We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Chandan Gokhale. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Chandan below.

Chandan , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s jump into the story of starting your own firm – what should we know?

Gigaplex Academy was a gift to me! From my Dad. On his eightieth Birthday. (I know, it should have been the other way around!). He had turned a freelance entrepreneur after retiring from full time ‘job’ at age fifty eight; and he continued his new gig well into his mid eighties.

It is my Dad’s journey as a freelancer that inspired me to look for entrepreneurial talents in people all around me and help them discover how they could engage in purposeful work that could keep them going just like my Dad. I reverse engineered the factors that were working for my Dad, and developed a systematic program that has by now helped more than seventy five people of all ages discover projects work that would give them a sense of identity and ownership.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Gigaplex Academy is now the place for stress-free career discovery and college prep.

High school students and their parents feel helpless when making career choices because they lack a proven process to beat confusion. Which path to take and why? This confusion, when not addressed, can lead to stress, misunderstandings and breakdown of communication between students and parents.

Gigaplex Academy has developed a simple process to address this confusion. We call it ‘career discovery through self-discovery’. Published accounts of application review processes at selective colleges are very clear on this. The most successful applicants tend to know themselves really well, make choices that reflect what is important to them, and tell a great story about their identity and its impact.

Our custom-curated identity profiles and success plans (for FBLA, DECA, TSA and HOSA) give our students the tools they need to build an authentic, impactful story about themselves. This is the story that can help them stand out amongst other applicants when they apply for colleges and jobs.

At Gigaplex Academy, we are striving to put the students and parents back in control of their journey with tools that relieve stress and feelings of helplessness.

What I am most proud of as a founder of Gigaplex Academy is the transformational growth these youngsters go through!

When someone gives them the confidence that they can make impact in this world just by being themselves and applying themselves to solve problems that they deeply care about. My students have launched projects like Athlete Insight, EcoShift and Bark Bites that showcase their sensitivity and capacity to come up with creative solutions for problems that need addressing. I am looking forward to more of these in the years to come!

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

I think the best strategy has been sponsoring and getting deeply involved in volunteering with the exact market that I enjoy serving the most – high school students who are motivated to do well; but are confused about the right path.

I have partnered with Career Technical Student Organizations (CTSO)s like Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) to directly interact with aspiring student. I am also a volunteer with the Junior Achievement (JA) program and they are doing such inspirational work. There are lot of synergies in what we are looking to do.

Overall, going out and immersing myself in the world of these young, vibrant teenagers has helped me make key pivots and develop this offering of a stress-free, high impact career discovery and college prep platform. Although it is early days, so far I am encouraged by the results; and am really looking forward taking this process to all those kids who could benefit from some clarity.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

I will list these 6 books as ‘must read’ for anyone looking to pursue a purposeful, fulfilling career –

1. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

The Alchemist tells the mystical story of Santiago, an Andalusian shepherd boy who yearns to travel in search of a worldly treasure. His quest leads him to riches far different—and far more satisfying—than he ever imagined. Santiago’s journey teaches us about the essential wisdom of listening to our hearts, recognizing opportunity, and learning to read the omens strewn along life’s path.

2. The 1-Page Marketing Plan by Allan Dib

Allan Dib’s The 1-Page Marketing Plan simplifies the complex world of marketing by breaking it down into a single page, divided into nine squares. Each square prompts you to think through key aspects of marketing, from your target audience to your messaging and strategies for growth. It’s an actionable guide that helps entrepreneurs and marketers develop a clear and concise marketing plan.

3. Building a Story Brand by Donald Miller

In Building a Story Brand, Donald Miller introduces a seven-part framework that helps companies clarify their message and connect with customers more effectively. The book uses the elements of storytelling to make marketing messages more engaging and memorable, focusing on positioning the customer as the hero and the brand as the guide.

4. IKIGAI by Hector Garcia and Francesc Miralles

IKIGAI explores the Japanese concept of finding one’s purpose in life. Authors Hector Garcia and Francesc Miralles delve into the lives of the residents of Okinawa, Japan, who are known for their longevity and happiness. The book provides insights into how anyone can find their own Ikigai, or reason for being, which is linked to a longer and more fulfilled life.

5. The Lean Startup by Eric Ries

Eric Ries’ The Lean Startup methodology has changed the way startups are built and new products are launched. The book advocates for continuous innovation and validation through building minimal viable products (MVPs). It emphasizes the importance of actionable metrics, rapid iteration, and customer feedback to steer startups toward success without extensive initial funding.

6. Zero to One by Peter Thiel

In Zero to One, Peter Thiel, co-founder of PayPal and an early investor in Facebook, discusses how companies can better predict the future and harness innovation. He emphasizes the importance of doing something new and going from zero to one, rather than iterating on existing products. Thiel’s insights challenge conventional beliefs, making the book a revolutionary outlook on entrepreneurship and competition. One of my favorites!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://gigaplex.academy/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gigaplex-academy