The will to work hard and work through a modest career is a common factor in almost all ‘rags to riches’ stories but such feats are rare among those born with the proverbial silver spoon. Janesh Kharbanda, Managing Director of the Life Corporation Group based in Auckland is among the latter who will mark Diwali this year with gratification.
Born and raised in a renowned business family in Delhi, Janesh obtained a postgraduate (Master) degree in Business Administration (Hospitality & Recreation Marketing Operations) from the Delhi Institute of Management Studies, a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce from Delhi University, a postgraduate Diploma in Computers and a Diploma in Business Management and Statistics from the Institute of Management Technology, Ghaziabad.
Early starter
Economic independence was his goal even as a child and hence, despite the surrounding opulence, he chose to begin his working life at the age of 14 delivering newspapers to homes and shops during the early hours of the morning. Daytime was spent at school, while evenings saw him as an assistant to a pharmacist, doing cleaning and delivery services. He later worked as a Sales Consultant at the BPL Health Management Solutions (Delhi) and at GE Capital. An opportunity to rise in management levels arose as he joined Bharti Infratel Limited, a major telecom provider in India.
Further studies
He arrived in New Zealand in 2006 to pursue a postgraduate course in Business Administration at the Lincoln University in Christchurch, following which he acquired a Certificate in Food Safety and Hygiene from HIS New Zealand and LCQ and Host Responsibility from Auckland Council.
His career in New Zealand began at the Asian Food Warehouse in Canterbury, followed by a stint at Denny’s Restaurant but an invitation by Hygiene Foundation to join its Advisory Board was an important turning point in his life.
Currently, he is associated with AIA Group Limited, an insurance company, as a Financial Advisor apart from establishing his own business.
His ability to work closely with customers and management of the companies in which he was employed, has created for him significant opportunities for working out synergies. He is justly proud of having created large customer contracts, which were earlier considered unachievable.
Business insight
His insight into businesses has seen their rapid growth, earning him accolades. One such was the ‘Mentor of Nando’s Award’ for his ground-breaking solution for the food chain.
He believes in generating funds for the benefit of the society instead of merely swelling the already fat pockets.
He said that is the motto of ‘Life’s Corporation,’ which, among other things, will provide cleaning services to domestic and corporate sectors.
“Cleaning is not our core business,” he said and added, “We are looking forward to providing international hygiene standards by educating people, especially children, who will be more responsible in making this planet a better place to live,” Janesh said.
He is also keen to launch a free health and education programme in many parts of the world with local partners.
“One of ambitious projects to establish worldwide partnerships to offer free health and hygiene education programmes. I hope that the requisite finances will be generated by Life’s Corporation Limited,” he said.
Education programmes
He believes that pragmatic programmes, quality customer service and delivery will generate satisfied clients who will in turn promote his company. But he also realises that apart from word-of-mouth publicity, seminars, conferences, exhibitions and media advertising are equally important to create greater awareness and ensure success.
Janesh said that changing people’s perception of health and hygiene should start at home.
“For instance, almost everyone knows that junk food is unhealthy but people find it fast, convenient and cost-effective. We must encourage people to eat healthy food. This is even more important for children. There is a pronounced need for intensive education programmes in our schools,” he said.
