Mr. Samit Garg – Co-Founder & Managing Director at E Factor Experiences Limited
- Kindly brief us about the outset story of your career.
My journey in the realm of event management began with a spark of passion and a vision for crafting unforgettable moments. Growing up in the culturally vibrant city of Lucknow, I was immersed in a rich tapestry of traditions and celebrations that fuelled my creativity and love for innovative experiences. Witnessing the magic of events in my hometown inspired me to delve deeper into the world of experiential design.
Venturing into the bustling city of Delhi 25 years ago marked a significant chapter in my life. Armed with a network of supportive friends and family, I stepped into the dynamic world of event management. Drawing from the rich cultural heritage of Lucknow and the pulsating energy of Delhi, E-Factor was founded, a venture driven by a passion for immersive events and a commitment to redefining the very essence of experiences. This is also when the “I” became “We”.
Our journey began with the support of mentors who recognized our potential and encouraged my creative pursuits. With their guidance, we harnessed our love for innovation and storytelling to create events that resonated deeply with people. This laid the foundation for E-Factor, a company that soon became synonymous with ground breaking events and benchmarked creativity in the industry.
- As a successful leader, which three personal qualities do you believe contributed most to your success?
The journey to success in the realm of event management has been shaped by a fusion of passion, ambition & resilience. These three personal attributes have been instrumental in my achievements and have played a pivotal role in my professional journey
Passion:
Passion is the driving force behind every endeavour. It’s the deep-seated love for creating extraordinary experiences that ignites our creativity and fuels our determination. This passion not only inspires us but also permeates through the team, setting the tone for our collective pursuit of excellence. It’s this passion that enables us to transform concepts into immersive, memorable events, leaving a lasting impact on our clients and their audiences.
Ambition:
Ambition serves as the catalyst for continuous growth and innovation. The ambition to reach new heights and explore uncharted territories has driven us to push boundaries and embrace challenges. It compels us to set ambitious goals for E-Factor, encouraging us to stretch our limits and exceed expectations. Ambition, coupled with strategic planning, has enabled us to evolve, adapt to changing market demands, and stay ahead of the curve in the ever-competitive events industry.
Resilience:
Resilience is the bedrock of our journey. In the face of setbacks and challenges, the ability to bounce back, learn from failures, and persist with unwavering determination has been crucial. It’s the resilience that empowers us to navigate through uncertainties and turn obstacles into opportunities. Each setback is viewed as a valuable lesson, propelling us forward with newfound wisdom and strength. Resilience ensures that we remain steadfast, even in the face of adversity, and continue to deliver exceptional experiences to our clients.
- What are the aims and ideals that guide you as an individual and a professional?
The guiding principles that shape my personal and professional journey are deeply rooted in five core beliefs, each of which holds significant meaning and influence in my life and work:
Nothing is Impossible:
This belief serves as a cornerstone in my approach to challenges. I firmly hold that with determination, innovation, and a tenacious spirit, any obstacle can be overcome. Embracing the mindset that nothing is impossible empowers us to tackle even the most daunting tasks. It encourages us to explore unconventional solutions, to think beyond boundaries, and to turn ambitious visions into tangible realities.
Dream Big:
Dreaming big is the catalyst for innovation and growth. It is the foundation upon which extraordinary achievements are built. By nurturing audacious dreams, we set ambitious goals that drive our personal and professional aspirations. Dreaming big fuels our passion for creating innovative experiences and pioneering ground breaking initiatives. It fosters a culture of innovation within our organization, encouraging every team member to envision a future beyond the ordinary. Through daring dreams, we transform ordinary events into extraordinary memories, leaving a profound impact on our clients and their audiences.
Learning Should Never Stop:
The pursuit of knowledge is perpetual. Embracing the philosophy that learning should never cease underscores our commitment to personal and professional development. In the fast-paced world of event management, staying abreast of the latest trends, technologies, and methodologies is imperative. Continuous learning not only enhances our expertise but also enriches the services we provide. It cultivates a culture of curiosity and intellectual growth within our team, ensuring that we remain at the forefront of the industry. By embracing lifelong learning, we adapt, innovate, and consistently deliver cutting-edge experiences.
Humanity is Paramount:
At the heart of every event, there lies a human connection. Recognizing the paramount importance of humanity underscores our commitment to creating experiences that resonate with people on a profound level. It means understanding the emotions, cultures, and individuality of each participant. This principle guides our interactions with clients, colleagues, and event attendees, fostering an environment of respect, empathy, and inclusivity. Human-centric events not only captivate audiences but also create a sense of belonging and shared experiences. In a world driven by technology, the human touch remains at the core of all our endeavours.
Value Systems Must Prevail:
Upholding strong ethical values and principles is non-negotiable. Integrity, honesty, and authenticity form the bedrock of our professional conduct. These values guide our decision-making processes, ensuring transparency and trust in all interactions. By prioritizing ethical practices, we create an environment of integrity within the organization. It fosters trust among clients and partners, establishing long-lasting relationships built on mutual respect and credibility. Upholding value systems not only strengthens the reputation of our brand but also reinforces the moral fabric of the events industry.
- What have been the toughest obstacles you faced in your career?
Throughout our career, we have navigated a diverse array of challenges, from economic downturns to intricate logistical complexities. Yet, the most formidable obstacles we have encountered are deeply rooted in the human dynamics of our industry:
Fighting Lack of Originality:
One of the most significant challenges we’ve faced is combating a lack of originality within the industry. In a world saturated with events, standing out demands creativity and innovation. Yet, the prevalence of repetitive concepts and unimaginative approaches often hampers the potential for truly unique experiences. Overcoming this obstacle requires continuous efforts to break away from conventional moulds. We invest in nurturing a culture of creativity within our team, encouraging them to explore uncharted territories, think beyond the ordinary, and craft events that are not just memorable but also pioneering. It’s a battle against the mundane, a relentless pursuit of fresh ideas and inventive solutions that redefine what an event can be.
Love for Copy-Paste:
The tendency to resort to copy-paste methodologies poses a significant challenge in the realm of event management. While templates and formulas have their place, authentic experiences cannot thrive in a cut-and-paste environment. Crafting truly immersive events demands a bespoke approach tailored to the unique needs and aspirations of our clients. This obstacle necessitates a shift in mindset – away from shortcuts and quick fixes, toward a deep understanding of client visions and audience expectations. By embracing customization and investing in meticulous planning, we break free from the limitations of imitation, ensuring every event is a tailored masterpiece.
Lack of Respect for Peers:
Another challenge lies in the lack of respect for the expertise and contributions of peers within the industry. Collaboration and mutual respect are the cornerstones of growth, yet the absence of acknowledgment for the collective talent often impedes progress. Overcoming this obstacle requires fostering a culture of respect and recognition. We actively engage with peers, celebrate their successes, and collaborate on projects that highlight the collective brilliance of the industry. By promoting an environment where everyone’s skills are valued, we not only uplift our peers but also elevate the entire industry, creating a supportive ecosystem where innovation and excellence thrive.
- Mention some of the notable recognitions and accreditations received by your organization and person.
Incredibly blessed by providence, our organization has been consistently honoured as one of the most distinguished companies within our domain. Over the past decade, we’ve been privileged to receive an impressive tally of more than 150 awards from esteemed platforms and industry bodies, underscoring our commitment to excellence and innovation.
Among these accolades, one of the most noteworthy is the prestigious Award of Excellence presented to us by none other than the revered President of India. This recognition stands as a testament to our unwavering dedication, creativity, and the unparalleled quality of our work. It serves as a reminder of the standards of excellence we consistently strive to uphold, inspiring us to continue pushing the boundaries of creating experiences that leave an indelible mark. These awards, bestowed upon us by respected institutions, serve not only as a recognition of our past achievements but also as a driving force propelling us toward even greater heights of success and distinction in the future.
- What keeps you motivated to give your best every day?
The wellspring of inspiration that fuels our unwavering commitment emanates from the radiant smiles on the faces of our clients and participants. It’s in these moments of genuine happiness that our purpose becomes vividly clear, driving us to continually push the boundaries of creativity and excellence.
Additionally, the recognition and accolades we receive for our endeavours serve as powerful motivators. Each award and acknowledgment reinforces our belief in the power of exceptional work, inspiring us to refine our skills and surpass our own achievements. These accolades are not just tokens of appreciation but validations of our dedication and hard work, driving us to aim higher and reach for new milestones.
In recent years, the joy of being an integral part of the growth story of Brand India adds a special zest to our motivation. Contributing to the narrative of our nation’s progress and global recognition is akin to the cherry on the cake, infusing our daily efforts with a profound sense of purpose and pride.
- Do you have a mantra that you live by?
Indeed, our guiding mantra, “Imagine, Create, Inspire,” encapsulates the essence of our approach to both life and work.
Imagine:
Imagination is the catalyst for innovation and progress. It’s about envisioning the extraordinary, thinking beyond boundaries, and conceptualizing events that transcend the ordinary.
Create:
Creation is where imagination takes tangible form. Transforming concepts into reality requires meticulous planning, attention to detail, and a commitment to craftsmanship. We believe in the art of creation – in sculpting environments, curating experiences, and engineering moments that captivate the senses.
Inspire:
Inspiration is the heartbeat of our mantra. The true measure of our success lies in the ability to inspire others – our clients, participants, and peers. Every event we craft is designed not just to entertain but to evoke emotions, provoke thoughts, and leave a lasting impression. We aspire to inspire, to kindle the spark of creativity in others, and to ignite a passion for extraordinary experiences.
- Who in your life inspires you the most? Is there a particular person who you are grateful for who helped get you to where you are?
Our greatest inspiration comes from our family, particularly our parents, whose unwavering support and belief in our dreams have been a guiding force. Their resilience and values have shaped our character and instilled in me the importance of humility and gratitude.
Additionally, we are deeply grateful for our mentors and the incredible individuals we have had the privilege to work with. Their wisdom and guidance have been invaluable in shaping our professional journey. Mr Analjit Singh, Mr Amitabh Bachchan, Mr Sanjiv Goenka, Mr S P Lohia, Ms Priti Paul – are amongst a few we often remember.
- What would be your future endeavours and where do you see yourself in the near future?
As we gaze into the future, our vision is firmly fixed on expanding the frontiers of experiential marketing. Our aspiration is to guide E-Factor Experiences Limited to unprecedented heights of creativity and innovation, establishing it as a renowned international brand.
One of our strategic pursuits is the creation of cultural landmarks. We are actively engaging in projects that celebrate the rich tapestry of culture, art, and heritage. By curating events that become iconic cultural moments, we aim to leave a lasting legacy and contribute significantly to the cultural landscape.
Moreover, with our recent listing as a company, we have set our sights on ambitious financial goals. We are diligently working towards achieving a market capitalization of 500 crores within the next five years. This endeavour reflects our commitment to sustainable growth, prudent financial management, and delivering exceptional value to our stakeholders.
- Your journey has been inspiring, and it sets a great example for aspiring leaders. What advice do you have for them?
To aspiring leaders, I offer the following advice:
Cultivate Passion: Find your true passion and let it be the driving force behind your endeavours. Passion fuels determination and creativity, propelling you toward your goals.
Embrace Challenges: Challenges are opportunities for growth. Embrace them with a positive mindset, learn from setbacks, and use them as stepping stones toward success.
Value Relationships: Relationships, both personal and professional, are the cornerstone of success. Treat people with respect, empathy, and kindness. Nurture genuine connections, as they will be your greatest assets.
Never Stop Learning: The world is ever-changing, and continuous learning is key to staying relevant. Be open to new ideas, technologies, and methodologies. Stay curious and invest in your personal and professional development.
Stay True to Your Values: Integrity and authenticity are non-negotiable. Stay true to your values, even in the face of challenges. Your reputation is built on trust and ethical conduct.
In conclusion, our journey in the world of events and experiences has been a tapestry woven with passion, perseverance, and purpose. Through dedication, innovation, and a genuine commitment to creating meaningful experiences, we have been fortunate to achieve success. As we look toward the future, our mission remains steadfast: to innovate, inspire, and make a positive impact on the lives of others, one extraordinary experience at a time.
