Kanika Tekriwal, the founder of JetSetGo, has carved her path in the aviation industry with determination and resilience. Overcoming societal expectations and personal challenges, Kanika’s journey is an inspiration to all aspiring entrepreneurs.
Kanika’s unconventional path began as she pursued her passion for aviation despite familial pressure to conform. Through a fortuitous encounter and on-the-job learning, she gained valuable insights into the industry. Her educational background in visual communications and economics, combined with an MBA, set the stage for her entrepreneurial ambitions. “I kind of took an educational path that my parents wanted me to take which finally led me to the college in Bombay”, explains Kanika.
However, her journey took an unexpected turn when she was diagnosed with cancer at 21. The diagnosis of cancer could have deterred Kanika’s ambitions, but her resilience and determination shone through. She battled the disease with courage and came out stronger on the other side. This experience taught her the value of time and the importance of pursuing one’s dreams relentlessly. It became a turning point that fueled her drive to make a lasting impact in the aviation industry. “I look back, I’m so glad I got cancer, it gave me this conviction to believe in myself, to believe in my own capability. It taught me how important your mind is, as your thoughts become things, and your thoughts become actions”, says Kanika.
With a renewed sense of purpose, Kanika founded JetSetGo, an aviation startup that aimed to revolutionize the private jet charter industry in India. JetSetGo sought to address the inefficiencies and challenges that plagued the sector, providing a seamless and transparent platform for chartering private jets. Kanika’s vision was to make private aviation accessible to a wider audience, democratizing an industry that was previously reserved for the elite. The journey of building JetSetGo was not without its hurdles.
Kanika faced numerous obstacles and skepticism from industry veterans, who doubted the feasibility of her venture. However, she remained steadfast in her belief and persevered, leveraging her deep understanding of the industry and her unwavering commitment to her vision. Through sheer determination and hard work, JetSetGo gained traction and started disrupting the aviation market. “I have learnt over a period of time that a lot of your circumstances drive you where you are.” says Kanika, Tekriwal.
As JetSetGo grew, Kanika learned valuable lessons that would shape her entrepreneurial mindset. She recognized the significance of building a strong team and fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration. Kanika also emphasized the importance of embracing technology and leveraging data to drive decision-making in a rapidly evolving industry. By staying adaptable and open to change, she ensured that JetSetGo stayed ahead of the curve. Kanika’s success with JetSetGo has earned her numerous accolades and recognition in the industry. She has been featured on prestigious platforms and has received awards for her contribution to entrepreneurship and aviation. However, Kanika remains grounded and continues to push boundaries, exploring new avenues to expand JetSetGo’s reach and impact.
Kanika Tekriwal’s journey in the aviation industry is a testament to the power of perseverance and determination. Her ability to overcome adversity, coupled with her innovative thinking and entrepreneurial spirit, has allowed her to disrupt and transform the private jet charter sector in India. Kanika’s story serves as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs, reminding them that with passion, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of dreams, they too can soar to new heights. “If you think positive, if you believe in yourself, you believe in your dreams, you believe in your goals, there’s absolutely nothing in the world that can stop you from achieving them. Ultimately, it’s only you who can be your biggest motivator, your biggest encouragement and your biggest supporter. If you don’t believe in yourself, absolutely, no one in the world is going to believe in you”, emphasises Kanika Tekriwal.
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About Kanika Tekriwal: Kanika Tekriwal, the CEO and co-founder of JetSetGo, is renowned for establishing India’s exclusive marketplace for private chartered planes and helicopters. She possesses a diploma in Visual Communication Design from BD Somani Institute, a bachelor’s degree in economics from Mumbai University, and an MBA from Coventry University. Despite battling cancer at a young age, she remained determined and established her venture in a highly competitive aviation industry. Kanika has received numerous accolades, including the National Entrepreneurship Award from the Government of India, the prestigious title of ‘The Sky Queen’ by Entrepreneur, recognition in Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia, and being featured in BBC 100 Women.