To become a CA at the first attempt is no easy task to accomplish but Shubham Mittal, with his indomitable spirit, proved that if one is willing to put in the effort, the sky is the limit.
Coming from a lower middle-class background, Shubham felt the necessity to rise, take responsibility and stabilize the financial state of his family. It was always his ambition to become successful and make his parents proud.
But accomplishing his dreams was no easy feat. He had his own set of roadblocks; nevertheless, his optimistic attitude and hard work plopped into making the dream a reality, Shubham continued to thrive and always kept looking forward to growth. To know more about Shubham’s brilliant journey and get some tips and tricks, join Storiyaan!
Shubham Mittal: The Way To Walk The Walk
Interview
Questions and answers
Becoming a CA at the age of 21 is quite onerous. Could you tell us what motivated you towards it?
Becoming a CA at the age of 21 is quite a big success for me since many people don’t clear it in their first attempt. However, I believe attempts don’t matter in the long-term orientation. Coming from a lower middle-class background was one of the reasons I needed to work hard to have a stable financial status. But I felt that I could do it, owing to my decent grades. My biggest motivation at the time was on improving the economic stature.
What was the most difficult part of your journey that you would like to share with us?
One of the most difficult parts was coming to Mumbai for my CA article-ship training. I’m from Rajasthan I did my schooling from a Hindi medium school which made me unsure if I would be able to keep up with the fast lifestyle of Mumbai and the communication gap that might be created as English was the language commonly spoken there. I feared being judged and feeling inferior. I was set to go back to my hometown if things didn’t work out, but it never happened. I came in 2012, and today we are sitting in 2022– almost 9.5 years, and I managed to learn a lot about the life of Mumbaikars.
You joined indirect tax by rejecting an offer from a big bank with a handsome salary. What was the main reason behind doing this and what new areas you were hoping to work on?
I found my initial inclination toward indirect taxation because I realized that I loved that subject among all. I wrote an email to the bank explaining my decision. I could compromise on the package but I didn’t want to compromise on my dreams and the voice of my heart which is exactly why I shifted to ⅓ of the package that I was offered by the bank.
What are the current areas you are working on and how would you like to describe them to our readers?
I’m working on creating different courses and programs like copywriting and professional email writing courses, through which I aim to enable professionals (especially those who are introverts and reserved) to build a thriving career. Apart from that, I’ll soon be launching my 1st book “You Are Born To Thrive” where I have shared a framework with many practical insights and experiences.
All the chances that you have taken in your life were because you never wanted to regret. Can you elucidate us through this?
Absolutely, I joined indirect tax because I didn’t want to compromise on my ambitions and regret it 30 years later, even though I had an offer for an exceptionally great salary at a reputed bank. And again, after being settled in the profile, I left Indirect Taxation to pursue my passion to coach and mentor professionals who want to thrive and maximize their potential. I’m really passionate about my mission, and I love to do what I do.
Often people didn't understand your decisions and demotivated you for the choices you made in life. How should one react in those situations and keep their mindset fixed instead of getting distracted?
When I went for the indirect tax, many people questioned me about choosing a ⅓ package and many were against it. People will say thousands of different things because they look at facts through their own lens. But the key is to believe in yourself and follow your own ambition and goals with utmost precision and assume 100% responsibility, whether it goes right or wrong. This attitude requires courage which one needs if one truly wants to thrive in life or career.
Share with us some of the myths that young professionals have to go through that are not really true.
Firstly, they assume that acquiring a professional degree will automatically ensure their success. If that were true, lakhs of professionals would be thriving in their careers. Secondly, they underestimate the value of mentorship and how it changes the life of a human being. Thirdly, they kill their career potential by limiting themselves with their career choices around their degree as per conventional practices. There are many professionals who have unique passions or interests but they never pursue the same because are afraid to stand out.
You have talked about different world-class mentors who have helped you in your journey. Could you share with us the story of how with every passing day you felt yourself as a better version of yourself?
There is a big difference between who I was before (until 2018) and who I am now and I dedicate all this change to my mentors: Dan Lok, Dev Gadhvi, Ron Malhotra, Bhupenddra Singh Raathore (BSR) and Siddharth Rajsekar – all are world-class coaches and mentors in India and at international levels. I learned from them because I wanted to get to their level in less time with more efficiency.
You are on a mission to enable 1 lakh ambitious professionals. What are your unique strategies when it comes to motivating and guiding them on the right path?
My strategies are based on unconventional paths that enable a professional to thrive without limiting their potential to a degree or course. Many professionals are introverts and they find themselves afraid to speak in public but I believe they can: with their written words My strategy is to enable professionals to use their talent to write in such a way that creates impact and at the same time speaks with many people.
Could you please share with us the story of The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel with our readers so that we don't let our dreams die and everything is possible if one tries hard enough?
I am part of a business mentorship program of Bhupenddra Singh Raathore (BSR) and in that mentorship, there was a three-day residential program held at Hotel Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai. As part of the mentorship package, I had earned the privilege to stay there for 3 days, which had been a dream for me since the time I came to Mumbai. These things happen when we see the possibilities from our vision, and we dare to follow them irrespective of any challenges or problems.
Quick 5
1. One mantra you always follow in life: – I want to have no regrets.
2. The first book that has changed the way of your thinking: – 80% MindSet 20% SKILLS by Dev Gadhvi
3. Your go-to place: – Marine Drive, Mumbai
4. The person who you look up to the most: – Ron Malhotra and Bhupenddra Singh Raathore (BSR)
5. Your proudest milestone: – Deciding to join the mentorship programs.