"Failure is not a reflection of one's worth or capabilities but rather a stepping stone on the path to personal and professional growth"
Prateek Agarwal Tweet
Welcome to ValiantCEO Magazine’s exclusive interview with Prateek Agarwal, founder of Calgee.
In this insightful conversation, we explore Calgee’s mission to revolutionize the health and wellness industry through sustainable practices and eco-friendly products.
Prateek Agarwal shares the story behind Calgee’s inception, driven by a desire to find a pure, vegan alternative to fish oil supplements without compromising principles or the environment.
Founded in 2020, Calgee prioritizes using premium ingredients, fostering innovation, and making a positive impact on the planet. As a proud member of 1% for the Planet, Calgee donates 1% of its gross sales to approved environmental partners.
Discover Calgee’s remarkable transition from bottles to pouches, their unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction and sustainability, and their vision for the future.
Join us as we delve into Calgee’s journey of creating a better future through sustainable health products and a positive environmental influence.
Check out more interviews with entrepreneurs here.
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Table of Contents
We are thrilled to have you join us today, welcome to ValiantCEO Magazine’s exclusive interview! Let’s start off with a little introduction. Tell our readers a bit about yourself and your company.
Prateek Agarwal: I started Calgee with my wife, Shreya, in 2020. That year, during a routine check-up, I was surprised to learn that my cholesterol levels were in the “very high” range. Despite being young and healthy, they were higher than they should have been for someone my age.
To make matters worse, I discovered that Shreya and I were at a higher risk for cardiovascular diseases due to our family histories.
With everything else happening in 2020, our health became our top priority. We fine-tuned our diets and increased our exercise routines. It still wasn’t enough.
Our doctors suggested taking fish oil supplements, but as vegetarians, we were reluctant to consume fish oil. We didn’t want to compromise our principles for the sake of our health.
Convinced there had to be a better solution in nature, we discovered vegan omega-3 oil supplements as a sustainable alternative to fish oil. However, we learned that most of these capsules contained carrageenan, an ingredient known to cause stomach inflammation.
Frustrated by the lack of suitable options on the market, we decided to create our own product.
Determined to develop something pure, sustainable, and environmentally friendly, we embarked on our journey to establish Calgee. Today, Calgee is a mission-driven health and wellness company committed to using its influence to create a positive impact on the environment.
Calgee is committed to creating the world’s most sustainable and eco-friendly health products. Calgee is committed to people and the planet first; using only the highest quality premium ingredients; innovation; and working towards a greater good. Calgee is a 1% for the Planet member, giving 1% of its gross sales each year to approved environmental partners through various support.
In the past year, what is the greatest business achievement you’d like to celebrate with your team? Please share the details of that success.
Prateek Agarwal: In the past year, our team’s greatest business achievement that we would like to celebrate is the successful transition from bottles to pouches for our products.
This strategic move presented both risks and rewards, including potential subscriber loss and concerns about maintaining air-tight seals. However, the overwhelming positive response from our customers made it clear that we had made the right decision.
The introduction of pouch packaging brought significant convenience and sustainability benefits that resonated with our customer base. Our attention to detail and rigorous quality control measures ensured that the air-tight seals were maintained, preserving the integrity of our products and further building trust with our customers.
This transition also set us apart from our competitors in the market, attracting new customers and forging valuable partnerships. The switch to pouches not only enhanced customer satisfaction but also contributed to improved retention rates, showcasing our commitment to sustainability and customer-centric innovation.
The success of this transition was a pivotal moment for our business, as it validated our dedication to meeting customer needs while making a positive environmental impact. It served as a testament to our team’s ability to adapt, innovate, and execute with excellence.
As we celebrate this milestone with our team, we recognize that this achievement represents more than just a packaging switch. It symbolizes our capacity to identify and embrace opportunities for growth and improvement, while always prioritizing customer satisfaction and sustainable practices.
Moving forward, we will continue to build upon this success, leveraging our newfound market differentiation and customer trust to further propel our growth and solidify our position as a leader in our industry.
What advice do you wish you had received when you started your business journey and what do you intend on improving in the next quarter?
Prateek Agarwal: There are two lessons that I would emphasize: embracing failure as a pathway to success and the importance of taking breaks for enhanced productivity.
Firstly, I would reassure my younger self that failure is an inherent part of the journey toward success. It’s natural to encounter obstacles and make mistakes along the way. Rather than being discouraged by failures, I would encourage my younger self to see them as valuable learning opportunities. Each failure presents a chance to grow, adapt, and refine one’s approach.
By embracing failure and learning from mistakes, one can develop resilience, gain insights, and ultimately find the path to success. It’s important to understand that failure is not a reflection of one’s worth or capabilities but rather a stepping stone on the path to personal and professional growth.
Secondly, I would emphasize the significance of taking breaks and allowing oneself to recharge. In a world where productivity is highly valued, it’s easy to get caught up in a constant cycle of work without taking sufficient time for rest and rejuvenation. I would advise my younger self to recognize the importance of self-care and the benefits of stepping away from work to relax and recharge.
Taking breaks not only prevents burnout but also enhances productivity and creativity. Whether engaging in hobbies, spending time with loved ones, pursuing passions, or simply practicing mindfulness, taking breaks allows the mind to rest, rejuvenate, and gain fresh perspectives. It’s crucial to strike a balance between work and leisure to maintain sustainable productivity and overall well-being.
Here is a two-fold question: What is the book that influenced you the most and how? Please share some life lessons you learned. Now what book have you gifted the most and why?
Prateek Agarwal: The book that has influenced me the most is “Shoe Dog” by Phil Knight. This memoir, written by the co-founder of Nike, has left a lasting impact on me in several ways.
First and foremost, “Shoe Dog” has taught me the value of perseverance and unwavering determination in the face of adversity. Phil Knight’s journey to build Nike was filled with numerous challenges, setbacks, and moments of uncertainty.
Yet, he never gave up on his vision and continued to push forward despite the obstacles. This book has instilled in me the belief that success often requires persistence, resilience, and an unyielding commitment to one’s goals.
Another crucial lesson I learned from “Shoe Dog” is the importance of embracing risk and stepping out of one’s comfort zone. Phil Knight took significant risks throughout his entrepreneurial journey, from borrowing money to fund his startup to venturing into uncharted territories to secure manufacturing partnerships.
His willingness to take calculated risks, even in the face of potential failure, highlights the transformative power of stepping outside familiar boundaries and embracing uncertainty. This lesson has encouraged me to embrace calculated risks in my own life and pursue new opportunities with a sense of courage and adventure.
Furthermore, “Shoe Dog” has underscored the significance of building strong relationships and fostering a supportive team. Phil Knight’s partnerships and collaborations with individuals such as Bill Bowerman and his early employees played a pivotal role in Nike’s success.
The book emphasizes the importance of surrounding oneself with talented and passionate individuals who share a common vision. It taught me the value of teamwork, effective communication, and nurturing relationships to create a thriving and impactful organization.
Lastly, “Shoe Dog” has highlighted the transformative power of passion and purpose. Phil Knight’s deep love for running and his relentless pursuit of creating innovative footwear that enhanced athletic performance is a testament to the impact of pursuing one’s passion.
The book reinforces the notion that aligning one’s work with personal values and passions can fuel intrinsic motivation, inspire creativity, and lead to profound fulfillment.
In terms of the book I have gifted the most, it is also “Shoe Dog.” I have chosen to share this book with others because of its inspiring narrative, valuable life lessons, and universal appeal.
Whether someone is an entrepreneur, a sports enthusiast, or simply seeking motivation and insights, “Shoe Dog” offers a captivating story that resonates with a wide range of readers. The book’s blend of business, personal growth, and adventure makes it an engaging and thought-provoking read for anyone seeking inspiration and a deeper understanding of the entrepreneurial journey.
Business is all about overcoming obstacles and creating opportunities for growth. What do you see as THE real challenge right now?
Prateek Agarwal: Right now, the real challenge in the business landscape is undoubtedly navigating the rapidly evolving digital and technological landscape.
The advent of technology has fundamentally transformed the way businesses operate, interact with customers, and stay competitive. While technology offers immense opportunities for growth, it also presents significant challenges that require careful consideration and adaptation.
In your experience, what tends to be the most underestimated part of running a company? Can you share an example?
Prateek Agarwal: Coordinating with people to get things done can take a lot longer than expected sometimes.
What does “success” in 2023 mean to you? It could be on a personal or business level, please share your vision.
Prateek Agarwal: In 2023, success, to me, encompasses a combination of personal fulfillment and business achievement. It goes beyond conventional measures of success such as wealth or status and delves into a more holistic and meaningful perspective.
On a personal level, success in 2023 means living a balanced and fulfilling life. It involves nurturing meaningful relationships, maintaining good health and well-being, and continuously growing and learning.
It means having a sense of purpose and aligning my actions with my values. Success in this context is about finding joy and contentment in the present moment while striving for personal growth and self-improvement.
In terms of business, success in 2023 revolves around creating a positive impact and contributing to the greater good.
It means running a company that not only generates profits but also prioritizes sustainability, ethical practices, and social responsibility. It involves delivering products or services that genuinely benefit customers and society at large.
Jed Morley, VIP Contributor to ValiantCEO and the host of this interview would like to thank Prateek Agarwal for taking the time to do this interview and share his knowledge and experience with our readers.
If you would like to get in touch with Prateek Agarwal or his company, you can do it through his – Linkedin Page
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