News

Introduction

The Department of Business Administration, Quantum University, Roorkee, organized an insightful mentoring session titled“Grit over IQ: Leadership Lessons from 12th Fail and My Journey from IIM to Entrepreneurship”on 11 February 2026 at Harmony Hall. The session was conducted under the initiative of Genesis – QU Innovation Council and the Institution’s Innovation Council, a Ministry of Education initiative aimed at fostering innovation, leadership, and entrepreneurial thinking among students.

The session was delivered by Mr. Sumit Jalan, Managing Director, Taksheela, who shared his personal journey, professional experiences, and leadership lessons with remarkable clarity and authenticity.

Participation

A total of 72 students actively participated in the session, including:

• B.Com II Year students
• B.Com III Year students
• MBA students

The event witnessed enthusiastic engagement, reflecting students’ keen interest in leadership development and entrepreneurial pathways.

Objectives of the Session

The mentoring session was designed with the following key objectives:

• To inspire students through real-life leadership experiences.
• To emphasize the importance of perseverance, resilience, and grit over mere intelligence.
• To connect the inspirational narrative of the movie 12th Fail with practical corporate values.
• To bridge the gap between academic learning and professional expectations.
• To encourage entrepreneurial thinking and long-term career planning.

Key Highlights of the Session

1. Leadership Lessons from 12th Fail

Mr. Jalan drew compelling parallels from the widely acclaimed film 12th Fail, highlighting how determination, self-belief, and consistent effort can transform adversity into achievement. He emphasized that academic setbacks do not define an individual’s potential. Rather, it is the ability to rise after failure that shapes true leaders. According to him, failure should be viewed as feedback and an opportunity for growth rather than a permanent limitation.

2. Grit over IQ

One of the central themes of the session was the idea that grit outweighs IQ in determining long-term success. While intelligence opens doors, it is discipline, emotional resilience, consistency, and perseverance that sustain performance in the corporate world. Mr. Jalan explained that organizations value individuals who demonstrate accountability, adaptability, and the ability to perform under pressure.

He encouraged students to cultivate habits of self-discipline and long-term commitment, noting that leadership is built through steady effort rather than short bursts of brilliance.

3. From IIM to Entrepreneurship

Sharing his journey from IIM to becoming an entrepreneur, Mr. Jalan provided students with a realistic view of professional transitions. He spoke about:

• Taking calculated risks
• Managing uncertainty
• Navigating leadership challenges
• Shifting from a corporate mindset to an entrepreneurial mindset

He explained that entrepreneurship demands courage, resilience, and decision-making confidence. The transition from structured corporate roles to independent business leadership requires adaptability and strong value systems.

4. Aligning Academics with Corporate Expectations

The session also focused on helping students connect classroom learning with corporate realities. Mr. Jalan guided students on:

• Setting clear and measurable career goals
• Developing professional discipline and time management
• Strengthening communication and problem-solving abilities
• Understanding corporate expectations, such as teamwork, accountability, and performance orientation

He emphasized that professional success is built not only on technical competence but also on character and credibility.

5. Motivational Takeaways

The speaker left students with powerful reflections:

• Failure is temporary; quitting is permanent.
• Consistency builds credibility.
• Self-discipline forms the foundation of leadership.
• Corporate success requires both competence and integrity.

Interactive Q&A Session

The session concluded with an engaging question-and-answer round. Students raised thoughtful queries related to:

• Career planning and higher education
• Corporate work culture
• Entrepreneurial challenges
• Building resilience after setbacks

Mr. Jalan responded with practical advice and real-life examples, making the discussion highly relatable and impactful. The interactive segment added depth to the session and encouraged open dialogue.

Outcome of the Session

The mentoring session successfully:

• Enhanced student motivation and self-confidence.
• Encouraged leadership and entrepreneurial thinking.
• Strengthened understanding of real-world corporate expectations.
• Reinforced the importance of perseverance and skill development.
• Bridged the gap between academic preparation and professional success.

Students left the session with a renewed sense of clarity regarding their career paths and a deeper appreciation for resilience as a core leadership trait.

Conclusion

The mentoring session on “Grit over IQ” proved to be a meaningful and enriching experience for all 72 participating students. Mr. Sumit Jalan’s inspiring journey and practical insights reinforced the idea that success is not solely determined by intelligence but by consistent effort, discipline, and resilience.

The Department of Business Administration expresses its sincere gratitude to the esteemed speaker for sharing his valuable experiences and guiding students toward excellence in academics, leadership, and entrepreneurship. The session stands as a testament to Quantum University’s commitment to nurturing future leaders equipped with both competence and character.