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"Through perseverance and continuous adaptation, I believe that individuals can achieve their fullest potential when given the right tools, training, and opportunities." – Aatish Bhalerao |
As a first-generation entrepreneur, my journey has been defined by resilience, self-discovery, and a relentless pursuit of creating a meaningful impact on society. Coming from a humble middle-class background, I started working at the early age of sixteen to support my family. My first job was selling Reliance Mobile Phones for Rs. 500. I also worked part-time under carpenters and plumbers before stepping into the corporate world as part of the Direct Sales Team at Standard Chartered Bank.
Starting as a 'Doc Boy,' I became the first undergraduate employee to join the payroll of Standard Chartered Finance Limited. Over the years, I built an enriching career working with renowned brands such as Kotak Mahindra Bank, SMFG India Credit (Formerly known as Fullerton India Credit Co. Ltd), American Home Mortgage Servicing, A Little World Private Limited, Aditya Birla Group-Idea Cellular Limited, Bennett Coleman and Co. Ltd. (The Times Group-Times Business Solutions Limited), G4S Plc. (Acquired by Allied Universal), TeamLease Edtech and Lithan.
The Inspiration Behind TrainingInbox
TrainingInbox was born out of my desire to bridge the gap between academic learning and the real-world skills that today’s job market demands. During my career, I encountered countless young professionals struggling with employability, not because they lacked potential but because they lacked the practical, role-specific training needed to excel. This inspired me to create TrainingInbox, a platform focused on empowering individuals by equipping them with practical skills to turn their aspirations into achievements.
The Inspiration Behind Phylpt
Phylpt’s foundation was deeply personal for me. As someone who has represented my school, college, club, and state cricket teams, sports have always been my passion. However, family responsibilities and my professional journey took precedence, and I could not pursue cricket professionally. Coaching and mentoring school cricket teams allowed me to stay connected to the sport, but life had other plans, God gives you multiple opportunities to pursue your dreams, not through yourself but through various modes.
Through a professional connection with Prasad Rajappan, Founder & MD of ZingHR, I met Aruna Reddy, India’s first gymnast to win a World Cup medal, and her coach, Manoj Rana, a FIG Expert and National Team Coach. Our shared vision for promoting physical health and literacy, and fundamental holistic growth through sports technology led me to join Phylpt. With stalwarts like Pullela Gopichand and Prasad Rajappan on the Advisory Board, Phylpt will become a platform to help young minds grow through sports and fitness and will create future Athletes who will represent schools, clubs, cities, states and our country as a whole on the global stage.
Both ventures reflect my belief that individuals can achieve their fullest potential when they have access to the right tools, training, and opportunities. Through TrainingInbox and Phylpt, I aim to empower the next generation with skills and values that contribute to their personal growth and the progress of our nation.
2. Why did you choose to focus on empowering young children through fitness and holistic growth at Phylpt?
Children are the foundation of India's future, and their development must go beyond academics to include physical and emotional growth. Yet, in India, several challenges hinder the nurturing of young talent in sports and fitness. Limited access to professional coaching, delayed identification of athletic potential, and unstructured fitness programs are significant roadblocks. Coupled with the rise in sedentary lifestyles and screen dependency, we see a concerning increase in health issues like childhood obesity and a decline in physical literacy.
At Phylpt, we tackle these challenges head on by integrating fitness with technology to create a holistic growth ecosystem. Fitness, in my view, is more than physical health, it is the bedrock of discipline, mental strength, and teamwork, which are essential life skills. Through our AI-powered Smart Bands, data-driven insights, and globally certified training modules, we democratize access to world-class coaching and foster early talent identification. Our app-based platform will ensure inclusivity, enabling children from diverse backgrounds to embark on a journey of holistic development.
For me, this mission is profoundly patriotic. With the world’s largest youth population, India has immense untapped potential to excel in global arenas like the Olympics. Yet, systemic gaps have held us back. At Phylpt, we aim to bridge these gaps, fostering physical literacy and inspiring children to aspire to greatness. By nurturing their talent and resilience, we are not just building healthier individuals, we are building a stronger, more confident India.
It is my dream to see India become a beacon of talent, resilience, and unity, and this vision drives everything we do.
3. How do you integrate mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being into Phylpt’s fitness programs?
At Phylpt, we believe true excellence stems from a balance between the mind, body, and spirit. Physical fitness is vital, but mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being are the pillars that support a child's overall growth and resilience. Our programs are designed to integrate these elements seamlessly for a holistic development experience.
Mental Well-Being
To cultivate mental resilience, we incorporate mindfulness practices like meditation and breathing exercises into our fitness routines. These techniques help children manage stress, focus their energy, and develop a positive mindset. By combining mental training with physical activity, we equip them with tools to handle pressure gracefully, both on and off the field.
To cultivate mental resilience, we incorporate mindfulness practices like meditation and breathing exercises into our fitness routines. These techniques help children manage stress, focus their energy, and develop a positive mindset. By combining mental training with physical activity, we equip them with tools to handle pressure gracefully, both on and off the field.
Emotional Well-Being
Emotional intelligence is nurtured through collaborative team-building exercises and creative activities such as journaling, storytelling, and reflective discussions. These outlets encourage self-expression, enhance communication skills, and foster empathy, helping children build meaningful relationships and develop strong interpersonal skills.
Emotional intelligence is nurtured through collaborative team-building exercises and creative activities such as journaling, storytelling, and reflective discussions. These outlets encourage self-expression, enhance communication skills, and foster empathy, helping children build meaningful relationships and develop strong interpersonal skills.
Spiritual Well-Being
Spiritual growth, for us, is about instilling purpose, gratitude, and humility. Activities like gratitude journaling and personal goal-setting help children connect with their inner selves while balancing ambition with compassion. By cultivating self-awareness and a sense of purpose, we guide them to lead with integrity and kindness.
Spiritual growth, for us, is about instilling purpose, gratitude, and humility. Activities like gratitude journaling and personal goal-setting help children connect with their inner selves while balancing ambition with compassion. By cultivating self-awareness and a sense of purpose, we guide them to lead with integrity and kindness.
Holistic Impact
At Phylpt, we aim to shape future leaders and champions, individuals who excel not just in physical pursuits but also in mental clarity, emotional strength, and spiritual depth. Our holistic model aligns with our vision of building a healthier, more compassionate India, where children grow into confident and grounded individuals prepared to thrive in all aspects of life.
4. What inspired TrainingInbox’s focus on role-specific, practical skills, and how do your programs address the employability gap?
AThe inspiration behind TrainingInbox's focus on role-specific, practical skills comes from a deeply personal realization about the untapped potential of India’s youth. As a proud Indian, I have always believed in the power of our nation’s talent and intellect. However, as I navigated my journey through entrepreneurship and worked closely with industries across sectors, I noticed a glaring gap, while our graduates are academically brilliant, many lack the practical, role-specific skills needed to thrive in dynamic corporate environments with affordability.
This realization became the cornerstone of TrainingInbox’s mission to redefine employability. We wanted to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world requirements, creating a Structured Ecosystem that could empower individuals, strengthen institutions, and elevate organizations.
Our programs are designed with a laser focus on practicality and industry relevance. By collaborating with companies and partnering with leading institutes, we have built a curriculum that is as dynamic as it is impactful. Each solution we offer, from the Job Ready Program to Mock My Interview.AI and tailored Employability Aptitude Tests, is aimed at addressing specific challenges like skill gaps, interview preparedness, and placement readiness and is cost effective.
What makes our approach unique is its real-world alignment.
At Phylpt, we aim to shape future leaders and champions, individuals who excel not just in physical pursuits but also in mental clarity, emotional strength, and spiritual depth. Our holistic model aligns with our vision of building a healthier, more compassionate India, where children grow into confident and grounded individuals prepared to thrive in all aspects of life.
4. What inspired TrainingInbox’s focus on role-specific, practical skills, and how do your programs address the employability gap?
AThe inspiration behind TrainingInbox's focus on role-specific, practical skills comes from a deeply personal realization about the untapped potential of India’s youth. As a proud Indian, I have always believed in the power of our nation’s talent and intellect. However, as I navigated my journey through entrepreneurship and worked closely with industries across sectors, I noticed a glaring gap, while our graduates are academically brilliant, many lack the practical, role-specific skills needed to thrive in dynamic corporate environments with affordability.
This realization became the cornerstone of TrainingInbox’s mission to redefine employability. We wanted to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world requirements, creating a Structured Ecosystem that could empower individuals, strengthen institutions, and elevate organizations.
Our programs are designed with a laser focus on practicality and industry relevance. By collaborating with companies and partnering with leading institutes, we have built a curriculum that is as dynamic as it is impactful. Each solution we offer, from the Job Ready Program to Mock My Interview.AI and tailored Employability Aptitude Tests, is aimed at addressing specific challenges like skill gaps, interview preparedness, and placement readiness and is cost effective.
What makes our approach unique is its real-world alignment.
For instance:For Individuals: We provide hands-on learning with mock interviews, live projects, and industry exposure.
For Institutions: We simulate real recruitment processes and equip students with workplace readiness.
For Organizations: We deliver pre trained talent, saving time and resources while boosting workforce productivity.
At TrainingInbox, our focus is not just on preparing candidates for their first job but equipping them with the skills to succeed throughout their careers. Each step we take is driven by a vision to contribute to the growth of our nation by building a future-ready, globally competitive workforce.
This journey is not just about redefining employability, it is about nurturing dreams, empowering lives, and creating opportunities that echo our belief in the potential of every individual. For me, it is not just a professional endeavour, it is my way of giving back to my country and ensuring that India's talent becomes its greatest strength on the world stage.
5. How do you leverage technology in both TrainingInbox and Phylpt to create impactful experiences?
At TrainingInbox and Phylpt, we blend cutting-edge technologies with human centric approaches to create impactful, scalable experiences.
TrainingInbox leverages AI-driven tools like Mock My Interview.AI, virtual simulations, and personalized learning paths to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and workplace readiness. These tools enable tailored learning experiences and provide real-time feedback, ensuring every individual is prepared for real-world challenges.
Phylpt reimagines fitness for children through gamified experiences and AI-powered Smart Bands, which monitor key health metrics like activity levels and heart rate. This data informs adaptive training programs that cater to individual needs. At the heart of this innovation are Sports Data Scientists, who analyze performance metrics to optimize training, identify talent, and ensure every child can thrive holistically.
By combining advanced technology with human insight, both platforms aim to inspire confidence, unlock potential, and prepare the next generation for success, whether in their careers or on the global stage.
6. With TrainingInbox’s presence in multiple countries, how do you adapt your offerings to meet diverse regional and cultural needs?
Understanding regional and cultural nuances has been key to TrainingInbox’s global presence. We collaborate with local industry leaders and educators to customize content, ensuring it aligns with regional job market trends. Additionally, we incorporate multilingual support, we have strategic partnerships with training companies who provide the requisite training in regional languages which makes our programs inclusive and accessible. This adaptability allows us to empower learners from diverse backgrounds while maintaining the essence of our mission.
7. What strategies have helped you build strong and engaged communities through your initiatives?
The key to our success lies in genuine connection and creating real value for the people we serve.
At TrainingInbox, we have focused on celebrating the successes of our learners, whether it is passing a test or landing a job. Every achievement is acknowledged, fostering a culture where students feel proud of their progress and motivated to continue. We also emphasize peer learning by creating spaces where learners can share experiences, ask questions, and collaborate. This has cultivated an environment of mutual support and growth. One of our learners got her first job at Motilal Oswal as an Equity Analyst, she was engaged and mentored through her journey, she was also given an opportunity to TrainingInbox's Industry Interview Expert and now, she will be starting her journey with Citco as Hedge Funds Analyst with 120% Salary Hike.
In Phylpt, the focus will be on inclusivity. We will not just involve the children, but actively encourage families to participate and share their fitness journeys. By integrating families, we will be building a stronger, more cohesive community that thrives on shared experiences and support.
What sets us apart is our focus on creating value. Whether it is through career readiness at TrainingInbox or holistic fitness programs at Phylpt, we ensure that our communities feel they are gaining not only skills but also long lasting positive impacts. This approach has helped us build vibrant, engaged communities where individuals truly feel supported and empowered to grow.
8. Can you share a significant challenge you’ve faced as a founder and how you overcame it?
A significant challenge I faced as a founder was navigating the initial phases of both TrainingInbox and Phylpt, especially when it came to restructuring products and offerings until we found the right Minimum Viable Product (MVP). Both ventures started as bootstrap operations, and the road to refining our ideas and getting the right product-market fit was anything but smooth.
In the early stages of TrainingInbox, we struggled to determine the ideal approach that would truly address the employability gap. We initially tried different models but found that only after continuous feedback and iteration did we land on a focused, role-specific, practical skills approach that resonated with both students and institutions. This was a long process of trial and error, adjusting our offerings based on what worked and what did not.
On the other hand, Phylpt, being an early-stage venture, faced its own set of hurdles. The challenge here was to define the right balance between fitness training, technology, and emotional well-being for children. We had to revisit our initial ideas multiple times, trying to combine innovative tech solutions with a human-centric approach. We have refined our MVP but are excited about the potential it holds as we continue to build and iterate on our core offerings.
Another major challenge, one that almost all bootstrapped ventures face is navigating financial crises. As we grew, we were often in a position where we had to be creative with limited resources. Finding ways to keep both TrainingInbox and Phylpt running efficiently while dealing with cash flow issues was a constant battle. Every step forward came with its financial pressure, but we stayed focused on the mission, making every resource count, whether it was time, effort, or capital.
Setting up the core team was also a critical challenge. Building a team that truly believes in the vision and is willing to work with limited resources requires patience. At TrainingInbox, we were fortunate to attract individuals who were passionate about shaping the future of employability. For Phylpt, assembling a team that aligned with our vision for transforming children's fitness was a slow but steady process.
Today, both TrainingInbox and Phylpt are at different stages of growth, TrainingInbox is in the growth stage, scaling up, while Phylpt is still in its early stages, seeking investments to accelerate its progress. We are currently seeking investment to take both ventures to the next level, ensuring we can continue our mission to empower individuals and shape a brighter, healthier future for children.
Through all these challenges, one thing remained constant, our commitment to perseverance, adaptability, and the unwavering belief in the potential of our ventures. Each challenge has taught us valuable lessons, and they have all become stepping stones toward building something meaningful.
9. What trends do you see shaping the future of fitness and education, and how are you preparing for them?
The future of fitness and education is increasingly shaped by the fusion of technology and personalized learning. Key trends include:
AI-Driven Personalization: AI is revolutionizing both fitness and education by offering tailored experiences. For instance, TrainingInbox utilizes AI to customize learning paths, while Phylpt employs AI to design personalized fitness routines that evolve with each child’s progress (Forbes).
Gamification: Gamifying fitness and education boosts motivation and engagement. Phylpt’s gamified fitness programs encourage consistency, while training platforms like TrainingInbox leverage similar strategies for enhancing learner interaction (McKinsey).
Hybrid Learning Models: Combining traditional and digital learning environments provides flexibility and broadens access. TrainingInbox’s hybrid programs combine mentorship with online resources, reflecting the growing trend toward flexible education (World Economic Forum).
Immersive Technologies (VR/AR): VR and AR are making fitness and learning more interactive. Phylpt is exploring these technologies to create immersive fitness experiences, aligning with their increasing role in both sectors to drive engagement and outcomes (Deloitte).
We are embracing these cutting-edge technologies, blending them with human-centric approaches to stay ahead in shaping the future of education and fitness. We are committed to adapting to these trends, ensuring that we continue to provide impactful, engaging, and accessible experiences.
10 .If you could design a fitness program or masterclass for a fictional character, who would it be and why?
It would be Iron Man (Tony Stark), reimagined as Employ Man for TrainingInbox. Stark embodies resilience, intelligence, and relentless innovation. For Employ Man, the program would combine rigorous physical training with mental agility exercises, leadership coaching, and creative problem-solving. The aim would be to not only build strength but to enhance strategic thinking, decision-making under pressure, and an ability to continuously innovate. The program would emphasize leadership in high-stress situations, mirroring the resilience and adaptability that future leaders need in today’s fast-paced world.
For Phylpt, I would choose Lord Hanuman, renamed Plylpee, to design a fitness program that emphasizes agility, endurance, and mental fortitude. Known for his remarkable strength and devotion, Plylpee's program would focus on a balanced combination of bodyweight exercises for agility, flexibility, and physical resilience, paired with mindfulness practices like meditation for clarity and inner strength. This would not only help enhance physical performance but also cultivate focus, mental balance, and emotional stability. The core values of courage, devotion, and unwavering focus that Lord Hanuman embodies would guide the principles of this holistic fitness approach, making it suitable for young athletes and families alike.
At TrainingInbox, our focus is not just on preparing candidates for their first job but equipping them with the skills to succeed throughout their careers. Each step we take is driven by a vision to contribute to the growth of our nation by building a future-ready, globally competitive workforce.
This journey is not just about redefining employability, it is about nurturing dreams, empowering lives, and creating opportunities that echo our belief in the potential of every individual. For me, it is not just a professional endeavour, it is my way of giving back to my country and ensuring that India's talent becomes its greatest strength on the world stage.
5. How do you leverage technology in both TrainingInbox and Phylpt to create impactful experiences?
At TrainingInbox and Phylpt, we blend cutting-edge technologies with human centric approaches to create impactful, scalable experiences.
TrainingInbox leverages AI-driven tools like Mock My Interview.AI, virtual simulations, and personalized learning paths to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and workplace readiness. These tools enable tailored learning experiences and provide real-time feedback, ensuring every individual is prepared for real-world challenges.
Phylpt reimagines fitness for children through gamified experiences and AI-powered Smart Bands, which monitor key health metrics like activity levels and heart rate. This data informs adaptive training programs that cater to individual needs. At the heart of this innovation are Sports Data Scientists, who analyze performance metrics to optimize training, identify talent, and ensure every child can thrive holistically.
By combining advanced technology with human insight, both platforms aim to inspire confidence, unlock potential, and prepare the next generation for success, whether in their careers or on the global stage.
6. With TrainingInbox’s presence in multiple countries, how do you adapt your offerings to meet diverse regional and cultural needs?
Understanding regional and cultural nuances has been key to TrainingInbox’s global presence. We collaborate with local industry leaders and educators to customize content, ensuring it aligns with regional job market trends. Additionally, we incorporate multilingual support, we have strategic partnerships with training companies who provide the requisite training in regional languages which makes our programs inclusive and accessible. This adaptability allows us to empower learners from diverse backgrounds while maintaining the essence of our mission.
7. What strategies have helped you build strong and engaged communities through your initiatives?
The key to our success lies in genuine connection and creating real value for the people we serve.
At TrainingInbox, we have focused on celebrating the successes of our learners, whether it is passing a test or landing a job. Every achievement is acknowledged, fostering a culture where students feel proud of their progress and motivated to continue. We also emphasize peer learning by creating spaces where learners can share experiences, ask questions, and collaborate. This has cultivated an environment of mutual support and growth. One of our learners got her first job at Motilal Oswal as an Equity Analyst, she was engaged and mentored through her journey, she was also given an opportunity to TrainingInbox's Industry Interview Expert and now, she will be starting her journey with Citco as Hedge Funds Analyst with 120% Salary Hike.
In Phylpt, the focus will be on inclusivity. We will not just involve the children, but actively encourage families to participate and share their fitness journeys. By integrating families, we will be building a stronger, more cohesive community that thrives on shared experiences and support.
What sets us apart is our focus on creating value. Whether it is through career readiness at TrainingInbox or holistic fitness programs at Phylpt, we ensure that our communities feel they are gaining not only skills but also long lasting positive impacts. This approach has helped us build vibrant, engaged communities where individuals truly feel supported and empowered to grow.
8. Can you share a significant challenge you’ve faced as a founder and how you overcame it?
A significant challenge I faced as a founder was navigating the initial phases of both TrainingInbox and Phylpt, especially when it came to restructuring products and offerings until we found the right Minimum Viable Product (MVP). Both ventures started as bootstrap operations, and the road to refining our ideas and getting the right product-market fit was anything but smooth.
In the early stages of TrainingInbox, we struggled to determine the ideal approach that would truly address the employability gap. We initially tried different models but found that only after continuous feedback and iteration did we land on a focused, role-specific, practical skills approach that resonated with both students and institutions. This was a long process of trial and error, adjusting our offerings based on what worked and what did not.
On the other hand, Phylpt, being an early-stage venture, faced its own set of hurdles. The challenge here was to define the right balance between fitness training, technology, and emotional well-being for children. We had to revisit our initial ideas multiple times, trying to combine innovative tech solutions with a human-centric approach. We have refined our MVP but are excited about the potential it holds as we continue to build and iterate on our core offerings.
Another major challenge, one that almost all bootstrapped ventures face is navigating financial crises. As we grew, we were often in a position where we had to be creative with limited resources. Finding ways to keep both TrainingInbox and Phylpt running efficiently while dealing with cash flow issues was a constant battle. Every step forward came with its financial pressure, but we stayed focused on the mission, making every resource count, whether it was time, effort, or capital.
Setting up the core team was also a critical challenge. Building a team that truly believes in the vision and is willing to work with limited resources requires patience. At TrainingInbox, we were fortunate to attract individuals who were passionate about shaping the future of employability. For Phylpt, assembling a team that aligned with our vision for transforming children's fitness was a slow but steady process.
Today, both TrainingInbox and Phylpt are at different stages of growth, TrainingInbox is in the growth stage, scaling up, while Phylpt is still in its early stages, seeking investments to accelerate its progress. We are currently seeking investment to take both ventures to the next level, ensuring we can continue our mission to empower individuals and shape a brighter, healthier future for children.
Through all these challenges, one thing remained constant, our commitment to perseverance, adaptability, and the unwavering belief in the potential of our ventures. Each challenge has taught us valuable lessons, and they have all become stepping stones toward building something meaningful.
9. What trends do you see shaping the future of fitness and education, and how are you preparing for them?
The future of fitness and education is increasingly shaped by the fusion of technology and personalized learning. Key trends include:
AI-Driven Personalization: AI is revolutionizing both fitness and education by offering tailored experiences. For instance, TrainingInbox utilizes AI to customize learning paths, while Phylpt employs AI to design personalized fitness routines that evolve with each child’s progress (Forbes).
Gamification: Gamifying fitness and education boosts motivation and engagement. Phylpt’s gamified fitness programs encourage consistency, while training platforms like TrainingInbox leverage similar strategies for enhancing learner interaction (McKinsey).
Hybrid Learning Models: Combining traditional and digital learning environments provides flexibility and broadens access. TrainingInbox’s hybrid programs combine mentorship with online resources, reflecting the growing trend toward flexible education (World Economic Forum).
Immersive Technologies (VR/AR): VR and AR are making fitness and learning more interactive. Phylpt is exploring these technologies to create immersive fitness experiences, aligning with their increasing role in both sectors to drive engagement and outcomes (Deloitte).
We are embracing these cutting-edge technologies, blending them with human-centric approaches to stay ahead in shaping the future of education and fitness. We are committed to adapting to these trends, ensuring that we continue to provide impactful, engaging, and accessible experiences.
10 .If you could design a fitness program or masterclass for a fictional character, who would it be and why?
It would be Iron Man (Tony Stark), reimagined as Employ Man for TrainingInbox. Stark embodies resilience, intelligence, and relentless innovation. For Employ Man, the program would combine rigorous physical training with mental agility exercises, leadership coaching, and creative problem-solving. The aim would be to not only build strength but to enhance strategic thinking, decision-making under pressure, and an ability to continuously innovate. The program would emphasize leadership in high-stress situations, mirroring the resilience and adaptability that future leaders need in today’s fast-paced world.
For Phylpt, I would choose Lord Hanuman, renamed Plylpee, to design a fitness program that emphasizes agility, endurance, and mental fortitude. Known for his remarkable strength and devotion, Plylpee's program would focus on a balanced combination of bodyweight exercises for agility, flexibility, and physical resilience, paired with mindfulness practices like meditation for clarity and inner strength. This would not only help enhance physical performance but also cultivate focus, mental balance, and emotional stability. The core values of courage, devotion, and unwavering focus that Lord Hanuman embodies would guide the principles of this holistic fitness approach, making it suitable for young athletes and families alike.
Bio:
Interviewed by : Shivam Sharma
Edited by : Shivam Sharma
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