Description: Mahesh Bhalala, Founder and CEO of 10turtle, is on a mission to bridge the gap between creativity and technology. 10turtle specializes in design, development, and AI-driven solutions, helping businesses elevate their digital presence and achieve scalable growth. In this exclusive interview, Mahesh shares his entrepreneurial journey, the inspiration behind 10turtle, and valuable insights for aspiring business leaders. Discover the key to innovation, the importance of adaptability, and how 10turtle is shaping the future of digital transformation.
Mandatory Questions –
- Kindly give our readers an introduction to your business. Please include what your business is all about, in which city you are located and if you have offices in multiple locations/ cities.
10turtle is a global digital solutions agency that specializes in design, development, and digitization. Based in India, we cater to businesses worldwide, helping them enhance their brand identity, develop robust web and mobile applications, and integrate AI-driven technology. Our expertise spans across branding, web and application development, AI integration, and marketing solutions, making us a one-stop shop for businesses looking to thrive in the digital era.
- Kindly give us a brief description about yourself (it should include your brief educational or entrepreneurial background and list some of your major achievements).
I am Mahesh Bhalala, the Founder and CEO of 10turtle. With a background in technology and entrepreneurship, I have spent years building innovative digital products and helping businesses transform their online presence. My journey began with a passion for design and development, which eventually led me to establish 10turtle, where we blend creativity with technology to create impactful solutions.
- What inspired you to (start a new business venture) or (to make significant changes in an existing business)? How did the idea for your business come about?
The inspiration behind 10turtle stemmed from a vision to bridge the gap between creativity and technology. I noticed that many businesses struggled with outdated digital strategies and lacked the technical expertise to establish a strong online presence. By combining design, development, and AI, I wanted to create a company that not only builds digital solutions but also empowers businesses to scale and succeed in the digital landscape.
- What three pieces of advice would you give to budding entrepreneurs?
Be adaptable: The digital world is constantly evolving; being flexible and open to change is crucial.
Focus on value: Prioritize delivering real value to customers rather than just chasing revenue.
Build strong relationships: Networking and partnerships play a significant role in long-term success.
- What would you say are the top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur?
Problem-solving: Ability to identify and solve challenges effectively.
Leadership: Inspiring and guiding a team towards a common vision.
Innovation: Continuously looking for new and improved ways to do things.
- How many hours do you work a day on average?
As an entrepreneur, work doesn’t follow a strict schedule. On average, I dedicate 10-12 hours a day, but I believe in smart work rather than just long hours.
- To what do you most attribute your success?
My success is largely attributed to a mix of persistence, continuous learning, and having a great team that shares my vision. The ability to embrace challenges and turn them into opportunities has been a key factor in my entrepreneurial journey.
- How do you go about marketing your business? What has been your most successful form of marketing?
Our marketing strategy includes a mix of digital marketing, SEO, social media engagement, affiliate partnerships, and word-of-mouth referrals. One of our most successful forms of marketing has been leveraging AI-driven automation and personalized client engagement.
- Where did your organizations funding/capital come from and how did you go about getting it? How did you obtain investors for your venture?
10turtle was initially self-funded, built from the ground up with strategic investments in technology and human resources. As the business grew, we reinvested profits to expand our offerings and scale operations.
- What is the best way to achieve long-term success?
Long-term success comes from constantly innovating, listening to customer needs, and maintaining a strong company culture that values growth and adaptability.
- Where you see yourself and your business in 5 – 10 years?
I envision 10turtle as a global leader in digital solutions, with expanded services in AI-driven automation, blockchain technology, and next-gen marketing solutions. We aim to establish a stronger presence in the various industry and other niche markets, helping businesses thrive with cutting-edge technology.
- Excluding yours, what company or business do you admire the most?
I admire companies like Apple and Tesla for their commitment to innovation and disruption. Their ability to blend technology with exceptional design is something I strive to implement at 10turtle.
Recommended Questions –
- How important have good employees been to your success?
Employees are the backbone of any successful business. A skilled and motivated team drives innovation and ensures the company delivers high-quality solutions to clients.
- How long do you stick with an idea before giving up?
- What motivates you?
The ability to create, innovate, and solve real-world problems through technology motivates me every day. Seeing businesses grow with our solutions is incredibly rewarding.
- What are your ideals?
- How do you generate new ideas?
I stay updated with industry trends, engage with thought leaders, and encourage brainstorming sessions within the team to foster a culture of innovation.
- How do you define success?
- How do you build a successful customer base?
- What is your favorite aspect of being an entrepreneur?
- What has been your most satisfying moment in business?
- What do you feel is the major difference between entrepreneurs and those who work for someone else?
- What kind of culture exists in your organization? How did you establish this tone and why did you institute this particular type of culture?
We promote a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. Our work environment encourages creativity, where team members feel valued and motivated to push boundaries.
- In one word, characterize your life as an entrepreneur.
Transformative
Optional Questions –
- If you had the chance to start your career over again, what would you do differently?
If I could start over, I would focus on leveraging AI and automation in business solutions even earlier. Technology is constantly evolving, and being ahead of the curve is crucial. I would also place an even greater emphasis on strategic networking and partnerships from the very beginning.
- How has being an entrepreneur affected your family life?
Entrepreneurship requires dedication and long hours, often blending work with personal time. While it has occasionally meant missing out on personal moments, my family has been incredibly supportive. Over time, I’ve learned to balance work and personal life by setting boundaries and making the most of the time I do have with them.
- What is your greatest fear, and how do you manage fear?
My greatest fear is stagnation—both personally and professionally. The digital world moves fast, and staying relevant is a constant challenge. I manage fear by staying curious, continuously learning, and surrounding myself with a team that challenges me to think differently.
- How did you decide on the location for your business?
10turtle is a digitally-driven company, so the focus was never on a physical location but on accessibility to global markets. Our setup prioritizes digital connectivity, remote collaboration, and access to top-tier talent rather than traditional office spaces.
- Do you believe there is some sort of pattern or formula to becoming a successful entrepreneur?
There’s no one-size-fits-all formula, but there are key elements that define success: resilience, adaptability, innovation, and the ability to execute ideas efficiently. Surrounding yourself with the right people and staying customer-focused are also critical.
- If you could talk to one person from history, who would it be and why?
Steve Jobs. His vision, design philosophy, and ability to create products that changed the world are truly inspiring. I would love to understand his thought process on innovation and branding.
- Who has been your greatest inspiration?
Elon Musk for his ability to disrupt industries and take calculated risks. His approach to innovation and his relentless pursuit of progress inspire me to push boundaries in my own field.
- What book has inspired you the most? (OR what is your favorite book?)
- What are some of the biggest mistakes you’ve made?
Early in my journey, I underestimated the power of branding and marketing. While we were delivering great work, we initially struggled to showcase our value effectively. Another mistake was trusting partnerships that didn’t align with our vision, which taught me the importance of due diligence.
- How can you prevent mistakes or do damage control?
Mistakes are inevitable, but they can be minimized with thorough research, a strong network, and continuous learning. When things do go wrong, being transparent, taking responsibility, and quickly finding a solution are key to damage control.
- What are your hobbies? What do you do in your non-work time?
I enjoy exploring new technologies, reading about business and innovation, and traveling. Travel, in particular, helps me gain fresh perspectives and fuels my creativity.
- What makes you happy?
Seeing ideas turn into reality. Whether it’s a successful project, a new technology we implement, or a satisfied client, creating impact through digital solutions is what drives me.
- What sacrifices have you had to make to be a successful entrepreneur?
Entrepreneurship demands time, energy, and persistence. There have been fewer vacations, sleepless nights, and moments of uncertainty. However, the fulfillment of building something meaningful makes it all worthwhile.
- If you were conducting this interview, what question would you ask?
I would ask, “What is the next big trend that will change the digital world, and how are you preparing for it?” Staying ahead of trends is crucial in the technology space.
For More Information visit us at : https://10turtle.com/
