At the Sankalp Bharat event hosted by the Aavishkaar Foundation, Binod Chaudhary, Nepal’s first billionaire and Chairman of CG Corp Global, captivated the audience during a fireside chat titled "Inspiration from Successful Billionaire." Drawing from his extraordinary journey, he shared insights on entrepreneurship, the significance of passion, and his vision for nurturing future generations. Through compelling anecdotes and reflections, he offered valuable lessons shaped by decades of resilience, innovation, and a commitment to social impact.
Turning Challenges into Opportunities
Chaudhary highlighted the necessity of passion to overcome the intrinsic hurdles of entrepreneurship, such as solitude, sacrifices, and hardships. “You can’t reach heaven without dying,” he remarked, emphasizing the need to embrace struggles, dedicate oneself fully to the process, and find joy even in adversity. His philosophy underscores that true success comes from perseverance and immersion in one’s journey.
Sharing a pivotal moment in his career, Chaudhary explained how he competed against larger corporations by taking bold risks. “To compete with bigger companies, you have to be ready to go where they didn’t dare to venture,” he said, recalling his partnership with Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) in Sri Lanka during turbulent times. His ability to seize opportunities amidst challenges has been a cornerstone of his success.
Empowering the Next Generation
A recurring theme in his talk was the importance of uplifting young entrepreneurs. Chaudhary applauded the Aavishkaar Foundation for fostering innovation through platforms empowering youth. “We need to give this generation a place where they can bring their thoughts and ideas and receive all the resources and support in one place,” he noted, stressing the role of such initiatives in addressing the brain drain in South Asia.
His philanthropic work, spearheaded through the Chaudhary Foundation, continues to drive significant change. For instance, projects like the Dolpo Trekking Route aim to promote sustainable tourism and economic development, showcasing his dedication to community-focused initiatives.
A Philosophy of Balance
The session also touched upon Chaudhary’s belief in achieving balance across various aspects of life. Quoting his book, Making It Big, the moderator shared: “You have to sacrifice something to gain something else. My father told me, that is one piece of fatherly advice I could never accept. I want everything from life, not one thing at the cost of the other.” This ethos has guided his pursuit of success in business, family, spirituality, and philanthropy without compromising these dimensions.
Spirituality: A Pillar of Strength
Chaudhary attributed much of his resilience to spiritual balance, crediting Sri Sri Ravi Shankar ji for teaching him the importance of harmony. “Life, no matter how successful you are, without spiritual balance, is incomplete,” he reflected. Linking his journey to Nepal’s spiritual heritage, he emphasized the enduring influence of the land of Pashupatinath and Buddha.
Wai Wai: A Global Symbol of Nepalese Entrepreneurship
What began as a vision to create an accessible, adaptable, and convenient product has transformed into the global phenomenon known as Wai Wai Noodles. Despite initial skepticism, Chaudhary’s belief in the brand’s potential propelled it to international acclaim. “We envisioned Wai Wai to be something that could adapt to every need—a product that couldn’t go wrong,” he shared. Today, Wai Wai exemplifies Nepal’s entrepreneurial spirit with a worldwide presence.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Chaudhary’s parting message resonated deeply: embrace passion, take measured risks, and prioritize resilience. “You need capital, training, ideas, and the ability to fight. But more importantly, you need to enjoy what you do. When you enjoy the process, nothing can stop you,” he stated, summing up his philosophy.
Dive Deeper into Making It Big
For those eager to explore Binod Chaudhary’s remarkable journey, his book, Making It Big, offers a deeper understanding of his life, challenges, and achievements. The book is a treasure trove of insights and lessons from his entrepreneurial beginnings to building a global conglomerate. Making It Big is available at bookstores worldwide