Rohan Ganeriwala is all set to take up the chairmanship of ALFA Network, a peer-to-peer networking organisation based in Calcutta, with his debut event on April 19. An alumnus of St. Xavier’s College, Ganeriwala is the co-founder and director of CG Collegify, which offers ‘bespoke mentoring services for college admission’. Rohan has robust experience in running multiple businesses, like Krishna Warehouse LLP and M/s Exchange. A t2 chat.
You joined ALFA Network just two-and-a-half years ago and now you are the chairman. Congratulations! How has your experience in ALFA prepared you to head the organisation?
My time at ALFA Network has been a profound journey of learning and growth. Since ALFA operates as a peer network, everyone is inherently expected to take on leadership roles. The most significant insights come from interactions with members across different sectors. The diverse opportunities to engage with members from various sectors have enriched my understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the entrepreneurial landscape. From a personal standpoint, my tenure as the Social chair last year was immensely enriching. It equipped me with the skills and confidence needed to seamlessly organise events, transforming what once seemed daunting, into second nature.
You are an entrepreneur yourself. How do you intend to bring in your experience at ALFA?
As an entrepreneur, I’ve navigated the highs and lows of building and expanding a business firsthand. This journey, akin to a marathon filled with continuous fluctuations, teaches us to embrace the process and learn from our errors while adapting to an ever-changing environment. I intend to leverage this experience to enhance ALFA’s support for entrepreneurs, focusing on practical insights, mentorship, and access to collective resources.
You are succeeding Naman Ajitsaria. Is there anything that you have learnt from his leadership?
A pivotal takeaway from his time in leadership was the essence of adaptive leadership — embracing change with openness and navigating the organisation through new challenges with agility. I am especially motivated by his commitment to fostering an inclusive environment. Moving forward, I aim to build upon and passionately pursue the initiatives he established, with a special emphasis on broadening our learning programmes and deepening our engagement with members. This approach will ensure we continue to grow and adapt, honouring his legacy of innovation and inclusivity.
As a chairman, you must have your must-dos. Take us through your plans...
As ALFA chair, my primary goal is to amplify ALFA’s impact on the city. This includes expanding our learning initiatives and peer-to-peer mentoring programmes called “ALFA Core”, enhancing collaboration with industry leaders, and exploring new technologies and skills to support our members. An increased emphasis on ALFA Women within the organisation, aiming to organise more events that not only address women’s issues but also foster learning and understanding.
We also plan to expand our membership base to attract individuals from diverse sectors.
Given the dynamic and rapidly expanding entrepreneurial landscape in India and particularly in Calcutta, our strategic emphasis is on nurturing our member enterprises within the domains of technology, sustainability, and social innovation. These sectors not only offer immense opportunities for economic expansion but also resonate with our overarching goal of making a meaningful impact on society and the environment. By channelling our support towards these areas, we aim to foster a community of businesses that are not just profitable but also responsible and forward-thinking, contributing to a sustainable and inclusive future.
What kind of events do you plan to host?
Our members can expect a rich and varied lineup of events tailored to foster networking, learning, and personal well-being, alongside exclusive social gatherings. Key upcoming activities include insights and discussions from the founders and CEOs within the international business world, a specialised masterclass on direct-to-consumer (D2C) strategies aimed at enhancing consumer-centric brand development, continuous opportunities for direct interactions with founders of leading startups, as well as sessions with celebrities from the fashion, music, film, and sports worlds, including grand slam champions and Olympians, and much more.
This year we embrace the theme of ‘Serendipity’ and kick off with two main themes — ‘Powerful Perspectives’, which will be a collection of events featuring top achievers from the world of business, sports, media, and more, and ‘Eloquent Encounters with Thought Leaders’ which will offer intimate interactions with leading minds across various domains. Topics will span corporate strategy, business innovation, investment masterclasses, nutrition, fashion, and building direct-to-consumer (D2C) brands, among others.
