Members of Dalal, Parikh, Radia and Shah Family in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. December 2014
my personal story (long version)
"My father, Rotarian Bharat C. Dalal, Stanford MBA 1959, and inaugural professor at Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad, and mother, Ashaben Dalal, inspired my sister and me to come to this great country USA in 1987 in search of the American Dream. My father had this amazing opportunity to come to USA for education on a Rotary Foundation Scholarship in 1957 at Stanford University. My father's story is all inspiring to me... my grand-father Chandulal Dalal, who studied in the street lights in India and went on to become one of the best criminal lawyers in Gujarat, inspired my father, my uncles and my aunt to go to Wilson college in Mumbai to study in 1950's; my father tells me that my grand-father had only one pair of clothing to wear; so he will wash them every night and dry them overnight so that he can wear them the next morning! My grand-father worked hard and become a great lawyer in Nadiad, Gujarat, bought a car in those days and even built the Dalal family home (which I have been to many times as I was growing up! I unfortunately never met my grand-father since he passed away long time before I was born). Both my grand-father and my grand-mother fought for India's Independence as well. My grand-mother Kapila Dalal established the first Mahila Samaj in Nadiad, and led many marches with the women in Gujarat, some alongside Kasturba (Mahatma Gandhi's wife). Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India Freedom Fighter and Iron Man, used to know my grand-father also, and he had asked him to join the freedom movement full-time. However, my grand-father used to joke with him that "Patel, you have so many farms and a lot of money; I on the other hand have to work hard to support my family." I grew up hearing stories from my grand-mother about how they used to work hard to make ends meet and raise their family. An interesting story is that both my grand-mother and grand-father were arrested by the British for different offenses during the freedom fight and ended up being in the same jail!
With my parents at our son Rohan Dalal's graduation event in June 2013
My parents taught us early on to study and work hard, have a strong determination to succeed, and give back to the community. My father is even now an active Rotarian, volunteers a lot of his time in helping the local community in Ahmedabad, and donates a lot of his hard-earned money (my parents live a modest lifestyle). After doing well at the University of Oklahoma during my Freshman year in 1987 (I was nominated for the President's award), I applied to the University of Texas at Austin for Electrical and Computer Engineering program for my sophomore year. When I was awarded the coveted Engineering scholarship (which also made me eligible for instate tuition), I transferred to my alma mater UT! I worked 20 hours weekly in the Macintosh computer laboratory later on to help students with their programming classes on the Mac, and help pay for my undergraduate education. I was later awarded the International Office scholarship in my senior year. My college was not uneventful... I caught a bout with Mumps in my Junior year, and had to drop out of a semester owing to a lot of weakness, and eventually took almost six months to recover. I learned early on the value of great American college education earned through hard work, and am quite grateful to my professors and advisers at both UT and OU. (both my sister and I started at University of Oklahoma; she transferred to University of California, Irvine).
I met my wife to be in Austin in summer of 1989 (she was in the Business School doing Accounting). We were both part of the Indian Orientation team and helped arriving students from India at UT Austin get settled. I also led as the Treasurer of India Student Association. I graduated from UT in May, 1992. My wife and I planned and got married on August 15, 1993, celebrating both our marriage and India's Independence Day in Orange County, California (yup, we lost our independence). I did my graduate school at Arizona State University - Phoenix and Tempe (Computer Science) while working at Bull (Honeywell) from 1992 through 1995. Then we moved to Austin for a year and a half (when I worked at IBM), and we were blessed with our son, who is now in Austin again and starting at UT as a freshman in Aerospace Engineering. An opportunity to work at a startup in Silicon Valley with my wife's brother-in-law drove us to California in 1997. Our daughter was born in Fremont in 2000 (she is a millennium baby!). After spending 10 years in Silicon Valley from 1997 to 2007 and working at various startups (and doing well), we moved to Irvine, Orange County to settle down for the next 10 years (at the very least). I became a U.S. Citizen in 2008 to vote for the first time, and enjoy the freedom of a U.S. citizen!
I believe that the U.S. economy that underwent through a deep recession in 2008-2009 will turn around slowly but surely, and grow during the next five years. As an entrepreneur, I look at glass as half-full, and have a positive spin and outlook on most things. I have realized that maintaining optimism, good health, passion, strong belief in one's self, and keeping faith in God are very important! I am inspired by my teams, friends, partners and co-workers (great teams, partners and co-workers are what make you successful in both family and business). I do make many professional and personal mistakes! I am always learning from these mistakes, and trying not to repeat them. I like to stay engaged and enjoy life's simple moments, and have fun time with family and friends.
I am driven to create amazing customer value and experience with my latest start-up oGoing, and am working hard to make it the best platform for small business social networking and social media marketing! oGoing is growing, albeit slowly... I have been "oGoing" since summer of 2009, and just finished four years. I don't have much to show for in terms of sales yet. Whether or not OGoing becomes a big success, I don't know. However, the journey of being an entrepreneur has sure been exhausting and exhilarating!" - Sanjay Bharat Dalal (2013)
a few personal recommendations
(I am grateful to my colleagues and community leaders for providing these reference letters.)
My grand-father Chandulal Dalal had a dream that one of his sons would excel in college. Although he did not live long enough to see this dream, my father worked hard in college, and stood first in all of Gujarat, then competed for the Rotary Foundation scholarship award versus over 700 aspiring students in India and succeeded, and came to USA via Europe (he went to Rotary clubs all over Europe and shared his experience and story, got lots of monetary gifts that helped him go to New York via ship; and then he came to California). My father loved his time in America. He always stayed as a paying guest with an American family (he loved the food and hospitality!). One of his mentors once took him in a piper plane and they flew all over Northern California area. He started at Stanford in Engineering in 1957, but after a semester realized that he may drop out altogether (I guess he couldn't get past Mathematics). When Stanford helped him with an aptitude testing, they realized his strengths were in business. And then he got his MBA. Another interesting story is that my mother never met my father before they got married... yup, it was an arranged marriage, my mother flew all way to America to get married! My parents were married in Washington D.C., but later went back to India to support my grand-mother and their extended family. I am lucky to have one of their wedding gifts from 1961! My parents worked really hard to save money, grow our family and provide us a solid foundation. We lived for most of my childhood in a modest flat in Ahmedabad, India. The best part: I made a lot of friends while growing up in the Gandhi Baug society, enjoyed playing Cricket and Badminton, and on many occasions climbing the society wall to go to my school GLS (which was literally next doors)
My grand-father Chimanlal Shah (mom's father) and grand-mother were equally inspiring to me. Every full-moon (poonam), we will go to my grand-father's home in Ambawadi to celebrate, do the Satya Narayan Katha with friends and family, and have a huge feast (my favorite being the "sheero"). My grand-father was a self-made businessman who worked equally hard and became the CFO of New Commercial textile mill in Ahmedabad. He did quite well financially and had a huge bungalow, car and was highly respected in the local business community. He used to tell me stories about his business, how he helped grow the textile industry in Ahmedabad, and how he achieved a top position at his company, and then fell hard when it closed down (although he did well enough to build a great bungalow; he introduced me to the "foreign" concept of shares back then). He was also a religious and God-loving man, and used to pray to Lord Rama all the time, and go to Ramji mandir in the city (I went with him many times). He taught me the power of prayer early on, respecting my family members (especially my sisters, since we used to fight a lot!) and showing humility (it's easy to forget). My grand-mother was a very loving lady, always had the soft heart for me (they used to call me with a lot of affection "Sanjuram") and even came to USA and visited our home in Fremont, CA.
With my father Bharat C. Dalal
My grandmother Kapila Dalal
what is my latest (ad)venture?
oGoing Business Networking Community. "My goal is to make oGoing valuable for small and growing businesses, and make it a killer marketing and networking platform for small business. Interested in joining me on the oGoing journey? I am always looking for partners, investors and mentors. Shoot me an email at ceo at ogoing dot biz or ceo at ogoing dot com" Sanjay B Dalal, CEO, oGoing
what I am amazed about?
I launched the Innovation Index in 2006 of the top 20 innovators in America, an index that correlates disruptive innovations, business performance and market valuations (my original investment premise was to follow the Warren Buffett model for these American innovators.) I authored the Definitive Guide and Innovation eBook on Creativity And Innovation in Business, downloaded by over 1,000 corporations and organizations around the world including HP, Pepsi, Hallmark, Cleveland Clinic, EDS, Ericsson, Best Buy, University of California, Irvine, Indian Institute of Sciences, LG Electronics, Nokia, J&J, TATA and many more. In 2006, I started my blog on Creativity and Innovation Driving Business, and that led to writing the eBook! I am humbled and grateful that so many leading organizations and universities have downloaded my eBook, and are using the key tenets to drive creative innovation at their business. My next eBook on Apple & Steve Jobs - Apple's Innovation Strategy was also well-received and downloaded by over 1,000 innovators and entrepreneurs around the world. Steve Jobs' passion, focus and leadership inspired me to innovate and work hard towards starting oGoing in 2009 and making it valuable for SMB! I also authored the WOW Product Guide - Creating Amazing Products ebook for product managers, developers and engineers on Amazon. I also invite innovators, disrupters and entrepreneurs to learn more and download 100+ pertinent strategies and tools, hands-on techniques and uncommon insights to unleash creativity and innovation at your business - The Innovation Bootcamp.
my aspiring YouTube video channel
I have been sharing a few of the insights and knowledge that I have gained over the years on my YouTube channel. Here you will find spontaneous, unrehearsed videos on oGoing, marketing, entrepreneurship, business owners roundtable, business community and more ...do give me your feedback!
my community activities
I like to stay involved in local community activities. I was the digital marketing chair and member of executive board for TiE SoCal, and helping the team with marketing strategy and growth. "Our goal is to jumpstart strong entrepreneurship in Southern California." I was the co-founder of Startup America Orange County in 2012, that helped inspire and connect a few hundred startups during our launch year. In the past I was the board member of Asian Business Association of Orange County for three years, and President-Elect for 2012 - during my volunteer role, our team inspired and educated over 2,500 small businesses in Orange County. I was an active member of OCTANe and Irvine Chamber of Commerce, and past Rotarian - Rotary Club of Newport-Irvine. I was the New Generations & Youth Services Director of Rotary club for three years. I served as the Secretary of School Site Council at Turtle Rock Elementary School (2007-10) & Treasurer of Turtle Rock Elementary School PTA (2009-10). I was the Fine Master of Rotary Club of Newport-Irvine (2009-10), and participated in Rotary community activities for Olive Crest, SnowBall Express, Senior Meals, Woodbridge High School annual run, UCI Rotaract, Uni High Interact, Irvine Senior & Youth Job Fairs, Camp Pendleton Marines & more. I even tried mentoring an aspiring young boy who wanted to be an American Football star as part of America On Track Orange County MCP program, and mentored UC Irvine business school students building new startups. I had served as a Foundation committee member at Chinamaya Mission Los Angeles (2011-2012). In the past, I was the basketball coach for my son's teams (Rancho middle school, NJB - IYBL, and Fremont NJB), art master for my daughter's class, and technology adviser for the entire Fremont school district. I was the appointed member by the Board of Education for the Technology Advisory Committee for the entire Fremont School District, and proposed a technology vision and plan for over 40,000 students (2006-2007). My wife, my children and I participate in local philanthropy to the best of our ability. I was also a Web 2.0 adviser for CSU Fullerton Extended Education program and appointed member of Dean's Leadership Circle of University of California, Irvine for two years. I founded the non-profit Osteoporosis Foundation.
"Our communities break down when senseless violence erupts without warning. Violence is never an answer to any situation. I am choosing the path of Non-violence, Kindness and Community Service. Let us spread the message of love and friendship in our communities." - Sanjay B Dalal
my hobbies & interests
Business & Social Networking, Mentoring, Creativity & Innovation, Small Business, Indian Cricket, Longhorns Football, NFL Football, Fantasy Football, NBA Basketball, Walking, Sightseeing, Comedy, Music (Bollywood & 80's), Nice Drive, Education, Community Service and Family time
my thoughts on being happy
"Life is Great, Live it Happily"
1. Laugh out Loud
2. Be passionate, pragmatic & optimistic
3. Have a positive attitude (even this too shall pass)
4. Be brave and have no fear (Love God)
5. Work hard, but don't sweat the small stuff
my community speeches
ABAOC President-Elect Nomination Speech
What is American? Coming from India... Rotary club
Rotary club of Newport-Irvine induction speech
Federation of Indian American Association speech - Independence Day
University of California, Irvine launching Innovation conference
what drives me?
"I am passionate about my family, my work, community, education, innovation, culture and customs of people worldwide. I love the freedom, entrepreneurship, education and opportunity that America offers to me, my wife and my children. I am proud of my Indian roots, tradition and culture. I am always busy with my two growing kids - our charming and beautiful daughter who is 22 (dual degree in environmental science and journalism), and our boisterous son who is 27, an Aerospace Engineer from UT Austin (quite proud of our kids). I think I am a devoted husband to my beautiful wife for 29+ years (devotion is a relative word :-) )" - Sanjay B Dalal
inspiring life quotes
"My parents and family, Bhagwaan Krishna, Bhagwaan Rama and Bhagwaan Swaminarayan inspire me!"
"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you." Jesus Christ
"Health is the greatest gift, Contentment the greatest wealth, Faithfulness the best relationship." Buddha
"Riches are not from an abundance of worldly goods, but from a contented mind." Prophet Muhammad
"What is hateful to yourself, do not do to your neighbour. That is the whole Torah; the rest is just commentary." Hillel
"No one who does good work will ever come to a bad end, either here or in the world to come." Bhagavad Gita
my professional experience
Sanjay has over twenty years leadership experience at emerging technology companies in Silicon Valley, Orange County and established innovators in key positions of business development, product management and marketing. Sanjay has been instrumental in growing companies from $1 to $250 million+ in revenues.
Sanjay is excited to share his latest startup oGoing "If you like Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter, you will love oGoing social and business networking for your business!" Over 125,000 companies and professionals have joined oGoing and are sharing new stories daily. Check out oGoing today, and sign up.
In his role as founder of India Business Network USA in 2009, Sanjay provided a platform for over 3,500 professionals to connect, collaborate & do business with Indian and American professionals. He also launched Bharat Market, online shopping for India products in 2012 on Amazon.
As chief innovator of InnovationMain.com, Sanjay provided innovation consulting to emerging businesses. As Chief Marketer of Semdia, he provided Internet marketing services to various local businesses.
At WebEx Communications, Inc., Sanjay, in his role as a product manager and product director, introduced two innovative web collaboration products, WebEx Training Center and WebEx Sales Center, that became market share leaders in their category generating millions of dollars in new business for WebEx (and providing the competitive edge in the marketplace). These software products are used by over 50 million people since launch. Sanjay and his team filed joint U.S. Patent for Hands-On Labs: "System and Method for Managing Remote Computer Labs" for the WebEx Training Center product. Sanjay, in his leadership role in strategic business development, led the first two mergers and acquisitions for WebEx, and participated in over 30 strategic partnerships with companies including Cisco, SAP, British Telecom, AT&T, Yahoo!, CoVisint, American Express, Salesforce.com and more. His white papers on E-Learning and Training were published by Chief Learning Office Magazine at: The Next Generation of Live Learning Product Rollouts: The Impact of Learning. He was interviewed by esteemed press journals and magazines including eWeek, InternetNews.com, Training Magazine, PC Journal and more. He was a regular speaker & evangelist for WebEx Products. Press Coverage: Sales Force Automation Sales Center Launch on PC World State of the E-Learning Market Training Center Top Solution eWeek Training into cash
Sanjay, in his role as a product marketing leader, managed and drove complete product and marketing life cycles and achieved market leadership, and grew software product line revenue from launch to tens of million dollars in annual business. He helped Educomp, the leading e-Learning company in India, with it's U.S. product launch and strategy. Before WebEx, he worked in key product marketing and product management position at eComLive launching an innovative Whiteboard collaboration software product Visual Rendezvous that became the market leader in cross-platform collaboration, at IBM in strategic engineering and product roles in the PowerPC division, and at Honeywell Bull in key product & business assignments. Through his leadership experience at technology companies, Sanjay has developed a real understanding of what it takes to bring successful new innovations to market, and the correlation of successful innovations on the business performance.
education - forever learning
Sanjay is a graduate of The University of Texas at Austin in Electrical Engineering (Computer Engineering) (Dean’s Honor Roll, Engineering Scholar, President’s Honor Roll at University of Oklahoma) in 1992, completed graduate coursework at Arizona State University for Masters in Computer Science in 1995, and achieved executive certification on Leading Management Teams (eCornell - Leading with operations, creativity & innovation) at Cornell University in 2006. Sanjay received the first position in the 50th William Lowell Putnam Math Competition, five states, in 1987-1988 at the University of Oklahoma (Sanjay started his undergrad at OU, and before coming to America, at the L.D. College of Engineering in Ahmedabad, India)
my ordinary political views
Sanjay became a citizen of USA in 2008, and voted for President Obama and Vice President Biden, and is a moderate democrat or progressive republican or independent ("I am a newcomer trying to figure out who does what and what local leadership stands for"). He has no political aspirations, and is not connected nor affiliated with any political, radical and hateful organization. He enjoys debating and talking about current issues with openness, and has moderate views. He loves the democratic election process, and supports local community leaders who favor strong family values, education, health, safety & security, honesty & openness, humility, peace, and treat all citizens with respect (regardless of any affiliations). Detailed views ...
Hindu values
Sanjay is a Vaishnav Hindu and married to Jain Hindu, Mamta. Sanjay met his wife Mamta at the University of Texas at Austin in 1989 (yup, both of us were studying :) ). Sanjay respects non-violent and moderate religious beliefs of our friends and community. Sanjay firmly believes in non-violence, compassion and peace (Mahatma Gandhi and Mother Teresa have inspired me tremendously), and treating everyone with respect, kindness, honesty, humility and calmness. Although, I am still learning the parenting & husband thing... :-) Sanjay resides with his wife in Irvine, California.
I paid respects and sought blessings from Mahatma Gandhi at Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, January 2015
be the change you wish to see in this world
My grandfather Chandulal Dalal
My maternal grandparents Chimanlal and Hiraben Shah
what's inspiring?
"In the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years." Abraham Lincoln
"It always seems impossible until it's done." Nelson Mandela
"I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear." - Martin Luther King, Jr.
"There are no great things, only small things with great love. Happy are those." Mother Teresa
"It's kind of fun to do the Impossible." Walt Disney
"My best wishes to everyone for a very happy, healthy, and prosperous year! Life is good, Live it gratefully and meaningfully!" Sanjay Dalal, forever learning. #Peace #Love #Non-violence
who's inspiring?
Great leaders have inspired me from all walks of life over the years... here's a growing list!
What would you rather be? An ant in an ocean, or the Big Fish in your pond? Join oGoing Now
Copyright © Sanjay B Dalal, oGoing. All rights reserved.
My parents Bharat and Asha Dalal
Sanjay B Dalal is founder & CEO of oGoing - the leading business community. A community volunteer, digital marketing consultant, author, aspiring speaker and entrepreneur, Sanjay lives with his family in sunny Irvine, California. Originally from Ahmedabad city in Gujarat, India, he started his USA journey at Norman, Oklahoma in pursuit of higher education and the American Dream along with his sister Situ.
"I am quite grateful to have been born to Indian parents and raised in the largest democracy India, and am very proud of living and growing with my family in the oldest democracy USA. It's quite amazing to have this dual experience!"
Download The Ten Entrepreneurship Principles from The Bhagavad Gita