Entrepreneur, Consultant, and Advocate for Global Talent

 Rajiiv Saraff

From the early days of my childhood, I was consumed by an unquenchable curiosity about the vast tapestry of futures that lay ahead. I dreamed of being everything—an artist, a scientist, a healer. But it was the intoxicating allure of entrepreneurship that seized my imagination, propelling me on a path that would forever change the course of my life. This journey, from a wide-eyed dreamer to a seasoned entrepreneur, was shaped not only by ambition but by a relentless drive to craft a legacy at the intersection of digital innovation, business development, and technology.

It was a journey of personal evolution, marked by both triumphs and tribulations, where resilience became my closest ally. In moments when life’s challenges seemed insurmountable, I learned that the greatest success doesn’t come from avoiding obstacles but from the perseverance to rise each time we fall.

A Defining Moment: The Kashmiri Pandit Exodus

In 1990, my life—along with the lives of over 400,000 Kashmiri Pandits—was violently upheaved as we were forced to flee our homeland amidst the rising flames of terrorism. We abandoned everything that tethered us to our roots—our homes, our memories, our very sense of identity. The Kashmir that I once knew was no more, and the life I had envisioned with it was reduced to ashes. What we had left, however, was the raw, unrefined spirit of survival and a profound understanding of resilience.

This cataclysmic event didn’t just alter the course of my life; it reshaped it. From the ashes of destruction, I learned that true success isn’t dictated by external circumstances but by one’s indomitable will to adapt, rebuild, and emerge stronger. In the crucible of hardship, I discovered that resilience, more than any material wealth, was the true currency of success.

I can still vividly recall those early days of hardship. My family, once prosperous, found ourselves squeezed into a cramped, single-room apartment. We lived with other displaced families, our finances stretched thin as we navigated a reality far removed from the comforts we once knew. My father, having lost his entire business, faced the daunting task of starting from scratch in a new world. The emotional and psychological toll was profound, yet it was during these dark days that I discovered a core truth: resilience is the greatest form of wealth, and from adversity, one can find the foundation for greatness.

Education: The Bedrock of Resilience and Growth

Amidst the tumult, my parents—true to the unwavering spirit of all Kashmiri Pandits—valued education above all else. Education became not just a means of upward mobility but a beacon of hope in an otherwise uncertain future. Despite the economic hardships, I pursued my academic journey with fervour. My engineering degree, obtained from a modest college in Osmanabad, Maharashtra, was a testament to my determination. Later, I advanced my education with an MBA in Telecom Management and Marketing from a reputed business school in Delhi.

However, it was during this period of academic exploration that I began to realise my true passion: business development and relationship-building, not technical roles. My early career was rife with uncertainty. I struggled to find my footing, working in roles that failed to ignite my true potential. But fate, in the form of my mother’s connections, guided me to my first job at Reliance, albeit as a customer support representative. Though the position didn’t fulfil my ambitions, it set me on a path that would ultimately lead me to pursue an MBA—a decision that shaped my future.

Despite the confusion about my career trajectory, I soon recognised that education was the ultimate investment in myself. In those moments of uncertainty, when I felt lost in the maze of potential career options, I found clarity through the MBA—an experience that propelled me toward my true calling in business.

Entrepreneurial Genesis and Technology Expertise

My professional journey began in the dynamic world of technology, where the explosive potential of digital innovation captivated me. I dove headfirst into technology consulting, a domain that allowed me to fuse my business acumen with my growing fascination for technology. It was in this realm that I found my true niche, where the crossroads of business and technology created a perfect storm of opportunity.

Entrepreneurship beckoned next. I co-founded several startups, where I learned invaluable lessons in the art of business development, client relations, and the challenges that come with digital transformation. But the path wasn’t without its challenges—there were setbacks, some of them crushing. I faced the sting of rejection twice, having been let go from roles that I believed would define my career. Yet, I didn’t wallow in defeat. I used those failures as stepping stones, embracing each setback with an undeterred resolve. It was through this adversity that I learned the most important lesson of all: resilience is not just about surviving but about thriving in the face of hardship.

As a consultant and entrepreneur, I honed my expertise in strategic business transformations, particularly in talent acquisition, technology solutions, and digital analytics. My ventures afforded me the privilege of collaborating with global enterprises, where I played a pivotal role in helping businesses harness the transformative power of digital innovation.

The UK Chapter: Bridging Markets, Cultures, and Technologies

In August 2021, my family and I embarked on a new journey, relocating to the United Kingdom. This was the second migration in my life—but this time, it was by my own design. The UK became a fertile ground for me to continue my entrepreneurial journey while navigating a new culture and expanding my business across borders. Here, I learned that the true power of innovation lies not just in technological prowess but in the ability to bridge cultures, markets, and people.

In the UK, I had the privilege of leading multi-million-dollar projects that focused on driving digital transformation, using cutting-edge technologies like predictive analytics, AI, and machine learning. These initiatives weren’t just about improving business processes—they were about empowering organisations to achieve greater operational efficiency, reduce costs, and redefine the future of industries. As I led teams and collaborated with international stakeholders, I realised that the digital transformation journey is as much about people as it is about technology.

In parallel, I found myself guiding some of the brightest minds in the tech industry through the intricate process of securing the UK’s Global Talent Visa. Through this initiative, I helped unlock new opportunities for these professionals, enabling them to broaden their horizons and shape the future of their industries. It became one of my greatest passions: helping others reach their full potential.

Key Milestones and Achievements

Reflecting on my journey, I am proud of several significant milestones that have defined my career:

From Passion to Profession: Not many people get to transform a hobby into a career, but I was fortunate to do so. As a lifelong music lover, I spent nearly a decade selling ringtones, caller tunes, and movie apps. I also ran a live astrology call centre early in my career. While I was content with the financial rewards, I now realise that this phase was both a blessing and a trap. It pushed me into a comfort zone that stifled my growth and, in hindsight, it was the biggest mistake of my life. Although the money flowed, I didn’t focus on upskilling myself, which would later become a key lesson in my entrepreneurial journey.

Startup Specialist: I never sought refuge in large, established corporations. Instead, I thrived in the world of startups, where I had the privilege of building businesses from the ground up. I am immensely proud of my contributions to companies like Paytm, IMI Mobile, and Hungama Digital, where I helped scale nascent ideas into thriving enterprises.

Digital Transformation Leadership: My leadership in digital transformation projects remains one of the most fulfilling aspects of my career. From driving innovation in CRM systems and app development to incorporating AI and large language models, I’ve been at the vanguard of change. My experience at Paytm, in particular, stands out as a career-defining moment, where I was deeply involved in the digital revolution.

Global Talent Advocacy: One of my greatest joys has been mentoring and advocating for the brightest minds in the tech and consulting sectors. Helping professionals secure the UK’s Global Talent Visa has been both a challenge and a privilege, allowing me to play a small part in their journey to success.

Reflections and Lessons Learned

Every challenge, every failure, has been a lesson in disguise. The hardships I faced during the Kashmiri Pandit exodus taught me the value of perseverance, while my journey through the startup ecosystem sharpened my adaptability. Through it all, I’ve come to realise that success isn’t merely about reaching the destination but about the courage to persevere, to push forward, and to continually learn along the way.

The most profound lesson I’ve learned? Passion will make you happy, but stepping out of your comfort zone will make you exceptional. True leaders embrace discomfort, constantly unlearn and relearn, and never shy away from upskilling—no matter the external noise.

A Message to Aspiring Professionals

To those beginning their journey, my advice is simple: education is your foundation, but persistence is your superpower. Life rarely follows a straight line, but with determination, adaptability, and an unyielding thirst for knowledge, you can turn any obstacle into an opportunity. My journey is proof that no matter where you start, your capacity for growth and resilience will define your success.

As I continue my work in digital transformation, my mission remains clear: to empower businesses, unlock opportunities, and create meaningful impact. The road ahead may be fraught with uncertainty, but it is through these very challenges that we craft the stories of our greatest achievements.