24, Jun 2024
Virat Kohli Reclaims Top Spot in Kroll’s Celebrity Brand Valuation Report with Brand Value of Nearly USD 228 Million

MUMBAI/NEW DELHI: Kroll, the leading independent global risk and financial advisory solutions firm, announced today the launch of the ninth edition of its Celebrity Brand Valuation Study titled, “Brands, Business, Bollywood”. The study provides a ranking of India’s most powerful celebrity brands based on brand values derived from their brand endorsement portfolios and relative social media presence.

The overall brand value of the top 25 Indian celebrities included in the latest study is estimated at $1.9 billion in 2023, an 18% jump from the previous year.

Key findings of the report include:

● Virat Kohli reclaimed the number one spot with a brand value of $227.9 million, nudging Ranveer Singh to second place at $203.1 million.

● Shah Rukh Khan secures third position with a brand value of $120.7 million on the back of three blockbuster hits in 2023, marking his incredible return into India’s top five celebrity endorsers since 2020.

● Akshay Kumar dropped a rank this year to the fourth position with a brand value of $111.7 million while Alia Bhatt moves to fifth with a brand value of $101.1 million.

● Other notable movements include the meteoric rise in brand value of Kiara Advani moving from rank 16 to rank 12, and Katrina Kaif returned to the list of India’s most valued celebrity brands after five years.

Aviral Jain, Managing Director, Valuation Advisory Services at Kroll said, “Our report recognizes the expansion of celebrity-owned startups across various industries and the spectacular rise of Indian celebrities as global ambassadors of reputed global brands. The year 2023 also witnessed Bollywood’s powerful comeback to the film industry, with blockbusters breaking records to cross the $100 million mark—re-establishing Bollywood’s dominance in the film industry. The synergy between celebrity entrepreneurship, global star advocacy and the resurgence of Bollywood is set to redefine the dynamics of the entertainment and business industries.”

About Kroll

As the leading independent provider of risk and financial advisory solutions, Kroll leverages our unique insights, data, and technology to help clients stay ahead of complex demands. Kroll’s team of more than 6,500 professionals worldwide continues the firm’s nearly 100-year history of trusted expertise spanning risk, governance, transactions, and valuation. Our advanced solutions and intelligence provide clients with the foresight they need to create an enduring competitive advantage. At Kroll, our values define who we are and how we partner with clients and communities.

20, Jun 2024
Telugu Business Personnel in the USA honoured for their business excellence

D C Manjunath Consul General of India gave away the awards

The Telugu People are a very strong community in the USA. 40% of Indians studying in the USA are Telugu. Telugu is the fastest-growing language in the USA. Telugu is the USA’s third most-spoken Indian language. Approximately 10 lakh Telugu People live in America.

Anil Sunkar, Producer _AK Entertainments seen receiving Telugu Times Business Excellence Awards through the hands of JA Chowdary

Hyderabad, June 20, 2024…Telugu Times, a publication that has been catering to the Telugu diaspora in the USA for the past 21 years, presented the second edition of Business Excellence Awards 2024 to successful Telugu entrepreneurs in Dallas, in the United States of America.

Sri D C Manjunath Consul General of India, was the Chief Guest. He appreciated the Telugu community’s role in the US economy and the Indian economy with growing remittances to India year after year. He also appreciated Telugu Times for serving the Telugu Community.

Mr J. A Choudhary, Former Adviser – IT&C, Government of Andhra Pradesh, who was Guest of Honor recalled how several IT Professionals benefited from STPI (Software Technology Park of India) Hyderabad in his tenure and congratulated the Entrepreneurs for their success and excellence.

The Award Winners were Mr Srikanth Gaddam, CEO -of ERPA, Columbus Ohio- IT Services Category; Mr Dayakar Puskoor, CEO- Dallas Venture Capital – Venture Capital and Investment Category; Dr Yogi Chimata, Dallas Renal Group, Dallas – Hospitals and Healthcare category; Mr ANIL SUNKARA, Producer- AK Entertainments, Dallas, TX – Cinema and Entertainment; Mr BALA Indurthi – President- Sankar Netralaya, Atlanta, GA – Community Service; Ms Geetha Dammanna – CEO- Dammanna Law, Dallas, TX – Legal; Mr Ramesh Gadiraju, A2B Sweets & Restaurants, – Hospitality; Mr Kiran Pasham, President- Splash BI, Atlanta, GA – IT Products Development; Mr Vijay Borra- CEO- DFW Lands, Dallas, TX- Real Estate; Mr Maheswara KAS- CEO, KK Software Associates, Columbus OH- IT Staffing.

Srikanth Gaddam CEO _ERPA Inc seen receiving Telugu Times Business Excellence Award in IT Category

Giving his opening remarks, Telugu Times Editor and CEO Chennuri Venkata Subba Row, Telugu Times embarked on this initiative last year to recognize and honour business excellence of the Telugu business community and showcase their talents to the world by honouring them with awards. Telugu in the USA is a very strong community. Nearly ten lahks Telugu people live in the USA. 40 percent of Indian students in America are Telugu. Telugu is the fastest-growing language in the USA. Telugu-speaking people are the largest ethnic group in the USA. Telugu people run several restaurants and theatres. Telugu films are released in the US one day before. More Hindu temples have come up in the USA. No Indian state has as robust a relationship as two Telugu states and the US have. The strength of our relationship is our people-to-people connections, strong democracy, and shared values, so he added that we felt the need for such an initiative.

The rise in the Telugu population is attributed to the increasing representation of the Telugu diaspora in the technological field, especially after Y2K

“For the thousands of readers for whom Telugu Times has been an integral part of their Indian-American journey, ” Subba Row added.

The awards ceremony was first held in Milpitas, San Francisco in June 2023, and now for the second time it happened in Dallas, TX in June 2024.

Srikanth Gaddam CEO _ERPA Inc seen receiving Telugu Times Business Excellence Award in IT Category

Mr Nagendra Bandaru, Executive Board Member – WIPRO & President of Enterprise Futuring, delivered a Keynote address on Success in Technology Leadership & Future of AI, ably moderated by Mr Satish Manduva, CEO- Intelli Soft Technologies & Founder President- IT Serve Alliance.

Mr Raja Doddala, Head of Growth Equity & Investments- Churchill Asset Management spoke on VC Funding for Emerging Tech Firms & Growth Equity. The Fireside Chat was moderated by Mr Ram Nandhyala.

Plano Mayor John B. Munns, Mr Gopal Ponangi, Trustee, Frisco School District ISD, and Mr Tony Singh, Council Member – Little Elm City were present.

Mr Prasad Thotakura, Former President-TANA, Mr G Atma Charan Reddy, Former President- ATA, Mr Bapaiah Nuthi, Former President -NATS, Mr Sridhar Korsapati, Former President -NATA, Ms Neel Gonuguntla, US India Chamber of Commerce DFW and several other dignitaries of the Indian diaspora graced.

Mr Nagendra Badaru gave away Appreciation Mementos to Partners & Sponsors – Mr Suresh Manduva & Mr Satish Bandaru (TANTEX) Mr Sridhar Bendapudi (IT Bluebird), Mr Seshu Kalra (Soft Keys Inc), Mr Venkateswara Chinni (Pelican Valley), Mr Krisha Korada (APLLAZ) and others.

13, Feb 2024
Emeritus’ success story now a Harvard Business School Case Study

Mumbai, February 13, 2024: The success story of edtech unicorn Emeritus, a global leader in delivering accessible and affordable high-quality education, is now a case study by the prestigious Harvard Business School (HBS), the company announced today. ‘Emeritus: Achieving Impact, Providing Access’, traces the first phase of the company’s founding journey by co-founders Ashwin Damera and Chaitanya Kalipatnapu, showcasing its innovative approach to education which has expanded opportunities to learners globally, and previews the road that lies ahead.

Emeritus Logo

The case study, which will serve as a guide for mission-driven entrepreneurs and professionals, and be used in courses offered by Harvard, follows the journey of Damera, an HBS alumnus, and Kalipatnapu, an alumnus of INSEAD, who shared a dream of making societal impact by bringing access to high-quality education. Authored by HBS senior lecturer Ashish Nanda and research associate Zack Kurtovich, it intricately chronicles the origins of Emeritus’s transformative journey from idea to achieving global scale, made possible by a team united by the mission, and through the strength of strategic partnerships with world-class universities.

Emeritus, a pioneer in online executive education, led the way by offering Small Private Online Courses (SPOCs), cohort-based programs with a mix of synchronous and asynchronous elements, high-touch student support, and live faculty interactions. On how the company’s offerings came to life, the case study states, “…participation in executive education programs was often not feasible for individuals from developing regions, as they typically were prohibitively expensive and required participants to travel to the university campuses. Both Damera and Kalipatnapu were eager to address the unmet need among emerging market professionals for quality executive education at affordable rates”.

The study further notes that as the company’s growth accelerated in collaboration with top universities around the world, Damera and Kalipatnapu’s “leadership in tandem was critical to maintaining a sense of momentum and a strong culture within the firm”. Setting the company distinctly apart from competitors, the case notes the success metrics for the Emeritus co-founders are not valuations or financial returns, but the impact on individuals, companies, and society.

Announcing this milestone of being featured as an HBS case study, Ashwin Damera, Co-Founder and CEO, of Emeritus, said, “Chaitanya and I embarked on this journey to break down barriers to high-quality education. It is humbling to see our endeavor recognized as a case study by Harvard, a world-leading institution. This journey has been a whirlwind, and we hope that our approach to building Emeritus can offer some learnings to other entrepreneurs building mission-driven teams. We remain thankful to our team, university partners, and professionals around the world for placing their trust in us. This is a great achievement as we continue to work towards driving positive change through education.”

The case study also dives into the plans of the company to continue to expand and revolutionize the executive education and upskilling segment. Emeritus is prepared to navigate new markets, expand its product offerings, and forge newer strategic partnerships. With a steadfast commitment to excellence, innovation, and impact, Emeritus remains committed to redefining the landscape of executive education.

10, Feb 2024
Firefly Fire Pumps Secures Prestigious Business Excellence Award for Innovations in Global Firefighting Solutions

Pune, 10th February – Firefly Fire Pumps, India’s largest manufacturer, supplier, and exporter of firefighting pumps, has been honoured with the prestigious Business Excellence Award at MAHATech 2024. The recognition comes in light of Firefly’s pioneering contributions to innovative solutions in firefighting pumps, propelling Indian industries onto the global stage. Mr. Rohit Mali, Director of Firefly Fire Pumps, received the award today during a prestigious ceremony held in Pune.

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Mr. Rohit Mali, Director of Firefly Fire Pumps, expressed his gratitude stating, “I am truly honoured to receive the prestigious Business Excellence Award on behalf of Firefly Fire Pumps. This recognition highlights Firefly’s unwavering dedication to ensuring safety and reliability for our clients worldwide. The award is a testament to our team’s relentless dedication to excellence, and we are deeply privileged to be acknowledged for our commitment to keeping communities safe. We are thrilled to secure this prestigious award as we celebrate our 61st year of business in India and globally. This achievement signifies our dedication to producing premium fire pumps under the ‘Make in India’ initiative for the global market. At Firefly, we take pride in leading not only in business performance but also in corporate social responsibility. Our proactive fire safety approach underscores our dedication to making a positive impact on society and the environment, ensuring the safety of lives and properties. This recognition motivates us to continue our journey of innovation and responsible business practices for a safer and more sustainable future”.

MAHATech 2024, currently in its 20th edition, is a pivotal B2B industrial exhibition focusing on the diverse industrial products essential for the manufacturing sector. Held in Pune, the exhibition serves as a major platform, particularly for the SME segment, contributing significantly to the backbone of the economy in Maharashtra and Gujarat.

7, Nov 2023
Balancing Actions: How an Entrepreneur Should Prioritize Their Professional and Personal Goals

By – Dr. Vivek Bindra, Founder & CEO of Bada Business Pvt Ltd, Renowned Youtuber, entrepreneur, educator, international motivational speaker, leadership consultant, and startup guru.

The life of an entrepreneur is a constant juggling act, with numerous responsibilities and goals to manage. From building a successful business to nurturing personal relationships and pursuing individual dreams, the entrepreneur’s path can be overwhelming. However, mastering the art of prioritizing between professional and personal goals is essential for long-term success and well-being.

In this article, we’ll explore the challenges entrepreneurs face in balancing their professional and personal lives, and provide insights on how to effectively prioritize these two vital aspects of life.

The Entrepreneur’s Dilemma

Entrepreneurs are known for their dedication and tireless pursuit of their business ambitions. They often find themselves caught in a relentless cycle of working long hours, making personal sacrifices, and facing high levels of stress. While dedication to one’s professional goals is admirable, neglecting personal well-being and relationships can lead to burnout and a sense of emptiness in life.

On the flip side, focusing solely on personal life and neglecting professional responsibilities can hinder business growth and financial stability. Striking the right balance is a challenging task, but it is essential for both personal fulfillment and business success.

Prioritizing Professional Goals

Set Clear Business Objectives: Start by defining your business objectives and goals. What do you want to achieve in your professional life, and what is the timeline for reaching these milestones? Maintaining a well-defined plan will enable you to remain dedicated to your entrepreneurial pursuits.

Time Management: Well-organised time management is essential for entrepreneur. Prioritize tasks, delegate responsibilities where possible, and minimize time-wasting activities. Time spent on your business should be purposeful and productive.

Seek Professional Development: Continuously invest in your professional development. Stay updated with industry trends, attend workshops, and network with like-minded individuals. Gaining new skills and knowledge will not only enhance your business but also boost your confidence.

Delegate and Automate: Acquire the skill of entrusting responsibilities that do not demand your direct involvement. Automate routine processes to save time and reduce your workload. This will free up more of your valuable time for strategic decision-making.

Prioritizing Personal Goals

Define Personal Values: Take time to understand your personal values and what truly matters to you outside of work. Are your relationships, health, or personal passions a priority? Knowing your values will help you allocate time accordingly.

Self-Care: Prioritizing your health and well-being is non-negotiable. Make exercise, healthy eating, and adequate rest part of your routine. A healthy entrepreneur is a more productive entrepreneur.

Maintain Relationships: Your personal relationships are a source of support and happiness. Dedicate time to nurture them. Schedule regular quality time with family and friends, and make an effort to be fully present during these moments.

Pursue Hobbies and Passions: Don’t let your professional life consume all your time. Engage in hobbies, interests, and passions that bring you joy and fulfillment. These activities can be a source of relaxation and inspiration.

Finding Balance

Balancing professional and personal goals is not about allocating equal time to each but rather about managing your time and energy effectively. This balance will evolve over time, depending on your business’s growth and your personal life circumstances. Here are some tips for achieving equilibrium:

Regularly Re-evaluate: Periodically evaluate your priorities and adjust them as necessary. Life is dynamic, and your priorities may shift with time.

Learn to Say No: Avoid overcommitting yourself to professional or personal obligations. It’s okay to decline certain opportunities to protect your well-being.

Seek Support: Don’t hesitate to seek help or advice from mentors, peers, or professionals who can provide guidance on maintaining balance.

As an entrepreneur, the journey toward achieving professional and personal goals can be challenging, but it is undoubtedly rewarding. The key is to be intentional about how you allocate your time and energy. Striking a balance between these two critical aspects of life is essential for long-term success, happiness, and well-being. By setting clear priorities and consistently reassessing them, you can navigate the entrepreneurial path while nurturing your personal life and passions. Remember, it’s not about choosing between one or the other; it’s about harmonizing them to create a fulfilling and prosperous life.