Anupam Mittal's $55K hustle to $200K success: Lessons on career growth from the Shark Tank India judge

Anupam Mittal: Anupam Mittal, Founder & CEO of People Group and a Shark Tank India judge, started his career at MicroStrategy with a $55K salary¡ªfar below the $80K market rate. Instead of complaining, he focused on hard work and ownership. In just two years, he became Director of Strategic Partnerships, earning $200K+ with stock options. His mantra? "Manifest like a baba, work like a beast, party like an animal." Mittal's journey highlights the power of discipline, questioning norms, and taking ownership to achieve career success.

Anupam Mittal on Hustle Culture: ¡°The Best People Don't Count Hours¡±

Anupam Mittal, Founder & CEO of People Group and a Shark Tank India judge, started his career with a salary of $55K at MicroStrategy in Boston, which was significantly lower than the $80K market rate at the time. Instead of negotiating or complaining, he embraced the opportunity and focused on proving his worth.

Within just one year, he moved to the company's headquarters in Washington, D.C., helping build a new startup division. By year two, he had climbed the corporate ladder to become the Director of Strategic Partnerships, earning $200K+ along with stock options.

¡°Manifest Like a Baba, Work Like a Beast" ¨C Anupam Mittal's Formula for Success

Many people asked Mittal whether he had simply manifested his success. His response?

"Haan, thoda kiya, But ¡ú Manifestation only works when you match it with grind"

Mittal believes that success isn't just about positive thinking¡ªit's about relentless hard work, ownership, and discipline.

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Anupam Mittal's Take on the 70-90 Hour Work Week: Hustle vs. Balance

In his post, Mittal touched upon the ongoing debate about long work hours. Discussions around hustle culture often include statements like:

• ¡°Hustle culture is toxic.¡±
• ¡°Work smarter, not harder.¡±
• ¡°My therapist said 30 hours max.¡±

While acknowledging the importance of work-life balance, he emphasized that top professionals don't count hours¡ªthey focus on achieving outcomes.

Anupam Mittal's Secret to Career Growth

Mittal highlighted two key principles that helped him succeed:

1. No-Excuses Work Ethic

"No 'ye uska kaam hai, ye mera kaam hai.' If something needed doing¡ªinside or outside my department¡ªI did it."

Mittal adopted an attitude of extreme responsibility. Whether it was picking up trash or leading critical projects, he never hesitated to take action.

2. The 'Owner's Mindset'

"I questioned everything¡ª'Why are we doing this? Is there a better way?' I was an employee, but I developed an 'owner's mindset' as if I was building my own company."

According to Mittal, taking ownership leads to greater career success. He advised professionals to stop thinking of their jobs as mere employment and instead embrace accountability like a business owner.

Anupam Mittal's: Work Hard, Manifest, and Enjoy Life

Mittal ended his post with a powerful takeaway:

¡°Manifest like a baba. Work like a beast. Party like an animal ¡±

He warned that overanalyzing the hustle vs. balance debate could lead to wasted time, urging people to focus on action over excuses.

Anupam Mittal's journey from an underpaid employee to a top executive offers valuable lessons in perseverance, self-discipline, and long-term career growth.