Krishen Iyer grew up with a curiosity for business and a drive to build. That early interest carried him through his years at San Diego State University, where he studied and sharpened the skills that would later guide his career.
After graduating, Krishen stepped into the insurance and marketing world. He founded NMP Insurance Services, a company that grew quickly and earned a place on the Inc. 5000 list. That success showed his ability to see opportunities where others might not and to turn ideas into lasting ventures.
But Krishen didn’t stop there. He went on to create Managed Benefits Services, focusing on lead generation and marketing strategies for companies that needed to connect with customers in smarter ways. His work built bridges between businesses and clients, showing the impact of strong systems and careful planning.
Over time, he expanded into consulting and holding companies, including Iyer CRSI and MAIS Consulting, where he continued to push for innovation. Real estate investment also became part of his path, adding another layer to his career.
Krishen’s story is not only about business. It is also about giving back. Through 4 Humans Inc., a nonprofit, he supports community projects that bring help and hope to others.
From his first steps in insurance to his work in consulting and philanthropy, Krishen Iyer’s journey shows how focus, adaptability, and persistence can shape both career and community.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
I start early. My mornings are for deep work—strategic planning, reviewing performance, and setting priorities. Afternoons are for meetings and collaboration. Evenings, I step back to reflect and prepare for the next day. Productivity, for me, comes from structure. If I don’t set boundaries, the day runs me instead of the other way around.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I begin with observation. Most of my ideas come from watching how people behave—customers, clients, even competitors. If I see someone struggling to solve a problem, I ask myself if a system could fix it. That’s how Managed Benefits Services came about. People needed smarter ways to connect with customers, so I built a platform to make it easier.
What’s one trend that excites you?
I’m fascinated by the rise of personalisation in services. In insurance, marketing, and even wellness, people want products tailored to them. It’s a sign that consumers are more engaged than ever.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
Every evening, I write down the three most important tasks for tomorrow. It sounds simple, but it gives me a clear head start every morning.
What advice would you give your younger self?
I’d tell myself not to chase speed. Growth happens, but it takes time. Patience and persistence are more valuable than quick wins
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
I think boredom is underrated. People see it as wasted time. I see it as space. Some of my best ideas have come from quiet, unplanned moments.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Listen more than you talk. When you’re willing to ask questions and truly hear the answers, you learn faster than any book or course can teach you.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
I step away. A short walk or a few minutes of journaling clears my head. Once, during a particularly hectic week, I blocked out ten minutes between every meeting to reset. It made the difference between burning out and staying sharp.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Paying attention to “hacks.” I noticed people were mixing protein into their morning coffee, even though it clumped and tasted bad. That observation showed me how consumers often reveal unmet needs through workarounds. Spotting those patterns and solving for them has driven much of my growth.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
Early on, I overpromised on a project timeline. The result was rushed, and trust with the client suffered. I learned to set realistic expectations and communicate limits upfront. That mistake still shapes how I manage deadlines today.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
A micro-skill subscription. Short, 15-minute lessons designed for busy professionals who want to learn without overwhelm. Small skills, big impact.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
I use Trello. It gives me a visual map of projects. Moving tasks from “To Do” to “Done” keeps me motivated and organised.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
Atomic Habits by James Clear is one I return to. It’s practical, clear, and aligns with my belief in the power of small, steady actions.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
I enjoyed Chef’s Table. Watching how chefs across cultures balance creativity and discipline resonated with me. It showed me that passion and persistence are universal.
Key learnings
- Productivity comes from focus, boundaries, and small daily habits.
- Listening and observing are powerful tools for spotting opportunities.
- Failures, when owned, can become lasting lessons in setting limits and building trust.
- Consumer “hacks” reveal unmet needs that can spark innovation.
- Reflection and balance are just as critical as persistence for long-term success.