuals along the way. Each has left a lasting impact on my journey. The most valuable lesson I’ve learned is the power of resilience and adaptability. In entrepreneurship, challenges are inevitable, but how we respond to them defines our success. Maintaining a long-term vision while staying flexible in our approach has been crucial in navigating the highs and lows of business. This mindset has shaped how I lead and grow my company today
How do you balance your demanding role with personal life, and what are your passions outside of work?
In the early days of Willstrong, the business required my full attention, but as we expanded, I realised that maintaining a balance between work and personal life is essential to staying energised and focused. I’ve become more strategic with my time by prioritising tasks that align with our company’s vision and delegating or outsourcing where appropriate. Embracing technology to streamline operations has also been a gamechanger. But perhaps most important, I’ve learned the power of saying “no” to avoid spreading myself too thin and experiencing burnout. Spending time with family and friends is something I hold dear—it keeps me grounded and refreshed. Outside of work, I’m passionate about travel, which fuels my curiosity, and reading, which expands my perspective. I also make it a point to
“My advice to budding entrepreneurs: be resilient. Setbacks are part of the journey, but it's how you rise from them that matters. Keep your vision clear, stay open to feedback, and never stop adapting. Financial management is key, but above all, true entrepreneurship demands relentless passion and commitment. If you're willing to give your all, day in and day out, success isn't a question of if—it’s simply a matter of when.”
stay updated on global news and current affairs, keeping me connected to the broader world.
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