31
/ 7
Min Read
In a world obsessed with unicorn valuations and young disruptors, it's easy to forget that some of the most enduring lessons in leadership come from those who began their journeys long before hashtags, seed rounds, or even the internet as we know it. Yet, across sectors—from home furnishings and ceramics to jewellery retail—there exists a quiet, powerful cohort of leaders who have not only remained relevant but continue to expand, innovate, and dominate in the second quarter of the 21st century.
These are entrepreneurs whose businesses predate the year 2000, but whose management philosophies remain fresher than many of today’s start-up playbooks. Their stories are a reminder that while innovation can be youthful, longevity is a craft—one honed through resilience, reinvention, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
Among them stand three exemplars: Ajay Arora of D’Decor, Abhishek Somany of Somany Ceramics, and MP Ahammed of Malabar Gold & Diamonds. Each has built a legacy, but more importantly, each continues to evolve it.
Ajay Arora: Reinventing the Fabric of Home Furnishings
From pivot to powerhouse—how a failing apparel business birthed a global home furnishing giant.
Ajay Arora’s story begins in a textile family, but destiny took shape when the 1995 fashion shift dealt a harsh blow to their apparel business. For many, this would have signalled retreat. For Arora, it sparked reinvention.
The brand’s shift from B2B manufacturing to a household name happened after Arora attended Harvard’s Owner–President Management Program. “It sparked the vision to build a consumer brand,” he recalls. Soon after came the glamorous partnership with Shah Rukh and Gauri Khan and the recent launch of FabriCare, a line of functional yet luxurious fabrics designed for modern living.
His leadership philosophy is a blend of the modern and the timeless: “Excellence is built through the combined power of technology and human capability.” In many ways, Arora embodies what young founders often overlook: you don’t need to chase disruption when you can architect transformation.
Abhishek Somany: The Agility of a Legacy Leader
Third generation, zero shortcuts—this is how humility and innovation fuel one of the world’s leading ceramics brands.
It’s tempting to assume that family businesses are cushioned paths, but Abhishek Somany dismantles that myth with quiet precision. Despite being born into a well-established ceramics legacy, he chose to earn his credibility rather than inherit it. His training ground was not a corner office but the production floors of Pilkington Tiles in the UK and the operational corridors of Kanoria Chemicals.
For him, agility is not a virtue—it’s survival. “In today’s dynamic market, adaptability empowers us to navigate change proactively and stay ahead of the curve,” he believes. His emphasis on customer understanding, empowered teams, and ethical, sustainable growth sets a benchmark rarely spoken of in an age consumed by speed. Somany’s journey is a masterclass for young entrepreneurs: success built on humility outlasts success built on hype.
MP Ahammed: The Man Who Organised India's Jewellery Chaos
From a 17-year-old agro trader to the founder of one of the world’s largest jewellery retailers.
If ever there was a story that illustrates the power of timing, intuition, and grit, it is MP Ahammed’s. Long before he became the force behind Malabar Gold & Diamonds, he was a teenage agro trader navigating slim margins, delayed payments, and financial uncertainty. But his greatest learning came from a company named Cococare—one that he supplied raw materials to during their difficult years. When the company was later acquired for a sizeable sum, Ahammed grasped a powerful truth: brand equity is everything. This revelation became the seed that grew into Malabar Gold & Diamonds.
Three decades later, Malabar Gold & Diamonds stands as one of the world’s largest jewellery brands. And yet, if you ask Ahammed about the secret, he’ll credit the collective: “Shared growth is the cornerstone of our philosophy. Our people and investors are our greatest assets.” It’s a reminder that true leadership expands influence, not ego.
What Makes These Leaders Unshakeably Relevant?
Despite their industries and personalities differing widely, the traits that bind Arora, Somany, and Ahammed together form a blueprint for timeless leadership.
- Reinvention Before Crisis
Each leader pivoted before circumstances forced them to—turning challenges into renewal.
- Learning as a Habit, Not a Phase
Whether through formal education or hard-earned experience, their growth stems from curiosity.
- Innovation with Purpose
Not frivolous upgrades, but meaningful, customer-centric innovation.
- People-First Management
- Values as North Stars
Ethics, transparency, quality, and sustainability are not branding—they are belief systems.
Inspiration for Today’s Young Entrepreneurs
For young entrepreneurs navigating today’s fast-changing ecosystem, these leaders offer a timeless message- Innovation will get you noticed, Values will keep you relevant, People will make you unstoppable.
Their stories are slow-burning epics—of resilience, learning, and uncompromising focus on value. They prove that longevity is not luck; it is leadership. That relevance is not a gift of youth; it is the outcome of consistent reinvention. And that scaling a business is not merely strategy; it is stewardship.
This article was originally published by the Franchiseindia.com. To read the full version, visit here 
