Anand Raja

As a Software Solutions Engineer for over two decades, Anand Raja has been the picture of success in a highly competitive industry that demands the highest levels of expertise to meet intellectual challenges presented by all emerging technologies.

He began his career training when he earned his Bachelor of Science degree from M.G.R. University in 1998 before acquiring his MBA in 2011 from the University of California-Irvine. As a student, Anand took many initiatives and continued his education. He was certified in MCSD, MCSE, and MCDBA, and is a certified Java Programmer. He mastered his core skills in script writing, coding, and fitness. His career path led him to a variety of industries such as banking, healthcare, and technology.

Although Anand’s primary career has been as a Software Solutions Engineer, he has many other interests. He is determined to stay fit. Staying healthy and fit has provided him with an opportunity to become a fitness model. He poses for a variety of assignments, but he is primarily focused on fitness modeling.

Another brilliant aspect of Anand’s life is as an author. His book, Kings and Cobras takes the reader on a journey through ancient India during the time of the invasion of Alexander the Great, and the women who mastered the art of Kalari and gallantly protected their king. The book is set in Kerala, a State in the South of India. Dating back to 300 B.C., Kerala gave birth to an ancient form of martial arts known as Kalaripayattu, or Kalari. This ancient art form gave way to the variety of martial arts such as Kung Fu, Ninjutsu and Karate and many others that are practiced today.

Anand’s grandparents are from the ancient lands of South India. His passion for the richness of the era, has led him to follow up his book with an amazing series based on facts and legend. The on-going series script will indulge readers to a profoundly intimate cultural experience enriched with the origins of Yoga, traditional dance, Ayurvedic medicine, and Indian cuisine. This is an experience that should not be missed for those who enjoy a robust view of history and culture.

Where did the idea for your career come from?

While I have a wide range of interests, I always felt that the technology sector was my calling. Technology challenges me and forces me to think outside of the box.

What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?

I wake up at four in the morning. I begin my day reading emails from different time zones which usually encompass an entire hour. When emails are complete, I can focus on my work plan for the day.

How do you bring ideas to life?

The tools that I use to bring ideas to life are drawing and whiteboarding. I find that whenever I am brainstorming it is easiest to get my ideas down on paper. I will also seek the advice of my colleagues. I work alongside some industry-leading individuals so I value their opinions and take their advice seriously.

What’s one trend that excites you?

One trend that excites me is social justice. I actually began my career in the legal field and I was the only freshman in history to be accepted into a U.S. Congressional internship.

What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?

One thing I do as an entrepreneur is wake up very early in the morning and get a fresh start on the day. I find that exercising and being active early in the morning really fuels my productivity for the rest of the day.

What advice would you give your younger self?

I would tell my younger self to listen.

Tell us something that’s true that almost nobody agrees with you on.

I would say that not everyone fully believes in themselves. I would tell them to always trust their gut.

As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?

I would recommend that all entrepreneurs take good care of their employees.

What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business?

The most important strategy in business is to understand your customers and love your customers.

What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?

One failure that I had was underestimating the competition. I overcame it by never underestimating the competition again.

What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?

I would simply tell your readers to follow their passion and the rest will come.

What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?

I bought a steak and eggs breakfast for a homeless person because it made them happy to eat a beautiful meal, and it made me happy to accommodate that person.

What is one piece of software or a web service that helps you be productive?

The most productive software that I use is {Advanced File Lock} It is the top security software globally. I created the software, and I used it to encrypt all my sensitive information.

What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?

I would recommend Kings and Cobras. I authored the book. It is a true piece of history. It reveals a rich cultural history that has never been revealed.

What is your favorite quote?

Success is one hundred percent perspiration.

Key Learnings:

• Health and fitness lead to many opportunities.
• A variety of interests fully balances your life.
• Do the things that make you happy.