I’m Sahil Sachdeva, renowned as the PR KING for the Top 1% of Entrepreneurs. As an Internationally awarded serial entrepreneur, I’ve mastered the art of PR like no other. I’m the champ at securing prime press coverage, dominating podcast interviews, and making impactful TV appearances.
Having collaborated with some of the world’s most influential entrepreneurs like Robert Kiyosaki, Samuel Leeds, Mario Nawfal, Aman Gupta, and many more, I’ve solidified my position as a go-to PR professional in the world. My expertise can help you build a robust personal brand that attracts new customers, establishes trust and credibility, and enhances your profits.
Company: Level Up PR
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
Sahil Sachdeva: Hello, I’m Sahil Sachdeva, often dubbed the PR KING for the Top 1% of Entrepreneurs. With a passion for crafting powerful stories and an eye for impactful media opportunities, I’ve earned international recognition as a serial entrepreneur specialising in public relations. My journey has been exciting, working closely with influential figures like Robert Kiyosaki, Samuel Leeds, Mario Nawfal, and Finance with Sharan.
At our company, Level Up PR, we’re driven by a simple yet profound mission: to amplify our clients’ voices and help them craft narratives that truly connect with their audiences. We believe in the power of strategic storytelling combined with creativity and integrity. Our aim is to build personal brands that not only attract new customers but also foster trust and credibility, ultimately enhancing their success.
It’s incredibly rewarding to see our clients achieve their goals and make a lasting impact, and I’m excited to bring that same energy and dedication to every new project we undertake.
Can you share a time when your business faced a significant challenge? How did you navigate through it?
Sahil Sachdeva: Last year, we encountered a challenging period when we didn’t land any new clients for a couple of months. It was definitely a tough stretch, but I focused on what we could control and remained patient. We doubled down on refining our strategies and enhancing our outreach efforts. Instead of stressing over what was beyond our control, we stayed committed to our goals and kept working diligently. Over time, our efforts started to pay off, and we began to secure new clients again. This experience taught me the value of persistence and patience, and the importance of concentrating on the aspects we can influence, even when faced with uncertainty.
How has a failure or apparent failure set you up for later success?
Sahil Sachdeva: During my engineering years, despite my hard work, I struggled to land a good placement and ended up with a project trainee role that paid only $150 a month. This was a significant setback for me, especially after all the effort I had put in. However, I didn’t let this stop me. I decided to use my leadership skills from various college activities to start a venture focused on renting and lending items, similar to OLX but specifically for rentals. I gathered a team, and we worked tirelessly for over a year to get this off the ground.
Unfortunately, despite our efforts, we couldn’t secure any funding, and the team eventually fell apart. This was a tough blow, but it was also a turning point for me. It made me reflect on my childhood passion for singing, which I had set aside while focusing on my career.
I decided to pursue singing seriously, performing at cafes and events for free to build my skills and gain experience. Just as I was starting to see some positive results, the pandemic hit, bringing everything to a standstill. It was disheartening to see my peers advancing in their careers while I faced another hurdle.
Despite these challenges, I chose to persevere. I learned that setbacks are part of the journey and that persistence and adaptability are crucial. Each failure taught me valuable lessons about resilience and problem-solving. These experiences eventually led me to start a new venture in PR.
Now, after multiple years of hard work and determination, I run a successful PR company with a team of 15, and we’ve recently opened a new 5000 sq ft multi-story office in Mohali. Looking back, the biggest lesson I’ve learned is that your attitude in any given set of circumstances determines your success. Whether it’s bouncing back from a failed placement, a start up that didn’t take off, or losing opportunities due to unforeseen events, your attitude makes all the difference.
So, if you’re facing something you think is impossible—whether it’s starting something new, aiming for a promotion, or speaking on a big stage—remember that your attitude will shape your path and help you achieve your goals.
How do you build a resilient team? What qualities do you look for in your team members?
Sahil Sachdeva: Building a resilient team is really important specially when you’re a small business owner and it starts with creating a positive and supportive team culture where everyone feels they belong and are valued. I make sure we have open lines of communication and encourage collaboration, so we can tackle challenges together effectively. I’m committed to providing opportunities for growth and development, helping each team member reach their full potential. Empowering them to take ownership of their work and celebrating our successes keeps everyone motivated. Importantly, we view mistakes as learning opportunities to grow stronger.
When looking for team members, I seek out individuals who are ethical, coachable, adaptable, proactive, and great communicators. I value those who work well with others and have a knack for solving problems. These qualities are crucial in building a resilient team that can thrive even in tough times.
How do you maintain your personal resilience during tough times?
Sahil Sachdeva: To maintain personal resilience during tough times, I focus on a few key practices that help me stay grounded and effective. I start by accepting the situation for what it is, which helps me avoid feeling overwhelmed. I use positive reappraisal to find the silver linings and shift my perspective, which keeps me motivated. Building strong social connections is crucial; reaching out to friends and colleagues provides support and keeps me connected.
I prioritise self-care by ensuring I get enough rest, exercise, and healthy food. Engaging in activities that I’m passionate about keeps me balanced and energised. Additionally, I avoid news and media consumption to stay focused and avoid becoming overwhelmed by negativity. These practices help me stay resilient and maintain a positive outlook, even when things get tough.
What strategies do you use to manage stress and maintain focus during a crisis?
Sahil Sachdeva: During crisis, I analyse first and then prioritise quick and decisive actions, focusing on clear priorities and making smart trade-offs. Adapting our strategies and being ready to pivot away from something that is not working is essential. I stay aligned with our daily goals and track our progress through key metrics, ensuring we remain on course.
Maintaining my own well-being through regular exercise and mental breaks is crucial for staying focused. I also make a point to connect personally with team members and keep them engaged, while ensuring we address the needs of both customers and employees. By integrating these approaches, I lead effectively through challenging times with a steady and strategic mindset.
How do you communicate with your team during a crisis?
Sahil Sachdeva: During a crisis, here’s how I approach communication:
Stay Calm and Assess: I focus on staying calm and understanding the situation fully before making any moves.
Frequent and Honest Updates: I believe in keeping everyone in the loop with regular, honest updates. Transparency helps build trust and keeps confusion at bay.
Encourage Feedback and Collaboration: I actively seek feedback from the team, celebrate our small wins, and share what we’re learning along the way. This keeps morale high and everyone engaged.
Initial Communication: I start by clearly explaining the situation to the team, outlining what can be shared and what needs to stay confidential. This helps everyone understand their role and how they can contribute.
Reassure and Support: I make sure the team knows a solid plan is underway and that their input is invaluable. I also ensure they have the resources to work effectively from home and address any worries about job security.
Outline the Path Forward: I clearly map out our next steps, helping everyone stay focused and confident. Keeping the team united and motivated through challenging times is my top priority.
What advice would you give to other CEOs on building resilience in their organizations?
Sahil Sachdeva: To build resilience in your organisation, I’d suggest leading by example and investing in training for your team. Understand and support what your employees need, and view failures as chances to learn and grow. Encourage volunteering by offering incentives and make sure to provide resources to help manage stress. Stay positive and ensure your goals align with a clear, inspiring purpose. Expand your wellbeing resources and stay connected with your team. Embrace agility and keep communication open. By doing this, you’ll create a resilient and adaptable organisation that can navigate challenges effectively.
How do you prepare your business for potential future crises?
Sahil Sachdeva: To prepare my business for potential future crises, I prioritise staying proactive and agile. I focus on diversifying and innovating without overextending ourselves, and I emphasise acting quickly while staying closely connected to our customers’ needs. I avoid complacency by regularly reviewing our budget and securing extra cash. Creating a detailed crisis handbook and revisiting our digital and marketing strategies are also key steps. I foster a resilient team, build strong partnerships, and consistently test and update our plans to ensure we’re ready for whatever comes our way.
What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned about leadership in times of crisis?
Sahil Sachdeva: The most important lesson learned about leadership in a crisis is the power of open and honest communication. Staying in frequent touch, being transparent, and candid builds trust and keeps everyone aligned. Expanding collaboration and seeking diverse data points helps make more informed decisions. Acting swiftly is crucial, but it’s equally important to stay flexible and adapt as new information comes in. Sticking to core values provides stability, while offering context and perspective helps the team understand the bigger picture. Being visible and maintaining company culture are vital for keeping morale high. Ultimately, navigating a crisis successfully means blending decisive action with genuine, supportive communication and a strong commitment to your team and principles.
