Mayur Singh : In a world increasingly focused on sustainability and environmental consciousness, individuals like Mayur Singh shine as beacons of hope. Mayur is not just your run-of-the-mill entrepreneur; he is a firm believer in sustainable development and dedicates a significant portion of his life to pondering how to construct purpose-driven businesses that contribute to inclusive growth.
Mayur Singh embodies the essence of an impact-driven entrepreneur, someone who cares deeply about sustainability and endeavors to infuse it into businesses worldwide.
Having lived in four countries and co-founded three companies spanning Asia and Europe, Mayur’s journey is a testament to his unwavering commitment to making a positive impact on the world.
Mayur’s expertise is rooted in over a decade of diverse experiences encompassing investments, corporate strategy, turnaround management, and business development. However, he stands apart from the typical corporate executive because his focus transcends profits alone; he is driven by the idea of business for good.
If you’re in Singapore, you might recognize him as the co-founder of the Green Collective, an initiative that is a pioneering force for sustainable development in the country. The Green Collective is Singapore’s first sustainable brand collective, carefully curated around the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).
Its mission? To educate consumers and businesses about sustainable choices, ultimately reducing our collective carbon footprint on the planet. This cooperative doesn’t just retail sustainable products; it also conducts seminars and curates unique in-store and external pop-up experiences, making sustainability an engaging and accessible endeavor.
Armed with a background in finance and a profound interest in sustainable development, Mayur’s vision extends to empowering individuals to prepare, save, and invest in things that truly matter.
He recognized a fundamental truth: changing how we manage our finances can have an exponential impact not only on our financial security but also on the future of our planet. Shockingly, managing our money sustainably can have up to 27 times more impact on the planet compared to consuming sustainably.
As we witness Indians like Sundar Pichai leading Google and Sathya Nadella at the helm of Microsoft, the global stage is increasingly adorned with Indian-origin leaders, filling our hearts with pride. Mayur Singh is one such inspiring entrepreneur who is passionate about sustainability and nurturing ‘tech-for-good’ businesses in Singapore, adding to this legacy of leadership.
Mayur’s ascent to success seamlessly integrates his corporate experience with an exceptional passion for sustainability. He firmly believes in the power of embedding sustainability into businesses as a means to improve the world.
Mayur Singh & His Dedication
His dedication to reducing our collective carbon footprint is nothing short of inspirational, offering valuable insights into his thoughts, perspectives, and leadership skills. In an exclusive interaction with CEO Insights, Mayur shares the story of his professional journey and a previous venture, shedding light on his path to becoming an impact-driven entrepreneur.
Professional Journey of Mayur Singh
Mayur Singh begins his narrative by revealing his extensive international exposure, having resided in four countries and co-founded three companies across Asia and Europe.
Prior to embracing entrepreneurship, he spent over a decade honing his skills in investments, corporate strategy, turnaround management, impact assessment, and business development. His corporate journey included stints at renowned organizations such as Rothschild, Ernst & Young, Ipsos, and Goodhope Asia.
However, deep within, his passion urged him to align his career with his personal belief systems. This compelling desire to effect change through entrepreneurship became the driving force behind his journey.
In 2018, Mayur Singh co-founded a groundbreaking initiative in Singapore: the Green Collective. This project marked a significant milestone in his pursuit of building businesses for the greater good. The Green Collective stands as Singapore’s premier sustainable brand collective, carefully curated around the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).
This unique brand aims to enlighten and empower consumers and businesses about sustainable choices, thereby reducing our collective carbon footprint.
However, it doesn’t stop at retail; it offers advisory services, analytics, logistics, and seminars. Over the past four years, Mayur has been dedicatedly building and investing in companies that revolve around sustainability and creating a positive impact.
What prompted the ideation of The Green Collective?
Around five years ago, Mayur Singh noticed a crucial gap in the market. Early-stage direct-to-consumer (D2C) brands with a passion for sustainability struggled to gain access to the market and grow.
Mayur Singh, drawing from his upbringing, knowledge of rural cooperatives, and his unwavering commitment to building businesses for sustainable development, joined forces with like-minded co-founders who shared his vision. Together, they sought to empower people and make a meaningful impact on the environment.
Thus, the idea for The Green Collective was born—a comprehensive ecosystem of sustainable brand owners, consumers, and businesses.
How have you responded to the challenges posed by the COVID-affected market?
COVID-19 posed significant challenges, particularly in the retail segment, which forms a substantial portion of The Green Collective’s sales. Mayur Singh acknowledges the confusion and uncertainty that gripped the market during the pandemic.
However, he is quick to express gratitude for the unwavering support extended by the Singapore Government. Their comprehensive relief measures enabled businesses like The Green Collective to continue operations and navigate through the crisis.
Furthermore, COVID prompted a shift in the way the business operated. Recognizing the surge in people cooking at home and the resulting increase in food waste, The Green Collective ventured into offering select products through its online portal and third-party retailers. This adaptive approach allowed them to address evolving consumer needs while staying true to their sustainability mission.
Which milestone has bestowed you with utmost satisfaction in your professional journey?
Mayur Singh considers bootstrapping The Green Collective and witnessing its growth as one of his most significant achievements. He firmly believes that extensive external capital isn’t always a prerequisite for success.
Instead, Mayur Singh advocates for business model innovation and unwavering faith in one’s vision. By starting small, scaling steadily, and building a track record of success, entrepreneurs can approach investors with a more compelling profile, making it easier to secure investment.
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